He intended to lose the weirdness.He wanted this to be familiar and right.
He had no idea what they were watching, but the kids were fascinated, and he let his eyes drift closed again.He might have even fallen asleep a bit.
“Don’t bother Dad’s leg.What should we make for breakfast today?”Ian’s voice was soft and warm.
“Bacons!”
“Eggies!”
“Oats!”
“Yay!”
He blinked and chuckled.“Does that mean we’re having all three?”
“I think so.Oats to start and then eggs and bacon for protein.”Ian winked at him.“Were they good for you?”
“I fell asleep so I’m guessing the answer is yes.”Or they would have kept him up.He wasn’t even sure how long they’d been in bed with him.
“Excellent.I’m glad they were amazing.I’m proud.Thanks for letting me sleep.”
He wasn’t sure he deserved that.He’d helped them up and then fallen asleep again.
“We all snuggled,” Petey explained.“And watched tooners.”
“Did you?”Ian chuckled and shook his head.“Good deal.”
“Just don’t ask me what we actually watched.”He hoped they were allowed to watch whatever they’d landed on.It had seemed innocuous enough before he’d dozed off.
“Disney Jr.We like that channel.It’s easy.”Ian stretched carefully.“Do you want breakfast up here, love?”
Given how comfortable the bed was, he felt selfish enough to say, “That would be great, Chou.Thanks.”
“I’ll bring you some oats in a few.Come on, babies.Let’s go have breakfast.Daddy needs?—”
“Coffees!”they cheered.
“Still a coffee fiend, eh?”
“Forever.I’ll bring you a cup of tea and a milk when I come up.”
“You’re the best.”And adorable, all sleep rumpled, eyes bright and happy this morning.
“That’s the rumor, old man.”Ian scooted the kids down the stairs, the happy chatter fading away.
He’d actually let all this go for three years.What an idiot.If he had to do it again, he would have insisted that Ian follow him to wherever he got traded.He would have told Ian being separated wasn’t an option.
Then he would have given Ian a happy life.Support.Joy.
That sterile condo he owned in Orlando would be filled with toys and laughter instead of art that he bought as investments, not because he liked it.
He sighed and carefully swung his legs over the edge of the bed.He needed to get to the bathroom.
He slowly made his way there, did his business then made his way back to Ian’s decadent bed.
Ian was coming in with a tray that held tea and milk and a bowl of oatmeal fixed just like he liked it.“I have a tray table in here.I’ll bring up your bacon and eggs in a few.I have to get Frick and Frack through breakfast and into clothes.I promised them a walk to the park and lunch out.”
He got a smile.“Do you want to go?We can use the wheelchair or the motorized scooter.It’s a pretty day.”
