Page 16 of Ethan’s Dazzling Daddies

Daddy turned to Dill and put on the face Ethan had come to recognize as full Daddy mode. “You are harassing my sous chef. Don't you have other things to do?”

Dill kicked their feet faster. “I mean, there's always something to do. I run a farm. Between the plants and the animals, it gets to be a lot. But I'm never too busy for the club. Never.”

“Uh-huh,” Daddy said, his tone rich with disbelief.

Ethan had to press his lips together to hold back a giggle. Dill was always so silly. It made sense that they were being a bit of a brat with Jacob gone.

Plus, Ethan wasn't sure if Noah and Dill had ever truly been properly introduced before this span of time his Daddy had taken off. They'd always been more ships passing in the night.

Then Noah spoke up. “I'm going on break,” he said, setting the knife down, wiping his hands on a towel, and slipping out of the kitchen before anyone could respond.

Dill moved as if to hop down and follow him, but Daddy raised a hand.

“You need to understand that your personality isn't easy for someone like Noah,” his Daddy said. “He's timid and doesn't handle confrontation well. Part of the reason he works in this kitchen is because of that. So, it would be very kind of you not to make him want to leave.”

The quiet authority in Daddy’s voice made it clear he was drawing a firm line. He might not have been Dill's Daddy, but he had the effect of one all the same.

“Yes, sir,” Dill said, though they rolled their eyes as they did. “Fine. I'm heading back to the farm. There's nothing left for me to do here anyway.”

Daddy shook his head, but patted Dill twice on the chest before turning to Ethan. “Now then, why don't we get you over to Koa? I'm sure he's heard by now that you're here and wants to play.”

Dill blew a raspberry from across the room. “Don't tempt me to stay! I’ll want to go find Noah and tease him again.” They paused at the door. Ethan noted their expression wasn’t that of someone wanting to tease another person. There was genuine interest in Dill’s expression.

Before Ethan could ask any questions, Dill strode out the back door of the kitchen towards where their work truck was likely parked. Daddy waited until the door closed before turning to Ethan and pressing a kiss to his lips.

“What was that for?” Ethan asked when his Daddy pulled back.

“I just appreciate you.” He hesitated. “And I love you.”

They both froze.

“You love me?”

Jacob swallowed. “Well… I didn't mean to say it right now, but I guess the cat's out of the bag, huh?”

Ethan couldn't do anything but nod. This man, who he'd been dancing around for so long, loved him. The man who had shown up more than once, who had taken care of him for three days straight, and before that had provided food and comfort and companionship without ever being asked. Ethan knew right then how he felt as well.

“I love you too, Daddy.”

Jacob sucked in a breath, then whispered, “Say it again.”

Ethan smiled, even as tears filled his eyes. “I love you too, Daddy.”

Daddy wrapped him in a hug and swung him side to side. Ethan giggled, his arms clasping around his Daddy's neck as they shared the tender moment.

While his professional life might be in a bit of a shambles, his personal one was thriving. He'd figure it all out. After all, he had time. The severance package and his extended insurance coverage made sure of that. He'd have to thank the HR team for going to bat for him. It meant the world.

CHAPTER 7

Daddy was right about Koa's reaction to Ethan's arrival. There had been squeals of delight, and then Ethan was promptly attacked.

Attacked being that he was smothered in hugs and forehead kisses.

It took a good half hour for Koa to settle down and accept that Ethan wasn't going anywhere. He clung to Ethan like a koala, or a baby bear. Manny tried to stop him at first, then quickly realized there was no getting Koa to listen and sat back watching the pair.

Daddy had asked Manny to keep an eye on Ethan and to come get him if anything went awry. Ethan couldn't think of anything happening, so he focused instead on playing and letting himself sink into his Little mind.

It was for that reason alone that he didn't notice when the energy in the room shifted. Koa went on high alert, and Manny was up and standing in front of the boys.