Page 34 of Soothing Little Sylmen

Daddy led us back toward the main house. He didn’t pick me up this time, but I didn’t mind. It was nice to shake out my limbs after all of the fresh air and movement.

Before we reached the steps to go inside, Daddy turned to me. His hands cupped my cheeks as he looked me over. “So you live on a ranch, do you?” he said, voice soft and teasing.

I bit my lip as I nodded, wondering what he would say to that. Rather than commenting more, he kissed my forehead and turned us back toward what was our temporary home.

It left me wondering if he was happy or sad at the news. And why did I feel so unsteady? Maybe I would have to be the one to ask him to come with me. I’d have to be brave.

Chapter Sixteen

Gael

I had to admit that finding out my boy lived on a ranch didn’t come as a big surprise. Not when he was such a natural with the animals and helping take care of them. It was clear in every move that he made, and in how he could perceive what was needed before his friend even asked, that he had done it before. It was second nature, and I watched in awe the entire time we were outside.

A few of the animals did manage to steal my attention a couple of times. I gave them scratches or picked them up and cuddled them as needed. But I never lost focus on Sylmen for long. My boy likely worried about what my reaction to him and his home would be. That maybe it was too much for me.

That was far from the case.

I found myself excited about the possibility. Him living on a ranch and working there meant wide open spaces, animals, and peace. I wouldn’t be stuck in a city fighting against traffic and noise that seemed to clog the air. It might even inspire me.

Then again, my boy had been inspiration enough. My fingers itched to play a tune, to form what was necessary. I was going to sink into my headphones later when I put my boy down to sleep and try to put sound to the thoughts in my head. I needed to get this down, needed to hold on to it while I could.

When we reached the restaurants, I led us to the one we hadn’t tried yet. My boy followed quietly, as always, and soon we were seated at a table. He didn’t open his menu because he knew I would take care of everything. His trust was wonderful.

I waited until our food was ordered and the server left us with our drinks before I reached over to remove the pacifier so Sylmen could take a sip. Tucking it back into its bag, I broached the topic. “Sweet boy, I’m going to give you my phone and I want you to type out your responses to me. Okay?”

He bit his lip, fidgeting as he tugged at his oversized shirt. I handed the device over with the notes app open.

“First of all, I want you to know that I’m not upset or anything by what your friend said. It makes sense that you live on a ranch. I think it’s wonderful.”

The set of his shoulders dropped with relief as his eyes widened. He typed on the screen quickly, then flashed it to me.

Are you sure?

I smiled wide, nodding my head slowly. “Absolutely. I think it’s wonderful. I have had so much peace here. While most of it is because of you and our connection, I can also admit that the fresh air and calm atmosphere is addictive.”

He glowed with happiness, as if what I’d said was just what he needed to hear.

“Now then, I have some questions for you, hence why I gave you the phone. You work on a ranch? You don’t own it, correct?”

He nodded, not needing to type.

“Is your boss a nice person? Understanding?”

He bit his lip, then typed on the phone.

Blaze is wonderful. It’s his family’s ranch and he’s really turned it around.

“That’s good to hear. I wonder if he would be open to having me join you once our time here ended.”

Sylmen’s gaze felt weighted then. I could see his bottom lip quiver and the tears forming in the corners of his eyes. Part of me wondered if I had overstepped. Maybe this was too soon and I was pressuring him. Or maybe it was something else.

His fingers flew over the screen, typing quickly, to the point that I didn’t know what to make of it. He didn’t look angry, but he also wasn’t happy like I had hoped. It wasn’t until he turned his phone my way that I could breathe again.

Yes please, Daddy. That would be wonderful. Blaze would love to have you and I would too, and you could live with me, and we could be happy and I could be your boy all the time.

There was a string of emojis—a mixture of smiles and heart eyes. I chuckled at the sight. When my eyes met his again, I could see that the expression before had been a happy sort of overwhelm. Not because he wanted me to take the offer back.

“You didn’t think I was going to want this afterward, did you?” I asked softly.