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“Calm down, it’s alright,” I whispered to her.
They froze when they noticed I was in bed with her. They looked like they didn’t know what to say or do.
“Mornin’, is it breakfast time already? Boy, you guys get up early,” I said casually. It was Daniel who answered me. He was more outspoken than Dena. Of course. Dylan wasn’t old enough to say much, other than a few words here and there. Daniel put his little fists on his hips and gave me a stern look. I fought not to laugh.
“Why’re you in bed with our mama?”
“Isn’t that where Daddies and Mamas sleep together? We explained last night, your mama and I are together now. I’m her boyfriend and I want to be like a dad to you.” We thought the concept of boyfriend made more sense than trying to explain to them how she was considered my old lady and me her old man.
“But what if our daddy comes back?”
I fought not to snarl and tell him there was no way in hell Dan was ever coming back or lying in bed with Tonya again. She was the one to answer this one as she soothingly rubbed my arm.
“Danny, I explained this to you guys. Daddy isn’t coming back to live with us. He has his life and I have mine. He can visit, but he’s not going to live here or be sleeping with me. Law is my boyfriend. Like Daddies and Mamas, boyfriends and girlfriends sleep together in the same bed sometimes. Which means, you can’t just come bursting in here anytime you want. Law isn’t used to that and I’ve tried to tell you not to do it anyway. People need alone time. I always knock on your door first, don’t I?”
I was impressed with how she was explaining and handling this. I took mental notes. I had a lot to learn about being a parent. Reluctantly, Daniel nodded. Dylan had creeped forward. I was wondering how he’d gotten out of his crib. Had the twins found a way to help him or did he climb out? He didn’t say a word. All he did was lift his arms to be picked up. She lifted him onto her lap.
This was the signal the other two were waiting for. They rushed over and climbed up. I got my first experience of being in a family pile in a bed. As we snuggled together, I knew I was going to love this, as long as they didn’t come in when me and their mama was naked or doing other things. I’d have to remember to lock the door from now on. I didn’t want to have to explain to the kids what I was doing to Tonya. It might scar them. We didn’t linger too long in bed because the kids were complaining about being hungry. I gave her a quick kiss.
“Baby, why don’t I get dressed and then I can help the kids get started with breakfast while you get ready? Do they like pancakes?”
“They do. They love them and Dylan can eat those too. Are you sure? I can do it. Just give me a few minutes to get dressed and stuff. Dylan will need a new diaper.”
“Yeah, I’m sure. Take your time. A diaper isn’t beyond me. Okay, guys, head to your room and I’ll meet you there. We’re going to make pancakes.”
The twins cheered and jumped off the bed to run out of the room. Dylan clapped his hands and wiggled down to follow them. I didn’t waste time getting up to piss and put on my jeans. I’d brought over a toothbrush in my cut, so I could at least brush my teeth. I’d have to bring more stuff over later today.
I gave her a kiss before heading out to see what the kids were doing. I had to laugh when I saw them in their dresser drawers. The outfits they had picked out didn’t match at all. I knew that Tonya must help them because I’d never seen them look mismatched. I gently steered them to making other choices with my help.
I changed Dylan’s diaper, which was a feat. I had done a few in my life, but he was wiggly. I finally got one on tight enough it wouldn’t fall off his skinny little butt, then got him dressed. The three of them hastened me to the kitchen. I went into the pantry to find the pancake mix. Once I had it, I went looking in the fridge.
I could cook and even make pancakes from scratch if I had too, but I wasn’t great at it. I lucked out and found some fresh blueberries to put in them if they liked those. I held them up. “Do you guys all like blueberries?”
They all eagerly nodded.
“Have you ever had them in your pancakes?”
“No,” Dena answered.
“Okay, why don’t I make each of you a small one with berries? Then you can try it and see if you like it. I love mine with them in it. I bet your mama will too.”
When Tonya joined us a few minutes later, that’s how she found me surrounded by three smiling kids all waiting impatiently for the blueberry pancakes to get done. She smiled and poured them cups of milk then got out the butter and syrup. I wish I’d thought of it last night and had set out some bacon to thaw. Maybe that could be for tomorrow morning.
Soon they were seated and digging into their first blueberry pancakes. The way they inhaled them, I got busy making more. She came over to wrap an arm around my waist. I gave her a peck on the mouth.
“Thank you. They’ve never had a guy make them breakfast before. I hadn’t thought to try having them eat pancakes like this. Usually, I just put them in a bowl for them.”
“I like them and thought they might too.”
“This won’t make you late for anything will it? When do you go back to work at the station? I expect the club will need you today even if the station doesn’t.”
“I’ll have to see what the club wants me to do. I’m due back next Monday at the station, so we have a few days to get us settled here. Did you have anything planned today, other than entertain the beasties and maybe work while they nap?”
“No, that was about it.”
“I have a suggestion and before you say no, hear me out. Why not let them go to our daycare for the day? It’ll give them something fun to do and you a chance to work. I know you said you can’t afford to send them there, but we’re together now. They’re mine and I can contribute my share to cover the cost. You know I can afford it.”
“Jake, I’m not with you to have you pay for us.”
