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It didn’t surprise Lake that Jesse was looking for a boy. That was why most people went to the club. Lake didn’t expect the pang to his heart when he thought about Jesse with someone else.

“Did you know that I thought you were attractive the first time we met?”

Lake jerked. “What?”

A faint blush highlighted Jesse’s sharp cheekbones. “I thought you were beautiful.”

Lake had to swallow hard. “Um…”

“I told myself you were off-limits,” Jesse said quietly.

The same as Lake thought. The two of them wouldn’t work even if it appeared that they were both attracted. Dang it, didthis mean that Dom was right? Lake didn’t want his sassy friend to be right. Dom wouldn’t shut up about it.

“You started to change,” Jesse said.

Had he? Well yes, but Lake was proud of the man and little that he was turning into. Even if it lost him the chance with Jesse, Lake wouldn’t go back to before when he lived in fear all the time. When Lake hid every part of himself.

“You’ve blossomed before my eyes.” Jesse placed a hand on Lake’s knee. “It’s been amazing seeing you find yourself.”

Wait! What? “You like the new me?” He didn’t mean to ask that out loud.

“I don’t think it’s the new you.” Jesse patted his leg. “I think you’re just showing us the real you. Maybe showing yourself too.”

Lake nodded. “Maybe.” More than likely.

“I’m blessed to be a part of your journey.” Jesse lifted the bag then set it in Lake’s lap. “That’s why I got this for you.”

“I can open it now?” Lake asked.

“Please do,” Jesse replied.

This time Lake carefully removed the colorful tissue paper. He set it to the side until he could reach into the bag and pull out a sheet of paper. He lifted it.

“An adoption certificate?” he said.

Jesse nodded.

He had tried really hard to use his manners and take his time but now Lake was dying to know what he had…adopted? Lake shoved both hands inside and yanked out the big soft stuffed animal.

“Oh!” It was the most beautiful stuffie that Lake had ever seen! A bright rainbow zebra. The zebra was dressed in a pink shirt, rainbow tutu, and even had sparkly pink bows on its ears. It even had a hot pink tail and mohawk. “Mine?” Lake loved it already.

“Yes.” Jesse petted the top of the zebra. “A pretty baby for a pretty baby.”

That was sweet. Lake hugged his new friend to his chest.

Jesse picked up the adoption certificate. “I named him but it’s okay if you want to change it. I might not be the best at naming stuffies.”

Lake glanced down. Zeb. His new friend’s name was Zeb. “Zeb’s a nice name for a pretty boy.” Not what Lake would have chosen but it meant something that Jesse took the extra time to make Zeb even more special. He’d be keeping the name.

“Does that mean you like him?” Jesse asked.

“I love him!” Lake exclaimed. “He can sleep with me every night so he isn’t scared in a new place.”

“That’s a great idea,” Jesse said. “I kept him in my office with me so he wouldn’t get lost.”

Lake nodded very seriously. “That was very nice of you.”

“Thank you. There are more clothes inside the bag in case Zeb needs to change.”