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“I’m sure he’d like to meet his new brother or sister,” Jesse replied.

“I’ll get him!” Dom shouted and raced off.

Jesse was finding it nearly impossible to take his gaze from Lake, so he was pleased they weren’t momentarily separated. Even for such a quick trip to grab Zeb. Lake really was beautiful. Lake could look at him all day.

“Thanks,” Lake whispered.

Leaning forward, Jesse brushed his lips over Lake’s cheek. “You never have to thank me for inviting Zeb along. I got him for you, so I knew you’d always have a friend by your side.”

Lake shook his head. “Not that, well, yes that but…but for everything.”

Since he could tell that Lake was getting overwhelmed, Jesse simply nodded.

“Here he is!” Dom ran back into the living room. “And I grabbed a little backpack that you can carry him in!”

“Good idea,” Jesse praised. He accepted the backpack and Zeb. “Hello, pretty fellow,” he said before kissing Zeb’s head. “Let’s go get lunch.”

Lake and Dom giggled as Jesse got Zeb inside the small backpack with his head sticking out. Each time he’d seen the zebra, Zeb had a new outfit on. Lake was taking very good care of their little one.

Dom hugged Lake, whispering something that made Lake’s cheeks turn red. Remi cleared his throat, making Dom drawback, and Jesse took that opportunity to grasp Lake’s hand with his.

“We’ll see you guys later,” Jesse said.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” Dom called after them.

Lake snorted without even looking back. “If you wouldn’t do it, then it’s probably illegal.”

Jesse laughed. That was possibly true. He led Lake out the front door and to his silver SUV waiting in the drive. He opened the door and ushered Lake into the passenger side.

“Are you holding Zeb or should I buckle him in?” Jesse questioned.

Lake pressed his lips together before finally answering. “He’d like to see where we’re going. He’s a little nervous.”

“Make sure you give him extra hugs on the drive. I’ll explain the plan for the day as I drive so he knows he has nothing to worry about.”

Relief flashed over Lake’s face. “He’d like that.”

Jesse pulled Zeb back out of the bag. Did they even need it? Jesse was pretty sure Lake’s little friend was going to be with them every step of the way. Leaning over, he placed Zeb in Lake’s lap before he pulled the seatbelt over the two of them. “Have to make sure my pretty boys stay safe.”

“Thanks.” Lake smiled but his cheeks were still red.

Jesse closed the door before hurrying to the other side of the vehicle. He climbed behind the wheel then turned to stash the backpack on the back seat. He turned back around and started the vehicle.

“Seatbelt for you too?” Lake said quietly.

“That’s right.” Jesse beamed at the boy as he buckled himself in. “Crazy Vegas traffic.”

Lake nodded and giggled. “Zeb doesn’t like driving with Dom.”

“I can see that.” Jesse checked his mirrors before carefully pulling out of the drive. He had a driver most of the time, but when he was with Lake, Jesse wanted to be in control and able tosee to Lake’s needs on his own. “I’m just glad he never got that motorcycle he was talking about.”

Lake gasped. “I’d forgotten about that!”

“It was before Remi came along so I’m sure it’s no longer a worry.” Jesse hoped so anyway.

“Remi would never allow that,” Lake agreed.

“We’re going to lunch as at a small plant-based restaurant over on Rainbow,” Jesse said as he made a right out of Lake’s neighborhood.