Page 4

“There are many familiar faces here but to those who are new, I’m Daddy Mark.

” We clapped loudly for him. Kyler’s eyes widened at his admission, and I wondered how much of Mark’s life Kyler didn’t know about.

“When I put the call out suggesting this event to my friends at Cordes I hadn’t expected it to go viral, but I’m excited it did.

We’re all part of the same, tight-knit lifestyle community and have signed nondisclosures with our clubs which I’d like to point out extend to this week’s event.

” I’m pretty sure that was Daddy Mark’s way of pointing out we don’t out anyone, namely Chase since he’s the famous one here.

“At check in,” Kyler said as he accepted the mic back from Mark. “You were given this week’s itinerary. These events are not mandatory but will be available to you if you and your, err,” he stumbled over the word. “Littles wish to join in on any of these activities you’re welcome to.”

Monday

Check in and get settled day. Then we’ll have fireside make your own s’mores after dinner.

Tuesday

We’ll forage for the pinecones in the forest and turn them into bird feeders

After lunch it’s rubber duckie round-up. Each little is allowed to find five and they’re yours to keep. The first one to get all five wins a special prize.

Wednesday

It is a free day. Travel into town, hike, fish – whatever you choose the day is yours.

Thursday

Build your own log cabin out of popsicle sticks.

Friday

Make your own painter smock and after lunch you can paint your own canvas picture.

Saturday

Is the Karaoke sleep over pajama party for our last night together.

Fishing, swimming and canoeing on the lake are available daily.

“Build your own log cabin with popsicle sticks and yes I remembered – no glitter.”

Every mommy and daddy in the room groaned and Daddy Mark laughed. “Yes, that’s a big no-no with this group.” Daddy Mark was super smart. They even banned it at Cordes.

“Don’t forget, we have a playground across from the fire pit built into a sandbox and lots of picnic areas to enjoy your meals and take in the beautiful flora and fauna this land has to offer.

” Kyler was enamored with this place as he should be.

It was nestled in the pines on vast uninhabited acreage.

“Dinner tonight is western style with pulled pork sandwiches, brisket and all the cowboy fixings courtesy of the local restaurant Joe’s Barbeque.

” Kyler was so proud of all they’d put together and I was excited to try it all.

Mark hopped off stage and helped set up food service on the tables they’d lined up along one wall.

They’d hired a couple of local cooks to manage food service this week which was super smart.

“Saturday night, our last night together, the pajama party sleepover will be right here in the mess hall with karaoke and snacks. And yes,” Kyler smiled wide, “Sugar free snacks.” You saw every mommy and daddy in the room relax at hearing that.

“Thank you all for joining us this week. I feel like we should break a bottle of champagne over the office door.”

“We’ll do it later!” Mark hollered from where he was, and the crowd laughed.

“Yes, yes, of course. Well, thank you again and please feel free to form a line at the buffet table and enjoy your dinner.” Everyone clapped then made their way over toward the food.

“Do you want to come with us, Roen?” Henry’s daddy Mitchell asked.

“Oh, um,” I was hoping…

“Roen, would you like to dine with me?” Kyler asked, holding his hand out to me.

“Yes, please da…err, Kyler.” Oopsie . If Kyler caught my near mistake he didn’t call me out on it. I hopped up and took his hand before he had a chance to change his mind.

“I like your pj’s,” Kyler said as we joined the others. “Who’s this?”

“This is my best friend Gnomey.”

“Hello Gnomey, it’s nice to meet you.” Mark was right, Kyler was a natural daddy. I wondered why he didn’t already know that. I wasn’t quite in little headspace yet, teetering right on the edge, but with my hand in his now I was almost there. “Would you like for me to fix your plate?”

“Yes, please. I like everything.” I wasn’t a picky eater at all and had no food allergies.

“I’m sorry but I must ask, umm are...” Kyler stumbled over his words. “Are you and Mark or have you and Mark been umm, intimate?”

“What? No, not at all. We’ve played at the club a couple of times but that’s it.”

“Played as in?”

“In the littles room. He played the role of my daddy while I played games and did crafts and crashed cars and he got me a juice box.” I tried to remember everything we did but the littles room was packed full of fun.

“We never did anything sexy. We don’t like each other like that.

” Kyler’s shoulders drooped as the weight of my answer sunk in.

“Whew. I was afraid I’d stepped in where it wasn’t my place.”

“It’s your place and Roen is the perfect boy for you.” Mark’s voice made us both jump. “Sorry, just wanted to stick my nose in where it was needed.” As quickly as he came he left leaving Kyler and I both stunned.

Kyler was quiet as he filled matching plates for us and glanced around for an empty table. I didn’t want to keep him from the guests but alone time to talk would be good for us.

“Why don’t you two join us?” Daddy Timothy asked as he and Jamie sat down. “I’ll grab a juice box for your boy. Would you like an iced tea Kyler?”

Kyler stuttered. “He’s not. I’m not.”

Daddy Timothy grinned. “I’ll get you a tea and meet you at the table.”

Meddling daddies were the best even if it didn’t mean I got my alone time with Kyler.

“Glad you could join us,” Daddy Jensen waved to the empty seats at their table. “You’ve really put together a great schedule for the week.”

“Thank you, though I must admit I selected the events based upon children being present.” It was impossible to hold back the giggles. Kyler had no idea how perfect that was for this group.

Daddy Timothy winked at me. “Kyler, that’s exactly what this group requires. I take it you’re new to the lifestyle?”

“That’s putting it mildly though I have a feeling I’m about to get a crash course.”