Page 43 of Their Perfect Daddy

SKYE

S taring at the field in front of me, I can’t help but smile at the chaos. There are about a million eggs covering what was previously green grass. They’re in every nook and corner of the surrounding area. I have two hidden around the chair I’m sitting in alone.

My brat didn’t spare any expense when it came to making sure all these kids get to enjoy the holiday. Considering they all came from homes that might not have the funds to do something like this, it’s very commendable.

“Attention everyone! We’re going to let the kids out of the building in two minutes. Please get into position. And remember to help the littles along. I think our teens will be kind, but don’t be afraid to navigate them to the higher, harder eggs,” Monty says into the megaphone.

I look around to the other men and women gathered here. We’ve basically got every professional athlete in Bellport, their extended families, and even a couple of the parents of the kids participating today. It’s a massive turnout for this to be the first year.

The next two minutes pass quickly, then the door opens and children come pouring out. Tears well in my eyes as I watch the babies dive for the eggs as they giggle over their finds. Some run freely, while others use wheelchairs and other mobility aids to tackle the mass of goodies.

Just as Monty said, the bigger kids hang back, taking their time to assess the area. When they motion to the perimeter, I know they’re going to do just fine with this egg hunt. They’re making sure the younger group gets the more obvious spoils as they take on the challenging bits.

Danny comes over to me and drops down in the chair beside me. I can tell he wants to sit in my lap, but he doesn’t want to draw attention away from the children. I squeeze his hand to reassure him I want the same.

“How are you feeling, Princess?” I ask softly.

He turns from watching the kids to focus on me. “I’m a little tired from hiding eggs, but otherwise good. How are you, Daddy?”

“I’m better now you’re close. If only our other boy could join us…”

A hand slides across my shoulder blades as a familiar figure eases around to stand in front of me. “Are you two talking about little old me?”

Monty blinks his lashes at us like he’s trying to flirt. Except the brat goes above and beyond with it by consistently blinking as our princess breaks into a fit of giggles.

“Enough, Brat. I thought you said you’d have hosting duties all day.” I have to force myself not to look him over. My habit of playing doctor is only welcome during scheduled appointments. I’ve had to balance the Daddy part of me along with the medical professional.

All things considered, he’s healed exceptionally well. He’s been going to physical therapy regularly, and the hope is that over the summer, we’ll be able to determine how soon he can get back on the field in real time.

I’ve made no promises of him playing in the fall, yet he hasn’t really pushed either. My suspicion is his heart is into other things besides just football now. Having the organization to run is definitely a distraction, as is our relationship.

“Since everyone we know showed up to help, I’ve only had to do a minimal amount of work today. I figured slipping away to see my two favorite people in the world would be worth whatever anyone had to say to me.”

“We’re your favorites?” Danny asks with wide eyes.

“My most favorite. I love you both too, you know.”

I freeze at Monty’s words. It’s not because I don’t believe him. It’s because I’m frustrated as hell I can’t bend him over and reward him for using his words.

“That’s a big deal, Brat,” I say. When his features drop, I rush to add, “Which is good since I love you too. I think our princess might as well.”

Danny nods eagerly. “Oh yeah. Big time. I love you and Skye. You’re the only people I want to spend my life with. I don’t know how either of you feel about marriage?—”

“Are you proposing to me, Princess!?” Monty places a hand to his chest dramatically.

I poke his hip as I take his hand in mine. “I think our princess was trying to say he’s on board with the idea of us being married one day. There are certain laws and such we’ll need to check on when the time comes, but I fully intend to make you both mine in every way possible.”

“That’s exactly what I was trying to get at before someone interrupted me.” Danny sticks his tongue out at Monty, who returns the look with the added effect of wiggling his fingers on the sides of his ears.

“Enough, boys. Let’s enjoy the rest of today. Tonight we’ve got the party at the Bellports’ too. It’s going to be several hours before I can properly punish you, but don’t think I won’t.”

Monty smirks. “Oh, I can’t wait to see what you come up with, Daddy. I’m all for it.”

“You say so now. But last time, you complained the whole time,” Danny singsongs at him.

“Bet I won’t this time.”

“Don’t go making promises you can’t keep, Brat. Remember how things were when you first came home, and you were on bedrest? We can have a repeat of that with you in a pretty little cage.” The words are said low, not to intimidate but to make sure no small children hear us.

My brat licks his lips, as if the idea of it is something he actually likes. Maybe it wouldn’t be a punishment at all.

“Monty!” The shout comes from one of the teens near the entrance to the center.

His head whips over at the call. He raises a hand to let them know he’s coming. “Guess this conversation is over for now. I’m being summoned.”

He takes off with a quickly blown kiss. I watch to make sure he doesn’t try to run. Keeping him moving but not moving too much has been a struggle.

“Are you really going to put him in a cage, Daddy?”

I turn to my princess. “If it comes down to it, then yes. He has to learn there are consequences to his actions. So long as it doesn’t hurt him, I’ll always be the one to deliver them.”

“You’re right. It just sounds horrible.”

Laughing, I pull his hand over for a kiss. “That’s why you’re the princess. It never really crosses your mind to brat unless you’re sugared up or trying to keep up with Monty. Different people enjoy different things.”

“True, Daddy. I found out Jake hates strawberry milk recently. I consider that a criminal offense.” He winks at me as he says it, letting me know it’s mostly a joke.

Still, I make a mental note to drop off some strawberry milk to Jake’s house soon and sign Danny’s name to it. Except… well, shit. Now I’m the one bratting. Funny how habits can rub off on people.

Hours later

“Listen up, losers,” Aries shouts.

Bellamy slaps a hand across his chest. “Watch your mouth, Merry. I only see one loser here.”

“You’re a real comedian today, Bellport. Try to keep it together as we begin the next part of the evening.” Aries turns to face the group of us gathered. It’s mostly our small circle of Daddies and boys rather than the full group that was with us earlier.

I’ve got both boys tucked under my arms. They’re content staying snuggled to me, though I can sense how eager they are to see what the news is. All we were told was this would be lots of fun for both Daddies and their boys.

“As you all may notice, we have been avoiding the back side of the house since everyone’s arrival. That’s because we didn’t want to ruin the surprise.” He points to the hall. “Why don’t the boys go take a look?”

The group scurries off. A few seconds later, the house echoes with their excited screams and laughter.

Monty takes his time heading back there to join them.

I walk a few paces behind him in case someone doesn’t notice he’s close by.

They would never intentionally hurt him. Still, we have to be careful.

When we get to the door, I realize the reason why the boys made so much noise. The entire yard is lit up with glow in the dark easter eggs. It’s almost bright enough to mimic daylight.

“Holy crap,” Monty whispers beside me.

I nod, though I don’t verbalize my thoughts. Mostly because I’m not really sure what to think.

“Hey, Tempest! I got you a cool setup if you want.” Aries walks over holding a game controller.

“This right here controls a drone attached to a few eggs out there. It’s all lit up so you’ll be able to see, but this way, you can participate and let a bit of your brat side out at the same time. Make those boys chase their prizes.”

Bellamy, Leon, and Maddox are handing out baskets to the boys while Aries tells us this, meaning they have no clue about the trick. Monty notices this as well. His smile is full of mischief.

“This is the perfect gift for me. Thanks, Merry.”

“Anytime. Couldn’t let you miss out.”

We move over to an outdoor sectional to set up our watching spot. Aries goes back over to the larger group and starts giving them more instructions.

As my brat settles beside me, he laughs under his breath. “What’s so funny?”

“All of this. I can’t believe my life some days.”

“You better believe it. You’re stuck with us.” I bump my shoulder to his.

He puckers his lips for a kiss, which I indulge him with. Then he leans his head on my shoulder. “I wouldn’t want to be stuck to anyone else, Skye. You and Danny are the best.”

After the boys are given their marching orders, the Daddies come to join us. There almost isn’t enough room given how big all these guys are. Bishop huffs and puffs about it for a moment until Maddox scoots closer to Leon to make space.

“What the hell?” Leon asks as he pulls his hand up from his side. There’s a large beer can in his grip. From the look on his face, I can tell he didn’t put it there in the first place.

“Did you just pull a beer from your ass?” Monty asks him. “Neat magic trick.”

Leon shakes his head. “I didn’t pull it from my ass. It was under it.”

Aries comes over as he says the words. With wide eyes, he snatches the can up. “Dammit. You weren’t supposed to find those yet.”

“Find it?” I ask.

He nods. “Yeah. There’s a ton of beer hidden around the yard and the house. The boys get to hunt eggs, and the Daddies get to hunt alcohol. I figured it was a win-win.”

The group laughs and congratulates him on a great idea. While it’s not where my mind would have gone, I have to give Aries and Bellamy credit. They’re good on the field and off. And as leaders of this makeshift Daddy community, they’re keeping us all entertained.

“Is there a drone for the beer too?”

As Monty asks the question, the group swivels our way. “Drone?” Bishop asks. “Is that what’s in your hand?”

“Yep. I get to move the eggs around for the boys to chase. Watch this.” He moves some of the levers and there’s a scream.

“MY EGG JUMPED OUT OF MY BASKET!! DADDY HELP!! IT’S ALIENS!!”

Aries’s eyes go wide. “Oh… um, I didn’t think of that. Maybe we shouldn’t?—”

“Nope! This is my Easter present. Let the aliens reign!” His evil cackle makes several of the other Daddies shake their heads. Meanwhile, I’m fighting a smile at his antics.

Some Daddies prefer their sweet boys or princesses. Others are brat tamers and find taking on the naughty boy enjoyable. I’ve somehow become a bit of both.

While I often believe I’m the luckiest man alive, my boys would also say it’s a mutual emotion. They claim I’m their perfect Daddy as well.

In the end, the details don’t matter. We love one another, and we’re happy. A win if there ever was one.