Page 47 of Their Perfect Daddy

DANNY

“ I think I’m going to pass out,” I whisper as I take in the stunning man in front of me.

While I know he’s human, he somehow feels ethereal as well. Like an angel sent down to remind us humans how majestical the universe is. Ok, so maybe I’m being dramatic. How else am I supposed to be when I meet my idol?!

“He’s adorable, Daddy. We have to add him to the friend group.” Princess Aster beams at his husband, who's already giving him an indulgent smile.

“Princess, you know we can’t collect people. They’re not trading cards. I’ve told you this before. You can ask to be friends with them. That’s as far as it can go.”

I intervene before the pout can fully form. “Yes! I’d love to be your friend. Please collect me. I’ll do a blood oath or donate a goat to the cause. Whatever it is you need, I’ll do it.”

The room gets quiet at my outburst. I look around, my cheeks red hot with embarrassment. Granted, most of these people are my friends. The ones who are here that aren’t will hopefully be soon.

Princess Aster claps his hands together as he bounces on his toes. I consider it a feat given the heels he’s wearing. I’ll have to ask him where he got them from. While I don’t typically wear this particular style, I can admit I need some more options to go with the dresses I’ve been collecting.

“You’re a delight! I’m so glad we came.”

He reaches out for my hands. Once we’re connected, he leans close as if to tell me a secret. Everyone around us goes on mingling, though I suspect more than a few are listening in.

“Don’t ever be afraid to show your true self. We princesses are often more exuberant than other Littles and Middles. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

I nod quickly, soaking in his words. “Thank you,” I reply through my rising emotions.

“You’re welcome. Now then, let’s do the rounds so everyone can meet you. And where are your partners? I was promised eye candy for this trip.”

A snort leaves me at his words. I don’t have even the tiniest hint of jealousy. If anything, I can’t wait to show off the sexy men I get to call mine.

“DADDY!!! brAT!!” I shout across the room.

Several heads turn my way at the call. I realize maybe this isn’t the best way to get their attention given the room is full of kinky people. It doesn’t much matter because only seconds pass before I see the two of them barreling across the room to me.

Monty appears to be a bit disheveled, while Daddy is all put together. I have a strong feeling Daddy was spoiling him with some sexy times down the hall. My suspicion is confirmed when Monty nearly trips over his feet when he sees who I’m talking to.

“Holy sh —”

Several voices shout, “Language!”

“Shirtballs! Holy shirtballs! You’re Princess Aster.”

“I am,” the glowing man giggles. “You must be the brat. I don’t get Daddy vibes from you.”

Monty nods as he shakes the extended hand Princess Aster gives. “That’s right. This guy is Daddy. I’m not responsible enough for the role.”

Skye shakes his head. “You’re responsible. It’s just not your nature. But you are the best Middle to our Little. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect pair.”

Princess Aster damn near swoons at the words. He turns to Charlie with wide eyes. “They’re so sweet! It reminds me of a few of our friends. I wish more of them could have come. The timing was just off.”

“You’re more than welcome to visit anytime you want,” Skye tells them as he makes introductions. “I’m sorry my boy forgot himself. For some reason, he constantly forgets to tell people who he is. I think he assumes they know because of his career.”

“Not true! I just get tongue tied every now and then. It takes me a few minutes to get myself together.” Monty’s hands move to his hips as he protests Daddy’s words.

I watch happily from the sidelines, simply beside myself that this is how we get to spend today.

When Daddy first mentioned a joint birthday party for me and Monty, I was a bit sad.

I thought he didn’t feel we were important enough to be celebrated individually even though our birthdays are kinda close together.

But then he explained how our schedules were super busy and if we did one party, we could ensure guests get to wish us both a happy birthday rather than only one of us getting them. Jett’s birthday was recently too, which is how Princess Aster and his Daddy were close enough to join us today.

All in all, it’s been a brilliant plan. The only odd part is the theme.

For myself there are llama decorations all around.

From balloons to posters, the adorable creature is everywhere.

To cover Monty’s interests, Daddy chose to feature retro video games.

For every llama there is, another piece has a game console or video game image on it.

It’s an eclectic collection of things, a perfect parallel to mimic our little family’s dynamic.

“No need to get worked up,” Skye tells Monty.

“I’m not worked up.”

Everyone around us scoffs at the lie. They don’t have to be in the conversation to know the whole truth of the matter.

“If you keep being a brat, then you’re going to miss out on part of your surprise.” Princess Aster points out something I hadn’t given much thought to. Then again, most of this party was a surprise to us. I wonder what else is in store.

Skye nods as he tugs Monty to his chest. Just seeing the way his hands grip our partner has my body lighting up. I should not get aroused at my own birthday party, yet that’s exactly what begins to happen.

Dangit.

“I want my surprise, Daddy. It’s my birthday. You can’t keep secrets!” Monty grins. He believes he’s won the argument.

Skye smiles at him, then kisses the tip of his nose. “I’m only conceding because it is your birthday celebration. Next time, you’re getting punished no matter what.”

Monty shivers at the promise behind those words. I grin knowing I’ll get a show no matter what. I love seeing the two of them butt heads.

Princess Aster fans his face as he pants. “This is too much. We’re all going to need cold showers after this.”

“Behave,” Charlie mutters.

“Yes, Daddy.”

There is no stopping my wide smile or my excitement. I don’t know what Daddy has planned. I only know it’s going to be good.

Sure enough, when the crowd parts and another couple walks into the room, I realize I underestimated this day. If Princess Aster was a fun surprise for me, then this one is level ten super surprise for Monty.

“That’s… It’s….”

“Ean Garner,” Princess Aster says with confidence. “One of my besties. Oh, and his Daddy Rhett. He’s an amazing tattoo artist. They own a ranch we sometimes visit when I need to escape the city.”

We’re all so tuned in to what Princess Aster is saying we don’t realize Monty’s frozen. At least we don’t until Ean is right in front of him and reaching out to shake his hand.

In a split second, Monty goes from standing to tumbling to the side. Daddy and Charlie manage to catch him as Princess Aster and I step to the side. We both gasp at the display, shocked at the turn of events.

“Is he ok?” I ask once Daddy has him laid out on the floor.

Skye nods, a small grin on his face. “He fainted. It’s nothing more. I knew he’d be nervous, but I never expected this.”

Ean drops down beside them, his eyes wide. “I’ve had this happen before, though never with someone else famous. Since I stopped acting full time, it’s been a lesser occurrence. I’m a bit in awe right now, to be honest.”

“As you should be,” I blurt out.

All eyes turn to me. I push down my nerves at the attention as I continue on.

“Monty is a really big deal. He’s talented and kind. People love him. And you’re like… his hero or something. He’d never be interested romantically, but I think the way you came out to everyone really inspired him.”

Ean’s hands move to cover his chest. “How sweet. I’m honored he was touched by my choices.

While I’m not a sports fan, that guy over there knows enough to keep me up to date.

We’ve been following Monty since the game .

His comeback has been phenomenal. When Jett told Princess Aster about this party and suggested I come since Monty is a fan, I couldn’t resist.”

“Please don’t wake me up. I must be dreaming,” the man we’re discussing mumbles. His eyes are still closed, though the smile he wears tells me he’s been listening for longer than we’ve all noticed.

A giggle pops out of Ean. “Not dreaming, Monty. I’m very much here, and I’m a pretty big fan of yours.”

That has my boyfriend’s eyes popping open as he quickly sits up. “No way! You can’t be. You’re, well, you’re you. And I’m me.”

“And together we’re we!” The group all laughs at Ean’s playful tone. “Seriously though, I really do think what you’ve done is amazing. We are so excited to see what else you’ve got planned for the future.”

Rhett comes over to help Ean when he moves to stand. Skye does the same for Monty. As soon as they’re on solid footing, Ean stuns us all again with a subject shift.

“Oh! Before I forget, I wanted to offer to help with Bellport Beginnings if you need it. Our buddy has a friend back home who has a youth center. It’s done wonders for the community. He knows a thing or two about starting from scratch. We could connect you two him if you want.”

Monty nods eagerly. “Absolutely. Let me get his number from you. What’s his name?”

“Dante. And his husband is Preacher,” Princess Aster adds.

Kendall, Monty’s other new friend who I met back on Easter, bounces into our circle. “I heard some familiar names. Why are we talking about the mobsters?”

“Mobsters?” I echo.

Princess Aster rolls his eyes. “They might have a few side projects that aren’t fully legal.

Most of what they do now is on the up and up.

Besides, they wouldn’t dare do anything to hurt the kids.

Part of the reason they started their center was to help kids who would have wound up on the street in gangs anyway. ”

“You’re not making much sense.” Monty rubs his jaw.

“It does if you think about it,” Kendall adds. “Dante and Preacher work with kids who have the potential to get out of their bad situations and do more with life.”

Skye speaks up next. “What about those they feel don’t have the potential? Are they left behind?”

Kendall groans. “It’s not like that. Some kids are traumatized. Or maybe they’re a touch too psycho for having a desk job. Dante and Preacher help those in a different way — mostly by giving them an outlet that won’t lead them to prison.”

“I’m confused,” I admit.

“It’s best not to overthink it.” Princess Aster pats my arm.

Monty shrugs, then types in the number he’s given. Once he does, Kendall and Princess Aster both text Dante to let him know they recommend Monty as someone safe to chat with. It’s kind of amusing to watch. The entire situation is like a scene in a movie. It’s surreal.

No sooner than the texts go out than Kendall’s phone rings. His eyes widen as he answers what is apparently a video call.

“Hey, big brother. What’s happening?”

“What’s happening?! Why are you messaging Dante? What kind of trouble are you in, Kendall?”

“Stop your panicking. I’m fine. I was trying to connect him to a friend of mine who could use a friend who has experience helping the youth in their community. That center of his does good work. Monty could benefit from the connection and so could the kids here in Bellport.”

There’s silence on the other end of the line, then the gruff voice says, “Monty Tempest of the Bellport Bulldogs?”

“Tell Memphis to chill with the searching! I’m going to hang up if you keep interrogating me.”

Another voice comes through then. “Sorry about him, Ken. I tried to tell him to chill, but he doesn’t always listen, you know.”

“I do know. Thanks, Chance, for doing what you can. My brother is a big meanie.”

“He can be, yes,” this Chance fellow says. “But it’s because he loves you and he worries. Can you blame him with his line of work?”

Kendall deflates. “No, I guess I can’t. But he should trust me about my friends. I’m at a birthday party for Chrissake. Not in the midst of a gang war.”

Chance snorts, then the brother’s voice comes back. “Let me meet this Monty fellow. I need to see who you’re hanging out with.”

Before Kendall can turn his brother down, Monty is leaning into the camera frame. “Hello there! I’m Monty. You are?”

“Now he remembers his manners,” Skye huffs.

I giggle at the chaos going on around me. It’s the best birthday I’ve ever had.

“I’m Tank.”

“The military convoy vehicle kind of tank?”

“One and the same. You aren’t trouble are you?”

“Not anymore, sir. I straightened up my act. No more partying or heavy drinking. I get plenty of sleep and both of my partners ensure I eat enough to sustain my busy schedule. You want to meet them too?”

Tank hums, as if both pleased by the offer and to say he agrees. I’m quickly brought over along with Skye. We exchange pleasantries with the men on the screen.

By the time the call ends a few minutes later, Tank is appeased with the connection Kendall has to us all.

Monty is also less starstruck than before about Ean, meaning he can actually hold a conversation without passing out.

I’m also deep in a discussion with Princess Aster about clothing quality and where to purchase the things I want.

Skye and Charlie are bonding over their nerdy Daddy energy.

I couldn’t have planned a better birthday party had I tried. Which is saying a lot considering it’s my actual job.

When the night eventually winds down and it’s just me, Monty, and Skye, I settle between them in bed with sore cheeks from how much smiling and laughing I’ve done. It’s the best ending to the best birthday with the best men I’ve ever known.