Page 8 of Their Perfect Daddy

SKYE

I pull my car down the long drive leading to the Bellport family mansion as my mother reminds me for the third time when family dinner is. Never mind that I have never been late to a single family function in my life. There's no need for her to tell me this many times.

She should really be reminding Dewey and Gale about the time. Those two are the worst about showing up anywhere less than half an hour late.

“Yes, ma’am. I promise to be there on time with the wine. I’ve already got a case of your favorite.”

Mom hums. “That’s good, son. I’m glad you’re prepared. Tyreek says he’s going to try grilling this year too in case someone wants something other than a traditional meal.”

I wince thinking about the last time this man tried to use the grill he was gifted for Father’s Day by my sisters. Why they thought a man who has always had a private chef would do something like this is beyond me. I’ve long given up trying to understand all the women in my life.

“While I love talking with you, I’m going to have to let you go. I just pulled up to the party.”

“Oh, goodness. I’m sorry I kept you so long. It’s always so easy to talk to you, son. Love you. See you soon.”

“Love you too, Mom. Behave yourself.”

She giggles at my teasing words before ending the call. It works out perfectly with my arrival. The valet opens my door, then steps to the side to let me out.

I straighten my suit jacket as I slip him a bill for his efforts. The Bellports are sure to pay their people well. It’s more a habit than anything to take care of those around me.

At the door, I’m greeted by Royce Bellport. We’ve met a few times due to their work. It’s always interesting running into them since they prefer to be so private. I might be one of the few people that knows exactly what they do.

“Royce,” I greet with a smile.

“Skye,” they reply. “Fancy seeing you here.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, considering you extended the invite, must be hilarious.”

They pull me into a hug. I give them a clap on the back, then step away.

“Going to be packed tonight?”

“Knowing our mother, probably. I can’t say for sure. You were my only invite. I figured I could hold a conversation or two with you if I needed a minute away from the clingy people.”

“That makes sense. I appreciate the excuse to skip out on a night of my mother talking my ear off about holiday plans. My stepfather, Tyreek, always falls asleep when she starts on him, so I’m the alternate.”

Royce nods and ushers me inside. “I’m on hosting duties, which means I can’t mingle just yet. Follow the hall to the party room. You’ll hear them before you see them.”

“Thanks,” I tell them as I take off in the direction they point.

Sure enough, I pick up the sounds of the party before spotting anyone.

The second I make it to the space where everyone is, my jaw drops.

I’m used to opulence because of the hospital board wanting to impress the top employees.

Our banquets and fundraisers are usually extravagant. This is even bigger than that.

The last time I was in this room, the space was muted with comfy furniture and familiar faces. Now, it’s the complete opposite.

“Welcome!” a friendly voice calls out.

I turn to see Mrs. Bellport standing there in a floor-length gown and a welcoming smile.

“Mrs. Bellport. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Her smile turns friendlier than before. “Skye? Oh, gosh. I barely recognized you outside of scrubs.”

“That’s my curse,” I admit. “Most people who know me from Bellport General would agree that this isn’t my usual wear.”

As I motion to my suit, she looks me over. For as beautiful as she is, the appraisal does nothing for me. While I consider Mr. Bellport a lucky man, she’s not my type.

“I didn’t know you were coming. Which one of my lovely children invited you? Or was it my husband? He’s known to surprise me sometimes with my favorite people.”

Chuckling at her words, I shake my head. “Not your husband. Royce ran into me last week and asked. They were clear they needed a friend to hang out with tonight. Plus, you’re known for delivering a delicious meal.”

“That is high praise. I’m happy to be known for such.” She pats my arm. “I’m glad you came. Feel free to roam around and visit. I’ll take over for Royce in a bit so you two can chat.”

There’s a gleam in her eye I recognize. It’s a mother who thinks there may be more to a friendship than the reality of it.

“We are truly just friends, Mrs. Bellport. I promise I’m not interested in any of your children that way. I’m particular,” I admit.

Her smile softens. “Then I hope you find your person soon. It’s hard moving through life alone.”

She flutters away after leaving me with that bit of wisdom. I watch her leave for a moment before turning to face the room. The space is filled with men and women dressed to the nines. It’s very clear this party is meant for showing off.

As I’m scanning the room, I spot a few young men off to the side of the room huddled together. They’re all dressed just as nicely as everyone else, however, there is something different about them.

To the general public, they’d see a laidback trio.

To the trained eye, they’d spot a group of Littles.

My Daddy side flares to life. I’m moving before I can stop myself. Whether they’re all taken or not, I can’t deny the need to meet them. Plus, where there is one Little, you shall find more. It’s in the Daddy Handbook.

“You did not do that,” one of them whispers to the other two right as I approach.

“Didn’t do what?”

At my question, three sets of eyes turn my way.

One of the boys has wavy brown hair and an angelic face.

I recognize him now that I’m close. He’s Bellamy Bellport’s partner.

The boy beside him has deep brown skin and a fresh fade.

If I had to guess by how close they are, this is the boy Aries Merry has been spotted with this year.

And then there’s the last boy. Nothing about him is familiar, yet I stare at him as if transfixed.

Clad in a navy-blue suit, he looks handsome in a way that steals my breath. It’s as if he’s a Little playing dress up, yet he’s also very much a man in a suit that’s got my mouth watering.

Blond hair and shimmering blue eyes that light up with every word his friends have said. His short stature and lean frame entice me far too much.

“Who are you?” The curly haired angel asks, snapping me from my perusal of his friend.

“My name is Skye. I saw you three over here and got curious about what you were talking about. You look like you know how to have fun.”

They share a look before turning back my way.

“Little One,” a deep voice calls from behind me. The angel’s eyes light up as he raises his arms toward me. Well, not me. To the giant of a man who comes around me.

“Bellamy Bellport.” My words draw his attention right as the boy jumps into his arms.

“Skye Gellar? Been a long time.”

I nod and smirk. The boys are singing a different tune now that they realize I know the family. Their cautious expressions have turned curious.

“It sure has, Bell. I can’t believe you’re still playing after all this time.”

“As if he would know what to do if he stops,” another voice says from behind me. I turn to spot an attractive, built Hispanic man approaching the group. He walks right up to the boy with the deep brown skin and pulls him into a kiss.

Bell laughs and shoves at the man. “Enough, Aries. No need to make a scene. You know Raymond doesn’t like it.”

The boy ducks his head as soon as the Aries fellow pulls back. “No need to be shy, Amorcito . I missed you.”

“You were gone for ten whole minutes,” Raymond tells Aries, who scoffs.

“That’s an eternity away from you.” Aries then turns my way. “Who is this, BB? I don’t remember him when we went over the approved friends list for you.”

Bellamy rolls his eyes. “I have told you that there is no chance of you getting a sign off on everyone I call a friend, Aries. I’m not your boy.”

Raymond wiggles at the words as the curly angel nicknamed “little one” cuddles closer to Bellamy’s chest. So much is not being said. I can feel the tension in the air.

I take the chance to speak up. “My name is Skye Gellar. I’m a surgeon at Bellport General. Royce invited me as a friend today. I’m also friendly with Mrs. Bellport, though not in an inappropriate way.”

There’s a silence amongst the group as they stare at me. Aries is the first to break into laughter. The others follow quickly.

My skin goes hot as I play back what I just said. Raising my hands, I give the group an embarrassed smile.

“I don’t do this often. Let’s play this off and pretend it didn’t happen, ok?”

Aries and Bellamy are shaking their heads. I ignore them to focus my eyes on the lone young man to the side.

“I don’t think I got your name?”

He blinks at me, almost as if he can’t believe I’m asking him. I take a step closer, making sure to keep my eyes locked on him so he knows I’m paying attention.

“Me?”

“Yes, you,” I reply.

He looks away, then back at me. “My name is Danny.”

I extend my hand. “Nice to meet you, Danny. I’m Skye.”

“You already said that.”

His quick reply makes me laugh. To be called out so innocently is adorable. I can see this going well if I play my cards right.

Here goes nothing.