“No. Thank you, but I am ready for a shower and to try out that big new mattress. You’re good to me though.” Connor’s head tilted. “You are so tan. Even more than it looked on Zoom.”
“I’ve been outside a lot.” Instead of making his own sandwich, he snarfed up the boys’ leftovers before cleaning up.
“I like it. You look good.” Connor sipped his wine, those eyes never leaving him. “Really good.”
“I missed you, too.” Although he’d loved working too. This had been so big.
“We have a lot to catch up on. I feel like we haven’t had a real conversation since the funeral.” Connor finished his wine and washed his glass.
“We do.” He walked right back up, begging a kiss. “I need you—not just your body. You.”
“You.” Connor kissed him easily, cupping his nape to keep him close.
His knees damn near buckled, and he leaned into it, trusting in the touch.
“We better tuck the kids in. Then you can show me around the new bed—I mean bedroom.” Connor nipped his lower lip, then took his hand and led him out of the kitchen.
“And the hot tub. Did I mention the wine cellar?” He threw that one over his shoulder.
“The wine cellar.” Connor snorted. “That’s a good one.”
“I hadn’t seen it either. I’m leaving it for you to explore.” It was cool. At least he thought he was. There was dust and spiders.
“Wait, you’re serious? He kept wine too? This place is insane.”
“Daddy tuck me in!”
“No, tuck me in first, Daddy!”
“Boys…you know how this goes. Get in bed.” Connor rolled his eyes. “Just like normal.”
“Yes.” He winked at Connor, then pounced Jayden. “You were closer. Tomorrow Jaxson’s first. I love you!”
Jayden rolled his eyes. “Silly.”
“Yes, but I missed you. Bad.”
“It’s been forever. I didn’t know a month was so long. Dad says he thinks we’re staying for the summer though.” Jayden yawned, sleepy eyes watching him. “That will be cool.”
“I hope so. It was forever, and I need my boys. I have so much to show you tomorrow.” And he wanted them to love it here too.
“I want to see the animals.” Jayden yawned again and this time his eyes closed. “Night, Daddy.”
“Night, son.” He kissed Jayden’s forehead, and then headed straight to Jaxson, finding him dozing. “Sleep well, son. I love you.”
“Love you, Daddy. Biscuits tomorrow.”
“He’s half asleep, but his stomach is important.” Connor chuckled from the doorway.
“Biscuits tomorrow, just for you.” He tucked his little one in and then went to Connor. “And you, love.”
“You have no idea how excited I am not to have to make breakfast tomorrow.” Connor stepped back into the hallway. “Their rooms look great. You’ve been busy with this place.”
“I’m trying. I wanted to make it ours, you know?” He took Connor’s hand. “Yours and mine and theirs.”
“I think that’s what Rick would have wanted for you.” Connor reached past him and shut off the hallway light.
“I hope so. Bed or hot tub?” Either way, he was touching to his heart’s content.