Bayou Des Enfants

by Lynn Lorenz

  Just not these kids.

  Although he had to admit, that little Timothy was damned cute. Like a little, clingy, whiney, needy angel.

  Ted caught himself smiling, then sobered. Back to work.

  Ted hit Mrs. Buchanan’s number again.

  “It’s Ted. I need to come by the house and discuss what I’ve found out. And I’ll need access to your home and business computers.”

  “Well, of course. Please come now.”

  “Thanks. See you in a few minutes.”

  Ted had been thinking about the big trip. Maybe Buchanan had planned another trip, one all by himself. If he did, maybe it was on the computer’s history.

  He headed to the house to meet her.

  »»•««

  Ted sat on the sofa in Mrs. Buchanan’s living room and cleared his throat. She sat opposite him, twisting her hands in her lap.

  “Please. What did you find out?” She looked terrified.

  “Your husband left the store and made the night drop at the bank.”

  “Oh, you saw him! That’s good, right? He was alive? Was anyone with him?”

  “He was alive and alone. I have to see your computer. Then I might know more.”

  “Sure. It’s in the office.” She got up and led the way to a room toward the back of the house. “We use the extra room for an office for both of us. There’s only one computer, and Harold used it most of the time.”

  “This shouldn’t take too long, so if you have something else to do…” Ted hoped she’d take the hint and go. She did.

  Ted sat at the desk in what used to be a small bedroom. He waited as it fired up; then he opened the icon for the Internet and quickly did a search of the favorites.

  He found a link to one of the travel sites and clicked on it, and searched My Travel. Nothing.

  Ted went back to the history and did a search of sites. And found another travel site, not bookmarked. He clicked on it.

  Bingo.

  Ted scanned the site, found a travel itinerary.

  Mrs. Buchanan wasn’t going to like this. At all.

  Well, there was no point in dragging this out, even if it meant not making much money. Which sucked, because he’d been counting on this job to bring in some cash and keep him away from the kids.

  Especially from the little one.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Ted pulled into his parking spot next to Scott’s car. It had been a long day and no doubt, if Scott had the kids at his mom’s, it had been a long day for him also. In the last year, Scott hadn’t spent much time with his mom, and the way they argued, it was a good thing.

  He got out and climbed the stairs, listening for warning sounds like kids crying or yelling, but it was quiet.

  Ted opened the door and went inside. Timothy didn’t rush to meet him, ask to be held. Thank God, right? Yeah, sort of, except the feeling he had bordered on disappointed.

  And that was bad. Really bad.

  Scott sat in his recliner but rose when Ted came in.

  “Hey, babe.” Scott came to him and gave him a soft kiss. “Solve your case?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes. The husband ran off with the money.”

  “Bummer.” Scott had no idea what a bummer it was. Now Ted was relegated to Mr. Mom duty. Merde.

  “But he wasn’t a total jerk. He left the wife with money and the business.”

  “Better than nothing.”

  “That’s what I told the wife. She didn’t see it that way, but in time, she will. On the bad side, all I made was the retainer.” He shrugged out of his jacket, tossed it over the back of the sofa, and sat.

  “Hey, you solved it. Don’t worry about the money.” Scott waved his hand in dismissal as if it would wash away all Ted’s worries.

  “But I do. I need to carry my weight around here financially. My art isn’t selling much, and my PI business is…well, in the crapper.” He exhaled and shook his head.

  “It won’t be the last case, Ted. You know that.” Scott sat next to him.

  Another case wouldn’t pop up fast enough to avoid babysitting and getting closer to the boys. Ted exhaled and rolled his head to look at Scott.

  “Enough about me. How was the visit to your mom’s?”

  “The kids survived.” Scott snorted. “I can’t say the same for Maman.”

  Ted laughed. “Serves her right. She wanted grandkids.”

  “I’ll bet she’s rethinking that right about now. They ran her ragged. Actually, I think she loved it. She told them spooky stories about the bayou, cooked enough food for the entire pack, and fed them until they were too full to do much but lie there in a food-induced coma. They slept the entire way home.” Scott chuckled.

  “That’s good, right?” Ted ran his hand over Scott’s arm.

  “Yeah. It’s good.” Scott turned away. Something bothered Ted’s mate.

  “What’s up?”

  “Nothing. Really.”

  “Come on.” Ted moved in closer. “Where are the boys?”

  “In their room, playing. Hopefully, no one is dead.”

  “Tell me what’s up.” He ran his arm down Scott’s back, feeling the tense muscles under his T-shirt. Scott exhaled and leaned into his touch.

  “I think I’m making headway with Charles. He was actually nice today. I had to remind him a few times to curb the attitude, but I think my talk with him is sinking in.”

  “What talk?” A lot had happened since Ted left that morning. He felt left out. Sort of.

  Scott ran his hands through his hair and shrugged. “I explained about his attitude, how he needed to lose it. How to be nicer and lose the image he has of being a bully. How it might keep them from being adopted.”

  Ted stared at Scott. “You told him that?”

  “Was it wrong of me? I just didn’t think it was fair, to Charles or to Timothy, to let him think he could act that way and not suffer the consequences of his actions.”

  “No. It might have been harsh, but you’re right. He’s old enough to know and understand. Isn’t he due to change for the first time soon?” Scott was really getting into this parent crap and doing a good job. Ted expected no less from his mate.

  His expectations of his own talent for parenting were far lower.

  “Yeah. That’s another reason. I need to work with him on mentally controlling his wolf as soon as possible, or it’s going to be a disaster. His father should have been doing it, but he used a more physical means to keep Charles in line.”

  Ted lowered his voice. “Wyatt hit Charles? It was true?” He tightened his hands into fists, as if he could confront Wyatt about it.

  “Yeah. From what I can get out of Charles, it was pretty frequent. Wyatt told him it was to toughen him up. Merde.”

  “I hope you told him that would never happen here. Despite how badly we may be tempted.” Ted snorted.

  “I did.”

  Ted put his head against Scott’s head. “Love you.”

  “Love you.”

  They kissed, and Ted melted into Scott’s arms.

  Scott pushed away and sighed. “And there’s one other thing.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Timothy wants to stay with us. With Charles. Forever.”

  Ted reared back, his hands buried in his hair. “Merde.”

  How in the world could he tell Scott how his heart tripped at those words? Scott would never let him live it down. Tough-guy Ted, ex-cop and PI, had been laid low by a pair of blue eyes and a mop of curly blond hair.

  »»•««

  Scott fixed dinner that night and let the boys watch one of the movies they’d picked up at the local DVR kiosk. They ate baked chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes. He even dished out ice cream for dessert.

  Then he sent them off to take showers and get into their pj’s for movie night.

  The boys and Ted were on the couch, with Ted in the middle, looking as if he belonged, as they watched one of the Harry Potter movies. Scott made microwave popcorn and handed t
he big bowl to Ted and kept a small bowl for himself.

  The boys dived into the popcorn as if they hadn’t been fed less than an hour ago. Ted laughed as Timmy tried to toss a kernel into Ted’s mouth, missed, and tossed a few pieces back at the kid, who giggled.

  Charles leaned over, frowning. “Cut it out. I’m trying to watch the movie.”

  Ted rolled his eyes, and Timmy sniggered.

  What was that all about? A small spark of jealousy burned Scott. It looked so easy for Ted. But he wasn’t dealing with Charles, king of attitude, like Scott. Charles and the words easy, fun, and sweet did not belong in the same sentence.

  Since it was summer, Scott let the boys stay up late, hoping they’d sleep later in the morning. Maybe he and Ted would have some alone time.

  Because he needed to talk to Ted.

  Ever since he’d told Ted what Timothy had said about living with them, Ted had gone radio silent. And that couldn’t be good.

  Scott didn’t even have time to think about how he felt about the idea, he’d been taken so flat-footed over it. Stunned, really. And now he’d stunned Ted like a catfish on the riverbank.

  They both needed to discuss this…option. Because to let it just sit there, unanswered, wasn’t right to any of them. Man, he didn’t want to fight over this, but if Ted didn’t talk soon, Scott would have to, fight or no fight.

  Scott had asked the pack to step forward, and even though it had only been a few days, not even a week, he’d thought he’d hear something by now. But there hadn’t been a single response. They might have to face the fact no one would take the boys.

  School started in three weeks, and he’d hoped the boys would be in their new home by then, because dealing with them, school, lunches, homework, teacher’s conferences, and PTA was something neither he or Ted was ready for right now.

  What had they been thinking?

  He glanced over at Ted. Both boys were leaning against him, eyes half-closed, munching popcorn. Ted looked…okay.

  Scott relaxed for now. Later, after they put the kids to sleep, they’d talk.

  The movie ended. Charles yawned and got up. Timothy was fast asleep. Ted put the empty bowl on the coffee table.

  “Go on and get ready for bed, Charles. I’ll get Timothy.” Scott rose and scooped the little boy into his arms.

  “Sure.” Ted got up and went to the boys’ room as Scott followed. Scott laid him down on the bottom bed. All the while, Timothy slept, looking like an angel.

  “Must have been a long day. He hasn’t budged.” Ted chuckled. “I hope this is a new power your mom has developed.”

  “Could be. Or maybe it’s all the food.”

  Charles came in, yawning. “I think it was the food.” He rubbed his tummy. “But it sure was good.” He crawled into his bed.

  “Night, Charles.”

  “Night, Sheriff. Night, Mr. Canedo.”

  “Hey, can you just call me Ted?” Ted hung in the doorway.

  “Whatev—sure.” Charles rolled over and snuggled down under his covers.

  Scott opened his mouth to say Yes, sir, not sure, but he closed it. Now wasn’t the time. They were all tired.

  He turned off the light and then closed the door.

  “Ted, huh?”

  “Well, Mr. Canedo is my dad. Makes me feel old.” Ted shook his head and headed to the living room. “I’m beat too. I say we fall into bed and get some shut-eye.”

  Scott caught him by the arm. “Can we talk first?”

  “Look, I’ve had a hell of a day. And you have work in the morning.” Ted turned away. “And I have the boys.” Ted didn’t sound excited about that. Merde.

  “I know, but this is important. We need to talk about what Timothy said.”

  Ted froze. “Can’t it wait?” He ran his hand over his face.

  “No. Come on, sit with me on the couch. I need some Ted time.”

  Ted snorted. “You mean you want sex.”

  Scott chuckled. “That too, but later. Right now, we need to get on the same page about the boys and their future. I want to understand. Did that make sense?”

  “Yeah.” Ted flopped onto the sofa and patted the seat next to him.

  “So ever since I told you what Timothy said, you’ve been really quiet. What gives?”

  “Okay. I’m worried about what you’re going to do about them.”

  “I’m not going to do anything right now but keep them here. Eventually, someone from the pack will claim them, and they’ll be gone. But until then, it’s my duty to keep them and get Charles started on the change training.”

  “And what am I supposed to do until then?”

  “Other than do what you usually do? Paint. PI stuff. Have sex with me?” Scott shrugged, then nipped Ted’s earlobe.

  “Wolf.” Ted snorted. “I mean about the kids? I’ll be taking care of them when you’re at work. Playing stay-at-home Mr. Mom.”

  “I know this wasn’t in your plans when you moved in here, but it is what it is. And I swear, they’ll be gone by the time school starts. In the meantime, my mom can watch them anytime you need a break.”

  Ted groaned and put his head back on the sofa. “You don’t get it. They’re going to imprint on me, like some newly hatched chicks. I can see it in the little one already. He’s clingy as hell.”

  “Well, if it looks like a duck…”

  “See? That’s part of it. You don’t get it.” Ted rose and paced. “I never wanted kids. Never. I only agreed to this because it was what you wanted and because you promised it would only be for a little while. And now you’re building this relationship with Charles, bonding over being werewolves, and I’ve got Timothy, who won’t let me out of his sight for a minute when I’m around, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for this.” He stopped and exhaled. “I’m not ready for…”

  “For what?”

  “For what I’m feeling!” Ted glanced over to the kids’ room.

  “What are you talking about? I know Charles is a handful, but…”

  “No. Yeah. Charles is a brat and a bully. And Timothy whines and wants someone who loves him and won’t leave him. And…aw, merde.” Ted ran his hand through his hair. “I want to be that guy.” He stared at Scott. “And I’m not sure if we are the best people to be raising them.”

  “What?” Scott staggered. He couldn’t take in all Ted had told him. “You want to keep the kids?”

  “I know. It’s insane. But when you told me what Timothy said, I didn’t think, aw, hell no. I thought…it sounded good.” He tilted his head at Scott. “And it freaked me out.”

  “I can understand. It’s freaking me out right now.” Scott stood and went to his mate, gathering him into his arms. “We don’t have to make any decisions now, you know.”

  “Right. And we’ll just keep them and let them burrow under our skins, and when someone says, I’ll take them, what then? We just let them go?”

  Scott pulled Ted’s forehead against his. “We cross that bridge when we get to it.”

  Ted nodded. “That bridge sucks. Maybe no one will want them.”

  “Maybe. Let’s see how it plays out. But until then, we don’t mention anything to the boys. I don’t want to get their hopes up…or in Charles’s case, piss him off.” Scott chuckled and gave his mate a kiss.

  “You don’t think he’d want to stay here?”

  “I’m not sure he wants to stay anywhere right now. I think he’s desperate for control of his life and he’s terrified about the change. I don’t blame him. His life…well, Wyatt couldn’t have picked a worse time to check out.”

  “It’s not like he planned it.”

  “I know.” Scott exhaled. “It’s never a good time for a parent to die, even one as crappy as…”

  Ted shook him. “Hey. No bad-mouthing, remember?”

  Scott nodded. “You’re right. It’s not fair.”

  “So, when do you want to start Charles’s training?”

  “Pretty soon.”

  “Have you ever do
ne it before? Trained someone to go through it?”

  “No. But I remember how my dad handled it. Well, he and Mike’s dad. We did it together. It happens sometimes. A couple of the boys around the same age will go at the same time. Hormones, I guess.” Scott shrugged.

  “So I guess that leaves me with Timothy. What am I going to do with him?” Ted sighed.

  “You don’t have to decide now. I can’t do much until I have some time off. Let’s go to bed. We can think on it for a day or so.” Scott pulled on Ted’s shirt, dragging him toward their bedroom.

  “Besides, I got plans for you, and I don’t need time to think them through,” Scott growled low in his throat. If Ted had any idea what Scott wanted…

  “Plans, huh? Hope they’re the same as mine.” Ted let Scott manhandle him through the bedroom door. Once inside, Ted closed the door and locked it.

  “Glad you remembered.” Having one of the boys walk in while they were having sex would be the surest way to lose the boys and their reputations or be arrested.

  Once again, doubt ran rampant through Scott. What if Ted was right? What if they weren’t the best people to take the kids?

  And they’d only had them a few days. They were getting emotionally involved so damn fast it was scary. They shouldn’t make any decisions until they’d had more time to get to know each other.

  Sure, Timothy said he wanted to stay, but he just wanted security. Scott couldn’t blame him, but they had to keep the boys’ best interest in mind.

  And maybe two gay dads wasn’t it.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Ted undressed, put on a pair of boxers, opened the door, and went down the hall to take a quick shower while Scott stretched out on the bed and waited his turn. They needed to wash the grime of the day off, and the damn shower was too small for both of them. With the boys there, they couldn’t just walk around naked as they usually would.

  Things would have to change, but nothing major. As long as they kept quiet and behind locked doors, they could carry on as usual.