Jake groaned. "The term is that there is no 'i' in team. One also swims laps; hurdles are for footraces; and touchdowns are achieved at goal posts, not home runs. You need to stay away from sports-related analogies. If the guys heard this, you would never live it down."
"Whatever." She giggled. "Shall we go on our date?"
"Kiss me first."
"If I wasn't afraid of some nosy motorcycle cop pulling up and interrupting us, I would totally do you right here and now."
"I don't see any motorcycle cops around here, do you?" he said, pulling her closer.
"I sure don't…"
Chapter Four
"Surprise!"
Baylor stood, her mouth hanging open, as she stared at the house filled with their closest friends and family; each person holding a pink rose. Hayden kissed her cheek and led her to stand in the center of the living room.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Welcome home, baby. Jake told us what you did for that poor man. We wanted to show you how many more lives you've touched," Hayden explained.
One by one, she was handed a long-stemmed rose and told how she had impacted each person's life. They related how a kind word, a hug, and even a scolding to get an arrogant head out of a stubborn ass, had touched them in a profound way. Her arms were heavy with over two dozen flowers by the time they'd finished and she watched, still silent, as they retreated to the back yard to 'roast a cow'.
"Did you know about this," she asked Jake as he collected the flowers from her to place them in a vase.
"No."
"I know that look." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're feeling jealous again."
"He always thinks of these special things for you, and I don't."
"Excuse me? Who was the one who took me to Laguna Beach for the weekend? Who held my hand and walked with me on the water's edge after treating me to an incredibly romantic dinner? Who made love to me for hours until I passed out in his arms? Who woke me up the next morning with breakfast in bed and a massage before making love to me again? You aren't the talker that Hayden is, but you are a doer." She kissed him lovingly and then poked the cleft in his chin. "I love you, Jacob Robert Paterson. Accept that."
"Is everything okay here?" Hayden asked, joining them.
"Everything is fine. Thank you for doing this for her." Jake hugged his brother. "And thanks for being so supportive in giving us time together."
"I hog her to myself way too much, bro. I don't want a repeat of the past, not even accidentally."
"What happened?" Baylor asked.
"The ex used to try to play us against each other. At one point, I started to believe that she preferred Jake over me, and she did that deliberately just so that I would work harder to please her," Hayden admitted.
"She did that to you, too?" Jake asked with surprise. "I knew that she would antagonize and instigate, but I just ignored it."
"All the time." Hayden nodded. "I got so jealous that it disgusted me. I know I should have said something, but I didn't want you to think I was petty or didn't trust you. Sorry about that."
"See?" Baylor asked, elbowing Jake.
"She did the same thing to me. I didn't realize how much it affected me until this weekend. I almost blew it with Bay because that's how I was feeling about you," Jake said.
"Me? You were jealous over me?" Hayden looked genuinely surprised.
"Jealous, insecure, inadequate… all the words the ex used to put in my ear came back, and poor Bay got to hear it all," Jake admitted quietly.
"I'm shocked. Dude, you are my idol. My big brother—whom I want nothing more than to be like. Why would you ever be jealous when it concerns me?" Hayden asked.
"Because you're everything I'm not. Like Baylor pointed out, we are polar opposites in everything."
"Not everything. We have a woman who ties us together, and brings out the very best in us. She-who-shall-not-be-named did the opposite. We fought all the time when we were with her, remember? We couldn't stand being in the same room together at times. She was poison to our relationship, and no matter how many times you tried to point that out, I was too dumb to listen," Hayden said.
"We can't let that happen again to either of us, okay?" Jake said, placing his hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Deal. Let me know if I am ever stepping on your toes. I'll also work on being less demanding of Baylor's time."
"Guys? May I interject here?" Baylor spoke up. "How about if the two of you fly to your dad's place and help him pack for his move, and then spend some man-time together? Just you two. Go fishing, bark up a tree, pee on a fire, or whatever boys do when there isn't a woman around to impress."
"That sound like an excellent idea. Can you get time off work?" Jake asked Hayden.
"I have plenty of leave stored up. And you?"
"Same here. We can leave Terry and Matt in charge of our little girl."
"Wait a minute—" Baylor began to interject.
"They would enjoy that. Where are they, anyway?" Hayden asked.
"I'm not sure. I think they were having a little spat."
"Will they be okay?" Baylor grabbed Hayden's hand worriedly.
"It happens to all of us, babygirl. Don't worry." He kissed her cheek. "They're under even more stress than we are, because of their community. Matt is young and nice-looking, so he is a constant target for attention. Terry trusts him, but he doesn't trust the jerks who have this attitude that because they are sex addicts, they are entitled to hit on anyone they feel like."
"That's so rude! If I was Terry, I would be outraged," Baylor said.
"He tries not to show it. The problem is that because Matt is so nice and easygoing with everyone, he doesn't catch the flirting half the time, and ends up feeding into it," Jake explained.
"That's not good."
"He's always been like that. I think it was what he used to either fit in or protect himself from being hurt when we were kids. He acts like things don't bother him—but we know that they do. And then Terry is so sensitive after his past experience that he overreacts."
"That stuff is going to hurt them in the future if they don't come to terms with it," Baylor said wisely. "I know. Been there, done that."
"They are aware of that, which is why they go off to talk as soon as they can. I think that once they have those rings on their fingers, things will be different." Hayden said.
"What they need to do is not go to these parties where Matt is viewed as fresh meat," Jake added. "If you put yourself in the situation, it is going to keep happening. They are both smart enough to know that."
"Why do they go, then? They aren't screwing around with anyone, are they?" Baylor asked.
"No, they are celibate. They go because these parties provide a place where they fit in. Whether it's a room full of gay Leather men; a bunch of guys yelling at the TV during a football game; or out having lunch with coworkers, we all need a place that is uniquely ours to let our hair down and not feel the need to explain ourselves."
"That's true. When I go out with the media team, I don't have to tell them why I'm excited about how a certain shoot came out. I guess I never really thought about the need for Terry and Matt to be around other gay men. I don't even think of that part of their lives," Baylor admitted.
"But they do. The gay community is so much more open and free than we are when they hang together. They do these puppy piles, where they just lump together and cuddle."
"Do they let straight guys join them? Maybe you two should go."
"We have been to a couple, but Hayden and I both agree that this is Terry's and Matt's world and we won't intrude."
"Have you thought that maybe they saw you being there as supportive? They are in your world constantly, and this is turn about," Baylor said.
"We've talked with them about it and they do like having a place apart from us. We respect and honor that," Hayden added. "Plus, Jake gets tired of always having to explain that he is straight and convincing the flirts that
they can't change his mind."
"They hit on you?" Baylor asked.
"He is one very popular man with that group, especially when they discover that he's a cop. They like big and muscular, and love it when he snarls. Kind of like that," Hayden teased, poking Jake in the chest.
"Isn't there a cow being Q'd? Let's go outside," Jake growled.
"We good, bro?" Hayden asked.
"Always."
***
"We have coloring books, movies, games, and stories," Terry said, surveying the box of items. "Now all we need is a little girl."
"Do I have to get dressed up?" Baylor asked, leaning back on the couch with her feet on Matt's lap. "I don't wanna move. I'm comfy."
"Do you want to play?"
"Yeah!"
"Then go get changed. Matthew, help your little sister get ready."
"Okey doke. Come on, Bay. I'll carry you," Matt said, scooping her into his arms and easily carrying her next door to where she still had all her personal belongings. "Just think. In a few weeks, you won't have to come over here except to play in your darkroom."
"I still can't believe you guys built that for me. Are you sure it won't bother you for me to go there after you guys move in? I know there's a separate entrance, but I don't want to intrude."
"We are still living in a joint household, and we all come and go as we please. After the guys get back, we will initiate the exchange. In the meantime," he dropped her on the bed, "let's rummage through your suitcase of pretty things."
He pulled the My Little Pony suitcase from the shelf of her closet and placed it on the bed. It held all the Little clothes that Terry and Hayden had been supplying her with. He pulled out a pale blue jumper with a gingham bunny on the front panel and laid it on the bed. A white t-shirt followed, along with a pair of white cotton panties, ankle socks, and blue deck shoes.
"I don't wanna wear that." Baylor pointed to the dress.
"And why not?"
"Because it's too short, and Uncle Terry thinks that's an invitation to spank me."
"Too bad. Arms up," Matt ordered, slipping her shirt off her. He replaced it with the white t-shirt and then unbuttoned her pants, letting them fall to the ground. "These are starting to get snug," he observed. "No more tight clothes over the belly, okay? And as for Uncle Terry, if you just behave like a good girl, you won't get spanked. Foot…"
She placed her foot in his hand and balanced herself on his shoulder. She loved this part of the ritual, when one of the boys dressed her up to play. It always helped put her into the mindset of a 'Little' and removed her from the 'adult' world for that time. "Uncle Terry doesn't always need me to be bad to spank me. I think he just likes to do it. He always makes comments about how my butt jiggles."
Matt laughed and nodded, pulling her socks over her feet. "You have the perfect bottom to spank, so yeah, he does enjoy it. Step into your panties."
"It's not fair. I shouldn't be spanked just because he feels like it."
"He's your uncle. He doesn't have to be fair," Matt said.
"And you're my big brother and should try to protect me."
The jumper was slipped over her head. "Yes, except that I am coming to enjoy spanking that bottom just as much. Where is your hairbrush?"
Baylor automatically shuddered at those four words which always prefaced a painful spanking. "In the dresser drawer."
"Not that hairbrush, silly. The one for your hair."
She sighed with relief. "In the bathroom. Are you going to put ribbons in it?"
"Would you like ribbons?"
"Yes! Please!"
"Then bring your bag of ribbons and we can pick which ones you like."
It took no time for Baylor to transform into a sweet little girl. Matt held the two pink gingham ribbons in his mouth as he settled her between his knees and brushed her hair into two high ponytails, then secured them in place with bows. He held her at arm's length to study her.
"You are adorable. But we're missing one important thing."
Baylor clapped her hands with glee, knowing that this item was on the 'no' list when it came to her daddies. Bubblegum. He popped a piece into her mouth, kissed her nose, and then led her back to the main house by the hand.
"T-bear?"
"In here. Well, well," the big man placed his hands on his hips, "look at how pretty you are!"
"Matt gave me gum!" Baylor blew a big bubble, which Matt flattened. "Hey!"
"Matthew? Do you want to play alongside her?" Terry asked.
"Nah, I want to stay the big brother today."
"Tell him he can't spank me, Uncle Terry."
"I won't tell him that. If you deserve it, you will get spanked. So look what I have."
"Cupcakes? Are we going to decorate cupcakes?" she asked excitedly.
"Yes, and then we are going to eat them and watch a movie. I was thinking Frozen."
"Can we sing along?" Baylor asked with wide eyes.
"What good is watching a movie like that if you don't sing along with it? Matt? Would you please grab the little frilly apron that her daddies bought for her and tie it around her waist?"
Baylor was in heaven. After decorating the chocolate cupcakes with bright pink icing and lots of colored sprinkles, the three sat down to watch the movie. Hyped on sugar and chocolate milk, and feeling quite free in her Little mode, she sang as loud as she could along with Matt, and acted out the parts in the movie that she had already watched dozens of times with him. She was having so much fun that the words 'time for your nap' were not met with cooperation.
Terry believed in naps. Not just for little girls, but also for expectant mothers and big girls with attitude issues. At the moment, Baylor filled all three slots.
"I'm not tired." She stomped her foot.
"Baylor Anne, why must we have this same argument every time I decide it's time for you to go down for a nap? It always ends up in a spanking and corner time, and you still have to obey me."
"I don't like naps. Can't I just stay in here and cuddle you?" she asked, offering him the biggest blue doe eyes that she could muster.
"No, you can go to your bed. I'll tuck you in."
"I don't want a nap."
Matt intervened. "Bay? Uncle Terry looks like he's getting annoyed. Let's be a good girl today and do as you're told."
There was something in his voice that caught her attention. "Will you come with me?"
"For a little while. I think Uncle Terry wants some cuddle time with me, too."
"Oh," Baylor said, dropping her eyes. "Sorry."
"Where are you going?"
"To give you some privacy. I'm obviously not wanted right now."
"Are these your hormones making you more sensitive or are you just being passive aggressive?" Terry frowned. "You know I don't go for that type of talk."
Before she could answer, Matt snatched her hand and pulled her out of the room. "Be careful, Bay," he said in a low voice. "He's been irritable lately, and I don't want you to catch it from him."
"Because of the silly fight you had? He either trusts you or he doesn't."
"It's not that. I need you to listen to me, though. Please. I'm serious."
Baylor stiffened at the use of the 'safe word' shared by the family. "I wish you would tell me these things before I allow myself to relax in my role," she muttered.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm taking my hair out of the ponytails. I'm not in the mood to play anymore."
"Leave them be." He pulled the covers back from the neatly made bed in Jake's room where she always took her naps. "Climb in. Sometimes daddies, uncles and even big brothers have bad days. It has nothing to do with our Littles, it's just life."
"I should be able to help, not make the bad days worse."
He slipped the shoes off her feet and tucked her legs under the blanket. "You don't make any day worse. Didn't you see how quiet he was during the movie? Usually he's louder than we are," Matt said, stroking her hair gently.
"Why can't you tell me what's going on? Are you guys breaking up?" She sat up quickly.
"No. He just has some personal stuff that he has to deal with. Give him the space to do that, okay? If he wants to talk about it, he will."
"I thought he trusted me."
"He does trust you. Sweetheart, he hasn't even discussed this with Jake or Hayden. Honestly, I doubt he will. I need you to believe me. I would never lie to you or steer you in the wrong direction." Matt kissed her forehead. "Close your eyes. You only have to rest for one hour and then you're allowed back up. I'll set your music box. The usual?"
Baylor nodded and watched him put the one hour timer on the electronic music box that Terry had given her for Christmas. It was a purple fantasy castle of hand-blown glass, with glowing LCD lights from underneath, and it held all her favorite little girl tunes. He started 'Do You Wanna Build A Snowman' and then sat down on the bed next to her to rub her back as it began to play.
"You're a good big brother," she whispered, feeling her eyes grow heavy as she snuggled into Jake's pillow.
"And you are the world's best little sister. I love you."
Baylor yawned, "Love you too…"
Chapter Five
"Daddies!" Baylor squealed, throwing herself into Jake's arms the second he and Hayden walked through the door one week later. "I missed you!"
"We missed you too, little one. Were you a good girl?"
"She was perfect," Terry said, hugging his friends. "Did you get your dad organized?"
"Yep. The movers will be there tomorrow, and he'll be driving in the following day."
"Did you two get some time alone together?" Matt asked, knuckling Hayden on the top of the head.
"We went to the river and did some fishing and swam a bit. We had a chance to catch up with each other, so that was nice. Dumbass here tried to catch another Gila monster." Jake thumbed in Hayden's direction.
"I did not. I found one on our packs but there was nothing to put it in to transport it safely."
"I hate that thing. I can't wait for your dad to adopt the dumb thing and take it away. It always looks like it's wanting to snitch on me." Baylor shuddered, glancing at the lizard in the glass aquarium.
Loving a Little Heart Page 5