For the Love of a Boy (Father Series Book 2)

by Morticia Knight

  As far as decorations went, Daddy had insisted they go with all new things. However, when he’d spotted Daddy holding an ornament from the box with the old tree decorations, he hadn’t been able to miss his Daddy’s wistful expression. When he’d asked him about the brass snowflake, Daddy had merely handed it over. The slightly tarnished piece boasted multi-colored jewels at the points of each snowflake arm. In the center, it had been engraved with the words ‘Everett and Malcolm. Our First Christmas’.

  They hadn’t discussed the ornament, but after telling Daddy he thought it was beautiful, he’d set it aside, placing it on the mantel for safe keeping. Then, when they’d put up the tree, Seth had hung the snowflake very first thing, front and center on the six-foot tree. After swiping a tear from under his eye, Daddy had reached into his pocket and handed Seth a velvet box. Inside had been a crystal heart that had ‘To my precious boy with love always. Daddy.’ engraved into the glass.

  Daddy gave him a squeeze. “I’ll get a fire started if you’d like to get our coffee going.” He patted Seth’s behind. “And if you want to bring the deviled eggs out with the cinnamon rolls and some juice, then we can enjoy everything while we open our presents. Sound like a plan?”

  A rush of excitement washed over him, the sensation unlike any he’d experienced before when it came to unwrapping gifts.

  Or anything related to Christmas. He bit his lip to keep from grinning like a loon. “That’s a great plan.”

  Daddy pressed his lips to Seth’s then, after drawing away, he frowned as he peered past Seth’s shoulder. Seth turned around, trying to figure out what was bothering Daddy about the tree or presents. He suppressed a laugh when he realized what had caught Daddy’s attention.

  “Where did that stocking come from, baby boy?”

  Seth let out a snorting chuckle. “Gee, I dunno. Maybe Santa left it?”

  He yelped and let out a laugh as Daddy pinched his butt.

  “Santa really gets around, I see.” Daddy smirked at him. “Was that what you were doing the last time we were at the mall? I’d just assumed it was my present.”

  “Yeah.” Seth had taken almost all the rest of his money when they’d done their final holiday shopping and told Daddy he needed to go off on his own. “I’ve always wanted a stocking but was told it was blasphemous. You know, because of the whole Santa thing. So, I thought I’d get you one. It’s always seemed like a fun thing to do, and it really was.”

  Daddy regarded him with a wrinkled brow. “Wait. It’s not for you?”

  Seth shook his head. “No. I wanted you to have it.”

  “Oh, baby…” Daddy carded his fingers through Seth’s hair. “I never thought about getting you one. I wish you’d said something.”

  Seth smiled. “That’s okay, Daddy. There’s always next year.”

  Daddy gathered him in his arms and gave him a thorough kiss. He broke the connection but held Seth’s gaze.

  “And every year after that.”

  * * * *

  Malcolm reclined against the arm of the living room sofa, with one leg stretched out on the cushions and the other dangling over the side. He’d kicked off his slippers, but still wore his sweats and a tee. Once the fire had heated the room enough, he’d discarded his robe. They’d both remained in their lounging clothes all day. The holiday had remained a relaxing, happy time—much to Malcolm’s relief. He’d feared that something from Seth’s past might have triggered him, but he’d displayed nothing but joy at everything they’d shared.

  He finished off the spiked eggnog Seth had poured for him then set the cup on the coffee table. His boy was checking on the ham and sweet potatoes, which Malcolm was eager to dig into. Two main components of the day’s menu had been insisted on by Seth. He’d wanted a repeat of the deviled eggs and pecan pie from Thanksgiving.

  Malcolm sighed in contentment as he gazed at the fireplace. The crackling embers were dying down, and he figured he’d add a couple more logs then call it a night on the fire. After dinner he wanted to cuddle up with his boy in the den and watch a Christmas movie. They’d seen so many already, since Seth was still getting caught up on a couple decades worth of films, but he was sure there was something out there they’d missed.

  So far, Malcolm had to say the best part of Christmas had been when Seth had opened the game console that was their gift from Santa. Not that he hadn’t loved and been touched by Seth’s thoughtful gift to him, but his reaction to the video game player had been priceless. He’d shook from excitement and even bounced for a moment before he’d seemed to catch himself. Malcolm believed he’d witnessed a snapshot of what Seth’s Christmas mornings could’ve been like as a child had things been different.

  No regrets.

  Dr. Clay had discussed how important it was for Seth to appreciate what he had in the now and to direct his thoughts to what he wanted for his future.

  “I brought you some more eggnog, Daddy.”

  Malcolm glanced up as Seth approached with another cup of the concoction he’d whipped up that morning. He’d assumed Seth hadn’t partaken of the spiked version, but apparently his father hated even the most basic non-religious traditions related to Christmas. Seth hadn’t had eggnog before either, and no amount of convincing could get him to broaden his holiday beverage horizons.

  “That was very courageous of you to touch it.” Malcolm winked as he accepted the cup from him.

  Seth rolled his eyes. “Daddy…” He plucked Malcolm’s empty cup from the table. “I’ll take this into the kitchen and wash it out. The dishes are starting to pile up.”

  Malcolm grabbed Seth’s wrist. “No, leave it. I need my baby boy in here with me.”

  Seth grinned then put the glass back down. “Sure, Daddy. Can I put on more music?”

  Malcolm stretched, holding the back of his hand against his mouth as he yawned. “Mmm. That sounds nice.”

  He made room on the couch so Seth could sit with him, bringing both legs up to rest on the cushions. Seth perched on the edge of the middle and picked up the tablet Malcolm had gotten him for Christmas. They’d already set it up so any music on it could be played through the blue tooth speakers. Between the tablet and new gaming system, Seth had been getting a crash course in technology. His knowledge in that area had been almost non-existent when he’d arrived.

  The song Oh, Christmas Tree began to play. Seth smiled and set his tablet back on the coffee table, seemingly satisfied with the selection.

  “I like this one. I remember it from grade school.” Seth tilted his head, frowning. “I think we might’ve sung it for a Christmas show or something. I’m not sure. There’s a lot of stuff…” He shrugged. “Anyway, it’s nice listening to it now.”

  Malcolm reached for Seth’s arm. “Come lie down with Daddy for a bit.”

  Seth’s features lightened and Malcolm wrapped Seth in his arms. He hoped to steer Seth away from any more troubling memories for the rest of the day.

  “I think the ham will be done soon, Daddy. I know you’re hungry.”

  “I’ll live.” He jostled Seth. “I don’t wanna grow out of my new leather pants.”

  Seth snuggled up to him. “You don’t need to worry about that. And anyway, you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”

  “That’s very kind of you to say, sweetheart.” He had to admit, Seth had done a lot for his ego. “So, which of those games today was your favorite? I had no idea what you might like since you said you’d never been allowed to play them before.”

  “I think I still need to get used to using that controller. I wasn’t very good on any of them.”

  Malcolm snorted. “You and me both. Which is perfect. Then we can learn together.”

  “I think the racing one and the dragon and wizard ones were the best. Or maybe that’s because I wasn’t as awful while playing them.”

  Malcolm ran his fingers through Seth’s hair, wishing he wasn’t so hungry so they could stay right where they were. “I guess the real question is, did you ha
ve fun?”

  Seth quested beneath the hem of Malcolm’s T-shirt, letting his fingers dance along Malcolm’s skin until he was toying with a nipple. Malcolm held in a moan, but his firming cock gave him away.

  “I had lots of fun. But I’d like to have some other kind of fun, Daddy.”

  Malcolm grinned. “Tease.”

  “I’m not teasing. I put out.”

  Malcolm laughed so hard, Seth almost rolled off the sofa. He gathered his boy close then pressed a kiss to his forehead. “What about the ham?”

  “I set the timer for another twenty minutes.”

  “Mmm.” Malcolm slid a finger past the waistband of Seth’s sleep pants, seeking the top of his crease. “Then we shouldn’t waste any more time, should we?”

  Seth lifted up his head and gave Malcolm the most beautiful of smiles.

  “No, Daddy. We shouldn’t.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Malcolm rubbed the back of his neck as he went over the monthly business reports for The Silver Chalice. He sat at his antique desk in his home study, clicking through spreadsheets and comparing numbers. It would be the final report before their fiscal year ended on February first. Malcolm leaned back and gazed out the window, watching as the rain fell in heavy droplets. They were due to have quite a few storms traveling through the area in the coming week.

  He was glad that he and Seth had taken the opportunity to visit the aquarium the day after Christmas, then take their time traveling back down the coast. On a whim, they’d spent the night in Florence. They were both coming to love that area quite a bit.

  But now it was January second, and he had to get caught up with work. Even though he was fortunate that he could spend most days at home and do much of what he needed via Skype and email—there was still a huge responsibility on his shoulders to keep the business running properly. His manager was a dream, but the final decision on everything rested with Malcolm.

  Malcolm tapped his fingers on the desk as he continued to stare out the window. His life had changed so much. Not only because he was caring for a boy again, but because Seth wasn’t anything like Everett. His observation didn’t come from a place of judgement or accessing one as being better than the other—merely that they were different boys with different needs and desires.

  Malcolm couldn’t run his life the same way he had when he was with Everett. For that matter, he couldn’t run the vineyard the same either. He and Everett had spent the majority of their waking hours together at the winery, working side by side. The amount of time he spent with Seth might be the same, but the circumstances were vastly different. And once Everett had passed, Malcolm had stepped away from the Chalice in more ways than one.

  Going to work at the winery had been so painful, that Malcolm had sought out a manager from almost the moment Everett had died. But he’d also retreated from the business mentally and emotionally. He’d become more invested again as the years had gone on, but the attachment he’d once had to the vineyard had dulled considerably. Sometimes he wondered if the only reason he still kept it was that it had been Everett’s, as if it were some sort of monument to the life they’d once shared together.

  Unease coiled in his belly. The light Seth had brought back into his world had reminded him that he still had plenty of life to live. He’d condemned himself to misery, had felt sorry for himself and had only half-heartedly gone through the effort of moving forward. As far as he could tell, the only person who’d benefitted from his pathetic existence had been the owner of Woody’s bar.

  He scrubbed his face with both hands. The reports weren’t going to finish themselves. Maybe he’d consider other options for him and Seth in the coming year. He couldn’t imagine not having the winery. His entire adult life had been spent first saving the business, then nurturing it. And Seth needed to focus on healing and completing his GED. The New Year would be best spent taking care of that as the priority.

  A gentle rap sounded on the open door. “Daddy? Can I bring you anything?”

  Malcolm smiled, turning in the swiveling desk chair to face Seth. No matter what plagued him, the sweet face of his baby boy would lighten his heart every time.

  “No thanks, sweetheart. I’m fine.” He opened his arms in invitation and Seth came to him without hesitation, sitting on his lap. Malcolm left his arms wrapped loosely around Seth’s waist. “Did you finish your book?”

  Malcolm had called it right when he’d picked out the tablet for Seth. He knew Seth would go crazy once he found out he could have tons of books stored on one device.

  Seth nodded then yawned. “Sorry. I think the rain is making me sleepy. But yeah, it was really good. The whole section where they were trying to survive the descent from the summit of Everest was intense. I might reread the whole thing again.”

  Once Seth had torn through all the classics he’d been denied the opportunity to read, he’d begun reading outdoor adventure books. He loved the non-fiction ones the best.

  “I should give it a try then. I’ve only ever seen the film.”

  Seth’s jaw dropped open. “There’s a movie? I wanna see it.” He shook his head. “Wow. They make movies out of everything.”

  Malcolm chuckled. “Yes, it certainly seems that way.” He glanced at the spreadsheets on his computer screen and tried not to sneer at the little bastards. “Hey, I tell you what. I could actually use a break. Want to share some coffee with me before you start your next book? Or I could find that movie for you.”

  Malcolm had declared to Seth that he was officially on winter break from school until at least the following week. Seth rose and offered his hand to Malcolm.

  “I’d rather watch it with you Daddy. Unless you’re bored with it and don’t want to.”

  Malcolm also got to his feet, accepting Seth’s help. He thought he might’ve overdone it with his morning workout because he was a bit sore. Ever since he’d hadn’t been able to squeeze himself into his old club pants, he’d had losing a few pounds on his mind. However, between all the holiday food and the bad weather keeping them indoors most of the time—he wasn’t making much progress.

  “Not bored at all, baby.” He placed his hand at the small of Seth’s back as they made their way to the kitchen. “It’s an exciting film. How about we watch it tonight after dinner?”

  Seth grinned. “That would be awesome. And anyway, I was going to do the kitchen and bathroom floors after we have our break.”

  “Good boy.”

  Malcolm patted Seth’s behind then moved to the counter to grab the coffee from the chrome canister. Right as he was about to scoop the perfect amount and add it to the coffeemaker, his cellphone went off. He set everything down then reached into his pocket, with Seth gesturing that he’d take over the coffee prep duties.

  He frowned as he stared at the number. No caller ID was displayed and even the area code was unfamiliar.

  “Hello?”

  “Mr. Nash?”

  Malcolm’s frown grew deeper. “Yes, this is him.”

  “It’s Detective Smith from Boise. I’m in Twin Falls with Detective Lopez. We’ve made some arrests.”

  “Jesus.” Malcolm rubbed his forehead. “Which ones?”

  Malcolm gave Seth a sideways glance as he moved out of the kitchen. But his boy wasn’t stupid. He’d already set everything down and was following Malcolm into the living room.

  “The top five who Seth identified as being the worst. Which of course, includes his father.”

  Malcolm’s stomach clenched as he dropped on the couch. He wasn’t sure why, but everything seemed more real now. Malcolm realized there was a good possibility that someday he’d be in the same room as Seth’s father, a man he’d only ever imagined in his head as a distant villain, a monster who was miles and miles away, unable to ever get to his boy again.

  Seth will be in the same room with him too.

  That had always been his greatest fear in regards to Seth getting involved.

  “What happens now?” Malcolm swiped at b
eads of sweat on his upper lip.

  Seth hovered over him, his growing agitation clear in how his leg jiggled, how he twisted his hands.

  “Daddy?”

  Malcolm patted the cushion next to him then wrapped an arm around his waist as he waited for the detective to respond.

  “Sorry. Detective Lopez just got back from booking and would like to speak with you.”

  “Sure.” Malcolm laced Seth’s fingers with his own.

  “Hi Mr. Nash, it’s Detective Lopez.”

  “Hi. And please, call me Malcolm.”

  “All right, Malcolm. First off, has Detective Smith filled you in on everything yet?”

  “I’m not sure. He said there’d been some arrests, that’s it.

  Seth gasped, his grip tightening in Malcolm’s.

  “Well,” Detective Lopez continued. “I just finished speaking with the preacher, a deacon, two camp counselors and Seth’s father. They all have the same story.”

  Malcolm sucked in a deep breath. “Which is?”

  “That Seth stole over five thousand dollars from the church. They claim he’s trying to cover his tracks by accusing them of a crime.”

  The urge to start yelling was huge, but he tempered his emotions for his boy’s sake. “But isn’t that exactly what they’re doing? It’s not as if they ever filed a report, right? Never mentioned anything until now?”

  “That’s correct. The reasoning was that he’s one of their fold and they’d wanted to handle it within the congregation.”

  “That’s utter bullshit,” Malcolm snarled.

  “I understand your frustration, Malcolm. I’m not inclined to believe them either. However, since five people have the same story, and one of them is a relative, we have no choice but to investigate their claims. That amount of money in Idaho is considered Grand Theft and is a crime the courts view with severity.”

  Malcolm huffed. “Oh really? More severe than false imprisonment and assault?”

  Detective Lopez sighed. “Regardless, we do have to speak with Seth. We won’t insist he come to Idaho at this time, not unless we can uncover solid evidence against him.”