Page 52 of Schooling Little Sage

“’kay.”

Sage waved bye to his new friend as we got off the plane and I thanked him again for his patience.

“Sage!” Devon’s squeal echoed down the hall. Sage’s matching one in return had every head in the terminal pointed at them.

The boys hugged like it’d been years instead of the few months it had been since they’d seen one another. When they’d had enough, Devon turned and squeezed me.

“Daddy Warner, I’m so excited you guys are here.”

“Us too. Thank you for all your help planning our visit.” He’d really put a lot into it and I appreciated that. Plus turning into our personal post office was a challenge, given all the hours he worked. He was able to take vacation time for the few days we were here, and as the Daddy, it was my job to make sure both boys had the time of their life but were taken care of too.

The boys talked all the way to the luggage carousel, while we waited for ours, all the way to the car and all the way to Devon’s place. How they had so much to talk about when they texted daily I’d never understand. But they were both so happy there was no way I was stopping it.

“You’re sleeping in my playroom. The couch in there is a hideaway bed with plenty of room. Sage, you can play with any of my toys you want.” Devon was just as sweet a soul as my boy was.

“Thank you.”

“Why don’t you guys get settled in. I thought I’d order Chinese take-out for tonight. Any special requests?”

“I’ve never had it before and I like everything so whatever you order I’ll try,” Sage said. “This is so exciting. I’m in a whole new state and I want to try it all.”

“We’re gonna have so much fun.” Devon hugged him again. “I’m so happy you guys came to see me. Bathroom is across the hall. Take all the time you need, I’ll be out in the living room after I change.” He shut the door and left us to get settled in.

“His place is so cute, Daddy.” Sage flopped down on the couch. “Why is traveling so tiring?”

“Because you do a lot of walking and stressing out. Now we’re here so you can relax. Why don’t you put on your lounge pants and get comfy. Daddy will do the same.” It was nice not to have to worry about dinner tonight. A low-key evening was what we all needed.

Unpacked and our things tucked away, I decided to set the bed up. The likelihood Sage would fall asleep early was high and I wanted to be prepared. Sage snagged his Beary and turtle blankie then we met Devon in the living room.

“Yay, you guys got comfy too.” He was in Frozen jammies carrying a stuffed snowman.

These two were beyond adorable. “Let’s find a movie while we wait for dinner to get here.” The boys went back and forth on what to watch. When the food arrived, Devon buzzed the delivery driver up and I took it from there. With a picnic fit for a king sprawled out on the coffee table, juice boxes included, the boys were ready for their picnic in the living room. What a great way to end one very long day of travel.

Devon had taken care of everything from getting the groceries I’d sent him the money for, to planning the surprises we had in store for Sage’s birthday. I couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when he realized it wasn’t forgotten and never would be again.

I was one very lucky Daddy. I got two boys for Christmas this year. This was sure to be a holiday none of us would forget.

Chapter Fifteen

“What is this place called again?” I asked, seeing all the pretty rainbows as we drove through a very busy neighborhood. Devon said it was easier to Uber around than try to park so I got to ride in my first Uber squished between Daddy and Devon in the backseat.

“This is the Castro District or as some call it, the Gayborhood,” Devon replied. “Wait until you see the bakery we’re going to.”

“I love bakeries.”

“This one has naughty treats,” Devon giggled. “There’s a huge chocolate factory we’re going to later.”

“Like Willy Wonka’s?”

“Mmm, kinda, but different, and you get to watch them make it. They have a place where you can buy it and even have their own ice cream shop.”

Devon was as excited as us and he lived here. Got the feeling he didn’t get many visitors. I wonder if his family was bad like mine. We had Daddy in our lives now and made a family of our own. One that was nice and loved you no matter what.

There was a huge line when we stepped inside. “Why don’t you two see what you want, and I’ll hold our place in line,” Daddy offered. Devon took my hand and wove us through the crowd to the display cases.

“There they are,” he pointed to the…

“Is that a winky?” Devon giggled, but I didn’t know what to think. “That’s naughty.”