Page 120 of Love Unlimited

He could feel the smile splitting over his face. I would love that.

Lena bit her lip. And that means you’ll take care of me too? I mean, if Ash doesn’t need you first?

The warm tingle in his chest felt like it would explode, too large to be contained in his body. Zhong ran a hand down her cheek, the faint stubble rough on his hand. I would be honored. I mean… I would be overjoyed. Not only that, but I think that Ash would love you being part of anything that we’re already doing. I don’t think you need to compete.

I’m difficult, though, she argued. I might even be more difficult with two Daddies.

Zhong laughed. I bet you will. And I’ll enjoy every minute of it. I’ll just send you to your Daddy when you need to be punished.

Lena finally smiled back at him. That’s OK with you?

Zhong shook his head. I think the question is more about whether that’s OK with you. You know what I can offer… and what I can’t. He was still worried, but every day with Ash had shown him that his limits were just one small set of things he disliked, when there was a whole range more that they could do together. Hopefully it would be the same with Lena.

Lena threw her arms around his waist, head resting against his belly. You’re perfect. You give me different things than Daddy does and… I’m greedy enough to want all of them.

It’s not greedy if we enjoy giving them to you. He pulled her in tighter, trapping her between his legs and wrapping his arms around her shoulders.

She nuzzled against his belly, and there were just no words for how miraculous that felt. Her arms were lean and strong around his waist. The warmth of her shoulders filled his palms. He dropped a kiss on her hair, wanting to just be… closer. As close as possible. He thought he felt her press a kiss to his chest, and it rocked through him.

Holding her was completely different from holding Dustin, who was his comfort and home, or holding Ash, his joy and delight. Lena was complicated and unpredictable, which made snuggling her even more sweet. He could feel the affection that he was finally allowed to give her was something tangible, a blanket of care that made his heart squeeze tight.

He was going to ask… maybe just one more time… if all of this was enough for her. He was feeling so full of emotion that he would have lifted her mouth for a kiss, but it wasn’t always easy for people to accept that it wouldn’t ever be more than that.

He was interrupted, though, by the headlights of a car driving up the gravel road. Lena started to pull back, but he kept her within the circle of his arms. This was new and different, but they weren’t doing anything wrong, and he didn’t want her to revert back into any of her worries.

After a moment, she relaxed back against him. They both put their hands up to shield them from the brightness while their eyes adjusted.

Ash jumped out first. Snuggles!

They launched themself at the picnic table, curling around Zhong’s back and squeezing Lena too. Not that Zhong had any doubts, but it was still affirming to have Ash be so open and exuberant with their approval.

Dustin came over a few minutes later bearing two six-packs and a grocery bag. Zhong already knew that the bag would contain stuff for s’mores, and that while one six-pack would hold something interesting from a local brewery, the other would have sodas because Ash didn’t drink. He set them on a stump by the fire and looked around. Is there room for me?

Given the very small size of the picnic table, the question was as much literal as figurative. When he and Dustin had built it, they’d ordered a small one because they both had small cars. He hadn’t foreseen the need to have four adults sitting on one side.

Ash stood up. Sit here!

Where will you sit? Dustin asked.

On your lap. Their expression said that should have been obvious. Daddy’s lap is full.

Zhong nodded. That would be perfect. And it would likely help Lena feel more comfortable too, if she were concerned.

Or we could all come over here and roast marshmallows. Dustin suggested.

Ash looked torn. But what about snuggles?

Dustin laughed. There are still snuggles over here. He sat on one of the two long logs, taking the shopping bag with him. Ash scampered to him, clearly won over by the prospect of both cuddles and marshmallows.

Zhong nudged Lena, and she slowly stood. He kept an arm around her to keep things easy, and because he wasn’t quite ready to let go. When he reached the other log, he pulled her down next to him.

Marshmallow! Ash exclaimed, squishing an imaginary cube between their fingers.

Dustin put two on an extendable stick and handed it over. He started getting out the graham crackers and chocolate, then paused. I have bananas in the car if you two want to make banana boats.

What’s a banana boat? Lena asked.

One of the best parts about camping, Zhong answered. You slice a banana lengthwise, put peanut butter inside, wrap it in foil, and roast it in the fire.