Page 48 of Love Unlimited

Before he could enjoy it too much—or perhaps get more overwhelmed—Ash darted over to the refrigerator, staring meaningfully at the freezer bin.

Landon chuckled. Down to the important business of ice cream. You can either have a soda and one scoop of ice cream, he explained, or no soda and two scoops. It was exactly what Zhong had told Ash last week, so Landon tested it out. He found that he kind of liked being bossy when it meant he was taking care of Ash.

Meanie. Ash stuck out their tongue, but they didn’t look upset. Two scoops. That was what they had chosen last week, too.

Landon got out the ice cream and gave Ash two and himself about half of one. He made a production out of getting himself a mango seltzer and showing Ash that it was fair. Ash carefully counted that they each had two treats. When Ash grabbed their ice cream, he warned them not to spill it.

Was it normal to feel that little glow of pride that he was taking care of Ash? This warm feeling that started in his chest and suffused his whole body? He normally had a thousand larger responsibilities—among them the education of thirty-eight middle schoolers—but dishing up ice cream for Ash made him feel proud of himself.

It took him a moment to realize why. It was because the Daddies would be proud of him. He was sure of it.

He kind of wanted to interrupt. He imagined giving them a little report, then both Daddies telling him that he’d done a good job. But a glance into the living room showed that they were very busy. So he would just have to be responsible. That sent a burst of unexpected happiness through him, too.

Ash peeked out at them, too, and giggled. My Daddy is giving your Daddy a snuggle massage.

I know. They look happy. More than that, they looked like they fit together, bodies outlined by the soft light of a golden lamp and the setting sun, Daddy Zhong’s touch confident and sensual on Daddy’s back. Landon both wanted to burrow his way in between them and didn’t want to disturb the beautiful picture they made.

Yes. They’re so happy because they love each other and they love us. It was the kid version of the same speech Ash had given at the top of the stairs.

And you’re happy? Landon checked.

I’m happy because Daddy loves me and you take care of me and your Daddy is my special Daddy-friend and I have two types of ice cream.

The phrase “out of the mouths of babes” came to mind. Everything was so simple when Ash said things like that. But was it Landon’s job now to take care of Ash? In some ways, it was obvious and in others he wasn’t sure. It was a kind of marvelous, exhilarating thing to consider.

But God, was it a lot to consider. He wished they’d talked about it last night when they were having their big serious conversation.

Shhhh… Ash put their finger to their lips, probably making more noise shushing him than they had before. Not that anyone but Dustin would hear it. No one was wearing hearing aids.

Don’t let the Daddies see us, Ash signed with small, exaggerated motions. Ash made a show of tiptoeing through the rest of the kitchen and then racing across the small section of the living room and back up the stairs.

Landon followed behind them, not quite racing now but thinking about big brother responsibilities. Halfway there, both Daddies looked up at him.

He gave them an awkward shrug instead of a wave, since he was still holding the dumplings, ice cream, and a can of seltzer. He kind of felt awkward, too. Caught between people and roles and still not sure how everyone fit together. Most of all himself.

His Daddy gave him an adoring smile and blew him a kiss. Zhong gave him a beaming grin that seemed to convey both happiness to see him and gratitude for watching Ash.

Together, it was a heady feeling.

If this was part of the big brother thing, he realized that he would do a lot for the approval of two Daddies at once. It left him feeling shivery and alive and inordinately pleased with himself for being a good boy.

That was weird, too, because he didn’t usually want to be a good boy.

So, of course, he did the completely awkward thing and kind of shrugged again before running up the stairs. All of these feelings were confusing.

But also, if Daddy knew he was a bit confused and uncomfortable, he would eventually come and make it better.

Ash was eagerly awaiting him at the top of the stairs. Come on! Fast! Don’t get caught!

Landon just had to laugh, the relief of it breaking through all of his tangled emotions. Following Ash, he raced down the hall with his stolen gains, dashing into his office where they’d set up camp on the floor. Ash set their bowl down and then sprawled on the floor next to it, so Landon followed suit, kicking his feet in the air and determined to just go with it.

There was something so innocent and free about being around Ash. He’d known that for a while, but it was different thinking of himself as a big brother. He could have small duties, carrying out Ash’s Daddy’s orders and feeling protective of his little sibling. But he didn’t have to be weighed down by larger burdens. That was boring stuff for Daddies.

He slurped his seltzer and licked the ice cream off his spoon, trying to keep them separate. Mango and chocolate were terrible in combination. Naturally, Ash was mixing their mint chocolate chip and raspberry ice cream together into soup, and that was truly disgusting.

That’s gross, he told them.

Nope, it’s soup. With chocolate dots. You should try it.