Apparently, Blake had left his sweet and delightful daughter over at Aunt Paula and Uncle Henry’s because the little girl currently wailing on the floor of his living room couldn’t possibly be the same girl from the night before. Linc was due to arrive any minute and Blake hadn’t even finished getting ready.

“Are you finished?” Blake asked when there was a pause in the crying.

Apparently not. She just cried harder.

“Let me know when you’re ready to use your words. Daddy is going to go change his shirt. I’ll be right back.”

His announcement did nothing to calm her down, but Blake knew better than to coddle her when she acted this way. He went into his room and changed into a nice white button down which he left untucked. His pants were a bright, almost royal blue. He slipped his feet into a pair of casual boat shoes and took one last glance in the mirror.

Linc had said casual, so he hoped this outfit worked. He wanted to look good, and knew the white shirt fit him perfectly. He turned around and made sure he looked as good from the back and grinned at the way the pants cupped his ass just right. “I’m so getting laid tonight,” Blake told his reflection.

The wails from the living room quieted into a hiccupping sob, so Blake went back out and sat down in one of the navy blue side chairs that sat across from his couch.

Caroline looked up at him with a tear-stained face before climbing into his lap. So much for keeping his shirt clean.

“Mouse, you ready to talk or do you need another minute to settle?”

“I don’t want you to go, Daddy. I want you to stay home and watch Elsa with me.”

“I know you do, baby girl, but Daddy made plans. Don’t you want to spend time with Jeep? I bet he’ll watch Elsa with you.”

“I want you and Jeep.”

He was saved from arguing by his front door opening. His dad walked inside with a beaming grin.

“Where’s my favorite girl?”

Caroline lifted her head and looked at him. Her lip started to wobble before she jumped out of Blake’s lap and ran for her grandpa.

“What’s this? Why’s my little mouse crying?”

“Daddy’s leaving, Jeep. I want him to stay!”

“Well huh… I guess that means we can’t work on my surprise, then.”

She looked up at him suspiciously.

“It’s just that, well, it’s a surprise for your daddy and we can’t be showing it to him. But I guess I can take this bag right back out to the car.”

“No!” She eyed the duffel bag in his hand. “What is it, Jeep?”

He bent down and whispered in her ear. Caroline giggled before nodding her head.

“Saved by grandpa,” Blake murmured.

“You owe me one,” Jeffrey said with a wink.

Blake grabbed his wallet, phone, and keys before walking over and kneeling beside his daughter.

“You be a good girl for Jeep, okay?”

“Okay, Daddy.” She frowned at him after a second. “I want you to tuck me in.”

With a sigh, his dreams of spending a few hours at Linc’s house after dinner were dashed.

“Okay. Jeep can let you stay up until I get home.”

He gave her a quick hug and kiss before escaping out the front door. Linc had just pulled into his driveway and rolled down his window. “In a hurry?” he asked with a grin.

“Only to get away from my kid for a couple hours. And man, saying that out loud makes me sound like the worst parent on the planet.”

“No, it doesn’t. I’m pretty sure all parents say that. At least, all the ones I know have said it a time or two.”

Blake climbed in the car and leaned in to steal a quick kiss. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”

“You look fantastic,” Linc said. He pulled Blake back over and stole another kiss.

Blake groaned into his mouth, eager for more, but well aware exactly where the evening wasn’t going to lead.

“So, my kid wants me home to tuck her in tonight. She had a rough day today, so I told her I would.”

“She okay?” Linc asked as he started the truck.

“Yeah, she’s still trying to get used to all the new stuff. New house, new life, new people. It’s a lot for a three year old.”

“Well, then we’ll just have to eat fast and get you back home.”

“You don’t mind?”

Linc frowned over at him. “Why would I mind? Your kid needs you.”

Blake reached over and grabbed Linc’s hand. “Thanks for understanding.”

“No problem. I hope you like Mexican food. Because a new taco truck just opened and I hear it’s fantastic.”

“That sounds perfect.”

“I know it’s not a super fancy birthday dinner, but—”

“No, no. I don’t need super fancy.”

“Well, I figured your family would call dibs on your actual birthday, so I thought we’d do something fun.”

“Sounds like exactly what I need tonight.”

Linc drove them to an out of the way place that still had the grand opening sign strung across the front. There was a short line to get in, but it didn’t take too long. They loaded up on chips, queso, and salsa before their tacos arrived. They both tried a couple of each variety and by the time they finished, Blake thought he might need to undo the button of his pants.

“I’m stuffed,” he complained with a rub to his stomach.

“Not my fault you ate five tacos,” Linc teased.

“Yeah, well, you ate six and you aren’t dying.”

“I actually ate seven. You were a quitter so I ate your last one. I suppose that means you don’t want to go out for a birthday cupcake?”

The thought made Blake wince so he shook his head. “I’m so full.”

“I’ll owe you one, then. Gives me an excuse to see you next week.”

“I like the way you think.”

“Good. Let’s get you home so your kid can have some time with you.”

As they walked to the truck, Blake couldn’t help but let his heart swell a bit. Everything about Linc fit. Like he was meant to be in Blake and Caroline’s lives. He never imagined he’d find someone this fast to spend time with, but he found himself imagining more with Linc. The question was, was that what Linc wanted too?

Blake remembered what the men at the club had said, that Linc was a one-night stand kind of guy. That was the exact opposite of the way he acted toward Blake. He seemed to want a relationship. Blake wondered if it was too soon to ask. When was it okay to see if you were on the same page? Surely not only a few weeks after meeting and only a few dates?

He remained lost in his thoughts throughout the drive back to his place. When they parked, Linc leaned over and brushed his thumb over Blake’s cheek. “What has you so deep in thought?”

Blake looked over at him and pressed a quick kiss to Linc’s wrist.

“Honestly? Thinking about you. Us.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Wondering when it’s okay to confess that I like what we have and ask if you’re hoping it becomes more.”

Linc’s thumb paused in its motion. “I suppose it’s okay to do both those things.”

“Hey, Linc?”

“Yeah?”

“I really like you. I hope this becomes something more.”

Linc grinned. “Me too.”

They shared another kiss before Blake’s front porch light flipped on.

“Why do I feel like I’m back in high school?”

“Maybe because you’re making out in a car in front of your house?”

“Shut it, you. Want to come in for a bit?”

“Sure.”

They went to the door and Linc reached over to grab Blake’s hand. “Happy early birthday.”

Blake grinned and pushed the door open.

“Surprise!”

He stepped back, knocking into Linc who placed steadying hands on his hips. His entire family had crowded into his living room, all of them wearing ridiculous party hats that said things like “over the hill” and “old fart”. Caroline had on a hat too, but hers looked like a princess hat.

“You guys are evil.” Blake looked over his shoulder at Linc. “Were you in on this?”

“I’m told I make an excellent distraction.”

“You do.”

“Happy birthday, Daddy!” Caroline ran toward him and hit his legs with a thump.

“Thanks, Mouse. You surprised me!”

“I know! Jeep said you needed a… Jeep, what was that word again?”

“Uh…” His dad grimaced and looked away. “Birthday party?”

She scowled. “That wasn’t the word, Jeep!”

“Well, it’s okay,” Blake intervened. He could only imagine what word his dad had actually used. Probably something along the lines of Daddy needed a break. “I’m really excited. Are you excited too?”

She nodded. “Come on, Daddy. We have cake. Auntie Paula made it so it’s good. And Uncle Kale brought snacks.”

Blake groaned. He was so full he couldn’t even imagine eating anything else.

His mom came over and gave him a quick hug. “Happy birthday, honey. I hope you like your surprise.”

“Thanks, Mom. I do. I’m glad the house wasn’t a mess. I’d have been embarrassed.”

She grinned. “I taught you better than that. Throw everything in the closet and voila! The house is clean. Besides, I knew Linc was stopping by to pick you up so I figured the place would be presentable.”

“Speaking of,” Blake teased, “don’t open the hall closet.”

Melissa laughed and hugged him again. “That’s my boy. Now go mingle.”

“Mom, I literally saw all these people last night. I don’t need to mingle.”

She shrugged. “We figured it was another diversion. You wouldn’t suspect we’d get together two nights in a row. And look, it worked!”

“What worked?”

Jeffrey walked up carrying Caroline. They’d switched party hats. Hers now read Over the Hill and his dad had on Caroline’s princess hat. Blake pulled out his phone and snapped a picture for posterity.

“The surprise,” Melissa explained. “I’m trying to convince your son to go mingle.”

“Mingle? It’s family. He doesn’t have to mingle.”

“Exactly what I said.”

His mom arched a brow at him and he knew he’d lost the battle.

“Fine, Mom. I’m going.”

Blake looked around the room for Linc and found him sitting at the kitchen table with Abe and Carter. He certainly wouldn’t mind mingling with Linc a little more so he wandered over and leaned over Linc’s shoulder.

“Were you in on this?” Blake glared at Abe while he waited for his cousin’s response. He used the moment to run a not so subtle hand down Linc’s side.

“Dude, I do what I’m told,” Abe protested. “You know how this works.”

Carter laughed. “You aren’t lying. I had to cancel a date for this.”

“Ohh,” Blake cackled, “and who was the lucky lady who got dumped?”

“Not dumped, you asshole. Just not ready to meet this motley crew. At least Linc already knew us so he’s not overly traumatized. Wait. Linc, are you overly traumatized? We need to get you some therapy for over exposure to the Bartletts? It’s a very serious condition. Causes headaches and muscle tension.”

Abe laughed and punched his brother in the arm. “Shut up, you ass. You’re the one who causes the headaches and muscle tension. But I’m curious, too, as to this mysterious date who can’t be brought around the family.”

Carter sighed and threw his hand dramatically over his forehead. “My head. Oh, my head. It hurts. Make it stop.”

Blake snuck a quick kiss onto Linc’s ear before whispering into it, “They’re lunatics.”

Linc looked up at him with a grin. “Takes one to know one.”

“I will remember that comment next time we’re alone. You will pay.”

The threat didn’t seem to bother Linc at all. His gaze heated and he licked his lips. “Yeah?”

“Oh my God, you two. I’m not getting laid tonight so could you maybe chill with the heated looks.” Carter reached over and gave Linc a shove. “Besides, if you don’t stop, I’m going to starting thinking you’re trying to sleep your way to the top. Marry into the family and get promoted fast. Hey, nepotism worked for Abe.”

Abe punched his brother in the arm again. “Shut up.”

“What? There’s a reason I’m still working my way up the food chain at the office. No fast track for me because I’m related to the owner. Or boning them, whatever the case may be.” Carter looked at Linc again and wiggled his eyebrows.

“You’re such an ass, Carter,” Blake complained. “As if I have any say over Linc at all when it comes to work. Now, when it comes to where he sticks his—”

“Whoa, whoa. You can stop that right there,” Carter said. “Message received. I don’t need to know that.”

Abe snorted. “He can dish it out, but he can’t take it.”

“It does require a certain type of person to take it. I mean, I don’t have any problems, do I Linc?”

Abe, Carter, and Linc all moaned. Blake smiled happily before stealing a quick kiss from Linc.

“And now, I must go mingle. Apparently even though everyone here is related to me, I still must be a good birthday boy, or something. I don’t know.”

The rest of the party went off without a hitch. They kept it all pretty short, since Caroline had to go to bed and they’d all been together the previous night. The party was really more for her benefit than his. She loved helping him blow out the candles on his cake, and they’d made sure to put exactly thirty of them on it.

As he blew out the candles, Blake glanced up and met Linc’s steady gaze. He smiled as the flickering flames all disappeared. He’d definitely taken advantage of making a birthday wish. Now to see if Linc could make it come true.