Chapter 5

The Martin didn’t feel like too much of a compromise. Lavender missed the McLaren but he was ready to turn over a new leaf and mold himself into a family man. He was still refined and powerful and the Vanquish was roomy enough for a small stroller and a car seat. He was looking forward to taking Sage and Robin for a drive as he pulled into the garage. Lavender hummed Verdi to himself softly as he stepped into the kitchen and his lips curved as he smelled the baby. He must have just had a bath. Lavender craned his neck as he walked into the living room and he paused and leaned against the door so he could catch his breath.

Sage was stretched out on the couch and Robin was asleep on his chest. His hand spread across Robin’s back protectively and Lavender felt slightly dizzy as his heart throbbed. He didn’t think it was possible to fall in love with anything as hard and as fast as he fell in love with Sage but it was instant, when Lavender looked at Robin. He was a piece of Sage he could hold, protect and nurture. He was the most precious thing Lavender had ever seen. He pulled his eyes from Robin and he frowned as he noted the dark smudges under Sage’s eyes.

He was exhausted. Lavender was impressed with how quickly Sage was adjusting to being a stay-at-home dad. He was completely devoted to Robin and Lavender could feel how content he was. Sage was happy making baby food and singing to Robin as he painted. Lavender never felt more joy than he did as he watched Sage rock his son to sleep. But Sage was killing himself. He raced from room to room, afraid the baby’s crying would disturb Lavender or the smell of a diaper would offend him. Sage still destroyed the kitchen when he cooked but he panicked if he left an empty bottle in a chair or forgot to put the diaper bag away.

“I’m not angry anymore,” Lavender whispered as his eyes landed on one of Robin’s socks. He must have kicked it off as he slept. Lavender smiled as he pushed away from the wall and reached for the receiving blanket on the arm of the couch and folded it. Sage was in the middle of folding Robin’s laundry when he stopped to feed him. An empty bottle hung from Sage’s fingertips, on the carpet. Lavender picked up the bottle and silently collected Robin’s toys and accoutrement then folded the rest of his laundry. He gently lifted Robin and carried him upstairs. He fussed a little on the stairs but yawned and snuggled against Lavender’s chest as he rocked him and hummed softly. “Sleep well, my prince,” Lavender murmured as he kissed his hair then carefully laid him in his crib. He caressed Robin’s cheek with a knuckle and watched him sleep until he felt Sage behind him.

“Sorry about the mess,” Sage mumbled drowsily as he waited at the door and held out his hand.

“It’s fine. I’m sorry it took a little longer to get back. I wanted to pick up some things for the baby,” Lavender said as he took it and Sage shook his head as he tugged him into the hallway.

“He has too much clothing. You need to stop!” He scolded playfully and Lavender pulled a face as they entered the bedroom. He reached for the laptop on the dresser, waking it up so he could see the baby’s room and locked the house. He’d show them the new car in the morning.

“I bought him a new chair too. It’s safe and something I don’t mind having around the rest of our furniture. It’s quite sharp and ridiculously soft and plays music,” he explained and Sage hummed as his hands fisted in Lavender’s lapels and he pulled him close. Lavender pouted against Sage’s lips as he pried his fingers free then slipped out of his coat. “I did buy him the most adorable little pieces in ivory cashmere,” he admitted and Sage snorted as he pecked at his lips.

“I think that might be the most impractical thing you could put on an infant. You can’t dress a baby in white cashmere,” he said. Lavender’s head pulled back before he shrugged and tossed his coat at the chair.

“I think I can dress him in whatever I want,” he said. Robin would look utterly perfect, his soft green eyes and pink cheeks would glow. He’d look like an angel and he’d feel like a cloud. He’d be even softer for Sage when they fell asleep together.

“Thank you,” Sage said as he kissed him and Lavender shook his head slightly as he threw his shirt at his coat.

“You don’t have to thank me. I enjoy buying him things,” he said.

“I know and it makes me melt, the way you get carried away,” Sage said. “You’ve been so amazing about all of this,” he added and Lavender sighed as he tilted Sage’s face back. He wasn’t being patient and just tolerating Robin. Lavender couldn’t put it into words but Robin was his now too. There was nothing in his past that could compare to the violence and destruction he’d bring about to keep him safe. There was no limit to what he’d do to protect his family. He would give Sage everything and Robin would have the world.

“You’re my life. The baby is…” He stopped as Sage’s finger pressed against his lips.

“Let me thank you, Jeremy,” he ordered as his hand closed around Lavender’s hard-on and squeezed.

“I really like when you thank me,” he murmured then groaned as Sage slid down his body.