Chapter 8

“Here we go,” Sage said softly as he lifted Robin from his car seat then used his hip to shut the car door. The windows on the garage door lit up as lightning filled the sky and he relaxed as he settled the baby on his hip. Sage might have to admit that Jeremy found a car he actually liked. In the end, Jeremy went with the Aston Martin and the drive back from Chicago was much more relaxing in the storm than it would have been in the Honda. “I do love the rain though,” he whispered against Robin’s hair as he eased the kitchen door open then gasped as he stepped into heaven.

“You’re home,” Jeremy said as he reached for Robin and Sage could tell he was waiting at the door.

“It smells amazing. What’s going on?” He asked warily and Jeremy raised a shoulder as he rocked Robin. The baby yawned and gurgled happily as he batted at Jeremy’s tie.

“Just dinner,” he said and Sage slouched as he groaned.

“We agreed we weren’t celebrating Valentine’s tonight. Lane’s babysitting Saturday and we’re going to Chicago for the evening,” he whined and Jeremy hummed in agreement.

“We’re still doing that. I wanted to do something little, just for you, tonight,” he said and Sage glared playfully.

“Now I really feel like shit. It was so sweet of you to let me take Robin to the city to spend the afternoon with my mom and Kay. It meant the world to them and Kay looks so much better, by the way,” he said and Jeremy smiled.

“Wonderful. I really didn’t go to much trouble but I have a lovely evening planned,” he said as he slipped the diaper bag off Sage’s shoulder.

“It smells like my duck with olives,” Sage said as he craned his neck. The kitchen lights were low and a candle flickered alluringly next to a large bouquet of white roses. There was a small bundle wrapped in brown paper and Sage knew it would be a book of poems by Rumi. “This is too much!” He said and Jeremy’s hand slid around Sage’s neck. He pulled him close and pressed a kiss to his lips.

“Nonsense. We’re going to be upstairs but I’ve left everything out in case you’d like to take a bubble bath. I also ordered some art supplies for you, there’s a box in your studio. If you feel like painting later,” he said and Sage grabbed his coat as he tried to back away.

“What do you mean you’re ‘going to be upstairs’ ,” he mimicked as he narrowed his eyes and Jeremy kissed him again before he pushed his hands away. He frowned as he used his free hand to fix his coat and Robin’s hand pressed against Jeremy’s chest and he cooed softly as he helped.

“You’ve made that all better!” Jeremy declared then kissed Robin’s nose. Sage was weak and dizzy as Jeremy took the baby’s hand in his so he’d leave his tie alone. He nibbled on the back of Robin’s hand and he giggled. Jeremy smiled at Sage warmly then nodded toward the kitchen. “Your dinner’s under the covered dish and there’s a tarte Tatin staying warm in the oven. There’s wine and a salad as well,” he added and Sage shook his head.

“Why are you leaving? It’s Valentine’s and you went through all this effort,” he said as he waved wildly and Jeremy shushed him again.

“Let’s be honest, every day is like Valentine’s with me,” he said and Sage raised a brow.

“I’ll play along,” Sage said as he tried to keep his lips straight. Jeremy took his hand and raised it to his lips and kissed it.

“Every day is like Valentine’s for me,” he corrected and Sage was definitely melting. “But you’ve been tired every day since Robin came into our lives. You’re wearing yourself out trying to make amends for this but you don’t have to anymore. You don’t have to risk breaking your neck to get to the baby before I hear him in the middle of the night. I’m already awake, most of the time. I’m used to all manner of bodily fluids and we have every type of glove imaginable, I don’t mind changing diapers now and then. I can feed him as well. Stop killing yourself, I want to help,” Jeremy said and Sage couldn’t see, his eyes were flooded.

“Jeremy… I…” He stumbled back a few steps and dropped onto the stool at the counter. “You’ve been amazing but I don’t want to push my luck. I want this to feel like it’s still your home and your life isn’t being derailed,” he said and Jeremy cupped his cheek.

“You’re my life. And Robin’s my life now too. I want to be his father and help you take care of him. You can share the burden, I can handle it. And I’m not angry or disappointed anymore,” he insisted.

“You’re not?” Sage asked shakily and Jeremy shook his head.

“No. I love you and I can’t imagine our life without him now,” he pulled Sage’s lips to his and kissed him. “You’re going to have an evening to yourself, you’ve earned it. I’m taking him to my office and you can enjoy your evening any way you see fit,” he said and Sage’s lips tightened.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” he said and Jeremy rolled his eyes.

“We’ll be fine. I won’t be touching a single round of ammunition and I won’t allow anything dangerous near him. You have to start trusting me,” he said and Sage gasped as he reached for his face.

“I do trust you. Thank you for making the best of this,” he said.

“Stop it. I’m not making this best of this. You and Robin are my world and I’m happy. I think you’re going to have to learn to make the best of this because I intend to be very hands-on. Nothing’s too good for my son and I’m going to be the father I wish I had,” Jeremy vowed and Sage trembled as he kissed him. No one would ever understand how beautiful and gentle this man could be or how generous and vulnerable he became when they were alone.

“I think I want to read a little Rumi while I eat then finally finish that book about Frieda Kahlo. After that, I want to take a bath with you and make the best of bed time. Let me know when he’s asleep,” he said and Jeremy growled softly as he nibbled at his lips.

“Whatever you want,” he said and Sage sighed dreamily.

“I can’t think of much else I need. You’ve made me happier than I thought was possible and it feels really precious, after how hard the past months have been. You’re amazing and I’m going to do the kinds of things to you that I can’t say in the presence of a child, once he’s asleep,” he said and Jeremy laughed softly.

“I was sure our sex life was over but you’ve been very demanding since the baby came home,” he pointed out and Sage hissed as he ducked sheepishly.

“This is going to sound really stupid but having Robin here and being constantly aware of the fact that I have a son makes me feel weirdly virile,” he admitted and Jeremy hummed thoughtfully as he tilted his head and sucked on Sage’s lip.

“Is that something you’ve worried about?” He asked and Sage grinned.

“I’m an artist and knit in my spare time. I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about my virility,” he said.

“Neither do I, oddly enough,” Jeremy murmured and Sage rolled his eyes.

“I can’t imagine you would,” he laughed as their lips brushed then lowered his head and nibbled Robin’s fingers. “I will sneak into your room and kiss you goodnight but you’re not going to know because you’ll be asleep,” he whispered and Robin gurgled as he patted Sage’s cheek.

“Don’t worry about the dishes, I’ll take care of them later,” Jeremy said as he pecked at Sage’s lips then released him and backed away.

“I don’t want you to go!” Sage groaned as he reached for them and Jeremy shook his head.

“I plan to keep him awake and entertained for at least three hours. He’ll be so tired, he’ll go down without a fight and nothing will wake him up.” He used Robin’s hand to wave then dashed around the wall with him.

“You’re brilliant and I love you!” Sage called after him.

“I know,” Jeremy said from the stairs and Sage shook his head and chuckled as he turned to the counter and lifted the cover over his dinner. He whimpered as he looked back, toward Jeremy’s office.

“Three hours?” He complained to himself. “I need to fuck him right Goddamn now!”