Doing It Right (Babe Squad)

by Harloe Rae

“Okay, okay. Let’s try.” I steer him to the bathroom, open the toilet lid, and get his pants off again. “Sit or stand?” He blinks at me. “I dunno.” “Sitting is safer.” Lord only knows his garden hose will douse the walls. After removing the...

“I did it!” “You did it!” I share in his enthusiasm, lifting a hand for him to slap. He doesn’t leave me hanging, giving me three high-fives in a row. “You pwoud of me?” “So proud, buddy. I can’t wait to tell your mom.”

“We can take a photo to show your mom and dad what a big boy you are.” “Kay!” He strikes a pose, both thumbs straight up. I capture the memory with a laugh. “You’re one amazing kid.” He nods, soaking in the praise. “Snack?”

Just as I’m moving that way, a conversation between two women catches my attention. The pair are huddled close, but their voices carry on the wind. My name filters between them like a dirty secret. Presley is mentioned soon after. The brunette is scowling, the expression pinching her face. “I can’t believe she isn’t with them.” Her friend—a plastic-looking redhead—scoffs, disdain curling her upper lip. “How pathetic. She has him watching her kid. Is he trying to compensate for the real father being gay?”

“How long do you think this will last?” “I give them until Christmas.” “No way,” the brunette spits. “He’ll come to his senses by Thanksgiving.” The redhead quirks her brow. “Wanna bet?”

No wonder Presley thinks people in this town are plotting against her. These women are vicious. If they’re not bothering to hide t...

“One sec, Archie. I need to ask these two a question.” Then I’m striding toward them with purpose. With each foot I erase between us, their eyes expand to saucers. “Do you ladies have something you’d like to share with us gents?” They flounder like fish out of shallow waters. The brunette finds her voice first. “Uh, no. We just think it’s… cute how you’re b...

Archie rests his chin on my head. “Uh-huh, yeah. I’m wit Mase.” “But, uh,” the redhead stammers. “Chad is his father.” “And your point is?” The frustration in my tone is a harsh blow against their bold behavior. Her mouth snaps open and shut, unsure how to proceed. “You can’t be his dad?”

I spread my stance, the epitome of not backing down. “You’re saying I can’t step into the parenting role? He can’t have two fathers? Seems pretty ignorant to me.” “That’s not… uh,” the brunette fumbles. “Save it,” I clip. “As in don’t put our names in your mouths, especially if it’s only to fling insults.”

“I’m back in the game and off the market.” “Lucky girl.” I sigh, the sound dipped in satisfaction. “He’s pretty hot, huh?” His lips smack. “My mouth literally waters whenever I think about what he’s packing down below.” “Eww, quit picturing my boyfriend naked.”

Chad wags his brows. “Too late. If you ever want more sausage in your bedroom meal combo, please don’t hesitate to call me.” I choke on my spit. That visual is wrong on too many levels. “Knock it off. That’s just… no. Please hold while my brain scrubs the image from memory.” He grunts. “Now who’s being dramatic?”

“This conversation took a sordid turn. We were making real progress.” “Until you got us off track.” “Fine,” I relent and shoulder the blame for this so-called detour. “Are you feeling better about our situation?” “Mostly. Archie is already very attached to Mason. That’s what worries me most.”

Archie is barreling toward us at what must be a record pace for his toddler legs. He crashes into his dad without making any attempt to brake. “I gots lotsa goodies!” Presley arrives an instant later, huffing slightly with the exertion it took to match her son’s speed. She hefts his pillowcase up for us to see. The bulging sack is almost overflowing. “They topped us off. We’re done.” “Uh-huh, I wanna eat candy. Right now!” He stomps his foot for emphasis.

“You have a huge haul, buddy. Are you going to share with us?” Archer tips his head to the side. “I fink ‘bout it.”

Presley boops his nose. “Only a few pieces tonight. It’s almost bedtime.” He peeks in the pillowcase she’s still holding. “King sizes.” Chad snags Archie’s hand, swinging their joined palms. “I’ll be the judge ...

“Big boy, not baby. I went on potty.” “That’s true. But I haven’t seen you do it.” Chad winks at him. Archie narrows his eyes. “I fink...

“What a picture we make. My son, gay baby daddy, and on-again boyfriend all in a row.” I laugh at that description, true as it might be. “Someone better capture the shot...

“You okay?” “Outstanding,” I correct. “Oh, that’s fancy.” “It’s fitting for the event.” The edge of her mouth twitches. “Trick-or-treating?” “Being included.”

“You love my mama?” I recall him asking this when we first met. My answer will never change. “I sure do.” “And you love me?” “Lots and lots.” “How ‘bout my daddy?” I glance at Chad, who’s waiting expectantly with wiggling brows. “He’s growing on me.” Archie squints as if trying to decipher my meaning. “Kay. Let’s eat more candy.”

“Can I eat you for breakfast, Pep?” “You already had me for dessert,” I remind him. “Several servings.” “Will you deny me?” His fingers continue strumming my arousal. My head thumps his chest as I surrender. “Never.”

“Ride my face, Pep.” I’m all too eager to comply, already rocking my hips. My head knocks against the tiles with a jerky nod. “Yes, please.” His responding groan is decadence coiled in filthy intentions. “That’s my girl.”

“You didn’t listen.” I dab at the corner of my lips, only to have the spray launch a cleaning cycle at me. “Does that make me a bad girl?” The untamed beast ebbs sightly while he digests my words. “Do you want to be?” “For you,”

“Please,” I beg. “I need you. Harder.” He digs his fingers into my ass, smacking us tighter together. “How can I resist such pretty words?” “You don’t.” My lashes flutter as the heat becomes unbearable. “I don’t,” he agrees.

“Nope,” she clips and wags a finger. “Turn that frown upside down, champ. We’re done wallowing over the past. The present is where we live and thrive and look ahead to our glorious future.”

Archer makes kissy noises from his VIP seating. “Mase loves Mama.”

“You two are so stinking cute.” He narrows his eyes while crooking a finger at me. “You mispronounced manly.”

“So confident,” I murmur. “About us?” He wraps one arm around my legs. The other sandwiches Archie in the middle. “There’s never been a doubt.”

“How can it not matter? They’re considering you for an NFL coaching position. That’s huge.” “I don’t want it.” “But your career—” “I don’t care about my career.” She peeks at me from moist eyes. “How can you say that?”

“I was very honest with my ex-agent. He’s probably fielding calls to keep his hope alive, but there is no amount of money they could possibly offer for me to leave you.” “What?” Shock is a smoky fog billowing from her. “I don’t want the job.”

“Why not? It’s your dream.” “You’re my dream, Pep. You and Archie.” I allow a small grin to crack through the murky skies. “Maybe we’ll even add to our family one day.” She returns my smile, the pressure in my chest nearly ceasing to exist. “I want that too. That doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your career. We can make this work long distance.”

“Okay. I’m going to be selfish,” she blurts. She shakes her fingers loose from my grip, only to fist my shirt and haul me in. “Yeah?” “Stay with us.” The plea in her tone is still too heavy with conflict for my liking. “That’s my plan. Indefinitely.” I’ll repeat it until we’re old and gray if necessary. “Really?” “What is it you think I need to be satisfied, Pep?” “If I knew the answer, you wouldn’t be asking it.”

The solution is burning a hole in my pocket. I practically rip the velvet box free from its hiding spot. Presley watches my movements without blinking. I’m certain there’s cautious optimism floating in the atmosphere. Maybe that’s just the playlist reverberating in my mind. Her lashes begin to flutter, framing the surprise with sheer wonder. “What are you doing?” “Something I can’t stop thinking about. Something I should’ve done years ago.” I lower to one knee, snatching her left hand on my descent. “Making you mine. Completely and officially and for always.”

“Should I wait for Archie? In all honesty, I planned for him to be present. But this just feels more like our style. In the moment.” She seems to consider that, her bottom lip clamped between her teeth. Then her head gives a wild toss. “No, it’s okay. He’s probably too young to understand the significance. We’ll do a mock performance for him later.”

“We’re doing it right this time. No more leaving or separating or sacrificing.” I slap the tattoo that’s hidden beneath my shirt. “It’s always been you for me, Pep. You’re the only score that matters. My touchdown pass to win the game. Every single one. I love you.”

“Will you marry me, Presley Drake?” “Yes!” she squeals. “Yes, yes, yes!”

“It’s our anniversary.” I do a quick mental calculation, but my numbers are way off. “Huh?” Mason nuzzles into the crook of my neck. “Our first official date as a couple, Pep.” My body melts into his with the consistency of sentimental mush. “Oh, Ten. How do you remember that?” “How could I forget?”

“Too bad I was a day early with the proposal.” I scoff. “This just gives us another date to celebrate.” “Each day with you is one to honor.”

“Why are you so freaking romantic?” “Because I have you.” I twist to face him, palm cradling his scruffy cheek. “You and that thoughtful, panty-melting mouth.” “What a fan-fucking-tastic combo.” Mason lifts my chin with a bent knuckle, claiming a kiss to stoke the internal flames. “It’s landed me in a very sweet spot with you.” “Since the beginning.” My breath mi...

“Remember when I won that plastic ring for you at the arcade?” He fiddles with the sapphire and diamonds glittering on my finger. “You acted like it was worth millions.” A giggle puffs from me. The bubble-gum token was gaudy and didn’t fit. That didn’t stop me from wearing it on a chain around my neck. “I still h...

That was a legit purchase from a jewelry store at the mall. Pretty sure it cost him several paychecks. I’m still bitter about the discrepancy in how much we spent on each other after setting a price cap. After he raved about the scrapbook I made for a week straight, th...

“You never forget your first. But I’ve saved them all. Couldn’t part with the treasures you bestowed upon me.” “Damn, Pep. I thought you make a living tossing out clutter.” I lightly punch his arm. “Nothing you buy me is junk. Every piece is precious, even the plastic ring with all the gold paint flaked off.” “It’s pr...

Mason stills beneath me. “Interesting you should mention that.” “Oh?” My stomach flutters into a whirlwind. His hand drifts along my thigh, adding gentle pressure with each pass. “I was thinking we could add to our te...

“This might seem crazy,” Mason warns while threading our icy fingers together. “What’s the likelihood you’d be interested in getting a puppy?”

“Did we buy everything she needs? Are we ready? This is a huge commitment.” “So is agreeing to marry me. You said yes faster than I could slip the ring on your finger.” She sends me a flat stare. “That’s different.” “You’re right. The dog will be harder to deny. Far more irresistible too.”

“We’re already potty training a toddler. The dog can join in without a hitch. Maybe that will be a motivator for Archie. We could make it a competition.” “I’m not sure they make a sticker chart for that.”

Presley peeks over at me. “I hope you’re ready, champ. Puppies are worse than infants. They’re rambunctious and don’t sleep. Worse, we can’t just strap a diaper on and let them free.” “I wouldn’t know.” The somber notes radiate around us. She rests her head on my shoulder. “You will.” “Soon?” Her eyes find mine after she shifts upright. “Oh, now you want to discuss babies?” “When have I not wanted to?” “I thought you were referring to a baby when you brought up the puppy last week.” “She’s the gateway to get you agreeable, and to keep Archer busy. That will allow us to stay busy, if you know what I mean.”

“Incorrigible.” But there’s no hiding the smile tilting her pouty mouth. “For you? Absolutely. I can think of little else than seeing you round with my baby.”

“Oh, Mason Braxter. When will you understand I’ve been ready for the whole shebang since I was thirteen.” I chuckle. “We might’ve caused a serious stir getting started at that age.” “You know what I mean.” There’s no doubt her eyes are rolling with that statement. “I do, and I feel the same.” I pepper her cheek with kisses. “So, we’ll start trying?” “Once I visit the doctor, we’ll be good to go.”

“Hi, Teddy. Love you.” Archie’s chirpy voice draws us back to reality. His tiny fingers are combing through the doggie’s thick fur. “So soft.” Presley’s gaze shifts off me and lowers to him. “Teddy? That’s a cute name.”

“Uh-huh. Dis Teddy. My pup-pup.” I pull all three of them against me in a move that’s becoming a signature. “It’s settled. Welcome to the family, Teddy.”