D R A Y T O N
"Drayton."
I looked over my shoulder at Dallas who was standing at the living room threshold in her cute little winter coat and snow boots. My wife was a damn main dish served with hot sauce. Whatever the fûck that means. But I think I made my point. I raised a brow and flung an arm over the back of the couch while I waited for her to question me.
"Where's Lucas?"
"Who's Lucas?"
She narrowed her glare. "The small blonde six year old that's ten percent me and ninety percent you."
"Never heard of him."
She circled the sofa and picked up the remote beside me, switching off the game that I was watching. I was just home for Christmas and we were due to head out to Colorado in a few hours for a snow weekend with the kids and their grandparents. Still, I threw my hands up when she stared expectantly.
"I sent him to the bathroom to brush his teeth and comb his hair and he's disappeared." She let her gaze drift over the brightly decorated living room. The tall deep rich bookshelves littered with ornaments. The thick white curtains pinned with floating Santas. The white suede armchairs with red and gold throw pillows. Anywhere that a small child might be able to hide.
"I truly have no idea who you're talking about."
"Oh okay," she folded her arms and gave me a smug look. "How about Abby. Know where she is?"
"Is that some sort of sick joke?"
She rolled her eyes. "Come on. This game is funny when we don't have a flight to get sorted for. Where are our kids?"
I stood up, fast, and stared down at her. "We have kids?!"
"Drayton!"
Her pout was adorable. Fierce but beautiful. There were several reasons that I hoped the kids kept playing hide and seek. Three of those reasons were Abby, Lucas and Max. But the other reason was that I had my wife alone and time to ourselves was becoming rarer and rarer.
"I dunno what to tell you, Cheer," I slid a hand around her waist and pulled her in. "If you want a couple kids, we can go and get started right now."
She shook her head with amusement and I felt her smile as I kissed her lips. I'd probably be a terrible father if I left the kids in the television cabinet while I took Dallas upstairs and made good on the promise of putting a baby in her. I did tell my three little demons that they only had to be quiet for five minutes while mommy looked for them.
Would they notice if they were hiding for another fifteen? Na. Children had no concept of time.
"Ugh," I groaned and stepped back when I felt myself getting hard. Of course I couldn't leave those little derps in the cabinet. "They're in the television cabinet," I whispered to Dallas who whipped around in surprise. "Hiding."
She tip toed across the carpet and held onto the cabinet doors. It wasn't a tight fit for the three of them. The cabinet was fucking huge. They could all sit comfortably. Next time I wanted to smoosh Dallas, I'd stuff them in there, give them a blanket and some snacks and tell them to sit tight for half n hour. Kids love hiding in small spaces. It's like an alternate world.
As soon as Dallas ripped the cabinet doors open, she roared and the three of them squealed and burst into laughter. "Lucas," she reached for our son but he slipped under her arm and made a run for it. "I said brush your teeth! Now!"
He didn't make it far before I stepped in front of him and picked him up, tossing him across my shoulder. He laughed, loud and wild. "Dad!"
"Are you going to brush your teeth?"
"No!"
I watched Dallas helping Max and Abby out of the cabinet. The three of them were giggling and Dallas fluffed around with Abby's coat buttons. She was dressed like a little snow angel in white cashmere that was more expensive than a small child required. But whatever.
"Bro if you don't brush your teeth, you'll have stank breath and no girls will wanna kiss you."
"Dad," Lucas laughed as I jumped up and down with him still over my shoulder.
"And your teeth will fall out and you'll look gross."
"Okay okay I'll brush my teeth old man."
I put him down on the ground and pointed at the stair case. "Go and brush."
"Brush your butt old man!"
I stared at him as he laughed so hard that he almost couldn't walk upstairs. Kid insults were so stupid that I couldn't help but be amused. I turned back around to find Max standing in front of me. He gave me a wide smile and pointed at his mouth. He was missing his two front teeth. The first one out of the three to have a visit from the tooth fairy.
"I brushed Dad! Even my gums because the dentist said gums need cleaning too."
I held out a palm for him to slap. "You're the man, Max. You wanna go and throw your suitcase down the stairs? I'll put it in the car."
"Okay, Dad!" He shouted as he ran around me. He'd barely hit the top floor when I heard him and Lucas bickering over who was going to throw their suitcase down the stairs first. Lucas couldn't help but be competitive about every single damn thing that went on in this house.
Dallas had stood up and fixed Abby's beanie on her head. My little girl was so much like her mother. Beautiful. Too beautiful. It literally terrified me because when I looked at her, I knew that I would kill anyone who ever hurt her. And that wasn't just a fatherly threat. I'd legit serve time for that girl. Nothing had ever been more important to me. I never thought that I could love someone more than I loved Dallas. But I was wrong. Loving my children was so intense that it scared me.
It was a vulnerability like I'd never felt. I would do anything to keep them safe. All of them. But she was my little girl and I'd do whatever she needed. Even if that required hiding a body where no one would ever find it.
"Daddy," Abby skipped towards me and smiled. "When we go to the snow, can we please build an Olaf. Like in the Elsa movie? And can we please have a pet reindeer?"
I looked at Dallas behind her. "Can we? Do you think a reindeer would survive Texas heat?"
She narrowed her stare and looked outright confused. "We're not getting a pet reindeer."
"Killjoy," I scoffed and scooped Abby up. She gave me that big wide eyed stare, pleading that I take her side. As much as I wanted to give her whatever she wanted, I knew that I wouldn't go against Dallas. Team work and a unified front. All of that. Not to mention it was a fucking reindeer. Bit out there. So I bopped Abby on the nose and kissed her cheek. "How about we visit the reindeer? Might be able to give them some carrots. A sleigh ride if Santa is about?"
"Santa?!" She squealed as I carried her upstairs.
"He might be visiting. It is almost Christmas."
"Yes. Yes. Yes. I want to visit Santa and his reindeer!"
I smiled at her and hoped that the big red dude would be around. He had been in the past but who knew. We reached the top floor, the banisters were wrapped with tinsel and a second Christmas tree stood tall in the corner of the wide corridor. Lucas and Max were still arguing over their damn bags. So I stood in front of the stair case and used my foot to push both of the duffel bags and watched them slide down to the foyer.
"See what happens when you argue?" I said and set Abby down. "You both missed out. Abby, wanna push your bag down the stair case?"
She looked up at me and shook her head. "No. I packed my piggy bank. It might break."
"Why'd you pack your piggy bank, princess?"
"Because when we went to the snow last time, there was a box with music at the dinner place and you and mommy put coins in it and picked a song. I want to pick an Elsa song. So I packed my coins."
"There's no Elsa songs on the music box," Max said informatively.
Lucas smacked him in the arm. "There might be!"
"Quit it," I clapped, loud enough that they both startled. "Go and find your mother and tell her you love her or something productive."
"I'm going to tell her I love her first!" Lucas shouted and started running downstairs with Max in hot pursuit. I sighed and turned back to the angel in front of me.
"Is there no Elsa music on the box?" She queried.
I crouched down and started unzipping her bag. "There might not be, princess. But you can bring your iPod and listen to all the Elsa that you want." I found her pink piggy bank and handed it to her, the coins chimed inside the ceramic pig. "Leave that here so it's safe, alright? If you want to spend any money in Vail, you can pay me back when we get home."
"Okay daddy," she spun around on her heel and ran down the corridor to her bedroom. I watched her and felt my heart expand a little bit more. It did that a lot. I was surprised that it still fit inside of my chest. I turned around to the sound of Dallas walking up the staircase and noticed the exasperated look on her face.
"Those boys," she pointed behind her. "Are exhausting and I have to wonder where Lucas gets those creative insults from."
"Who was the one who said that I was as dense as my cock at the sight of a round ass the other morning when I left the milk on the bench all night. Oh that's right. My wife."
She laughed. "I did not say that in front of the children thank you very much."
"You were wrong too," I gripped her hand and pulled her into me. "Yours is the only ass that gets me going. Ever."
She rested her hands on my shoulders and nodded as if she wasn't convinced at all. "Mhmm."
"Mhmm," I murmured, mimicking her as I leaned in and kissed her neck. She tipped her head to the side to allow me access and I felt goosebumps forming under my lips. "I can prove it. I'll put my dense cock right in that a--
"Daddy."
"Sheesus," I spun around and saw Abby running towards me with her iPod. She grinned and dropped it into her bag. Dallas stood beside me and pursed her lips, hiding a grin while I tugged my coat down and hid something else. "Awesome. Thanks princess. Go and get in the car for me."
She nodded and twinkle toed her way down the staircase.
"Cock blockers," I muttered and slapped Dallas on the ass. "To be continued. Mom and Dad can have the broken condoms for the night."
"Drayton," she slapped me in the chest. "They were not broken condoms. Two of those cock blockers were really fucking expensive if you might recall."
We arrived at the Arrabelle in Lionshead Village, Vail, Colorado at four in the afternoon. It was becoming one of our favorite winter destinations. The Arrabelle was an incredible resort that had a timeless vibe. Enormous with peaked roofs and snow covering the awnings. The mountains created a backdrop and dusted pine trees lined the horizon. We dropped our rental SUV off with the valet and shuffled the kids into the resort reception. It was warm. A fire place crackled. Suede sofas. Stone tile floors and mountain inspired decor. But it was modern and well lit with huge chandeliers and big mirrors and rich wood fixtures.
Mom and dad were sitting on a sofa in front of the fire and looked up when the kids bellowed out for them.
"Grandma, grandpa!" They cried and ran forward, hurling themselves at my artifact parents. Na. Good thing they were still pretty young. Any older and my beast children would have snapped a few ribs at the force they put behind their hugs.
Greetings and hugs commenced. Dad smiled and slapped me on the shoulder after he'd leaned back. "How's it going son? Doing well this season. We've been watching."
"Thanks, Dad," I nodded and couldn't help but feel a little validated. He leaned down when Abby was freed from my mother blubbering over how gorgeous she was.
"Hello cutie," Dad picked her up and rested her on his hip. "How's school?"
"It's okay. A bit boring."
"Grandpa!" Lucas shouted. He was always shouting. He never spoke in a reasonable tone. Who knew where that came from. "Can we play some football while we're here?!"
"Of course," Dad ruffled his hair. "You too, Max?"
Max turned around from where he was telling mom a story and nodded. Max always joined in. He was on the team at school and told me all about his plan to join the NFL when he was a grown up. He and Lucas planned on being just like Dad. But one day Max would tell me that it wasn't for him and that would be fine. I could already tell that it was neither here nor there for him. As long as he chose to play it, I'd enjoy it while it lasted.
"Mr and Mrs Lahey."
I turned around and found a man with an immaculate comb over and a crisp suit on standing behind us. He was holding a room card and itinerary. "That's Mr and Mrs Lahey," I pointed at mom and dad. "Just Drayton and Dallas will do. How's it going."
"Fine thank you sir," he handed me items that he'd been clutching and smiled at the kids. "We have the Harrington Suite arranged for you. We've confirmed no wake up call. A breakfast for the children to be delivered at eight and another breakfast at ten. And as requested the children will be collected and escorted to the kids program that is being run the day after tomorrow."
"Good stuff," I nodded, satisfied that what we'd asked for was set in place. Dallas handed him a generous tip and I shook his hand. "Just one adjustment to be made. Have the kids breakfast dropped off to their room tomorrow morning," I pointed at mom and dad. "They're having the kids tonight."
"We are?" Dad said.
Mom clapped her hands. "Of course we are!"
I knew that she'd be excited.
Kennith, the man's name tag read, nodded. "Of course. We'll make a note of that. Your belongings have just been delivered to your room."
He left us alone and we started our way towards the elevator. Mom and dad had checked into their room already. It was on the floor below us. So we let them know that we'd settle in, get the kids sorted for dinner and meet them at the resort restaurant. Tomorrow we could go and explore the village. It was beautiful. A pedestrian village with entertainment and boutiques and tivolli lights lining the streets. Dallas called it enchanting and dragged me around all three villages in Vail whenever we came.
Our suite was incredible. Huge. There were two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and bathroom. It was more like an apartment. Everything was earth tones. The kitchen was wooden with state of the art appliances and a view of the ski range. The carpet was white. Huge, tan couches encircled a coffee table and a sixty inch flat screen. The bathroom was textured tiles, big mirrors, a walk in shower the size of a small room with glass walls. I'd be having a good time in there later.
The main bedroom followed the same theme. Wood, sort of a cabin feel with a California king bed and french doors that opened onto a wrap around patio. The kids bedroom was decked out with bunk beds that looked like they had been made out of tree trunks. It was rustic and looked good with the white linen. The in there view was priceless too. We had this same suite whenever we came and it was well worth the price of it.
We bathed the kids and dressed them in thermal long sleeves and sweat pants. Dallas wore a snug pair of jeans and a big turtle neck. Her blonde locks were pulled into a high bun. She was the most beautiful woman that I'd ever seen. I went with joggers and a long sleeve v neck. The resort was warm but it wasn't shorts and a t-shirt warm. Mom and Dad were seated and waiting when we got down to the restaurant. It smelled good and I was keen for a good meal.
The kids ate nuggets and chips and the classic kids menu stuff. But it wasn't long before they wanted to run over to the kids corner. Corner wasn't the right word for it. It was a large gated space littered with toys and books. There was a slide and ride along cars. So we let them go and told them to behave while we sat and had a hot drink with mom and dad. Our plates were cleared and we had a chat about the season and Dallas' work. Boring shit that I had zero interest in because I knew that mom and dad were looking after the kids tonight and I wanted to get back to our room. As soon as possible.
"So seen as we don't get you for Christmas day," mom said. "What are your plans?"
"Nathan and Spencer are coming to Texas," Dallas smiled. I knew that she was excited to see her brother and best friend.
"How's Grayson?" Dad asked.
Dallas ran her finger around the rim of her cup and muttered, "probably balls deep in someones mom."
I ignored her. "Good. Working. The usual. I'm going to spend a night over at his place before we head home. Catch up and that sort of thing."
Mom nodded and dad started asking something else as I glanced over to check on the kids. Good timing too because I spotted two little girls standing over Abby. She looked incredibly intimidated and I straightened up and tuned in. Dallas must have noticed because she did the same thing.
"I had it first," Abby mumbled, looking at the doll in one of the girls hands. "Please can I have it back?"
"No," the other one, a girl with a black bob snapped.
"Your boots are so ugly," the little doll snatcher teased. "And they don't make you taller. You look like a baby."
The black bob bitch laughed. "Look at her ugly hair."
"Babe," I whispered to Dallas with desperation. "I'm about to kick those little cunts so hard they end up back in LA where they obviously came from."
She looked at me and recoiled. "I'm not going to stop you. Go and do it before I shiv them and their parents."
I was about to march over there and intervene. It was likely that I wouldn't really physically assault two small girls, as much as I wanted to, but it turned out that I wasn't needed at all. Lucas came out of nowhere. He'd probably been close but I wasn't focused on much else apart from my daughter tearing up so when I saw his small fist fly towards black bob and crack her right in the nose, I froze. I felt Dallas grip my arm but I continued watching as he kicked doll snatcher so hard in the shin that she curled over and wailed.
"Shut up you mean uglies. Don't ever be mean to my sister."
Max sat on the floor and watched with a neutral expression. I finally looked at Dallas and saw how hard she was trying not to laugh. Suddenly she winced and I turned around to find two middle aged woman storming towards the scene. The hair, the lips, the strain on their botox as they frowned. These had to be the parents. Dallas and I got up and walked towards the kids too. The little girls were bawling. A loud and hideous noise.
"Is this your son?!" One of the mothers pointed at Lucas, outraged. She wasn't even acknowledging the black bob sobbing and clawing at her legs.
"Don't even take that tone with us," Dallas picked Lucas up, I grabbed Abby and held Max's hand. "You can expect them to get a lot more smacks in the face if they keep being little shits. Teach them some respect."
I nodded. Dallas spun around and stormed towards the exit. Mom and Dad were at the bar sorting the bill and no doubt pretending that we weren't related.
When I looked back at the woman, she was scowling after my wife. So I looked at her with disappointment. "As far as grandparents go, you're not doing a great job."
Her mouth fell open and I couldn't help but ugly snort laugh as I turned around and left the restaurant. As epic as Lucas was, I'd have to have a serious chat with him about hitting girls when we got back to our suite.
Later that night, Dallas and I sat in our Jacuzzi. It was in the corner of the patio and overlooked the mountains of Vail. Specks of light illuminated the snow. Rooftops were powdered. Families and couples wandered around the resort grounds and teenagers were building snowmen. I think they were drinking too. But hey, at least they were outdoors.
Dallas was curled up beside me, my arm rested around her shoulder. The hot water kept us warm and the overhead heaters hanging from the patio roof made sure that our shoulders didn't freeze. We had some time to ourselves and I was so grateful for it. I kissed her head and she looked up, smiling.
"You're a good dad," she said. It was a bit out of nowhere and I chuckled.
"Where did that come from?"
"I was just thinking about it," she shrugged. "You're a great dad. The kids love you. You're good with them and firm but fair. A woman loves that you know. A man that knows how to be a good dad. It's the best."
"Well," I gripped her hips and pulled her through the water so that she was straddling my lap. "I have to keep up with my wife. She's a good mom."
She smiled. Wisps of her hair fell around her face and the steam from the water had curled them. Her cheeks were flushed red. Her eyes. The way that I could see her love in them, ugh, it made me insane. She was the world. Sitting right there in front of me. I held her face between my palms and brought her forward.
"I am crazy in love with you, Dallas Lahey."
She lifted her hands to the back of her neck and a moment later, her bikini top fell off. We had a private patio so we weren't at risk of being seen. Of course, it might not have mattered either way once her chest was exposed in front of me. She finished pulling it off and tossed it out of the hot tub. I swallowed and groaned when she ground her hips hard on top of mine.
"And I am crazy in love with you, Drayton Lahey."
The time for talking was long over. I pushed our mouths together and kissed my wife, hard.
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I hope you enjoyed this catch up with our Lahey fam ! I might do more of these chapters if I get some more pre order screenshots 😋 to pre order The QB Bad Boy and Me, go to my website, the link is in my bio and pick your store. They're all on the homepage. All of the support means so much to me. I love you.