New Year, New Beginnings

~~~~~~~~Ethan's POV~~~~~~~

The last few days have been something I never would have imagined. Mom took very quickly to treating me like she used to when I was little, even going so far as to switch off with Daddy feeding me. Daddy offered to help her buy a highchair for me for when I next visit, which Mom tried to turn down, not wanting to be a burden, but relented when Daddy insisted. Only a day later I was being fed in a highchair and I was playing in a playpen, which couldn't have made me feel happier or more little. It made me wonder if this is how Jay feels at home in his nursery, making me a little jealous of him for having one while I have a crummy dorm room.

The days passed and soon it was New Year's Eve and all three of us went over to Grandma and Grandpa's for their family party. Getting into the car, Daddy put me in a new car seat he'd bought along with the playpen and highchair, which made my mom coo at how cute I looked in it with my paci and Chompy. After we arrived, Daddy carried me inside on his hip, with me sucking on my new paci and cuddling into his shoulder.

"There's my little man!" Grandma yells, running over and giving us a hug, squishing me between her and Daddy.

"Gamma, skish" I say with a chuckle.

"Aww, sorry baby" she says, giving my cheek a light pinch.

"Hello Alice" Mom says, smiling at Grandma.

"Hi Justine. I see you got our little man the paci I showed you" Grandma says, shocking both Daddy and I.

"Wait, you two know each other?" Daddy asks the question that's on both of our minds.

"Oh yes sweetie, Justine and I were friends in highschool!" Grandma says, making both Daddy and I's jaws drop.

"We reconnected after bumping into each other at...oh what was the name of that store? LittleDayz!" Mom said with a smile. "Imagine our surprise when we got to talking and realized who each other's son was."

"Your Mommy wasn't very sure what she should get you for Christmas so I helped her pick out some of the things Marcus mentioned you wanted" Grandma said, kissing my forehead.

Tears started to form in my eyes as I reached out and hugged her, mom coming over and joining her in hugging me.

"I wuvs chu guys so much!" I said.

"We love you too, honeybunch" mom said as she kissed the top of my head.

"So I guess we really are one big happy family now, huh?" Daddy laughed, joined by everyone else.

"I'm even joining the family business" mom chuckled. "Alice offered me a job."

"For real!?" Daddy exclaimed "Mom, that's awesome!"

"Was da famwy business?" I asked a little confused.

"Oh, Grandpa and Uncle Rich own a tech repair business. I'm their new secretary" Mom says with a smile. "But enough about business affairs, show Grandma and Grandpa your adorable little outfit!"

We all stood around with the adults fussing over how cute I looked in my dino hoodie and overalls until Jay and Liz arrived followed by Liz's sister, Jen and her little girl Tara with the three of us running off to play on the swing set in the back yard as the adults started grilling and chatting. Soon enough night fell and Daddy, Liz, and Jen started shooting off fireworks as Jay, Tara, and I watch in amazement, even getting to play with sparklers. The night ran on and soon it came time to welcome the new year with both Jay and Tara running to their mommies as Daddy picked me up, sitting me in his lap.

"Ethan baby, can I talk to you about something?" Daddy asked with a hit of seriousness in his voice, making me feel a little nervous.

"Wh-what is it Daddy?" I asked, looking at him as he sat me facing him.

"I've been thinking for the past couple of weeks since we've been away from school, and how much I've enjoyed seeing you let loose and enjoy your little side with no restraint since your mom found out....and I've been wondering.... instead of going back to the dorm next semester.... maybe we could get a house?" he said, looking me in the eyes.

Excitement started flowing through me as his words left his mouth, making me bounce in his lap. "D-does that me I can has nursery?" I asked.

Daddy just chuckled, kissing my forehead "We reading Daddy's mind now, my little Etha-saur?" He said, making me giggle. "So, is that a yes, baby?"

"Yes yes yes yes! Infinity times yes!" I exclaimed, wrapping my arms around him tightly.

As I hugged Daddy, I snuggled into his shoulder while Grandma and Grandpa started counting down to the new year. As they screamed Happy New Year I looked up at Daddy, feeling so loved that I didn't even think and just leaned in, kissing him on the lips. After a few seconds I pulled back in shock at what I'd just done.

"M-Marcus I'm sorry, I didn't mean t-" I started to say before I was cut off with him leaning in, kissing me in return, holding me tight and rubbing back for a minute before pulling away.

"I've been waiting for you to make the first move Ethan" he said as he stared me in the eyes. "I love you."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I smiled back at him. "I love you too, Daddy!"