Always (Always & Forever 1)

Sophia stopped by regularly, checking on everyone's progress, but she allowed them the time they needed to connect as a family as well. For Kane, the parental bonds formed immediately. He couldn't believe how much he already loved both babies, yet somehow every day that love grew to new and boundless proportions. Avery had been so right to do this for them, and Kane tried hard to show his appreciation.

He never held himself back anymore. No matter where they were, he invited Avery's touches and small caresses. For the first time in their long relationship, he even initiated some of them. Kane held a level of love for his newfound little family that he could barely contain. He'd never dreamed he would ever have any of this or be so completely fulfilled.

"Robert's asleep," Avery whispered. He sat rocking Robert while Kane sat next to him rocking Autumn. They had been home for a few hours and hadn't put either baby down since they'd arrived.

"So's Autumn," Kane whispered back, looking between both the babies and Avery. His whole world was right here inside this nursery.

"We should put them down," Avery whispered. He never took his eyes off Robert.

"I'm glad they're home." Neither made a moved to rise.

"Me too," Avery said, still rocking.

"They look like you, to me," Kane stated, now fully focused on Avery.

"You can't tell that," Avery replied.

"I can. Thank you for doing this for us," Kane confessed. Avery looked him straight in the eyes and slowly brought the rocker to a stop. There was such love in his eyes that Kane slowly rose from the rocking chair, carefully holding Autumn in his arms, and bent over to kiss Avery's upturned face.

"You're my always. I love you so much. I'd do anything to see you this happy," Avery whispered, and the warmth of Avery's words touched Kane's heart, making his smile grow sweeter.

"I'm glad I found you," Kane said quietly, stepping back as Avery stood.

"I think it was more like me finding you, handsome." For Kane, the sentimental memories were so strong; all he could do was stand there as they held their babies, thinking about their lives, their future, and his love for Avery.

"I can't imagine my life without you," Kane proclaimed sweetly.

"Good. I don't want you to. Come on, we need sleep. They'll be awake in a few hours to eat." Avery was the first to turn away. He carefully placed Robert in his crib and went to Autumn's baby bed to whisper a silent goodnight to her. Kane felt strong hands gently pulling him away. Avery wrapped an arm around Kane's waist and guided him from the room. They didn't shut the door. The nursery was right across the hall from their bedroom and Kane had made sure the monitors were on as they quietly made their way out.

"Now that they're home, you need to sleep when they sleep. I've been worried about you," Avery said as he began to disrobe.

"I can sleep later. They're only little once," Kane stated as he undressed quickly. His suitcase was on his side of the closet, still packed, and he ignored it as a yawn slipped out. He tossed his robe on the end of the bed and set the alarm for the feeding before he slid between the sheets.

"Did you check the monitor to see if it's on?" Kane asked, flipping off the light of the lamp on his nightstand. Avery met Kane in the center of the bed. The spot they normally shared. Kane had on his pajama bottoms, Avery wore nothing, and Kane's eyes connected with his.

They had made love every single night until the babies were born. How had he already forgotten their routine? They really hadn't had alone time while they stayed in the hospital. Kane had followed the same schedule as the babies, back down in the nursery every two hours for their feedings. Too many people were in and out, and he knew Avery didn't count quickies or blow jobs as proper alone time.

"It's on. You checked it a hundred times already, remember? And I checked it too. Have you thought any more about a nanny?" Avery asked. Kane saw him look up to check the monitor, so did Kane. The red flashing light gave him all the reassurance he needed. He leaned in and kissed his husband on the lips and wrapped him tighter in his arms.

"Not yet. I know we'll need one soon. The restaurant won't keep running itself, but not yet. Let's take care of them by ourselves a little while longer," Kane said, pushing his pajama bottoms down.

"We should still start accepting applications. If I know you, it'll take us interviewing about two hundred people before you decide on one." Kane didn't deny it, Avery was probably right. He felt sure Paulie would be in on the interviewing too. He had a keen sense and could pick up a fake with just a glance. Kane kicked his pants down to the end of the bed and spread his legs in a blatant invitation. Avery never missed much, thank heaven. Kane smiled to himself, relishing the feel of Avery's weight as he settled in on top of him. "What are they going to call us?"

"Dad?" Kane questioned. They'd had this conversation before, never really deciding anything for certain.

"We both can't be dad." Avery chuckled. Kane pressed against his warm firm lips, but when he tried to deepen the kiss, Avery pulled back. "Father's too formal for either of us, don't you think? How about Dad and Daddy?" Avery asked, anchoring his elbows under Kane's shoulder, keeping distance between them.

"Will it confuse them?" Kane asked

"I don't think so. I want you to be their Daddy." Avery smiled at him and he nodded. For some reason, this was an emotional decision. He'd called his father Daddy when he was a child and always envisioned his children using that word with him.

"Then it's settled. I'm truly happier than I've ever been in my entire life. I need you to make love to me tonight, Avery." He held Avery's gaze with his, fighting the emotion running through him.