Page 30 of Leading the Blind
“Babies.”
“Bax!” Jason laughed, though, and he didn’t elaborate, because it was true. They were baby-shaped. Babies all looked like soft old men without the wrinkles. It was weird.
AJ came out with a grin. “Y’all rock. Thank you for watching them.”
“Hey, no problem. Not like they could crawl away.”
Bax chuckled at Jason’s words.
“Soon. So damn soon.” AJ sighed. “They might not be able to say what they need, but man, they’re not mobile. So much easier.”
“You have to be used to it now, though. Right?”
“Practiced, yeah. Used to? No. The new ones always have something to teach you, I promise.”
“Huh. Like dogs or horses?” Bax could see that. All baby animals had to be the same, right?
“Andy Baxter, my babies are not like horses.” Missy’s lips were tight, and she was glaring, but he thought she was playing.
“Oh, I dunno. They get to where they run around like foals eventually.” He winked at her through the gloom.
“Butthead men. Thanks for watching the babies, Jase. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime, Missy. They just sat there.”
“Still did me a world of good. You two hanging out until Fearless returns with the tacos?”
“We’re gonna go to the house and rest. I need a shower.” Jase stood, sounding sure as shit.
Bax rose as well. “Thanks for letting us stay, huh?”
Missy snorted and waved them off while AJ chuckled. “See you tomorrow.”
Jason knew the way, picking along steadily, and no one would know in the half-light that he wasn’t just being careful not to trip.
Pride swelled in Bax’s chest. Jason was a freakin’ miracle. He really was.
“So…you really want a nap?” he asked.
“Nope.”
“A shower?” Bax needed a roadmap here.
“Mmhmm.” Oh. Oh, okay. That was a hungry little sound…
Shower together then. With benefits.Woohoo.
He stepped a little closer, wanting to see the half smile he knew was on Mini’s face. “I might be a little dirty myself.”
“Only a little?”
“Well, you know, how are you gonna see the dirt?” Bax looped an arm around that lean waist.
“I’m willing to scrub you down, check you out, up close.”
“Maybe make sure I smell good?” God, he loved this game.
“Make sure you taste right.”
