Page 29 of Master Daddy

Mrs. Peplinska places a gentle hand on my arm. “Take a minute before you reply, Luke. Don’t let old ghosts rush you. Think about what’s best for you right now. You’ve built a good life here. Don’t let him shake that unless you’re sure it’s worth it.”

I nod, swallowing hard.

“You’re right. I’ll think about it.” I hug Mrs. Peplinska quickly, clock out, and head out the back door toward my car. The drive to Milo and Connor’s cabin is quick when you know the shortcuts like I do, but my mind is spinning the whole way.

Mason’s face keeps flashing in my head—his stern but caring eyes, the way he makes me feel safe and strong.

Why is Patrick popping up now, just when things are finally feeling good?

By the time I pull up to the cute log cabin nestled in the trees, I’ve pushed the message to the back of my mind. Or at least tried to.

Milo throws open the door before I can even knock, already in a bright purple romper with little star prints, his hair all messy like he’s been rolling around.

“You’re here!” Milo squeals, pulling me into a hug. “Taron’s already inside setting up the fort. Hurry, we’re fighting intergalactic invaders today!”

I laugh and let him drag me in. Taron is on the floor in a pink romper, surrounded by stuffies and blankets turned into a massive pillow fort. He waves a foam sword dramatically. “Captain Luke! We need your super strength!”

Within minutes I’ve changed into the spare romper Milo keeps for me—soft yellow with rainbow stripes—and we’re deep in Little Space.

The living room is a battlefield.

We zoom around with our stuffies, blasting imaginary aliens with juice-box lasers and dramatic sound effects. Popcorn flies everywhere as we dive behind the couch for cover. Candy wrappers litter the coffee table. The pop music playlist is turned way up: bouncy, silly songs that make us dance between battles.

“Take that, evil Zorgon!” I yell, swinging Buster the stuffie like a mighty hammer. Taron and Milo collapse in giggles, their stuffies joining the fray.

We’re in full Little headspace, carefree and wild, when Connor’s head pops around the corner from his home office. He looks mildly grumpy, eyebrows furrowed. “Boys! The music is shaking the walls. Turn it down a notch before the damn mountain lions over on Mighty Pine Point think we’re under attack for real.”

Milo gives Connor his best innocent pout. “But Daddy, we’re saving the galaxy!”

Connor’s stern look softens instantly at the Daddy. He sighs, fighting a smile. “Volume down. And save me some popcorn.”

Connor disappears again, but not before we hear him chuckle.

The three of us burst into fresh giggles and turn the music down—just a little. The playdate stays magical: more superhero battles, juice boxes with silly straws, coloring pages of brave princely warriors, and lots of cuddles with our stuffies when the invaders get too scary.

But as the afternoon winds down and we start tidying up, the real world creeps back in. I sink onto the couch between my friends, hugging a pillow to my chest.

“So… I got a weird text today,” I say quietly. “From Patrick.”

Both their heads snap toward me.

“City Patrick?” Taron asks, eyes wide.

I nod and tell them everything: the message, the make things right line, how it’s stirring up old feelings.

“He was such an asshole,” I say, grimacing at the memory. “Charming on the surface, but he made me feel like I was never enough. Part of me wants to tell him to get lost. But Mrs. Peplinska said I should think about it… and maybe ending things properly could give me closure?”

Milo leans in, resting his head on my shoulder. “It wouldn’t hurt to meet him for coffee in a public place. Just to hear him out. If he’s genuine, great. If he’s playing games, you walk away knowing you’re stronger now.”

Taron nods. “And you’ve got Mason. And us. You don’t have to do any of it alone. But facing old stuff can make room for the new good things.”

I chew my lip, still feeling conflicted. “Maybe you’re right. A quick coffee. Just to close the chapter. But it feels… weird. Like inviting trouble when things with Mason are finally getting really nice.”

They both hug me tight, reminding me I’m safe and loved.

By the time I leave Milo and Connor’s cabin, the sun is dipping low and my heart feels a little lighter, even if my mind is still tangled.

I text Mason on the drive home, keeping it simple and happy…