Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 10

dad.
    He looked at his motorcycle and bicycle longingly, then walked to the crap car he'd bought when Austin burned the tires driving off fast from the two of them with his. He had the baby seat, and followed all the precautions necessary for the safety of his son, but he hated cars and he especially had a beef with this one. As soon as Archer was old enough he would be riding with him on the bicycle. He'd even thought about getting one of those trailers, but it would have put Archer too far out of reach and he didn't have enough confidence in the thing to entrust it with the safety of his child. But Archer would be riding with him soon and Zach just knew the little one would love it.
    Archer talked with himself during the short ride to Zach's best friend's house, pulling at his toes and trying to lift his foot all the way to his mouth. Zach always smiled when he was around his son, but that didn't make every other situation when they were apart, the same.
    It was Gabriel who opened the door, serious until he noticed Archer in Zach's arms. Then he grinned, carrying the expression Zach only ever saw on his twin brother, Michael. "Baby boy!" he exclaimed, making Archer almost jump out of Zach's arms into his. Zach's son outstretched his arms and pushed as far from his body as he could to get closer to Gabriel.
    "You're one of his favorite people. Strange considering you're the man moms warn their daughters about when they should be worried about their sons."
    Gabriel smirked at Zach, taking Archer and lifting him high above his head. "Your daddy is delusional. Isn't that so, baby boy? Delusional!" He emphasized the word, making Archer giggle. "You know I'm adorable and the best uncle in the world," he said proudly.
    "I beg to differ," Michael said coming from the back, "no one beats my charm." And blinded Zach with his grin.
    Of course, as soon as Archer heard him, his hands were outstretched again and he demanded attention with his high pitched sounds.
    "You little traitor, you." Gabriel hugged him once again before passing him to Michael.
    With his head in Archer's belly, tickling him until he screamed and squirmed, Michael displayed the perfect image of the man all their friends adored.
    "I have to go, I'm gonna be late." Zach said, passing his bag to Gabriel.
    "Wait a minute, I have to talk to you for a bit." Michael said, giving Archer, who was happy either way, back to Gabriel.
    "Can't this wait?"
    "No."
    "Fine, but make it quick. G, could you please feed him? I overslept and didn't have time to do it."
    "Sure. Me and the little guy are gonna make such a mess. Uncle Michael loves to clean." Zach saw Michael move to slap G's ass, but stopped himself before he could connect, "You're gonna pay for that later," he said instead.
    They walked to the living room, Zach dropping down on the couch, bracing himself for another lecture.
    "You can't do this anymore, it's killing you," Michael said as he stared Zach down.
    "Well what else am I supposed to do? It's not like I have a partner to pitch in with the rent or take care of Archer for a few hours. I can't leave him alone the whole day. I'm a fucking father," Zach snapped back, his gaze never wavering. He was short on patience and Michael wasn't saying anything Zach didn't already know.
    "I know that. We're always here if you need help. But you can't just keep working and taking care of Archer. You need to live. I know it's hard and you don't feel like it, but if you're miserable Archer will be too." Michael persisted and Zach put his head between his palms and sighed.
    "I know, but I don't remember what dating is anymore. Wouldn't even know where to start. Besides, I feel guilty leaving Archer with others, after Austin left I'm all he has, and he's all I have, Michael."
    "I know, my friend. We'll work it out. The kid loves us. G and I will take care of him when you need to do your thing."
    "I also worry. It's fine now, while he's just a baby, but I can't be dancing at the club when he starts school, it's irresponsible.
    "Zach, that's a job. No matter what anyone tells you, you are a great parent and as long as it's legal it doesn't matter what you do to support your flesh and blood. Besides, he's not even a year old, you have more than enough time before he starts school. We'll worry about it then."
    "Yeah, you're right. But I can't help it but worry. I have nightmares about something happening to me and Archer being all alone. It's like post-pregnancy terror only I'm