Free By the Numbers by Chris Owen and Tory Temple Page B

conference'."
    "Breaking up is never fun." Deuce sat down too and let the dogs wander, keeping an eye on things to stop any digging. "At least you two manage the parenting part okay. Lacey's lucky to have that."
    "I guess." Trey shrugged and Deuce saw his gaze follow the puppies. "She'd be luckier to have an intact family. Or maybe a father who isn't gay. She'll have to deal with fallout from that."
    "The world is changing. Maybe in a few years it will be even less of an issue. It's not something that you can beat yourself up about -- it's not like it's a choice, after all. All you can do is continue to be a good, responsible parent." Deuce hoped he didn't sound like he was talking out his ass. What did he know about being a parent, gay or otherwise? But he knew that happy parents made happy kids, and denying himself wouldn't make Trey happy. Therefore, being a gay, out parent kind of had to be better than being a miserable person trying to be a good parent.
    Or something. It was confusing.
    "None of my business," Deuce added, feeling utterly lame. "Sorry."
    Trey turned to look at him. His blue eyes were serious but untroubled. "Sure it is," he said. "You'll be living here. You might be witness to some of it. If we hadn't, you know, kissed and whatever, I wouldn't be talking to you about it. But we did, so now you're involved. Kind of." A worried look crept into Trey's eyes. "I guess I'm the one who should be sorry. This probably isn't what you bargained for."
    Deuce smiled at him. "I have no expectations. None. I signed up for hanging out and more kissing, and just seeing how it goes. If it goes in the direction of that, I'm okay with it. Life is life. I'm not going to run from an ex-wife, promise."
    "You haven't met her." Trey sighed. "But that's cool. I don't run or back down from her either, which she hates. She's five feet three inches of terror. Anyway, that's not for a while down the road, so don't worry about it. Lacey will be here tomorrow, though. Are you ready for that?"
    "Yep. Should I have something for her? I didn't think I should; that would be weird. But maybe a book? Kind of 'hey, we're going to be sharing space a few days a week, and I heard you like to read.' Is that dumb? Will she think I'm trying to buy her affection?" Deuce had woken up three times the night before, unsure of what to do.
    The corner of Trey's mouth turned up, and he spoke warmly. "You already have something for her." He pointed across the yard at Six, who was sniffing the edge of the brick planter. "That's plenty. Don't worry. If you take her up on her offer to play Operation at least twice, you're in."
    "They still make that?" Deuce grinned. "Man, my mom hated that sound. BUZZZZZ." The dogs all looked over. "Nameless needs a name. Any suggestions? Maybe Lacey can name him."
    "Not if you don't want a name like Prince Eric or something from the Disney movies. We can probably come up with something that fits better."
    "Chewy? Bitey? What were the seven dwarfs' names, again?" Deuce laughed. "How about Pup. Or Dog. Henry. Jack."
    Trey raised a brow. "You need help with animal names, clearly. I've never even had a dog, and I know those are less than creative." He paused and watched a puppy sniff one of the sprinkler heads. "We have a two and three. And a Six. Another number name would fit right in there, I guess."
    "Pi." Deuce grinned. "Pi, for sure." That was odd and would make Q feel more secure about her name, he thought.
    "Pie." Trey tilted his head thoughtfully. "That's not a... oh! Pi. Like the number." Deuce wasn't sure, but there might have been a hint of a blush on Trey's cheeks. "Got it. Told you; dumb fireman." He grinned. "Pi works for me. It's your puppy."
    "You're not dumb." Deuce rolled his eyes and then laughed. "When I get a name tag made, I'll put 3.14 on it." That'd be cool. He hoped he wouldn't have to spend ages getting the name right on the paperwork at the vet's office. Q's name had utterly confounded one of the techs,