A way of peace washes over me as I look round. Everybody right here is after the identical prize as we’re, the considered one of Finest Hugger. Not a soul within the Hug Membership doesn’t share our identical objective.

We’re competing with these different Littles, boys, brats, and Daddies, however we’re reduce from the identical fabric. In a really possible way, we’re household, even though we’re going to struggle like Spartans later. Nicely, candy, cuddly Spartans. That’d make an ideal story.

I wriggle my bum as I lean in opposition to Greyson’s chest. I strive to not get his arms round me, as a result of Littles can’t hug their Daddies earlier than the competitors formally begins. The overseers of this contest take it very critically.

I curl my toes, anticipation constructing inside me. Any second, Bryce, who’s main the competition, will carry us all in a circle and skim out the foundations.

I’m so glad that Greyson helped me go potty earlier than we drove over. There’d be nothing worse than hugging my Daddy after which midway via having to make use of the restroom. Carrying a diaper is in opposition to the foundations, and with out one, I’d mechanically lose. We’d break our hug, and whereas I’m not completely positive how the competitors is about up, I’m fairly positive that’d disqualify us. Size of hug have to be a component within the judging. Whoever hugs their companions the longest certainly will win a prize. I need to win a prize. Proper?

My nostril burrows into Greyson’s chest. “We’ve bought this. We’re primary.”

Greyson tousles my hair. “We positive are. Nevertheless, you’d higher not snuggle into my chest any extra proper now. We’ll be requested to go away.”

BJ enters the playroom. He’s the one boy who might pull my consideration away from Greyson. He wears coveralls with suspenders, a t-shirt with a digger, and light-up sneakers. He carries audio system that pump out the Bob the Builder theme music.

Bryce groans from throughout the room. “For goodness’ sake.”

BJ ignores Bryce and makes a beeline for me. “I’m so joyful to see you!”

I hug BJ, then leap again out of worry that I broke the foundations. Then, I recall that the foundations solely apply to Daddies and their boys, not hugs between Littles and different Littles. “You look dressed to win.”

BJ smoothes out his coveralls. “These previous issues? I pulled them out of the again of my closet and tossed them on. I’m heading to a building rally after this to assist higher wages for working guys. I have to look the half.”

Greyson nudges BJ’s aspect. “Bryce appears to suppose so, too.”

I playfully punch his shoulder. “Perhaps you and Bryce can dig collectively after the competitors.”

BJ sighs as he adjusts his suspenders. “I gained’t get my hopes up. If I do know Bryce in addition to I believe I do, he’s upset that I’m even right here. He is aware of that I haven’t got anybody to hug, which signifies that I’m most likely going to attempt to hug him though he doesn’t need me to. He’s not flawed. That’s my plan. Really, I believe he needs me, however he can’t admit it.”

Bryce comes over to hitch us. “BJ, you didn’t join the competitors by the deadline. You’re ineligible.”

BJ sniffles as he stares on the floor. “That’s as a result of I didn’t have a Daddy to hug.”

Greyson points Bryce a stern look. “Come on, man. You’ve bought a needy, cute boy right here, and when you do not step as much as the plate, he’s going to go dwelling broken-hearted.”

BJ points Greyson a glance. “Nicely, let’s not be dramatic. I’m a survivor. I’ll reside.”

Bryce grumbles as he crosses his arms over his chest. “Guidelines are guidelines. When you’d requested me earlier within the week, my reply would possibly’ve been totally different.”

BJ snorts. “No, it wouldn’t have been. That’s why I made a decision to pop by as a result of I knew my possibilities could be higher.”

Bryce can’t assist however sigh. “Okay, BJ. I’ll be your huggable Daddy tonight, however just for the competition. You look very cute in your coveralls and suspenders, and I’d by no means deny that. Nevertheless, do not suppose that this implies we’re on talking phrases after the competitors ends. You get one hug. That’s it.”

BJ’s eyes mild up brighter than his sneakers. “You imply it?”

Bryce smiles as he wraps his arms round BJ. “I do.”

They hug one another, misplaced in each other’s embrace. Magic appears to envelop them, and one thing tells me that is the primary hug of many.

Waxley and Wren are watching your entire factor. “Hey!” Waxley shouts, marching over to us. “We noticed that.”

“Noticed what?” BJ scratches his chin, prying his face out of Bryce’s furry, fluffy chest.

“You hugged your Daddy earlier than the competitors began! DISQUALIFIED!”

“Bryce isn’t my Daddy—” A glance of realization crosses BJ’s face. He backs up and glares at Bryce. “Dang it, Bryce! We already misplaced.”

“No, we didn’t.” Bryce glances on the signal that very clearly tells them that they misplaced. “Ah, crap. You’re proper. That’s what I get for going in opposition to my higher judgment.”

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