Page 29 of Bear Creek Father's Day
Zak discovered that he missed Orrin and the children too much to stay away for long. Monday hadn’t worked, since the clinic was open from noon to eight, so he showed up for supper on Tuesday. Orrin met him at the door and received a possessive kiss on the mouth, making the gathered cubs giggle. Once he released Orrin, the little ones gathered around to scent him and received hugs in exchange.
While trying not to make it too obvious, Zak gave extra attention to Rayn and Kip—allowing them to take a hand on either side and lead him to the dining room. Everyone was present this time, including Tasha and Zuzu, and the table seemed extra crowded. While the shifters refueled, Zak asked Rayn about her leg and promised to look at it before bed. Once their bellies were full, he listened to the children tell stories about school, things they’d done, or games they’d played. Orrin watched and listened as Zak interacted with the cubs, pleased with how easily they had accepted him.
Tonight’s dessert was honey-sweetened fruit salad—one of the cubs’ favorites. Zac joined Orrin in the kitchen to dish it up, stealing kisses as they worked. Tasha wasn’t fooled, winking at the pair when they reentered the dining room to serve. Once everything was cleaned and put away, the group filed into the sunroom to watch an episode of their favorite animated show.Cubs in Spacefeatured a starship run by young shifters who traveled the galaxy, having one amazing adventure after another. The little ones loved it.
When the show was over, the children were sent upstairs to brush their teeth and put on their PJ’s before reporting to the living room for story time. Tasha was the designated reader tonight, allowing Orrin and Zak to sit together—holding hands, and each with a child on their lap. Afterward, they accompanied Kip and Rayn to the bedroom they now shared so Rayn’s leg could be examined. With Kip watching closely, Zak carefully poked and squeezed while he asked the girl how much the leg hurt. Overall, he was pleased with her progress.
“Your leg looks much better, sweetheart, but you need to wear the brace until I see you at the clinic next week. And remember, no running or jumping until I say it’s safe.”
Rayn wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
“Okay. Did you miss me?”
Zak bopped her nose with a fingertip.
“I sure did, and Kip and Orrin, too.”
Not to be left out, Kip wiggled closer seeking a hug—but got a surprise belly buzz instead. He squealed with laughter and eventually got a kiss on the forehead as Zak tucked him in. Orrin turned off the overhead light as they left with a final goodnight, holding Zak’s hand all the way downstairs. Now it was their turn for hugs and kisses, accompanied by a growl or two. Orrin was smiling softly as they parted, allowing Zak to put on his coat.
“You were so good with the kids. They talk about you all the time and ask me why you don’t live here with us.”
Oh boy. Talk about awkward.
“They do? Well, I had a great time tonight, and thank you for supper. When should I pick you up on Thursday?”
Orrin snagged Zak’s hand and kissed it.
“I’m off duty starting at five p.m., so any time after that.”
“Perfect. We can make supper at the house, and then do whatever we want for the rest of the evening. Bring your toothbrush—you’re staying over.”
Orrin laughed softly.
“Doctor’s orders? I hear and obey!”
Zak gave him a saucy wink.
“See that you do, Mr. Crosby. See that you do.”
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Thursday morning, January 30th
Knox McCoy was used to running errands and doing people favors, so when DeeDee Tillman called to ask him for help, he readily agreed. Apparently, someone he knew was about to be gifted with a car, and he’d be the one to get him to the dealership to pick it up. The funds had come from the SHARP charitable foundation (ShifterHelpAndResourceProgram) that Dash Hawthorn and others had established a couple of years ago. Shifters all over the region had benefited from grants, loans, and even legal assistance when needed. Often it was practical help for those with a low income: food, housing, unpaid bills, and in this case, transportation.
What mattered to Knox was that something nice was being done for a worthy cause—all the more pleasant because it benefited someone he knew and admired. Turning on Heatherhill Road, Knox watched for the familiar red brick home that he and Levi had visited many times. Orrin had apparently been watching for him and exited the Cub House with a friendly wave when Knoxpulled into the driveway. The questions started as soon as he secured his seatbelt.
“What’s this all about, Knox? DeeDee’s phone call didn’t explain anything.”
Knox couldn’t help but laugh, knowing that Mayor Tillman enjoyed her secrets a little too much.
“The SHARP foundation donated a car to the Cub House, and we’re going to pick it up. Don’t worry—it won’t cost you a penny, and even the gas and maintenance are covered. I guess somebody decided that you and Tasha needed reliable transportation on your days off—or whenever you need to go somewhere without the cubs.”
Astonished, Orrin stared at his friend’s profile, trying to wrap his head around such a generous gift.
“I don’t know what to say. Neither of us can afford a car on our salary, but I don’t recall mentioning it to anyone. I suspect Dash was behind it, though he wouldn’t admit it if I asked him.”
Knox’s friendly growl and scent said it all.
