Page 50 of Bear Creek Father's Day
“Are you asking me to mate with you?”
Zak pulled him in for a kiss, hoping to let him down gently.
“I want to, Orrin, but we’d need at least a week for bonding and there’s no way I can take that much time off until early May. If having me here every day would be too hard on you and your bear, then we’ll keep things as they are for now. I’m sorry.”
Orrin growled, holding Zak’s face in both hands while he delivered hot, claiming kisses. That wasn’t the expected reaction, but it was better than hurt feelings. Orrin finally spoke, clearing up Zak’s confusion.
“No! I mean, yes, I want you to move in, but no, I’d rather have you here, even if we can’t mate yet. Kip and Rayn will besoexcited.”
They sat crossed-legged on the bed, facing one another to hash out the basics. Orrin’s bedroom would still be off-limits until they were ready to mate, but the fully furnished guest bedroom they’d been using would be just fine. Kip and Rayn could move in when Zak did, since there was no way they’d want to keep living in the Cub House with their papas right next door. Orrin fairly trembled with excitement.
“When? Please say it’s going to be soon!”
Zak pulled the man onto his lap, cradling him in his arms.
“You have Sunday evening off, so why don’t I move in while you’re working? It won’t take long to bring my stuff over, and then we can have supper together and help the kids get settled in their new room.”
Orrin nodded eagerly.
“Sounds good to me, and now we need to celebrate. Do you have any good ideas?”
Zak did, and they finally wore one another out—way past their bedtime.
Chapter 23
The following day…
Fortunately, Orrin was off on Thursday and started shopping as soon as the stores opened. With Zak and the kids moving in soon, he’d need bedding, towels, and bathroom supplies for Kip and Rayn, and to stock his kitchen cupboards. Technically, the orphan’s meals were covered by the Cub House budget until they were officially adopted out. He knew, however, that at least some meals and snacks would be served at home—either on his days off, or when they wanted to eat together as a family.
Zak had given him a credit card, with instructions to get whatever he needed, including a TV, a computer, additional kitchenware, a rug and shoe rack for the main entrance, and shelves for the books he’d ordered online. Other things came to mind as he shopped—plastic bins for toys, laundry baskets, additional clothing, spring jackets, bubble bath for Rayn, cars for Kip, and decorations for their shared bedroom and bathroom.
A trip toDelicioussupplied him with chocolates, Bear Brownies, and Snax, followed by a visit to the Red Barn for some sweet breads and cookies to toss in the freezer. Caring for his own home and working at the Cub House would no doubt leave Orrin with little time for baking, at least until he and Zak worked out a routine. Combining their lives would involve a lot of changes all at once, but being together every evening would help smooth over the inevitable bumps. At least Orrin didn’t have to deal with the school schedule for another couple of years, giving them time to gel as a family.
Using his home’s private entrance off the backyard prevented the kids from noticing his shopping spree. He’d told Kip and Rayn that he was working on a special project today and would see them around suppertime. As usual, Zak planned on supper and an overnight stay, but they had decided not to tell the kids he was moving in until he showed up on Saturday. Now that the other children were looking forward to their own new homes, Orrin didn’t think it would bother them too much that Kip and Rayn would no longer be living at the Cub House—only absent after bedtime or on Orrin’s days off.
By early afternoon, Orrin had finished shopping and had hauled everything inside. He tackled the kitchen first, finding space for foodstuffs and supplies while the new towels and linens were washed and dried. Next came the kids’ bedroom on the third floor—making up the beds, putting away clothes, and adding wall decorations. He saved the bathroom for last, stocking the drawers and linen closet with everything needed to keep the little ones clean and groomed.
Downstairs in the living room, the computer, TV, electronics, and bookshelves remained in their boxes. There simply hadn’t been enough time to get them connected or assembled today, and he’d need Zak’s help anyway. If the kids saw them there between now and Saturday, it probably wouldn’t prompt any questions, keeping the secret safe. Orrin had to pinch himself at the thought of them living together—Kip and Rayn with their forever family and Zak in Orrin’s arms every night. The only thing missing would be the mating bond, and though he could live without it for a while, his bear might start pushing to claim the man before long.
Zak didn’t know that according to BSA rules, they either had to be married or mated if they sought approval for a jointadoption. Orrin could, of course, adopt the kids on his own, but then Zak would have to go through a separate approval process, with mountains of paperwork and legal fees. The main reason he hadn’t been told was because Orrin didn’t want to add outside pressure and make Zak feel that he’d been forced to do something he wasn’t ready for.
Orrin detected the familiar sound of Zak’s pickup in the driveway, and hurried to the door to greet him. He’d brought a small overnight bag and clean work clothes for the next day, putting the bag down to give Orrin a one-armed hug.
“Hey, love. How was your day?”
Orrin paused to kiss him before answering.
“Busy. Come and see.”
They trooped up the stairs together, dropped off Zak’s things, and then proceeded to the third floor. Zak was pleasantly surprised by the transformation of the kids’ room. Kip’s bed sported aCubs In Spacebedspread, while Rayn’s had a frilly princess motif. Posters and artwork broke up the previously blank walls, and a large round rug covered the floor between their beds.
“Wow! You sure got a lot done. They’re going to love this.”
Next, Zak checked out the bathroom and started laughing. What used to be a plain off-white box was now decorated with dinosaurs—shower curtain, artwork, nightlight, soap dispenser, waste basket, and bubble decals scattered over the walls. Above the toilet hung a framed image of a T-Rex sitting on the potty while reading a book. Even the toothbrushes had dinosaur handles on them.
Zak paused chuckling long enough to give Orrin smooches.
“This is terrific! Good thing you were in charge, because I don’t think I have the decorator gene.”
