Page 52 of Bear Creek Father's Day
Zak cleaned up the kitchen and headed towards the connecting door. He’d love to tiptoe down the stairs and surprise the kids, but there was no way to sneak up on shifters. Instead, he entered as usual and listened for the sound of little feet. Sure enough, they came running, calling ‘Papa!’ and ‘Papa’s here!’ Zak hugged and scented them both, rustling Kip’s hair and kissing Rayn on the forehead. When he looked up, Orrin stood there, gazing at them fondly. Zak locked eyes with his lover, scooped him up, and twirled him around as the kids laughed. The kiss that followed drew applause from little hands, and Zak gave them an abbreviated bow while Orrin blushed.
“We’re having dessert—join us.”
Tasha grinned at them as they entered the dining room and served Zak a big slice of Chocolate Cream Pie. She quietly observed the pair as Zak let the little ones tell him about their day while he ate and held Orrin’s hand under the table. Tasha knew what was supposed to happen today, and with Kip and Rayn spending the night in their new home, she could have the afternoon to herselfandgive the family more time together. When dessert was finished, she made a suggestion.
“If you’ll help me with cleanup, the four of you can skedaddle until tomorrow.”
Orrin winked at her, failing to hide an enthusiastic smile.
“You got it. I’ll help you in the kitchen while Zak and the kids clear the table.”
Operation clean-up was a rousing success, and thirty minutes later Tasha had retreated to her quarters. Orrin grabbed a bunch of paper grocery sacks before he and Zak escorted the children to their bedroom. They knew it wasn’t bedtime, and before Rayn could ask a question, Orrin directed them to sit in a circle onthe floor for a little talk. It was time to discuss their future—together.
Chapter 24
Orrin took a deep breath, nodded at Zak, and got the discussion started.
“Kip. Rayn. Papa Zak has something very exciting he wants to tell you.”
Zak gulped, watching their expectant expressions.
“Starting today, I’m going to live with Orrin instead of at my house. But do you know what’s even better?”
Eyes wide, the kids both shook their heads. Zak continued.
“We want to be your forever family, so the two of you are going to live with us from now on.”
Uncertain that he’d heard correctly, Kip blurted out a question.
“We is?”
Orrin answered this time.
“Yes, you are. And right now, we’re going to help gather your things and bring them over to your new home. You won’t be sleeping in here anymore, but you’ll still get to see the others almost every day.”
Rayn started to cry, which got Kip going too. They were happy tears, but both understood the importance of what they’d been told. That their dreams of belonging to someone had come true. That the men they loved would be their papas for real. That they weren’t orphans any longer. Rayn, shaking with sobs, wrapped her arms around Zak’s neck and held on tight. Kip quickly buried his face in Orrin’s shoulder, sniffling and huffing as the tears flowed. There were comforting words and caresses as thelittle ones processed the life-altering news. Neither Orrin nor Zak remained dry-eyed, and their gazes met as they soothed the children.
The angsty moment passed soon enough, replaced by natural curiosity and the promise of a real home. Tissues mysteriously appeared from somewhere, wiping eyes and noses, and then they all got to work. Toys and other belongings, clothes, shoes, and bathroom items all went into the bags Orrin had brought with him. On the way out of the bedroom, Rayn asked about taking her pillow and blanket. Orrin assured her that it wasn’t necessary.
“I’ve already taken care of it, honey. You’ll see in just a minute.”
As they passed through the connecting door, Orrin asked everyone to stop for a selfie—capturing their first moment together at home. Now it was time to show the children to their new digs, and they climbed two flights of stairs to reach the top floor. Neither child had been in this part of the house, and they looked around to get their bearings. There were two bedrooms on one side, and a large open play space on the other, with a bathroom and storage closets sandwiched in between. Orrin led them to the bedroom on the outside corner of the house and opened the door.
“This is your bedroom. I hope you like it.”
There was no question about which bed belonged to whom, and Rayn clapped her hands at the frilly princess bedspread.
“It’s so pretty! Thank you, Papas!”
Meanwhile, Kip had crawled up onto his bed to get a closer look at the images from one of his favorite cartoon shows, pointing atvarious characters and the spaceship they traveled on. He finally jumped down to hug Orrin’s legs, then Zak’s.
“Yay! Cub in pace!”
Each child had a small dresser and a stack of open storage cubes for their shoes and toys, while hanging clothes went into the closet. When things were put away, they took the remaining bags into the bathroom and the children gasped. Rayn loved the bubble decals on the walls and the shower curtain featuring a herd of plant-eating Brontosaurus. Kip, of course, noticed the picture above the toilet and dissolved into a fit of giggles.
“Dine-sor isPOOPING!”
Everyone was still giggling as Orrin pointed out their new toothbrushes, drinking cups, and towels, along with a cluster of framed, dino-themed reminders by the light switch:
