Page 68 of Bear Creek Father's Day
Both Dash and DeeDee were surprised to discover that Zak’s scent had undergone a slight change following their mating—weaker than Orrin’s, but leaving no doubt of their status. Apparently, there were still things about quasi-shifters no one knew were possible, and Zak had told them about his desire to do more research.
With the legalities seen to, the clerk offered to take a few pictures and sent them on their way with wishes for a happy future. Knowing that the couple were uncomfortable out in public, DeeDee hurriedly presented them with a small, boxed wedding cake created by Dustin Cunningham—topped by a bear and ablond human dressed in matching tuxes. Dash, aware of their love for his mate’s chocolates, gave them a stack ofDeliciousgift certificates, one per month for the next year.
After goodbye scentings and hugs, the pair hurried home to satisfy Orrin’s need for intimacy. Zak carried his husband up the stairs and into their room where the nice clothes came off and Orrin was pounded into the mattress with abandon. Loud moans, shouts, and growls accompanied their lovemaking, though once the kids got home tomorrow, they’d have to tone it down a bit. Zak had to wonder what they were going to do when the mating season started in a few weeks, and figured they’d have to come up with an action plan before the first of June.
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Saturday, May 17th
From the passenger seat, Orrin looked over his shoulder at the kids napping in the back—glad that they would miss some of the long drive to Asbury. His childhood home was located near Erie—a five-hour trip to the other side of the state. After the busy week they’d had welcoming a new group of orphans, however, he was looking forward to their little family getaway. His parents had practically begged him to come for a quick visit, eager to see their son and to meet Zak and the children. And with the approach of mating season, this weekend seemed like the best time to squeeze in a brief visit.
To give her coworker more time with his family, Tasha worked out a plan of action that allowed Orrin to leave mid-afternoon Saturday and return to work Monday morning. She’d been nothing but smiles after returning to Bear Creek, satisfied to see Orrin and Zak mated and married, and happy to hear the children sharing stories about their vacation at the resort. Thecubs who’d recently arrived, three girls and three boys, were all around five years of age. Since the academic year was almost over, they decided to delay their schooling until the fall, giving them time to settle into a new place and routine.
While things would be just as busy for him and his mate when they returned, Zak hadn’t hesitated at the hastily arranged visit. In his mind, Orrin’s parents would not be left out because they lived so much farther away, and honestly, there’d never be an ideal time to make the long drive. Flying was out of the question, as it literally took longer and cost much more than traveling by car. And given that Wendel and Galina Crosby had spent their lives working with children, he had no concerns about their suitability as grandparents.
Zak sent a wave of affection toward his sweet mate, feeling the connection as Orrin received it and sent it back with greater intensity. They’d grown more proficient at exchanging wordless messages in the last week, sometimes taking the place of actions that required privacy. The mating bond was loosening its grip, but they were still easily aroused and needed frequent physical contact. Orrin must have felt it too, and reached out to place a warm hand on Zak’s thigh, giving it a little squeeze. The calming effect was immediate, and Zak wasn’t quite sure how something so simple could work like a charm.
It was after eight p.m. when they arrived, and the Crosbys met them at the door with scentings and hugs. The orphans under their care, ranging in age from eight to seventeen, were waiting in the background to greet their guests. None of them had ever met quasi-shifters before, making the older cubs intensely curious about Rayn and Zak. The Crosbys had evidently encouraged them to be polite and not say anything to make their new son-in-law or granddaughter uncomfortable.
Like any shifter household, they quickly gathered around the big dining room table for an evening snack. Soon enough there was less interaction and more yawning, prompting Galina to declare that it was bedtime. Maxed out for space, their oldest, Burl, had volunteered to sleep on the couch tonight so the Halls could have his room. It was a tight squeeze, but they were given an air mattress for the kids, while Zak and Orrin shared a twin-sized mattress. Fortunately, they were used to sleeping skin-to-skin, and had no trouble nodding off after their ardor cooled a bit. Orrin’s bear initially made a fuss, but after receiving a mental thump on the nose, he realized there wouldn’t be any horizontal action and stopped grousing.
Following a big breakfast in the morning, the whole group headed out to a nearby park for a ramble through the woods. Galina offered to carry Rayn on her back as they wandered, and while Wendel offered Kip the same, he preferred going in bear form like the other kids. Orrin stayed close to his father and son, while Zak walked alongside his mother-in-law and daughter—close if Rayn needed him, but allowing her and Grandma a little bonding time.
Later, Zak and Orrin took the group out for lunch to spare Galina hours in the kitchen. Reading between the lines, it had been quite some time since the couple had eaten out, either due to financial constraints, lack of time, or both. When they returned to the house, the adults sat and talked while the kids played games. Wendel asked his son-in-law about his family, schooling, and medical practice. Zak was happy to share his background, explain how he’d been convinced to give Bear Creek a shot, and how he met Orrin.
“I saw him at the grocery store, but had no idea who he was. We didn’t meet for real until Rayn was injured and Orrin broughther to the clinic, which wasn’t even open at the time. We knew right away there was a special connection.”
The day went by far too quickly, and the Hall family took their leave by mid-afternoon for the trip home. Rayn and Kip chattered about their newfound grandparents and what they’d done today, though the motion of a moving car lulled them to sleep before they’d traveled very far. Zak then shared his impression of Orrin’s folks.
“I see how you ended up with such a big heart. Your parents are givers to the core, though I’m concerned that they don’t get out much. It would be nice if they could pull back a little and make time for themselves.”
Orrin heartily agreed.
“I’ve been saying the same thing for years, but taking care of orphans is their livelihood. Dad would have to get a regular job, which probably wouldn’t leave him any more time than he has now. I already suggested that they come see us in the fall before school starts. We have plenty of room for everybody, and mom liked the idea. Maybe you would be more persuasive.”
Zak laughed at the notion.
“Hmmm… doctors get special training in persuasion, so I’ll give it the old college try. They seemed pretty taken with our little ones, so we might not have to say anything at all.”
Orrin had a feeling his mate was right.
“I heard my mom telling Rayn that she would teach her how to crochet when she gets a little older, and Dad thinks Kip will accomplish great things once his speech improves. If they had an extra bedroom, I think they would have asked if the kids could stay for a while.”
Except for a supper stop, the journey continued without interruption all the way back to Bear Creek. Orrin checked in with Tasha and found that she and the cubs were just fine, and hadn’t experienced any problems while he was gone. Since they were already bedded down by then, Orrin went home and helped Zak get the little ones bathed and tucked in for the night. Then it was their turn, though they were up for a while before attempting to get any sleep.
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Sunday June 15th, Father’s Day
Orrin awoke at his normal time and in his usual position—wrapped in Zak’s muscular arms as if fairies might steal him away during the night. Today should be a lot of fun, if only… the thought was cut off by Zak’s warm lips kissing Orrin’s neck and shoulder until he started to purr. The man chuckled and turned him around so they could kiss properly.
“That’s much better. Now, what’s on your mind, mate?”
Orrin heaved a frustrated sigh and told him.
“We should have heard back by now. Everybody else got their adoption approval letter in about six weeks, and I wanted to tell the kids everything was official before Father’s Day. What’s the holdup?”
Zak knew it had been bothering him, but he didn’t have a definitive answer.
