Page 58 of Bear Creek Father's Day
Ryder came prepared to answer that very question.
“Dash knows and trusts you, Knox, and you have a reputation for quality work. Your experience and skills match what we’re looking for, and you’re a local who is familiar with the community. The job would provide consistent hours, great pay and benefits, and free up more time for your family. Plus, we’re prepared to build you a climate controlled workshop on the property with everything you could possibly need or want. You’d be free to work on side projects as time allows, along with custom woodworking for residents.”
Knox growled some more, trying to think through the proposal. Taking the job would be an enormous change, though judging by Levi’s scent, his mate thought it was a good idea. Still, there was at least one major sticking point.
“What about the fall harvest? There wouldn’t be time for it, and Aiden is counting on me for supplies.”
Ryder already had a solution worked out.
“Hire someone to handle the harvest for you. I have a list of people you already know who are looking for seasonal work, and you can train them to do things your way. Aiden still gets hissupplies, your territory remains productive, and another shifter earns much-needed income. Everybody wins.”
Knox hadn’t thought of that, and while he wasn’t ready to say yes, he did ask for more specifics. Ryder brought out the map and showed them what the development would look like when it was finished. It was a new concept for the area that provided housing at an affordable price, while preserving much of the heavily wooded property. Next, Ryder described what Knox would be doing day to day.
“Most of your work will involve general groundskeeping and snow removal, home repair and maintenance calls, as well as the woodworking projects I mentioned earlier. You would also be the first point of contact for construction and utility workers on site. The shop building will have a community room and office up front with someone to answer the phone, talk to prospective buyers, and handle requests. Occasionally, you might need to play tour guide if things are busy, but for the most part you’ll control your own schedule. Except for emergencies, you’ll have every weekend off and four weeks of paid vacation.”
While Knox let all of that sink in, Levi asked what kind of starting date they were looking at.
“Just a few hours a week in April while we finish construction of the shop and office building, half-time in May while you get set up, and full-time beginning in June.”
Ryder left shortly after with a request for Knox to call him soon with an answer, leaving the couple a great deal to discuss. Levi was honest when Knox asked for his opinion of the job offer.
“I think it’s a great opportunity, babe, and you’d be perfect for the position. You’ve been supportive of my career all along, and I want you to be happy, so I’m not going to twist your arm. Sure, itmight be easier to take care of the kids if we both have a regular schedule, and the extra money is nothing to sneeze at, but it’s your decision.”
They talked it over until bedtime, weighing the pros and cons while considering what would be best for Scout and Birdy. Hiring someone else for the fall harvest would remove the seasonal pressure, and having a fully equipped wood shop to play with was very tempting indeed. Knox was, however, wary of giving up his independence to work for someone else. Had it been anyone other than Dash, he’d have said no immediately, but perhaps this was the right time and reason to make such an important change. Having his mate’s unwavering support meant that no matter what he decided, they’d work it out together.
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Sunday, April 6th
Eager to get their day-trip started, Orrin and Zak awakened the kids early, grabbed a bag full of snacks, and took off for points south. Zak’s parents, Andrew and Melody, wanted to meet Orrin and the little ones, so they made plans to drive down to Concordville, a suburb of Philadelphia, for the day. It was only possible because Tasha had pulled them aside and suggested altering her and Orrin’s time off schedule to be more family friendly.
Now, Orrin had all day Sunday off instead of Thursday, and they decided to use the first one for a meet-the-family trip. The drive was less than two hours each way, but an early start would give them more time with Zak’s parents. Orrin was more curious than concerned about meeting Andrew and Melody, and since they and their son got along well, he wasn’t worried about how things would go. While Kip never had grandparent figures in hislife, Rayn had—for a while. She’d said nothing about the trip, but Orrin wondered if she was afraid of getting to know these people and then losing them later.
The kids woke up as soon as they exited the interstate, looking out the windows at a place they’d never seen before. With Zak driving, there was no need for directions, and he pulled up to a simple home surrounded by dormant flower beds. Zak’s pleased scent tickled Orrin’s nose as he gestured to the presently empty spaces.
“You should see the yard when things start to bloom. My father can growanything, and it’s gorgeous out here clear through the fall.”
Their arrival had been noticed, as the Halls stepped out onto the porch waving madly. Zak’s last visit had been in December, and they’d only seen snapshots of Orrin, Rayn, and Kip. To avoid any uncomfortable discussion, Zak’s parents had been briefed on the kids’ backgrounds. The details had saddened them, of course, but they were intrigued that their son had ended up with a shifter partner and son,anda quasi-shifter daughter. Upon reflection, they’d concluded that Zak was uniquely qualified to be part of their lives. More importantly, he’d fallen head over heels for the lot of them, and they loved him back. Melody beckoned them inside.
“Come in out of the chilly air! I have hot drinks and snacks in the kitchen if anyone is interested.”
She herded them in like a flock of errant geese, closed the door, and began the scenting and hugs. Andrew joined her in giving Orrin an enthusiastic welcome to the family. When it was the children’s turn, the Halls paused while Zak introduced them.
“Mom, Dad. This is our son, Kip, and our daughter, Rayn.”
The kids weren’t used to being introduced that way, and looked up at their papa with wide smiles. The couple fussed over them—telling Kip how much bigger he looked in person and that Rayn’s hair was lovely. When the offer of snacks was reiterated, they each extended a hand and led the children towards the kitchen. Without booster seats, the little ones sat on Grandma and Grandpa’s laps to enjoy their sweet rolls, listening to the conversation around them.
Orrin monitored their scents, making sure they were comfortable with the strangers. The Halls were delighted that the kids weren’t afraid of them, smiling and teasing just a little. Apparently, they’d all but given up on grandchildren, having assumed Zak would never reproduce. Orrin didn’t know if it was because their son was gay, or because of his quasi-shifter genetics. It didn’t matter now, and Kip and Rayn would have two sets of doting grandparents to spoil them. As they finished up their snacks, Orrin revealed something special about their grandmother, starting with a question.
“Who’s your favorite person at the library?”
Kip was busy chugging down the last of his milk, so Rayn answered.
“Jameson! He’s nice.”
Orrin continued.
“Did you know that Grandma Hall works at a library, too? I bet if you ask nicely, she’ll read you a story.”
