Hey everyone. Things kinda come up, surgeries happen, schedules get pushed. The section after this one hasn't been completed yet. Believe me, it will be - I know how this tale ends for our boys and their loved ones. But it might be a few weeks before the story continues. And I apologize for doing this to y'all. Please forgive me (you'll know why I'm asking soon enough)
Chapter 45: Friendly Turtles and Sleepy Sharks
I just nearly drove us into our third boulder of the morning because I couldn’t stop stealing glances at my reimagined husband. Kevin and Anna’s breakfast was superb - we all enjoyed our omelets - but their continued gasps made me think they probably hadn’t intended for it to be our last meal.
In my defense - and I want the record to show that it’s a very strong one - I had woken up before Ollie for maybe the third time in the year we’d been sharing our home. Seeing him lying there in the early morning Caribbean light, I couldn’t stop myself from simply watching him sleep. Gazing at his suddenly almost unfamiliar - perfectly angelic face - I experienced something I genuinely hadn’t prepared myself for.
I mean, Ollie still resembled the man I’d fallen in love with the second I saw him back in that waiting room - and yet, somehow, he felt completely different and new.
Without even realizing I was doing it, I traced the line of his shaved jaw with one careful finger - barely brushing it - the way you might touch something sacred. His smooth chest rose and fell slowly in the brightening glow, his curls giving him a golden halo against his pillow and giving me something familiar to hold onto. I lay there much longer than I probably realized, basking in him simply existing beside me, quietly astonished that this amazing person had agreed to be mine.
When he finally stirred, his deep crystal blues found me immediately - the way they always did - and he returned my smile before he was even fully awake. Like his face already knew where it was before his brain caught up.
I was - without a doubt - a total goner. Forever head over - er wheels - in love with my beautiful baby boy.
Which probably explained why I was somehow giving the four of us an even more terrifying ride than yesterday as we descended the rocky gully of doom. Lurd! Maybe Ollie should have ridden with Dad again this morning.
“Corey.” Ollie’s voice was completely calm. Possibly even suspiciously so. “That boulder has probably been there since Columbus landed on St. Croix. It doesn’t plan on moving.”
I turned the wheel. “I know that.”
“You keep looking at me.”
“I’m not looking at you.”
The sweet smirk I caught in my peripheral vision was doing absolutely nothing to help my concentration.
“Corey. You’ve nearly hit three boulders now.”
“This road is terrible.”
“This ‘highway,’” he said with a little hint of a tease, “was also terrible yesterday. And you drove down and back up it perfectly.”
I had absolutely no response to that. Mostly because he was completely right - and we both knew it. I also knew, from the warm, quiet pride radiating off him in the passenger seat, that he wasn’t even remotely upset about it.
I couldn’t stop myself.
I looked over at him again.
“Four,” Ollie updated me softly - if a little urgently.
And then - because he is who he has to be - he reached over and covered my hand on the shifter knob with his, giving me something real to hold onto for the rest of our descent.
Once we finally, safely, reached the North Shore Road - Kevin had almost tripped over his words declaring that he’d definitely be driving us for the next few days, or at least until I finally got used to Ollie’s new look.
I still couldn’t stop sneaking even more glances of my pup. I even accepted that Kevin’s age assessment wasn’t too far off - okay, well, maybe sixteen - but thankfully I knew my man’s real age, and my almost twenty-one-year-old “boy” was still absolutely hot as heck, even without his beautiful blond facial and body hair.
When Ollie first announced my “punishment” last night, every instinct I had was totally against it - until, somewhere along the way, they suddenly weren’t. And right now, taking a final glance at the smooth, bright-eyed pup in my passenger seat, I couldn’t wait to see my man walking along the beach in his speedo.
****
Today was a whole new day - in more ways than one. In addition to Ollie being in my Jeep this morning, we had decided to turn left when we hit the North Shore Road and head to our second favorite beach - Hawksnest. It sat in the center of a very protected bay. The namesake beach, like all the other strips of sand lining the bay’s shores, was almost always calm, with crystal-clear water stretching out from its soft golden sand.
Meanwhile, with its direct exposure to the northern winds and swells, Cinnamon could throw an impressive temper tantrum whenever it felt like it. And even from our vantage point high up on our big hill, we could already tell that today was one of those days. Besides, with easy - if terrifying - access to all the beautiful North Shore beaches, we needed to explore as many of them as we could.
We reached our new beach for the day’s adventure early enough that there were still plenty of open spots in the parking lot - one that was much smaller than Cinnamon’s, even though the beach itself was nearly as large.
And just like yesterday, the moment we stepped onto the sand, Ted and Dad urgently directed us toward their old favorite spot. Once again, it just happened to be at the far east end of the beach, tucked beside yet another wall of jet-black volcanic stone.
But this time, all the best snorkel spots were back toward the middle of the beach. From my first visit here as a teenager, I remembered three long, parallel fingers of reef, starting almost at the sand and stretching out a hundred yards or so into the deeper water - fanning out, perpendicular to the shore. And as we walked toward our chosen spot, it didn’t look like much had changed. Lines of brightly colored snorkels and splashing fins already clearly outlined the reef’s edges.
Also marking a difference between today’s seaside experience and yesterday’s, after making sure our beach area was secure, Anna and Kevin declared their intent to snorkel east. They were heading around the lava outcrop to try out the adjacent Gibney Beach - a stretch of sand that was usually quiet and mostly deserted thanks to its restricted access from the land. I had a feeling Kevin might still be trying to make up for yesterday’s hijinks, and the privacy of the palm-shaded Gibney sand should suit that purpose nicely.
Meanwhile, I had a few snorkel stops in mind that I wanted to introduce my freshly shaved boy to before hopefully reaching our own private beach - one that I’d forever held close to my heart since my first visit here fifteen years ago.
Grandpa Joe took it upon himself to point out the final important difference between our first two days in paradise.
“Kevin! I was just trying to goad you into wearing a pair of tighty-whities for our magnificent morning feasts… I never expected you to so enthusiastically jump on the speedo beach bandwagon! Well done, officer. I salute you! Just make sure Anna puts plenty of sunscreen on those cute furry untanned cheeks I see peeking out above and below those overworked trunks.”
Joe made a grand show of appraising an already blushing Kevin. “And congratulations! I see you inherited a big, special gift from your grandfather just like Ollie!”
With some serious eye-rolling action from our favorite patrolman - who was being a very good sport through it all - a very cuddly Kevin and Anna entered the gentle surf. Kevin offering a quick, “Thank you, sir,” to my boundary-pushing grandfather as they started their short snorkel trip east to the adjacent beach.
****
Taking Joe’s embarrassing - but solid - advice to Kev to heart, Ollie and I quickly reapplied sunscreen to each other’s shoulders and made sure our snorkel gear was in order. Then we checked in with the dads and grandparents to let them know our plan.
I took the lead. “Hey y’all, I think I’m going to take Ollie on a snorkel tour through the elkhorn coral forest, then follow the shoreline to the part of the bay that used to belong to the Caneel resort.”
I ended with a question that I suddenly realized I probably should have started with. “Dad? You said the resort itself is still shut down after the hurricanes, right?”
Dad gave me a skeptically quizzical look before answering. “Well, from Kevin and Anna’s wedding gift, you know at least their dock is still open. And I think the old reception building is a restaurant now. But as far as I know, the cottages and bungalows are deserted - basically in ruins. What do you have in mind?”
I gave Dad a reflective grin. “Sorry, but I just can’t imagine spending time on this island with the love of my life and not being able to show him Paradise Beach. Remember when you got us a day pass to Caneel all those years ago? I’ve never forgotten how amazing that little beach was.”
Dad smiled sweetly - though a bit guarded - in return. “Don’t get your hopes up too high, son. Those twin storms back in 2017 did so much damage that Caneel never reopened. I have no idea if that beautiful little beach even survived.”
He suddenly shot a very fatherly protective look at us. “And lurd… I feel like y’all are both fifteen again.” He turned to my husband and playfully ran his hand through Ollie’s curls. “And Ollie, you actually look like you’re fifteen for real.”
Ollie blushed brightly as Dad gave us his final smirk and instructions. “You two just be careful today - please be safe - and, well… just stay out of the ruined buildings.”
I could see Ollie’s “good boy” genes starting to bubble up, so I quickly added, “Don’t worry, Dad. We will.”
I glanced over to read my pup’s face and then made a second declaration, “And don’t worry, Ollie. I swear to you - no more roads trying to kill us or stupid volleyball serves today. I promise.”
I reined in my playfulness in before continuing more sincerely to my love. “All beaches are public property in the U.S - no one can stop us from swimming to them. And hopefully no one will be there to stop us from just politely walking across a peninsula full of abandoned resort rooms.”
Ted glanced at us over his sunglasses, perfectly content in his beach chair. “Have fun, you two - and try not to get us all kicked off the island before Monday. We had to pay for the villa in advance.”
** Ollie’s Perspective **
I had no idea what Corey truly had in mind, but after successfully navigating our terrifying descent - two days in a row now - our magical evening last night, and his heroic defense of my decisions this morning, I was pretty much willing to follow him anywhere.
And his first amazing “anywhere” turned out to be another undersea wonderland - the second one of my life.
Corey led me through a literal under sea forest of bright orange elkhorn coral. Nearly every broad, branching “antler” sheltered schools of white, blue, and yellow-striped fish. After the amazing display of shimmering silversides and French angels, I had assumed that yesterday’s snorkel adventure couldn’t be beaten.
I was more than happy to be so wrong.
My first day on the island would always be a special memory that I’d never forget - but today was already just as amazing in its own way. Then unexpectedly, it was even more so…
All because we suddenly encountered our newest sweet pookie boy - at least I decided that “he” was a “boy.” Either way, our unexpected flippered companion was a member of the aquatic species that had given the entire bay its name.
Our new friend had somehow snuck up from behind and beneath us as we swam across the deeper water between the reefs. I fell in love instantly and I decided that I will forever call him “George,” and that I will love him, and hug him, and stroke his ornate shell.
“George” was a very friendly hawksbill sea turtle. And he seemed to really like us - a lot. His mottled, ruddy shell matched the patterns on his huge front flippers… or, um - paws? I swear, he immediately reminded me of the aquatic version of our pup Riley. And that unexpected comparison gave me an equally unexpected pang of puppy-parent guilt.
We’ve got to call Ethan and Daniel tonight and check in with our fluffy boy.
Making our little swim even more special, Corey motioned for me to dive down twenty feet to the sandy floor between the middle and westernmost reefs. There, in the center of the passage, stood a small coral head. As I got closer, I realized it was like a tiny garage - but instead of housing a Bronco or a Mach E, its protected occupant was a napping nurse shark.
A freaking shark!
We stayed down as long as we could, marveling at the beautiful, sleeping fish. I somehow managed to resist my overwhelming urge to stroke it like we had just done with “George.” When we surfaced, Corey quickly spat out his snorkel.
“Ollie! I can’t believe this! First the French angels yesterday, and now this - I swear, that nurse shark is exactly where I remember him being when I was fifteen!”
I smiled back brightly in response to his joy. “So… can we go back down and pet him?”
Corey’s laugh was full of affection - with just a bit of fun. “Um, sweet pup. Everyone thinks nurse sharks are the friendly, lovable members of the shark family - I mean, you saw that sweet face, right? But, I think it’s because they usually sleep during the day. And like a puppy, they’re calm and docile when they’re sleepy. But they love to bite when they get played with.”
He gave me a gently teasing look. “So let’s maybe give George another hug and bill scratch… and then head over to that strip of sand across the bay.”
I followed his gaze and discovered yet another stretch of golden sand just waiting for us - beckoning for our attention.
Chapter 46: Paradise Lost
Sure, I’m a football player, and I work out a lot. I’m an athlete by most any definition, but I’ve never been a particularly strong swimmer. I’m definitely more of a runner or cyclist at heart - especially when it comes to pushing my speed and endurance limits. Still, with the super-buoyant seawater and our swim fins, I felt as confident swimming across the bay as Aquaman… Especially in my recently shaved-down state.
And dang… maybe I should get Corey to make my legs match my chest tonight. With my smooth torso, I swear I slipped through the water every bit as efficiently as George had. This is awesome! I chuckled to myself before sobering… Calm down, Ollie - and don’t worry, my wolf - I’m never going to shave my legs. But now I absolutely understood why my swimmer friends did back in high school.
We leisurely kicked our fins along the rocky shoreline between the main beach and the destination Corey had pointed out. Even without rushing, my excitement and continued amazement made it feel like we arrived in almost no time. Or maybe it was the sheer joy of gliding over yet another fairyland of fish, coral, and sea life. Every kick of my fins brought something new, amazing and beautiful into my view.
Lurd! How had I ever survived in a landlocked state like Michigan? Okay, fine - my home state may be nearly surrounded by inland seas of its own. But still… the Great Lakes were nothing like what we were swimming in right now.
I noticed a look of concern quickly cloud Corey’s face as we stepped out of the gentle surf and onto the abandoned beach. It looked as if no one had touched anything here since 2017. Ruined plastic and metal lounge chairs lay scattered along the sand, with more strewn between the deserted, crumbling bungalows. I couldn’t stop myself from glancing around for attacking zombies… or maybe some stage of creepy, infected fungus people. I was definitely keeping my fins on until I was certain there were no Walkers, Runners, or Stalkers lurking nearby.
Clearing my inner monologue of those goofy thoughts, I realized that Corey had suddenly lost a crucial spark of his confidence. He stood there - concerned look on his face and hands on his hips - quietly surveying the damage. Still, he gathered himself in a way I’d never quite seen before - and it made my heart soar to witness his quiet determination - as he finally found his voice to ask me the question that was obviously weighing heavy on his shoulders.
“So… given my behavior during yesterday’s volleyball fiasco - and now suggesting that we swim here… to these ruins. Do you still trust me, Ollie?”
I only smiled, loving my sweet wolf more than ever, and slipped my arm through his.
“Always.”
My not-so-class-clown husband still didn’t seem completely sure. “For Ted’s sake, I sincerely hope I don’t get us kicked off the island today, but I honestly had no idea the resort would be this deserted… or this desolate. I really thought we could maybe just blend in - like we had a reason to be here.”
He cast a contemplative glance at the nearest bungalow’s broken windows and sagging roof. “Sadly, it’s pretty obvious no one comes here anymore.”
I gave him a quick kiss for encouragement, and it seemed to work.
Corey brightened a little. “But I still don’t think we need to swim all the way around the point to get where I want to take you - which is really just a short walk across this skinny peninsula.”
Tentatively rededicated to our adventure, he pulled two broken loungers together. “Let’s leave our fins and snorkels hidden here and just walk… um - this way, I hope.”
He pointed over my shoulder, toward a narrow path between the ruined guest buildings.
I barely managed to catch my love’s revived goofy smirk before he added, “Um… but maybe stay crouched down a bit. Let’s at least act a little covert. I mean, if we’re going to get arrested and deported for trespassing through a disaster zone, we should make it look like we knew what we were doing.”
I’m sure the shocked look on my face was priceless. He simply gave me a reassuring wink before my wolf let a couple of evil chuckles escape as we began our clandestine journey between deteriorating guest bungalows and around scattered piles of debris.
As happy as I was knowing Corey was leading me to a very special place that he wanted to share, I couldn’t help but start feeling a deep ache for him. Seeing so much neglect and ruin in such a beautiful place - one that had clearly meant so much to his younger self - was devastating for both of us.
** Corey’s Perspective **
We moved quickly - hopefully stealthily enough to avoid detection - racing down overgrown paths and slipping between even more decrepit buildings until finally, there it was. My favorite spot on the entire planet, at least according to the memories of my fifteen-year-old self.
Paradise Beach. A small, tree-covered, secluded stretch of sand, that was maybe only fifteen feet between the vegetation line and the gently lapping waves. The beach’s entrance was still guarded by a ten-foot-tall, fifteen-foot-wide giant dark gray granite bathysphere. Somehow, two ruined lounge chairs still sat half-buried in what used to be pristine sand - now a twenty-five-foot stretch of sadness cluttered with debris.
The tiny waves were far too gentle to help wash any of it away. But, at least the sand was still soft. Still almost white. Still warm. I tried my hardest to push through the ache in my chest - this was supposed to be a very special moment for me and my love.
The little beach with the word “paradise” in its name was no longer as magical as I’d remembered, but it was still here, and it was still real. My old dream was, in a different way than I’d hoped, finally coming true; I was able to share this tarnished, yet still enchanted place with someone I couldn’t have ever imagined having fifteen years ago - my incredible husband and my best friend forever.
I managed to shrug off the last of my melancholy before putting on my bravest face and beginning my declaration. “This is it, Ollie!” I pointed over his shoulder at the last set of ruins we’d just dodged between. “That’s cottage number seven. It housed the premier guestrooms of the whole resort. We got to use it for a single, incredible day.”
I raised my arms and forced a smile as I slowly rotated on the little beach. “Paradise Beach was practically our own private fantasy world for that day. It’s always been one of my most special memories. One I’ve waited a very long time to share with you.”
Chapter 47: Paradise Reclaimed
I couldn’t help noticing that my wolf’s face wasn’t radiating the joy he’d expected - or even the excitement he was trying so hard to project. In fact, I could almost feel his heart breaking at the disappointment we’d found waiting for us. While still innately beautiful and just as special as our forest play place was back home, there was no ignoring the trash and debris that had collected here since the property had been abandoned.
Corey’s heartbreak was my heartbreak, and there was no way I was going to let his special adventure end like this. I stepped up to him, gently placing my hands on his shoulders. “Hey, my sweet man… love of my life. I see your brave face, and I really appreciate it - but I also really don’t like seeing my class clown look so sad behind his beautiful eyes.”
I moved closer and wrapped my newly smooth body around his. “Guess what, my amazing wolf? This time, I think I have an idea.”
Corey lifted his head and looked into my eyes, then smiled - a sincere, unforced one. And I realized he didn’t really care what my idea was, only that I had immediately understood how special this place and this moment were supposed to be - for him and for us.
He raised an eyebrow. “What are you thinking, pup?”
I returned the daring wink his father had given me yesterday just before our morning thrill ride. “Well, as I keep hearing, every beach on the island is public property - from the waterline all the way up to the vegetation line. Right?”
Corey smiled through his obvious sadness. “Well… actually, it’s the high-tide line.” He gave me a sweet little smirk at my improper terminology. “At least, that’s what I hear.”
I leaned back from our hug and gave a gentle smirk of my own before continuing. “Fine - high-tide line! Anyway, since we don’t have anything better to do, and it seems like we could already be arrested and banished from the island at any moment, why don’t we get a little workout in and put some of my ‘good boy’ energy to use? Let’s clear all the trash and debris from the public part of our special little beach.”
Instantly remembering our “jogging to the dads’ house” argument from the weekend before our wedding, I wasn’t prepared for how enthusiastic my wolf’s response would be. Corey howled.
“Ollie… please never stop amazing me. I love you, my pup. That’s absolutely perfect. Let’s get to work!”
****
It didn’t even take us all that long - maybe an hour. But that was probably because we had the benefit of simply being able to toss the trash up against the decaying guest rooms. Honestly, anyone else could have done it just as easily… if they’d ever wanted to.
In just over sixty very sweaty, very satisfying minutes, our little private beach - with its stone guardian and protective shady trees - was looking as pristine as we could make it. We even used a few conveniently shed palm fronds to rake the sand smooth.
My love’s remembered paradise was as reclaimed as we could make it - and that was pretty impressive. Paradise Beach once again looked like someone loved it.
Just as I was considering whether or not the beach lounger we’d decided not to throw away could support my weight, Corey took my hands. I could see a glisten of unshed tears in his excited, always sparkling eyes. “Ollie, you know I was fifteen the last time I was here, and like you back then, all I wanted was to be able to ‘practice’ with a special boy here for the rest of my life.”
He awkwardly cleared his throat. “I know Dad and Ted have made it painfully - embarrassingly - clear that I was here with my friend David last time, and I admit that we did have fun… but I’d already started to realize that he was just going through a phase - figuring himself out - and taking advantage of a, er… mutually beneficial arrangement. Meanwhile, I’d already had enough ‘practice’ to know who I was. I’d even already told Dad and Ted that I wasn’t ever going to bring a future daughter-in-law home to them.”
I loved watching my Corey’s true joy begin to resurface. “Back when we were here, Dad and Ted probably thought I was out here sitting on one of these loungers - most likely reading porn - but I swear to you, I was really just lying here, daydreaming about somehow coming back to this place with someone truly special - someone like me who wasn’t just going through a phase.”
I looked into his eyes and saw that they were no longer just glistening - they were spilling over - as he continued a speech that I had a big feeling he’d been carrying around inside him for a very long time.
“Ollie… someone like you. Here with me now. Someone so incredible that he just decided the most important thing he could do was help me turn this place back into a paradise again.”
He wiped his cheeks before continuing. “You know, Ollie… as tragic as the loss of this place is, I think it’s somehow the universe’s way of giving us another unexpected wedding gift.”
I was overwhelmed by the unguarded look on his bright face as he continued. “It’s made me understand the most basic truth: paradise isn’t really a place - it’s sharing an experience, a journey, a life with someone you love. Someone who can make any place we’re in together become the most beautiful and important paradise there is.”
Corey went down on one knee, exactly as if he were about to propose again. Instead, he made the simplest and most important declaration. “I love you, Oliver Aaron Rainer.”
My own eyes had started spilling over as well. “I love you too, Corey Allan Rainer.” I took his hand and gently urged him to stand. Not that our moment needed to be lightened - it was absolutely perfect - but my sweetest wolf deserved something just as special in return. “Hey… how about we make Chris and Ted’s - more carnal - assumption about your fifteen-year-old daydream time come true?”
****
The look of sheer joy, excitement, and love in Corey’s sky-blue eyes was everything I knew I’d ever need in my life. He took my hand and led me across the smoothed, cleared sand to stand under the approving gaze of our beach’s giant stone guardian. With a fierce certainty, we understood it would protect our privacy from any unexpected intruders.
Corey gently pushed me back against the warmth of the massive sphere of stone. “Ollie, I don’t think I’ve told you this yet, but there’s a nearby British Virgin Island called Virgin Gorda. It’s home to one of the most unique and amazing beaches in the world.”
I couldn’t stop myself from interrupting. “Even more amazing than this special beach we’re on right now?”
Corey’s smile was bright enough to blaze through the shade of the trees sheltering our little stretch of paradise. “I swear it would be, pup. Well… at least if you were there with me - say… for maybe our first anniversary trip.”
He shook his head slightly and refocused. “What I mean is, this giant boulder is like a wayward cousin to all the others that make The Baths and Devil’s Bay so incredible. And as soon as we get you a new passport, believe me, I can start planning our next adventure.”
I cupped his gleefully smiling cheeks, so very happy to see that we had managed to bring his joy - and his ever-present mischievousness - back to the face I loved so dearly. “Remember, Corey, you just said that paradise is really anywhere we both are. So I’ll be happy to be anywhere you want to take me. And I know I’ll love it, because you’ll be right there with me, sharing your delight. That’s all I need. And I know it’s all I’ll ever need.”
As Corey looked into my deep crystal-blue eyes, the extraordinary little beach seemed to lean into our moment, its tropical-scented breeze wrapping around us. The waves lapping softly against the sand provided a gentle rhythm to everything building between us.
I could see the quiet miracle happening inside him just by gazing into his eyes as he guided me down onto the warm sand beneath our guardian, the waves still whispering along the shore as if they knew they were the only other witnesses allowed. I could feel that my fifteen-year-old Corey had been dreaming, fantasizing, about this place - about this moment - for almost half of his life.
I also knew that I’d fulfill every part of his fantasy that I could muster. Still, I quietly wondered if he had ever imagined that I’d be the one standing, well now laying, beside him on this beach - that first time he saw me in the forlorn urology clinic that started us on this journey toward our shared destiny all those months ago. Once more, I was amazed as another level of understanding settled over me about just how much our not-so-random meeting had meant to both of us.
The best I could manage to vocalize out all of that was maybe a little cheesy - which was thankfully the norm for most of our intimate moments. “Your cherished resort may be gone… hopefully only temporarily. But I promise I’ll be here, there, and everywhere for you - forever - wherever we decide our next paradise happens to be.”
We both laughed out loud, the waves seemingly giving their unanimous agreement.
I couldn’t stop myself; I was riding high on an emotional rollercoaster in a ruined resort that still somehow felt like an absolutely perfect slice of paradise. “Corey, this resort may be in ruins, but our love is strong - and new - and honestly, still just beginning.”
I took a breath and softened my tone before continuing. “What I’m trying to say is… this beach didn’t make your dream come true. You did - when you chose to give me your love, your protection, and your understanding when I needed it most.”
I leaned up and kissed him before concluding my point. “Just like I did when I chose to trust you, even when I was at my most betrayed, scared, and guarded.”
“This little beach isn’t Caneel’s Paradise Beach anymore… it’s our paradise beach - because we chose to make it that. I swear to you my love… we’ll keep making everything from here forward into our shared paradise for the rest of our lives.”
Corey couldn’t stop himself - and I didn’t even remotely want him to. Suddenly, he was on top of me, pressing me gently down into the warm, damp sand, his lips finding mine as his hands moved over my recently shaved chest and stomach.
His mischievous grin practically exploded across his beautiful face. “Pup… unless you want a repeat of last night’s shaving ceremony again tomorrow, I don’t think you’re going to be a twunk for much longer.”
Then, slipping into his traditional goofy grin, he added - using his absolute worst Yoda voice - The fur is strong with this one, my shaved padawan.”
We both burst into life-affirming laughter before I could even catch my breath enough to reply. “Corey… last night gave me exactly what I needed. But what I want now is for you to figure out how to try and get me pregnant with your puppies again… right here on this sandy beach.”
I shyly cut my eyes. “And for you to figure out how to deal with my full-body prickliness while I return to my natural furry state. I’m kind of afraid you’re not going to like my sandpaper torso on top of you for the next few weeks. But come on… it was a really fun experiment - right?”
Corey didn’t smirk. He didn’t even give me a mischievous grin. He simply looked wiser than I’d ever seen him. “Ollie, you already know that when you’re ‘on top,’ I like riding you best. You’re the one who prefers me over you - with my body weight reassuring you that you’re mine to protect and cherish forever.” His voice softened - thought his smirk returned. “Believe me, pup… we’ll survive this terrible thing you forced me to - first commit - and now to endure.”
His finger gently shushed my lips before I could even begin my reply - or state my defense - depending on how he was choosing to interpret things.
“Ollie… I think I like shaving your sweet face… your abs… your pecs.” His smile returned, softer now. “I even think I’d enjoy doing it again - maybe just for a little while… or for special occasions.” He leaned in closer. “But until your fur grows back in and becomes a little softer, don’t worry, my love… I’ll happily keep reminding you of my preferred position when I need to be your, erm… top-bottom.”
It was my turn for my eyes to widen. “Um… Corey, I got to be the top guy last night - and I really needed that - so I kind of assumed it would be my honor to do what you wanted for this special moment. At least I was definitely hoping you’d somehow managed to bring some lube along in your trunks.”
Corey’s gaze turned dangerously fatherly - or at least all-knowing. “My Ollie… I’ve had this day planned for fifteen years. Of course I figured out how to bring some lube.” His smirk deepened. “But I’ll admit, I had absolutely no idea that I’d be the one wanting to be on bottom - okay… Corey-top-style - two times in a row.”
His bearded smile was magnificent. “What else can I say, pup? I need you to stay on your back… right here on this magical beach. Just let me take care of the rest. Deal?”
I beamed back, my excitement impossible to hide. “I’m totally on board… but you’ve gotta show me where you hid the lube.”
Corey smirked. “Come on, Ollie… you know I’m much more of a grower than a shower compared to you. That ‘happiness’ you kept glancing at in my speedo? Well, don’t be too disappointed. It wasn’t all because of you and my plans.” His grin grew. “But the full grow you’re about to see? That’s absolutely all because of you.”
He reached into the little zipper pocket of his trunks and pulled out two packets of lube as if they were the most impressive magic trick he’d ever performed. And right now, in this place, they truly were.
“Ollie… please make my fifteen-year-old dreams come true. Right here. On this beach.” His voice softened. “You’re so much more than anything I ever imagined. Let’s make this little beach ours… forever.”
And we did.
****
I was holding my love, wrapped around him - protecting him, keeping him still - in the shade of our giant bathysphere. As if I were once again trying to ensure that our latest coupling would finally give us a puppy. For once, my inner monologue wasn’t racing, I was simply drifting, pleasantly lost - dancing between happy thoughts and deep thoughts - in our afterglow.
I finally realized that there probably would never be a better time or place to voice my biggest desire to my wolf.
“Corey, we always joke about having puppies. Um…” I hesitated, then found the courage to push through my uncertainty. “Would you ever really want to have a child one day?”
I stumbled a little. “I mean… like in a few years - after I’ve figured out exactly what career path I want to follow and have hopefully finally graduated.”
Corey’s head turned toward mine. His bold, surprised smile was already my answer.
“Oh my Ollie… I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. Yeah, pup. I really would.” He exhaled gently. “I just didn’t want to put any pressure on you right now. You’ve got enough big decisions in front of you - and we’ve got plenty of time.”
I was overjoyed to realize my wolf had been giving this some serious thought as well. He paused, as if searching for the right words to add instead of simply forcing them out.
“I still don’t know exactly how we’d do it… but I do know I’d want it to come from us. Something that feels like it’s our family from the very beginning.” He glanced at me again, a little sheepishly. “Adoption is a miracle in so many ways, but would I sound selfish - or even arrogant - if I admitted I really want to watch a little Ollie or Corey grow up in our home?”
I wrapped myself around him even tighter. “No, Corey… that sounds perfect. But you forgot about the possibility of a little Olivia… or Cora - oh wait! A little Corrina.”
I felt the laughter vibrate through his chest before he replied, “I know your daughter would turn out to be an absolute angel. Beautiful, sweet, perfectly behaved…” He paused. “But I think we’d be pushing our luck with a Corrina. She’d have both her dads completely wrapped around her finger - able to get away with absolutely anything she wanted.”
He chuckled again, “And by the way, there’s no way we’d ever name her ‘Cora’ or ‘Corina.’ But honestly, I kinda like ‘Olivia.”
I added my chuckle to his as Corey continued, “Let’s just stick with a Corey Jr. Or wait… Hold on! Maybe a Theodore Christopher. That would make Ted tear up and Dad pretend he’s only having a bad allergy day.”
His grin widened. “And we wouldn’t even have to finish stating our intent before they started planning the nursery.”
Gazing into Corey’s sky blues with my deep-water blues, I realized that however - if ever - we became parents, we’d give our child the best life possible. I’d provide the grounding foundation they would need, and Corey would give them the sky to soar in.
****
After our intense time on Paradise Beach, we decided we probably didn’t need to crouch down and keep to the shadows anymore as we made our way back to our snorkel gear. We slipped our fins and masks on in a deep, companionable silence, then eased ourselves back into the welcoming sea.
Once again, we made our way along the shoreline until we reached the main beach. From there, we opted to carry our equipment and walk the rest of the way on the sand.
Everyone was waiting for us when we made it back to our spot.
Kevin and Anna were clearly back to being a very happy twosome. And my Corey? He was already back in prime form. “So, Kevin… ready for another beach volleyball tournament?”
Kevin practically threw a turkey sandwich at his partner in crime.
Chris cut in with a knowing smile. “So, boys… how was Paradise Beach?”
Corey’s grin was unstoppable. “Ollie helped me make it perfect. I doubt we’ll ever be staying in Cottage Seven again, but we’ll never forget our newly reborn little beach.”
We shared a few un-thrown sandwiches, rum punches, chips, cold veggies with ranch, and a whole lot of warm laughter. Afterward, we all just drifted together in the calm, crystal-clear water - teasing, loving, and soaking in another perfect day in the sun.
****
The afternoon slowly came to an end, and we began repacking our little caravan. As amazing as the day had been, we’d had all the sun and surf we needed. It was time to head back, relax - take a shower - and get ready for dinner at the villa.
Not that the thought had even crossed our minds - but we all knew there was no cell service at Hawksnest Beach. Just like there hadn’t been any at Cinnamon Bay the day before. It was just something we were already getting used to.
But about halfway back up the impossibly rocky road - the one I was still convinced wanted us dead - all four of our phones suddenly exploded with notifications.
Every text. Every voicemail. Ethan. Daniel. Ethan and Daniel.
Their messages were panicked - fragmented - but one thing was immediately clear:
Riley had run away.
As we read and listened, the story quickly came together from desperate pieces. The three of them had been playing on the TCU practice fields - just like Riley and I always did. Our pup had been off leash. Again, just like always.
But then… something changed.
Ethan’s voice was shaking as he explained. Riley had seen someone - someone who looked like me - and that was all it took. “Ollie, he ran straight to him. And when Riley realized it wasn’t you…”
My poor friend broke down completely. When he recovered, I was finally able to make out that the last thing they saw was Riley bolting across a very busy Berry Street.
Daniel swore they’d all been searching - him, Ethan, and even Mrs. Miller - checking out everywhere they could think of. But there was no sign of him.
Every message ended the same way:
“Please call us as soon as you can. We’re so sorry. We don’t know what else to do.”
Chapter 48: A Pup on a Mission
When I saw him across the field, my heart soared. I knew it had to be my Ollie. I charged toward him as fast as I could, ready to welcome him back into our pack. But it wasn’t my love. His scent was foreign - wrong - and I nearly lost my will to keep going.
I don’t understand… my pack has never left me alone for this long. A crushing desperation filled my breaking heart.
Could the night animals have somehow gotten them? I swore I’d never let those demons take another member of my pack away from me again.
What if my Ollie is out there - alone and hurt somewhere? What if our brave Corey wasn’t able to fight them all off… just like my mother couldn’t?
I have to find them. I have to help. I know I can protect them - I’m a wolf now too.
I had never even thought about doing something like this before. I know it’s a bad pup thing to do. But I don’t have a choice.
I must continue my mission. I suddenly knew where I had to go.
My legs pumped as I ran, carrying me where I needed them to take me. As I picked up speed, I swore to myself: I’m coming, Ollie. I’ll find you. I’ll help you. I love you. I’ll save my pack.
I saw the car coming.
But I knew I could beat it.
I had to…
To Be Continued...
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