I apologize once again. This is a little different than my usual sections. It's only two chapters - which I hope you enjoy - that were originally the start of the next section. That very important section simply got too large. And I wanted to give everyone the conclusion of Riley's Tail, er Tale, as soon as I could. Take a deep breath, then discover what happened to our favorite pup...
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…
Chapter 49: Alone Again
The car’s horn roared like the terrifying beast I once believed it was - back when I was only a frightened little pup. The screech of its tires tore through my ears as they skidded out of control. My eyes tried to close, but they were suddenly locked open - spellbound by the black marks the tires painted on the pavement. I finally realized my mistake, and I froze, too terrified to even choose a direction to run. It didn’t matter. It was already too late…
I shook my head hard and anxiously glanced over at Corey, my look was sheepish and my voice was tight. “Remember when you had to wake me up from my little nightmare last night?”
Keeping his eyes - and his full attention - firmly focused on the treacherous path up the hillside, Corey knowingly replied, “I could tell from your whimpers and muttering what your dream was about, Ollie. But please… don’t even think about that right now.”
I managed a strained smile. “I swear I’m not, Corey. I know our pup’s way wiser than that - he’s a street-smart very good boy.” I exhaled, but most of my tension stayed with me. “Still, come on… talk about the worst possible time to have a guilt-fueled nightmare about Riley getting hit by a car. Lurd.”
****
I was alone.
I didn’t understand what had happened - what had I done wrong? It felt like forever since I’d been snuggled tummy to tummy against my Ollie, breathing in his comforting scent of pack and den.
My panicked run along our usual paths had turned into a nightmare. Everything was familiar. Everything was where it should be. Everything except the two hearts who mattered to me most. I had searched everywhere.
They were just… gone.
Had I been abandoned for something bad I’d done?
I was scared. I was nothing without my pack. Just… an unloved stray.
I forced my way into the last place I could think to search. But when I finally made it there, all the familiar smells of my family were faded - cold. I couldn’t stop the defeated whimper that slipped out as I gave up and curled into a tight ball, making myself as small as I could.
Spending the night outside my den would be dangerous. I was too tired. Too empty to make it back home. I understood that if the night animals came, then my end would likely come too.
But the thought of living on without my pack… Somehow, felt even worse.
****
As soon as our little caravan pulled into the villa’s parking area, I jumped out and headed straight for Chris and Ted’s Jeep. One look at their faces told me everything - their SUV had been bombarded with the same alerts we’d received.
Ted was already out and moving around the front of the Jeep toward me. He wrapped his big, comforting arms around me without hesitation. “Don’t worry, Sport. Our Riley is one smart boy. He’s going to be okay. He’s just looking for his pack because he misses us.”
I looked down at my sweet dad and tried to manage a weak smile. “You know that last part isn’t exactly making me feel any less guilty, right?”
Ted chuckled softly. “This is reminding me of a conversation I had with Chris once… about how awful I felt not being there for you when you were in the ER - bonding with our wonderful Officer Kevin.” He shook his head with a small, rueful smile. “I didn’t like how that felt at all.”
His eyes softened as he met mine. “But I got through it… and so did you. Just like you and Riley will get through it today.”
I hugged Ted in tighter before stepping back and addressing everyone. “I’m sorry, guys - we’ll help y’all unpack and get everything settled in a few. But right now, I need to call Ethan. And, um… Corey, could you maybe give Daniel a call? I know they’re both going to tell us the same thing, but I think they both need to hear from us right now.”
I saw Corey nod in agreement, but before I could turn away and start dialing, Chris suddenly rushed over and showed him something on his phone. The next thing I knew, the two of them were moving fast - rushing through the courtyard and heading down the staircase to Chris and Ted’s level.
I frowned, completely caught off guard. Whatever Chris had just shown him had clearly changed everything. There was no way our two biggest protectors would just bolt like that in the middle of a family crisis unless they discovered something that really mattered.
The only thing I could control in this stressful moment was making the call. I dialed Ethan’s number.
He picked up immediately. “Ollie! Where have y’all been? We’ve been texting and calling everyone for almost an hour. We’re in free-fall here - total meltdown mode. We even had to convince Mrs. Miller that she didn’t need to bring a casserole over. Ollie…”
I cut in, trying to reassure him before his guilt could spiral any further out of control. “Hey, Ethan - we know. We just now got your texts. I’m so sorry. The beaches here don’t have the greatest 5G coverage. We should’ve told you that right after we discovered it yesterday.”
Ethan was practically sobbing. “Ollie, it’s all my fault. We knew Riley was feeling down and lonely - that’s why we took him over to TCU for some off-leash play time. Daniel didn’t think we should let him run free while he was so upset, but I thought it would make him feel better. I’m so sorry, it’s just all my fault.”
His voice cracked. “But I swear it was working… until he saw a soccer player who kinda looked like you. He bolted toward him before we could even shout ‘Riley, Stop!’ And Ollie - when he realized it wasn’t you?” Ethan choked on his words. “I didn’t know a dog’s face could show that much disappointment. That much sadness. Seeing it nearly killed me.”
I heard a real sob break through. “Ollie, I can’t… I can’t take it if that’s the last look I ever get to see on his sweet, furry face.”
My heart was nearly breaking for my poor, sweet friend. I steadied my voice. “Ethan, I swear, buddy - you didn’t do anything wrong. We’re all going to see our favorite fluffy-faced pup again. He’s a very smart dog, and we’ve trained him well. He understands cars. He knows how to cross a road. Hey! You saw how amazing he was at our wedding.”
I heard Ethan sniffle, so I kept going. “It’s okay, Ethan. I’m pretty sure Riley’s just out there somewhere looking for his pack. Honestly, there’s a really good chance he’ll finally just show up back at our house later tonight.”
Lurd… I needed something more - something extra that would really take the weight off him. “And honestly? This is probably way more my fault than anything you did. I, uh… kinda had to punish Corey last night for a stupid beach volleyball thing.”
Ethan sniffed and managed a small, confused protest. “Ollie… you don’t play volleyball.”
I rolled my eyes. “I know. It’s a long story. And, um… well, you might not recognize me when we get home.” I let that hang for half a second before refocusing. “But my point is, instead of making Corey pay for his antics, I should’ve FaceTimed you and Riley last night. Believe it or not, he really responds to seeing us on the screen. Corey used to do it all the time during the day - he was paranoid that our pup was only seeing daddy Ollie all day long while he was stuck at the clinic.” I huffed a soft laugh. “Lurd… he’s going to make a very good father one day.”
I swear I could actually hear Ethan blink on the other end. “Dang, man… what exactly have you two been up to on St. John?”
I chuckled. “Nothing, I swear! It’s just a conversation we finally had today. Anyway…”
Chris and Corey came running back out into the parking area before I could continue my next thought. I barely caught the look on Corey’s face - pure excitement and relief - before Chris shoved his iPad right in front of me.
And there he was.
My little fluffy, black-muzzled boy.
I froze for half a heartbeat, then forced myself to pivot back to the call. “Um - sorry. Anyway, like I was saying, I’m absolutely confident in Riley’s ability to find his way to wherever he thinks he needs to go - and then to find his way back home.”
Ethan’s voice sharpened, confusion breaking through his panic. “You kinda said that already. But Ollie… how does it help us find him - now?”
I cleared my throat, trying - and failing - to curb the sudden relief in my voice. “Well, buddy… it means that Riley decided to go looking for us at his second favorite den and pool.” I couldn’t stop the small chuckle that crept in. “Because according to Chris and Ted’s backyard security camera, our sad pup is alternating between lonely howls and curling up into a tight little ball right in front of their kitchen door.”
Ethan nearly shouted, “Geeze, Ollie! Don’t you think you maybe could’ve led with that?!”
“I’m sorry, Ethan - I swear I had no idea. Chris and Corey just came running over to me with the camera feed. There’s no way I’d keep you hanging like that. Are you okay now?”
Ethan’s voice was already steadier, the panic fading. “I believe you, Ollie… it’s just been a really scary afternoon. Listen - do we need a key to get into your dads’ backyard? We need to go get our pup right now.”
I smiled, hearing my friend’s ability to think quickly snapping back into place. “Great question, buddy. See? You and Daniel are going to make great puppy parents one day too. So yeah - their house keys are hanging on the key hooks by the back door. They’re on a ring with a clear blue oval “Ford” rubber fob - from Corey’s first car.”
I paused, a thought finally catching up with me. “Hey, now that you mention keys… how the heck did Riley get into their backyard?”
The last thing I heard before Ethan abruptly ended our call was his voice already trailing away as he quickly jumped into action. “We’ll let you know in a few minutes. Daniel! Come on! We’ve gotta get to Chris and Ted’s backyard - now! And bring your iPad!”
** Ethan’s Perspective **
After spotting a freshly dug, Riley-sized trench beneath the backyard gate - a sudden blemish on Chris and Ted’s always-perfect lawn - I fumbled with the lock, my hands trying to move faster than my brain could process at the moment.
We rounded the corner of the house and…
There he was.
Our sad, furry boy.
So forlorn. So resigned to his loneliness. His fluffy tail gave only the faintest flick of recognition when he finally saw us. I knew we were part of his pack - just not the part he was hoping for. Not the part he needed most.
Daniel and I dropped down on either side of him. “Hey, buddy… we’re so sorry, Riley boy. We know how much you miss your Ollie and Corey. But I swear - they’re both okay. They haven’t abandoned you. I promise you’re going to see them again in a few days.”
I hesitated, my words finally registering on my own ears.
Wait… does “a few days” even mean anything to a dog?
We both leaned down and pressed our faces gently against his. It helped his mood - if only just a little - but it didn’t even come close to erasing the sadness from his eyes. We exchanged a quick look. Time to take this to the next level.
“It’s okay, Riley. We’ve got something to show you, buddy. Are you ready?”
Daniel flipped his iPad cover over and quickly started a FaceTime call to a waiting Ollie, Corey, Ted, and Chris. They answered almost immediately with Ollie right there front and center on the screen. We leaned in close to our still very sad pup and angled the iPad so he could see his Ollie’s face.
And then it hit me. Wait… what the frak? Was that really Riley’s Ollie - was it even our Ollie?
For one stunned second, we both forgot about our little pup as we shouted out in harmony. “Ollie! What the heck happened?”
Ollie just chuckled softly. “Hey, Riley pup! It’s your daddies - and your grandpas. We’re all okay, our good boy. And I’m so sorry we didn’t talk to you last night. Are you okay, pup?”
Ollie’s voice was all Riley needed.
His ears shot up. A heartbeat later, he sprang to his feet, his tail wagging at full speed and maximum intensity - expressing a pure, unfiltered joy.
Corey leaned into the screen. “Hey, Riley! We’re all okay, and we miss you too. You be a good boy - no more running off, alright? We’ll see you soon.”
Chris and Ted waved from the background, adding their voices - soft, steady, and reassuring. And just like that, sadness was something Riley was no longer carrying in his bright eyes. With his tail still thumping wildly between us, he leaned forward and gently pressed his wet nose against the screen. He couldn’t catch their scent, but somehow… he understood.
His pack was safe. He knew they’d come home. That was all he needed.
Ollie smiled and concluded the call with a heartfelt promise. “Believe me, guys - we’ll be FaceTiming y’all every night from now on.”
I didn’t even get the chance to ask about the missing beard before the call ended.
Chapter 50: Island Boy
After spending two of the most mind-blowing days of my life on two equally incredible beaches, we all somehow quietly decided it was time to take a day to explore Cruz Bay. We had no grand plan. We were simply going to wander through the quaint shops, then grab some good food for lunch - all before finally spending an afternoon enjoying our amazing villa and its pool. I mean, we’d paid for it - we should probably use it at least once or twice.
Chris and Ted led us down the mountain once more to the oh-so-very-sane - and completely boulder-free - North Shore Road where we headed west toward Cruz Bay. Thanks to the time of day and day of the week, we lucked into two primo parking spots at Mongoose Junction, a multi-level, open-air shopping center that held equal numbers of tourist t-shirt shops, high-end jewelry stores, and laid-back island dining. All tucked beneath a canopy of massive tropical trees, and sitting right next to where we’d had our first night’s dinner at Morgan’s Mango.
Still feeling really guilty about last afternoon's Riley hijinks, Corey and I immediately made our way into the more touristy shops, hunting for meaningful island gifts to bring home to our two heroic puppy sitters. It didn’t take long before we found a couple perfect t-shirts - and a gift bag we filled with fun knick-knacks that we felt best expressed our island’s charm and matched the décor of their apartment.
Just before we were about to start the short walk to a dive restaurant and bar that Chris and Ted insisted we had to go to for lunch, Corey suddenly caught my arm and gently steered me into a jewelry-type store appropriately named… well, Jewels.
I’m not even close to being a “jewelry” kind of guy. At least that’s what I thought until Corey led me straight to their watch section. My man knew me way too well.
My world runs on a timer. I swear I’m not obsessed - I just like knowing when and where I need to be. And honestly, that’s exactly what my Apple Watch already - very efficiently - did for me throughout my day.
As if reading my mind once again, Corey interrupted my inner monologue. “Ollie, I know you’re an Apple Watch kind of guy, but since everyone else has been giving us such amazing wedding gifts we never asked for… what if we did the same for ourselves and got a pair of ‘wedding watches’?”
He gave me the slightest dare of a smirk. “You can still wear your Apple for tracking your insane workouts and long runs, but - baby boy…”
He let that hang for just a second before finishing, softer but certain: “You’re about to turn twenty-one. And then eventually become an amazing sports medicine professional. I think you need a real watch for the rapidly approaching grown-up world.”
I couldn’t stop myself from giving his shoulder a gentle punch. Then I saw them… Lurd! How had I never seen an Omega watch before?
My attitude changed in an unexpected moment, “Corey! I’m sorry, but do you see that deep-blue-faced watch right there? I swear - just like that amazing night we found our sweet Riley - that poor lost little watch just bonded with me. I need to pick him up and cuddle.”
Corey’s laugh was instant and completely unguarded. “A Seamaster! Nice choice, pup. For a fine watch noob, you’ve really got good taste.” His rapt gaze directed us back toward the display case - at a spot just a few watches to the right of “mine.”
“Meanwhile, I think that sky-blue Speedmaster is calling my name. See, Ollie? Picking out our own wedding gifts isn’t such a chore.”
And then I saw the prices and stammered. “Never mind, my wolf. The watch I just picked out is…”
I didn’t get to finish my protest.
Corey hushed me with a sudden kiss, then casually motioned for a salesperson to come over and show me my new most precious possession.
It was perfect. The most amazing physical gift I’d ever been given. But my protests weren’t over so easily. “And wait! Corey, the one you picked out is only…”
His finger pressed gently against my lips. Again, sweetly yet firmly ending my protest.
“Ollie… do you want me to believe that you were able to instantly pick out the watch you loved most? Just like you instantly picked me out? Oh, and the one you also just admitted reminded you of the first time we ever saw our Riley?” He leaned in slightly, keeping my eyes firmly locked on his.
He continued, softer but just as certain, “Because I do believe you. I know you’d never lie about something that personal. Something that important.”
His voice was full of quiet conviction. “So please believe me when I tell you that this Speedmaster is exactly the watch I want to commemorate our wedding - for me. This is my pick. This is the wedding watch I want from you.”
Holding my gaze with certainty, he simply asked, “So… Now do you believe me, pup?”
All I could do was kiss him in return.
And just like that, I left the store wearing the most expensive watch I’d never imagined owning while my Apple Watch was temporarily banished to my shorts pocket.
I could only hope my iPhone could cope.
****
With our unexpected impulse purchases now adorning our wrists - purchases I was still trying to justify in my head - Chris and Ted led our happy pack along the quaint, tree-covered streets toward our much more low-key lunch destination.
And I’ll admit… I just couldn’t keep from looking down at my wrist.
It finally hit me - I was acting exactly like Corey had yesterday morning, when he couldn’t stop looking at me on our way to Hawksnest. I’m not saying I was simply Corey’s first piece of expensive jewelry, but I finally understood how my sudden new look had completely captivated him.
And hey… I kinda liked maybe being my Corey’s first piece of expensive jewelry.
Lurd.
After a few blocks and a left turn up the road that led toward the traffic circle, we found ourselves standing in front of a little dive spot called Woody’s - and I wasn’t entirely sure it was prepared to handle all eight of us for an unexpected lunch rush. But the staff didn’t hesitate. They welcomed us in like we’d always belonged here.
Thankfully, we were just a bit ahead of the normal crowd, and it was still just a random Thursday for the real world. I mean, even the people lucky enough to live in this paradise still had to follow the rhythm of a normal work week.
The place was incredibly quaint, and incredibly small. Maybe not quite “micro,” but dang close. Our group took up nearly half the dining area’s seating capacity. And yet, the little restaurant and bar somehow held more charm than its cramped walls could ever contain.
Craig, our friendly waiter, appeared almost immediately to take our drink orders - happily refusing to serve anyone who didn’t want something at least mildly alcoholic.
“Come on, guys! You’re on an incredible vacation on a Caribbean island!”
Most of us happily gave in. It was quickly decided that Grandma Laura and Anna would be driving us back to the villa - and would be treated like the queens they were for the rest of the afternoon.
We’d just finished giving Craig our drink and appetizer orders when a good-looking guy - somewhere around Chris and Ted’s age - strolled in with an easy confidence. He carried a guitar case and made his way straight toward an unimposing little blue barstool beside a mic stand…
…that none of us had even noticed.
My first curious thought was: dang, this place is way too small for a lunch rush and live music. But then I realized… the man wasn’t here to perform. It felt like this was simply his creative space - something that was a part of his well-rehearsed routine.
He wore an unassuming cowboy hat and a simple denim vest over a white ribbed tank. He unpacked his guitar, sat down, and began to strum softly, as if he’d done this exact thing for more years than I could imagine. Within moments, without any kind of announcement, he started picking out a delicate - still evolving - melody, clearing his throat as he quietly hummed along while working through it.
We were all instantly spellbound. This stranger wasn’t just good, he was special. And just as our appetizers arrived, he began testing out lyrics against the now-solidified tune, letting the words form as naturally as the music had.
I tried not to stare, but I couldn’t look away. I’d never seen a musician create something out of nothing before. It was mesmerizing - magical. Like watching a writer shape an important passage that would one day become your favorite part of a book.
After a few false starts - and a few more failed run-throughs - he finally found a set of words that seemed like they had always belonged to the song he’d been building right in front of us. I couldn’t control my amazement. “I’m sorry, sir, but that might be the most incredible thing I’ve seen on this island - well… other than all the coral reefs and a friendly turtle I named George.”
My words were public before I could stop them, and I immediately felt my face heat up. “Um, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt, but… dang. I think you just made our honeymoon even more special. I’ll stop bothering you now.”
He looked at me for a moment - steady, searching. Not harsh, but… measuring. As if he wasn’t quite sure what to make of me. “Hey,” he said finally, his tone easy but thoughtful. “I appreciate that. I like writing songs in front of real people. Keeps the song honest and it keeps me grounded.”
I nodded, still a little embarrassed. “That’s really cool. I’m glad we could be here to watch it happen.”
He studied me again, that same quiet curiosity in his eyes. “So… don’t take this the wrong way, but you look a little young to be married - and definitely too young to be drinking a rum punch.”
Then his expression softened into a smile. “Hey. I’m Ken.” He gave a small nod. “And I’m glad I got to be here for your… did you say honeymoon?”
I beamed. “Yes, sir. Hi - I’m Ollie, and yeah, this is my new husband, Corey. These are his dads, my grandparents, and our friends.” I hesitated, then added quickly, “And please believe me, just a couple days ago I had a beard, and I actually looked like I was only a couple weeks away from turning twenty-one. I swear.”
Ken’s face lit up with surprise - almost identical to Sullivan’s. “Wait… and all of you are here for your honeymoon?”
“Yes, sir,” I said easily - I’d had the opportunity to rehearse this part before. I nodded toward Corey and suddenly noticed that the rest of our group looked completely stunned. Slack-jawed. White-knuckled. Exactly like I’d looked that first morning coming down the mountain.
“Corey and I decided our first big trip as a married couple needed to include the people who helped us get here.” I gave a small, uncertain smile. “Does that make sense? Or does it just sound weird?”
Ken chuckled and stood. He made his way over to our table, and I swear he gave a knowing look to everyone who wasn’t talking, before turning back to me and offering a hug. He wasn’t tall, but there was something incredibly sincere about him - and I’ll never turn down an offer for a good hug.
“Ollie,” he said warmly, “you and your family just made my day. Like I said, I love writing songs in front of real people… and I think y’all might be about as real as it gets.” He held my gaze for a moment before adding, “Would you mind if I paraphrased one of my old songs into a little wedding present for you and Corey?”
My mind completely short-circuited. I glanced around at my family for guidance, but their expressions looked even more incredulous than how I felt. So I just went with it. “You probably don’t know it… er, Ken… but Corey and I specifically asked for no wedding presents.
“I swear we just wanted to share our special evening with our loved ones.” I gave a small, helpless laugh. “But apparently, everyone around this table completely ignored that request. So… thank you, sir. That would be amazing.”
I’m pretty sure the song he sang was originally called “Island Boy,” but he turned it into “Island Boys,” and I was completely awestruck by how easily he reshaped something he’d already written into something that felt like it belonged to us - right here, right on the spot.
This man was truly gifted. I couldn’t believe he was spending his time here, on this little island, content to share his talent with such a limited audience. But I wasn’t complaining - and I wasn’t questioning it either. He was clearly living the exact life that he wanted.
By the time he finished and we all applauded, I realized that along with our food being delivered, we’d also somehow attracted a crowd far larger than the little place could reasonably hold.
Ken accepted the praise with an easy smile before offering something more. “Ollie, I still can’t quite believe you’re married and about to turn twenty-one. I’d swear you look fifteen - but I do believe you, buddy. Where are y’all from?”
My smile instantly flashed across my stubbly cheeks as I glanced over at Ted - his eyes full of quiet pride - before answering. “Fort Worth, Texas, sir.”
Ken’s grin widened. “I knew it.” He nodded once, like that settled something for him. “And while I know Fort Worth isn’t the state capital, I’ve got another little tune about someone from Boston moving down here to the islands. Would you mind if I changed it up a bit - made it about you, for your birthday… with you being from Austin?”
I honestly had no idea how to respond to something as generous as that. So I just steadied myself and answered as simply as I could. “Thank you, Ken. That would be amazing.”
The sweet song he sang for me was truly special. And while I’m still not entirely convinced my trimmed blond curls counted as “baby dreads,” my smile never wavered during his impromptu rendition.
Everyone clapped - and I mean everyone. I realized that dozens of people had suddenly gathered around us. I was stunned… and somehow not nearly as embarrassed as I usually would’ve been if everyone had broken into the more traditional “Happy Birthday.”
Ken’s final words were simple and sincere. “Ollie, Corey, and family - it’s been an absolute pleasure meeting y’all today. Please enjoy our little Love City, and have a wonderful honeymoon. You’re all a very special family.”
I noticed him quietly hand Chris a business card and lean in to say something I couldn’t quite hear. Chris just nodded and shook his hand, his expression unreadable.
On the walk back to our cars after our unexpectedly special lunch, I might’ve overheard Chris and Ted ask Corey, “You do realize who that was, right?” My husband may have even nodded his head. But I was still riding the high of yet another perfect day, and I decided to just let it go.
Just like George from the day before, Ken was simply another kind soul who had somehow graciously made our little stay in paradise feel more perfect than anything I could’ve ever imagined.
****
Our family made its way back to our SUVs for the return ride to the villa - this time heading back up Centerline, carefully avoiding any new spiderweb masterpieces.
We spent the rest of the sunny afternoon drifting in and out of Hakuna Matata’s magical infinity pool, suspended somewhere between the treetops and the endless blue sea below.
The teasing flowed just as freely - equally and enthusiastically divided between my seemingly smooth, yet alarmingly prickly, situation and Kevin’s newly - and very enthusiastically - embraced speedo era.
Grandpa Joe, of course, took on his role as our unofficial - and perhaps a little too invested - judge of both.
“So, Kevin… you’re definitely my favorite otter.” I caught his proud little smirk - how the heck does my grandfather even know about the gay zoo hierarchy? “But have you ever thought about having Anna shave you down like Corey did for Ollie? Might give you a chance to relive a missed twunk opportunity.”
My poor - but always steadfast - best married friend looked helplessly over at his giggling wife.
“Don’t worry, Kev. An otter is exactly what you are - and exactly what I love and want you to always be. The dark, muscly, furry, sweet man of my dreams. There’s no reason I’d ever want to shave you down. And please believe me… after yesterday, you are totally forgiven.”
Their kiss was unstoppable - and beautiful to witness. In fact, I’d never seen Grandpa smile brighter - unless it was aimed at me or Corey.
At some point, our laughter finally softened into something more reverent. Just the gentle splash of the waterfall into the hot tub, and the breeze rustling through the trees and palms around us. I found myself floating on my back - buoyed by one of the foam noodles we’d discovered in a storage room - staring up at a sky that was just beginning to turn gold.
I glanced over at Corey. He was quietly watching me, the same way I’d woken up to a morning ago in our bed. He had the same revered, quiet, and slightly astonished look I’d instantly adored. As if he still couldn't quite believe his luck.
It was a look I completely understood, because honestly… I still couldn’t quite believe mine either.
I reached over and found his hand beneath the water.
That was all we needed.
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