This is a very long read. And I apologize again. We're getting very close to the final chapters of Ollie's world. There are still a few big surprises left. Both in this section and in the one (or two) that follow. If you take the time to read it, I promise that you'll smile, chuckle, maybe shed a tear and hopefully get a few goosebumps.
Chapter 51: It’s Only Natural
Sleeping in a place that always seems to offer a new adventure every day - and also somehow finds a way to build on the experiences of all the days before - meant our gang had happily become early morning people. These are the kind of days you simply couldn’t sleep in late, because you knew there would never be enough time to experience everything waiting for you.
And this morning carried an extra jolt of excitement and anticipation. Today was Anna and Kevin’s wedding gift to us - a chartered sailboat ride to a part of the island none of us had explored yet. Even though we didn’t need to be at the Caneel dock until nine, Corey and I were both up before seven, already buzzing about the adventure ahead with our closest friends.
Kicking things up a notch - as our dads always seemed to do - Chris and Ted had taken over this morning’s breakfast duty. Somehow, after dinner last night, they had magically prepped everything they needed for what was shaping up to be another incredible meal. By the time we stepped into our morning meeting place, their three different quiche offerings were only fifteen minutes away from coming out of the oven. No question about it - we still had a lot to learn from our elder gay role models.
Of course, Grandma and Grandpa were already there with our dads, coffee in hand, talking through their plans for the day. Ted was leading the conversation. “We’re thinking about heading out to the East End tomorrow - there are some absolutely incredible snorkeling beaches over there, along with a few really great local arts and crafts shops. And then we’ve tentatively planned a relaxing day at Francis Bay on Sunday for our last day here.”
Ted paused, shaking his head. “Dang… I can’t believe I just said ‘last day.’ You know we’ve been here several times, but I think Chris and I both agree - this has been our favorite time on the island. Thank you, Joe. Thank you, Laura, for coming here with us.” He smiled softly. “Honestly, since we enjoy your company so much, we were thinking about just staying here today and appreciating the view.”
Hearing my grandparents eagerly agree made me realize that our vacation pace had probably been a little brutal for anyone over fifty. But the most amazing moment was watching my Grandpa Joe and my dad - my Ted - pull each other into a quiet, heartfelt hug. I’m not sure I can fully explain what that did to me. I’d never seen Grandpa Joe embrace my biological father like that. St. John wasn’t just paradise - it felt like a miracle. It was magically bridging my old life with my new one… binding them together.
Kevin and Anna strolled in only a minute or two behind us - right at the perfect moment for Kevin to belt out his morning greeting, “Hey now! Take it to a room, you two lovebirds.”
Grandpa didn’t miss a beat. “So, officer… you gonna be brave enough to wear those new speedos of yours on that fancy sailboat today? Will you be able to handle it if your captain just happens to have a more… gifted grandparent than you?”
****
Since the dads weren’t joining us today, for the first time since our honeymoon began, we decided not to risk certain death on our well-traveled highway of wayward boulders. Caneel was far enough west that it was just as easy - and a heck of a lot less stressful - to take the main road down into Cruz Bay, then make the short trip back east along the North Shore Road to Caneel Bay.
We’d been told to pack lightly. The yacht would take care of all our food and drinks. All we needed was sunscreen, a dry pair of shorts, and an excited, carefree attitude - ready for yet another incredible adventure. I had absolutely no idea how we’d ever need it, but I swear I caught Corey slipping our travel lube bottle into the pocket of his dry shorts.
Upon entering the Caneel property, we were greeted by yet another “pooky” - well, this time, actually a whole herd of them. We parked our Jeep, slung our backpacks over our shoulders, and started to make our way toward the dock.
Kevin brightened immediately. “So… what’s up with all the cute donkeys?”
Corey’s expression turned almost wistful. “Dang… I can’t believe I’d forgotten about them.”
He took my hand and gave me the sweetest smile. “Just like a certain nurse shark and a pair of French angels we both know now… Ollie, I swear - these guys were right here too. Fifteen years ago. We saw them the day we stayed in Cottage Seven. David and I kept begging until the dads finally let us go pet them.”
My husband’s faraway look melted my heart as he continued. “They’re kind of a fixture on the island. I’ve heard they even occasionally hang out on Cinnamon Beach - we must have just missed them the day we were there.”
Corey suddenly stopped our little group. “Ollie, I’m sorry - I should’ve told you about them earlier.” He glanced over at the herd and gave me a wink and a wry smile. “Just like Riley… they appreciate a good scratch behind the ears.”
That was all I needed to hear.
We approached the furry little herd slowly. I moved toward the closest one - an obvious boy - and gently held out my hand. It was as if our pup back home were somehow connected through him. This sweet little… well, basically a horse-dog… lowered his head and offered his itchy ears to my care.
I was instantly lost in the moment - being allowed to give love to another soft, trusting, furry soul. I suddenly knew that this was going to be a very magical adventure.
And once my new boy decided we were safe… all his friends decided they wanted their turn too.
****
As much as both the humans and the donkeys were enjoying it, we knew we had to end our little scratch-fest - we were about to be late for our main event.
When we finally made our way on to the dock, we noticed there were more than a few handsome sailboats moored out in the bay. Still, our very excited Kevin immediately pointed to one in particular. “See that navy-blue hull with the classic sharp profile? That’s definitely our ship for the day.”
We all smiled at his excitement. Corey added, “So, Kev, I had no idea you were such a sailor boy. You’re really into this, aren’t you, buddy?”
Before Kevin could reply, Corey continued, “Dang, man, I really can’t believe how much thought you and Anna have put into this gift. Thank you both. I know today’s going to be something special.”
Kevin returned a sly smile. “Don’t bring it up with Anna - I haven’t totally convinced her about my retirement plan yet. But I’m telling you… I want to spend my golden years here in the islands, on a fifty-foot sailing yacht - just like the one we’re about to enjoy today.”
Anna casually glanced over. “Just remember, Kev - you also want a Labrador puppy and a classic Corvette. Those are going to be some pretty hard choices to make…”
****
The ride in the tender was already a huge treat for me. I was on a boat in a tropical bay - with my husband and the police officer who had nearly arrested me. Not exactly something I’d expected to check off my bingo card a year ago. And Officer Kevin had been absolutely right - the ship he’d pointed out quickly became our obvious destination.
All four of our jaws dropped - at least a little - as we neared the boat. We couldn’t help but notice the obviously naked, bearded man - with a very dark forest of pubes and a package substantial enough to be visible even from our current distance - and his equally naked female… er… what? First mate?
It seemed our approach had caught them completely off guard, because it was comically obvious they were scrambling to throw some clothes on before we gently coasted up alongside them.
The captain - now at least in a pair of khaki shorts and an open, button-down white cotton shirt - welcomed us aboard. Politely asking us to remove our shoes before stepping on deck. Apparently a maritime tradition every boat person knew by heart… I glanced over at Kevin and chuckled. Yeah… that might’ve been good to know ahead of time.
We all quickly complied, then stowed our backpacks where we’d been shown.
Our captain then happily introduced himself and his crew. “Hello, everyone! I am Marcos, and this is my excellent first mate - and my beautiful girlfriend - Nina. I am from Colombia, and Nina is from Berlin. We will be your crew for your trip today, and we promise that you will have a very fun time. Your best time on the island.”
I couldn’t deny it - Marcos was sexy as heck. He was like a near-perfect Latin version of Kevin, with dark, caring eyes and lips that looked like they only ever formed genuine, caring smiles. He stood maybe five foot ten, with shiny black hair and a thick beard that transitioned up into a perfect fade at his temples.
That same beard almost made his face seem a little too round - until you noticed his athletic chest and abs. Unlike the other guys on the boat - well… and me, in my current state - Marcos was otherwise almost completely smooth. But we’d all had already noticed his… impressive forested situation “below decks” before boarding.
Keeping the parallels going, Nina felt like a softer variation of our Anna - tall, blonde, and beautiful. Anna carried herself with a bit more of an athlete’s quiet power and confidence, while Nina seemed gentler, almost shy. Though, to be fair, that might have had something to do with being unexpectedly caught without any clothes on, just moments before meeting all of us.
Either way, there was no question - our crew seemed like a more exotic version of our own Kevin and Anna.
We settled in. Corey and I started peeling off our shirts and applying more sunscreen as Marcos and Nina expertly freed the boat from its mooring buoy and guided us out of the bay. Once we entered the main channel, we watched in awe as they raised the sails and set us on our voyage. I was utterly amazed by our speed through the water - and by the absolute silence of it all. I suddenly understood Kevin’s desire for his own sailboat.
After everything had been squared away and Nina had taken the wheel, Marcos efficiently began filling us in on our itinerary. “So once again, welcome on board my friends. We will be sailing for about one hour to our destination. We are going to take our time, and the day is calm. It will be a very smooth and comfortable trip.”
He read the anticipation on our faces before continuing. “Once we find a mooring buoy there, we will begin the snorkeling portion of our adventure. Waterlemon has been very quiet during the week lately, so there is a good chance we will have the whole bay to ourselves.”
He smiled proudly as he went on. “Next, it is back on the boat for your amazing lunch. Nina and I have found a place that makes the best Caribbean lobster rolls in the Virgins - you will be very impressed. And… I promise that we also have a very special surprise in store for you as well.”
As tan as his complexion naturally was, I still caught a cute blush rising in his cheeks before he continued. “And I apologize - I am truly sorry you caught us before we could get our trunks on. That is our mistake. We are naturalists, and we are usually nude while we are on board. We simply lost track of the time.”
We all politely chuckled as Corey and I quickly stood in a show of newfound solidarity our captain and shucked our khakis, revealing our skimpy speedos underneath. Then we both turned, expectantly, toward our man Kevin.
He gave a good-natured shrug, pulled off his shirt, and then dramatically lowered his own khakis… only to reveal a totally mundane pair of baggy boxer-style trunks. I had no idea how he’d even managed to tuck those blousy things in under his shorts.
The groan was immediate. Everyone gave our favorite officer a chorus of good-natured boos.
Until…
He walked over and slyly whispered something to Marcos.
We watched as our captain blinked - then chuckled as his smile battled with his beard for dominance over his face. He simply nodded, and made a grand gesture with his right arm toward the roof of the salon. A moment later, Kevin climbed up, suddenly elevated above us all - the new king of our little sailboat.
He was claiming his moment. He was now on his stage, and he took advantage of it with his whole heart.
He ripped - yes, ripped - his boxer trunks away to reveal a matching pair of very snug-fitting speedo cut trunks beneath. The front and back of the boxers had only been held together by a few discreet snaps.
The entire boat lost its mind.
We all erupted in cheers as Anna jumped up to claim her man, gleefully shouting, “He’s mine, y’all! Back off!”
Marcos looked as if he were caught somewhere between shock and absolute delight. “Um… this kind of thing usually does not happen until after we let our guests have a few drinks,” he admitted, shaking his head with a grin. “But I am not complaining. Everyone - Nina and I welcome you. I can already tell… this is going to be a very special day.”
Chapter 52: Waterlemon Cay
We knew our island was incredibly beautiful from our hilltop villa - as well as from its amazing beaches. But neither of those perspectives had prepared us for the experience of seeing St. John from the sea - aboard our private sailboat. We silently glided past the wonder and beauty of the island as we sailed toward our destination, and toward a deeper connection with our crew.
Marcos and Nina were excited to learn that Corey and I were here on our honeymoon - and that not just Kevin and Anna, but four of our closest family members had also joined us. The amazement they expressed over our family-style honeymoon was quickly becoming a common theme among the friendly and curious people we’d met along our way.
We also learned that while Marcos and Nina were deeply committed to each other, they had absolutely no plans of ever making their relationship anything formal or official. I tried my best not to judge - or even wince. They were two incredibly wonderfully sweet souls.
Still… I couldn’t quite stop a very real thought from creeping in.
Back home, there had been a time - not even all that long ago - when Corey and I wouldn’t have been allowed to be married at all. And even now, there were still voices out there that made it clear that our marriage will always be something fragile… something that could be instantly taken away.
So a very core part of me couldn’t help but wonder why anyone would choose not to claim a privilege that we might lose after any given election.
****
As we approached our destination and found that it truly was ours - and ours alone for the day - Marcos did his best to impress us with what was clearly one of his favorite bits of island trivia.
“So… you have heard of The Beatles, yes?”
We all chuckled and nodded before he immediately continued. “Well, long before most of us were born, Paul McCartney - and his second big group, Wings - decided it would be fun to record an album using two yachts moored here in this very bay.”
He gave a small, theatrical grimace. “Sadly, it turned out to be a pretty horrible idea. Two band members quit; another even broke an ankle… or maybe something like that. But the most horrible part is this” - he gestured out toward the amazing bay around us. “In the notes on the album they made, they called this beautiful place ‘Watermelon Bay’.”
He shook his head. “I mean, come on… this is Leinster Bay!” He pointed over before continuing, “and that is Waterlemon Cay.”
Before he could continue his gentle protest to Sir Paul on behalf of his beloved island, he seemed to notice the blank looks on most of our faces. With a quick nod to Nina, he motioned her start “With a Little Luck” over the boat’s speakers.
“But still,” he went on with a smile, “the song they made here was a big hit - and the people here, they do not forget it.”
Unfortunately, while I thought it was a very pretty - if definitely a bit older - song, only Kevin and Anna seemed to truly recognize it. Still, I had to admit… I wouldn’t mind exploring the Paul McCartney songbook a little more deeply when we got back home.
****
The beautiful bay - whether it had been properly credited or not - didn’t seem quite as large as Hawksnest, though it was hard to be sure. It felt more open and exposed to the channel between the islands. Its little, non-namesake cay sat off to the east, while our boat picked up a mooring buoy in deeper water - maybe a hundred to a hundred and fifty yards out from the cay, and the shore.
After securing the boat, Marcos and Nina let us know they’d be staying on board during our snorkel excursion, busy getting everything ready for lunch. The instructions they gave us for our swim were simple - almost to the point of being obvious.
Nina took the lead. “This is one of the premier snorkeling destinations on our island. There is a sandspit - a little beach - between the cay and its closest point to shore.” She pointed toward a faint shimmer of gold in the blue water before continuing.
“That is where the best coral is, but please do not let that stop you from exploring all the way around the cay. I do not want to give away any surprises - or risk disappointing you if I am wrong - but there are often some amazing things waiting in the deeper water on the channel side. I think your swim out there will be worth it.”
The four of us grabbed our gear and suited up: eight flippers, four snorkels and masks, three speedos, and one bikini.
We were all more than ready to get wet.
****
I was the first to eagerly jump in. And the moment I plunged beneath the water, I knew I’d made a serious miscalculation - I had expected to once again be greeted by another beautiful underwater wonderland. But instead…
I fought my sudden rising panic and immediately started kicking hard toward the surface - all because I’d looked down. And realized there was nothing. No bottom. No shape I could recognize - just nothing. No sense of any distance or depth. Just an endless, silent blue void stretching out forever beneath me - threatening to pull me down into an eternity I wasn’t prepared to meet.
By the time I broke the surface, my breath was already ragged. I frantically spit out my snorkel, gasped at the air and then instinctively spun around in the water - desperate - searching for my Norse god.
The emptiness below had invoked something raw deep inside me - something primal. It wasn’t that I just couldn’t see the bottom… it was that I couldn’t see anything. There was no reference point. No safety. Only an open, infinite and eternal void.
“Corey! I can’t see the bottom - there’s nothing down there. I’ve gotta get back to the boat.”
He was already quickly moving toward me.
“I’m sorry,” I rushed on, my voice tightening. “I wasn’t expecting this - I can’t do it. I really need to get back on the boat. Like… right now.”
Corey’s ER nurse mode snapped into place instantly. “Hey, hey - listen, it’s okay, baby. I’m here. I’ve got you. Of course we can go back. You’re going to be fine.”
He gave me a soft, reassuring wink, trying to steady me. “We’re going to just get back on board, lay out on the deck, and work on our tan lines. Easy day. Right?”
With his hand griped firmly in mine, he started guiding me back toward the boat.
An equally concerned Kevin and Anna headed to us as soon as they realized that something was wrong, both of them immediately reading the situation. Anna’s eyes locked onto mine, calm and steady.
“Hey, Ollie.” she said gently, “Listen, it’s okay. None of us are going to make you do anything you don’t want to do. But I really think we can help you through this.”
She nodded toward the boat. “Let’s just head back and sit on the swim platform for a while. We can calm down, regroup, and I’ll share my idea.”
Her gaze never wavered. “No pressure. Okay - my talented volleyball partner?”
I managed a shaky nod - thankfully stopping myself from answering with a very sincere, “Yes, mom.”
****
I calmed down way faster than I could have imagined as the four of us sat together on the boat’s reassuring swim platform - Corey’s big arm protectively wrapped around my shoulders, Anna’s equally strong arm wrapped warmly around my waist.
“So,” Anna began gently, “again, we don’t have to do anything. But here’s my idea. I think what scared you most was looking down and seeing nothing… right? I’ll admit - that can be really overwhelming.”
I nearly gave myself whiplash nodding. “It freaked me out hard. I wasn’t expecting anything like that at all!”
Anna pulled me in a little closer as she laid out her plan. “I get that. So… sometimes, when a scuba diver is swimming out from the beach to a shore dive site, they want to conserve their tank air. They inflate their buoyancy compensator, roll onto their back to keep their head above water, and just slowly kick out to their dive buoy.”
She gave me an encouraging look. “What that means for us here right now is - you wouldn’t have to look down. Ollie, we can put a life jacket on you, and we’ll swim right beside you, guiding you along until we can see the bottom. Then you can flip over and enjoy our snorkel. Do you think you could do that? I swear, we’ll be there with you through every kick. Right beside you.”
Marcos, who had been listening in, stepped forward at just the right moment and gently handed me a life jacket. “People snorkel with these all the time, Ollie. This is another, as you say, ‘my bad’ moment. You all looked so athletic and confident, I did not even think to offer one before you started jumping in.”
Kevin leaned over Anna to squeeze my knee. “We got you, pup. Always.”
I took a breath and let myself lean into the protection and care of the people surrounding me. Then, a little more steadily than I expected, I slipped the life jacket on. And I let my pack lead me back out over the abyss.
It wasn’t easy at first, but it wasn’t impossible either. After maybe fifty long, stressful yards, something shifted. My breathing returned to normal. My grip on Corey’s arm loosened. And just like that, the fear that had swallowed me whole began to let go and I slowly eased back into enjoying the incredible place we found ourselves in.
By the time Corey told me to put my mask and snorkel back on and roll over, I was ready and confident. The deep blue was behind us. And our third undersea paradise was waiting right in front of me.
I swear - even the fish seemed happy I’d made it.
****
Nina hadn’t been lying. The coral and fish here were the most stunning we’d seen yet - more pristine than anything we’d found at our first two beaches.
Anna surfaced beside me, lifting her head above the water. “Ollie, here’s another piece of diver’s advice - the less you move and the more you just float and look, the more interesting things you’re going to see. Don’t try to take everything in all at once. Just relax… and focus.”
I have no idea if Anna had already spotted our latest aquatic friend, or if she had simply given me the perfect advice at exactly the right moment. As I followed her suggestion, it was like my brain suddenly caught up with what my eyes had already been trying to show me.
The octopus didn’t swim into view. It appeared.
One moment, I could only make out coral lit by rays of sunshine dancing through the gentle waves - and the next, it was there. Perfectly formed. Perfectly still.
It must have noticed me noticing it, because it suddenly began to move away. And that’s when I finally understood why it had been so hard to see.
The incredible creature wasn’t even hiding - it was transforming.
Its colors shifted. The patterns on its body rippled. Even its texture seemed to change. Every inch of it adapting to mimic whatever it moved across. And every time I took my eyes off it - even for a second - I nearly lost it again before my brain could piece its true form back together.
Worried that I’d disturbed my latest unnamed friend enough, the four of us started making our way around the sandspit to the seaward side of the cay. As we moved into the deeper, more exposed water, we all discovered that it’s somehow possible to gasp - and then laugh - through a snorkel.
Nina had been right.
Much to our amazement, maybe only twenty feet away - at most - we saw our first manta rays.
A pair.
Maybe bonded. Maybe just best friends. But considering the reason we were all here on this island; my inner monologue chose to believe they were lifelong mates - gliding together forever through their perfect world.
They were stunning. Graceful giants, flying effortlessly through the deep blue. I’d never seen anything more beautiful. More peaceful. Or more… right.
I reached for Corey’s hand - the one he was already offering. We held on as we watched them slowly disappear into the blue.
We continued around the rocky shore until we were back on the boat side of the cay. Everyone instinctively moved in closer to me, before we could kick off back over the void. Corey took the lead.
“Okay, pup. Remember - we’ve got you. Are you ready to flip over and let us guide you back to the boat?”
After the coral, the fish, my favorite eight-armed shape-shifter and then the mantas, I even surprised myself.
“No… I think I can do this. At least - I want to try. I think it was the sudden emptiness that scared me the most. This time, it’s not going to catch me off guard. We’re going to approach it calmly. And hey, if I still freak out, I’ll just roll over. I know you’ll all be right there.”
Anna gave me one more piece of motherly, absolutely essential advice. “Hey, Ollie - that’s a big choice. I’m proud of you. Just keep your focus on the boat. Don’t look down.”
I took her words to heart. And this time - I made it. I kicked steadily, kept my eyes forward, and before I knew it, I was climbing back onto the swim platform like an absolute champ. Then it hit me - I was totally pumped.
Adrenaline surged through me as the fear I’d felt just minutes before flipped into something much more enjoyable. I couldn’t stop myself - I broke into a ridiculous little victory dance and let out a triumphant howl the moment I made it back onto the deck.
Chapter 53: The Big Reveal
Captain Marcos and First Mate Nina were clearly a little surprised by my howl. Marcos was the first to express his amazement. “You people definitely do not hold anything back. You might be my favorite charter guests ever.”
Corey immediately jumped in. “But wait Captain… there’s more!” He glanced over at me. “Ready, pup?”
We gleefully launched into our well-rehearsed, perfectly harmonized howl duet.
Then it was suddenly our turn to be surprised.
Our two cruise mates joined in without hesitation - as if we’d been a quartet for years. Kevin dropped his deep bass howl beneath Corey’s baritone, while Anna’s mezzo-soprano one floated effortlessly above my tenor. As we harmonized, we looked at each other in disbelief - each of us sharing in the joy of it - before collapsing into a fit of laughter.
Nina watched us with a newfound admiration. “Marcos, I am not sure we even need our special surprise. These four are already ready to party simply by living their lives in the moment.”
Marcos stepped in, clapping me on the back before slipping his other arm around Corey’s shoulders. “My honored guests - your lunch awaits below.”
We followed Nina down the steep stairs into the boat’s salon.
And wow - what an incredibly beautiful ship it was. The space was filled with rich, red-toned polished woods and bright, light tan leather. Kevin had been absolutely justified in his excitement about spending the day on such an amazing vessel.
As promised, a large wooden bowl of freshly tossed green salad sat waiting for us on the galley countertop, alongside a fruit tray layered with cheeses. Both seemed to be doing their best to vie for our attention, knowing that we would ultimately shift our focus to the mouthwatering Caribbean lobster rolls that were clearly destined to be our main course. The whole spread couldn’t have looked more enticing.
And then our extremely competent captain skillfully dropped the other shoe.
Marcos was absolutely beaming as he presented his big surprise. “Okay, my friends - we need to be a little careful. We still have maybe three more hours together, and you must be able to safely drive home.”
He tried to keep a serious face as Nina unveiled a large glass drink dispenser.
“In addition to knowing where to find the best local lobster, I also have connections on Jost Van Dyke.” Marcos gave the sweating glass container a proud pat. “This is filled with genuine Painkillers from The Soggy Dollar. Please - enjoy!”
Our muted reaction - while very appreciative - maybe wasn’t exactly what our captain had been expecting. I figured it was my turn to explain. “Marcos, I can’t wait to try one - and we all thank you. This is already so much more than any of us expected. But, well…”
I pulled my Norse god in tight.
“On our very first day on the island, Corey’s fathers told us a ‘charming’ story about the fifteen-year-old version of my husband here accidentally getting drunk on Painkillers at the Soggy Dollar.”
I felt him fidget beside me as I grinned and continued.
“And their revealing story went on to make it very clear that absolutely no one could stop this guy…” I gave my blushing husband a loving poke, “…from running around the boat naked all the way back home - all while singing Lady Gaga songs.”
I winked over at our friends, “Well, at least that’s what we were told.”
Kevin and Anna immediately piled on, adding a few more good-natured jabs at our favorite class clown’s expense.
But then.. it was Marcos and Nina’s turn to surprise us.
“As we keep saying,” Marcos began, his tone softening, “you are very special guests to us today. It is rare - so very rare - to meet a group of people as close, as loving, and as open as the four of you have been.”
Nina smiled gently beside him.
“You may be the most beautiful family we have ever seen.”
We all went a little still at his declaration of family. Marcos gestured lightly toward himself and Nina.
“You have already seen our… preferred level of dress.”
A small, knowing smile. “The rest is up to you.”
He dramatically raised his arms and slowly turned in a full circle. “As you have also seen… the bay is ours today.”
When Marcos’ words finally landed, my first rational thought was that Corey, Kevin, and I had once again reverted to being very typical males. Because all three of us immediately turned to look at Anna. Even more stereotypically - as if the question in our eyes hadn’t already been obvious enough - Kevin somehow felt the need to add the most unnecessary context ever. “Hey Corey, like your fifteen-year-old self once said, it’s not like our speedos are all that much different than being naked anyway.”
Anna tried - and failed - to suppress her smirk. “Don’t hold back on my account, guys. I already understand how much boys like showing off their favorite little toys. All I’ll say is, if y’all feel the need to start a sword-fighting competition, maybe take that below deck.”
Kevin immediately pulled her in and kissed her, clearly delighted. “What do you mean… little?”
There was absolutely no way my Corey was going to let that go unanswered. “I just have one final question - should we shuck our speedos now? Or do we all need to have at least one Painkiller before we lose the trunks? You know… for plausible deniability?”
Nina stepped in smoothly, her timing just as sharp as Anna’s. “Wait, wait, wait - no. For the sake of our leather… food first.” Her smirk deepened just a little. “Then the trunks can come off.”
****
Lunch couldn’t have been more perfect. I didn’t really want to admit it, but I’d never had lobster before. I was maybe a little unsure during those first few seconds - but my first buttery bite erased every reservation I’d ever had. The rolls were incredible. And I quickly discovered that young Corey had been completely justified in sneaking his dads’ drinks all those years ago. Painkillers were every bit as delicious as they were… dangerous.
We all agreed to stop - well, or at least pause - after two. We made our way back up on deck - grateful that we’d made our “clothing optional” decision back while we were all still totally sober. Because at this point, with the warm sun and gentle breeze wrapping around us - we all seemed to almost desperately need a big old naked four-way hug. Each of us ready to sincerely confess exactly how much we all loved and meant to each other.
After my pre-wedding night adventure with Ethan and Daniel, I probably surprised absolutely no one when I was the first to slip out of my trunks shortly after we stepped back into the light. I gave a playful little spin, laughing as I glanced over my shoulder. “Corey,” I teased, “I think I missed a spot - can you help me out and put a little sunscreen on my cheeks? You know, the ones that are still furry.”
I was expecting a few polite chuckles, instead I got a fun slap from my wolf and a shocked comment from Kevin - who had already seen me trunkless several times before while changing at our pool. “Ollie! Seriously? You made Corey shave your pubes too?!”
I sheepishly glanced over at my patrol officer best friend, “Um, well, I kinda made it into a whole package deal, so yeah. But don't worry, they’ll grow back pretty quickly.”
Kevin let an honest belly laugh erupt, “Pup, I don’t think you understand, I’d already prepped Anna for this moment - um, that we all knew would somehow eventually happen. I told her you had the most beautiful patch of blond short and curlies I’d ever seen other than hers. And now that it’s finally happened, I suddenly can’t prove it.”
My Anna was unexpectedly the next to strip, and after confirming that Kevin’s declaration had real merit, I had to pledge that I would never punish my wolf in the same harsh way again. Heck, I even apologized for my brash decisions to my amazing Anna.
After Anna and I had hugged it out, we both noticed the intense stare down going on between our two lovable, goofy, adorable co-alphas. Anna took the responsibility of trying to break the tension, “Come on you two. You’ve already seen each other naked before.”
Kevin decided to be the boat’s testosterone spokesperson, “Yeah sure, but that was before we agreed that it would be okay to look. This isn’t just a quick side glance or an averted gaze that you pretended didn’t really happen kind of situation. This is real!”
Anna and I both totally lost it. But little did we know that Marcos still had an ace in his back pocket - er, well front pouch as the case may be. He commanded the deck with a smirk as he boldly lowered his shorts. Good lurd! Once again, I felt the need to say that I’ve never been the least bit embarrassed or disappointed by my little Ollie, but dang! My favorite body part may have suddenly just shrunk by a fraction or two.
My female best friend ruled the moment by calmly walking over to hug her German look-alike. “You go my twin sister from a different mother.”
After that, I decided to take matters in my own hands - both of them. I stood between my two strong, totally lovable, protectors. “On the count of three guys.” I hooked my fingers under both of their waist bands, and suddenly shouted “Three!” before I gleefully yanked their trunks down to their equally furry quads.
Kevin wasn’t wrong. Being given permission to look was a totally different situation from simply changing in front of friends. And I took full advantage of that implied permission. My first thought was also the most basic and truthful: So… well now I know exactly what my husband’s package would look like if he were uncircumcised like me - and Kevin.
Anna piped up before I could vocalize any of my internal commentary, “Okay boys, it looks like it’s officially a draw. You both get to keep your co-alpha titles - seriously, it’s a tie.”
Nina interrupted - sincerely confused, “But guys, I think Ollie is a little bigger than both of you. Yes?”
My Corey answered - maybe a little too quickly - maybe a little too defensively. Either way, it was hard to stifle my chuckle as he tried his best to explain, “Well ma’am, first off, Ollie’s pubes were recently trimmed and yeah, I guess he’s maybe a little more of a shower than a grower. So, it really doesn’t count.”
Way before I could get enough room between us to deliver the shoulder punch he so deserved, Anna saved my man from his impending bruise, “Like I already warned you boys… sword fights are a strictly below deck event. What y’all are showing right now is all we’re ever gonna need to see this afternoon.”
Our very gifted captain decided it was time to reassert his dominance. He slowly assessed all three of us. I swear Corey nearly moved his hands to cover his fun parts. Kevin may have even flinched a bit as well.
Marcos confidently nodded, “Not bad for three white boys. But it is so unfortunate that not everyone can be a Latin man like me.” His big friendly smile reigned supreme.
The boat absolutely exploded with cheers and laughter right before we all spontaneously jumped back into the deep blue sea. As long as I didn’t look down below the surface, I was just fine. And once again amazed at being in this unexpected paradise with my love and our closest friends.
Chapter 54: Strengthening Pack Bonds
All six of us playfully splashed around in the deep blue water. I was thankful and a little humbled at how everyone was being almost over protective of me and my recently discovered fear. I was never once pushed under the water - only splashed at by my dark-haired protector and tickled several times below the water line by my blond-haired love.
Eventually, our endorphin-fueled energy began to settle, and we naturally drifted back into our familiar parings. The playfulness didn’t disappear - it simply softened, shifting from splashes and laughter into something quieter, more connected, more intimate.
Despite the added buoyancy of the salt water, the four of us who didn’t live on a sailboat, quickly discovered that you still can’t just stop treading water and expect to hold onto your mate for too long - at least not without accidentally dipping your kisses beneath the surface. Laughing at ourselves, we gradually made our way back toward the boat’s ever-reliable swim platform.
For an awkward moment, it was obvious that none of us guys were all that eager to raise our waists above the water line. So, boldly taking command of his ship once more, Marcos confidently made his way up the swim ladder before turning to us. “It’s okay my Texas friends, I will once again establish my Columbian dominance over our, as you say, pack.”
He leveled his gaze at us and then waived his impressive tumescence over his pack before concluding, “See? You are all okay to get out now.”
There was absolutely no question that Corey and Kevin had the two most stunned expressions - by far. Before I could reach over and playfully lift Corey’s jaw back into place - along with Kevin’s - Marcos once again reasserted complete control of his ship.
“I think we all know where this magical day must go next…” he said, his tone equal parts amused and decisive. “And it will be beautiful. Kevin, Anna - the first mate’s stateroom has fresh sheets. Just… watch your heads.”
He turned toward us with a small, almost apologetic shrug. “Ollie, Corey… that room has two twin beds that would either crack your skulls… or maybe be broken by them.”
Our captain hesitated for just a moment before continuing, a little more sincerely, “Believe me, my friends, I would gladly offer you our own room - but we were not prepared for a day like this, and our sheets should probably be washed.”
The three of us guys shared a quick glance - something between relief and disbelief - because, honestly, we were all more than happy to linger a little longer in the surf, in only for just a few more very important moments - grateful for Marcos and his unintentional stall tactics.
Marcos clapped his hands together lightly, ready to move things forward. “So - here is my suggestion. While Nina and I make our way to our room, we will prepare a more suitable place for you two. We will lower the dining table and place the mattress cushion on it. It should work much better for our two tallest men.”
He looked directly at us, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “And maybe… when everything is over… you give us one of your wonderful howls so we will know when it is safe to come back out. Does this sound fair?”
I’m not sure any of us were entirely prepared for how quickly things had escalated, but here we were - faces flushed, hearts racing, and still just buzzed enough from our refreshments to somehow go along with whatever this incredible, unexpected day had decided to become.
The final remnants of our doubt were completely obliterated when Kevin and Corey both finally made their way back on deck. Each giving tacit permission to look down for their grand finale bro-filled moment. They simply couldn’t resist enjoying another high-five/low-five opportunity before shouting out together: “Growers!”
Lurd.
****
After my unexpected recent back-to-back turns at being Corey’s top dog, I gave my wolf almost no say on our impending coupling configuration. As soon as the salon was ours and ours alone, I wrapped my arms around my beautiful husband. I made sure our private sword fight was in full swing before whispering a sultry, “Make me yours again my wolf. Please fill me up with your puppy makers.”
Of course, that horribly cheesy line turned into our first fit of giggles. What we didn’t expect was an instant reply from Officer Kevin, “Wait!? Guys, was that a howl that I just heard? Do y’all need us to come out already? Corey? I’m sorry, man. Was this a quick pull trigger situation?”
Thankfully, Kevin’s comment was followed by what sounded suspiciously like his furry butt cheek getting slapped. Followed by a quick, much less sarcastic follow-up, “Sorry guys! Just kidding. Carry on!”
I swear, by most counts, I’m still the very sweet and innocent boy I currently look like without my beard. But then again… I was maybe also the guy who kinda slept naked with his two best friends on the night they got engaged - the night that was also right before my wedding day. And sure, I may have possibly managed to have recently bred my husband on a deserted - but still very public - beach. And lurd! Fine, today I could have been the first person in our group to get naked and start the moment we were all about to enjoy.
But I was still absolutely certain of one basic thing - my Corey was the only man I would ever want to share this part of myself with. Now and forever. Just because our comfort level with our closest friends might be expanding into new territory - seriously, would we ever need to wear trunks around any of them at our pool again? - it didn’t change what mattered most. Our deepest intimacy, our deepest sacred bond - our most fundamental connection - would always belong to just the two of us. That joy was ours alone, and nothing about today’s adventure could ever take that away.
At the same time, I’ve always felt a very strong and sincere need to express my love openly - to show it, not just say it. I hug Ethan, Daniel, Anna, and Kevin at every chance I get. Naked or otherwise. I love them deeply, and I want them to feel that. But there’s a line in my heart that’s clear and unwavering. I only ever want to make love to my Norse god - the most important, most foundational person in my world.
That was my final thought before Corey moved around behind me on our impromptu table-bed. And I was so very happy to discover it wasn’t just my imagination earlier this morning. He really had smuggled our little travel lube bottle on board in his dry trunks. I have no idea if he had ever imagined that this was how we’d be using it or not, and I absolutely didn’t care.
I simply lowered my chest down to our faux mattress and trusted my man to prepare me for the journey ahead. I craved the expected shock from the cold liquid. The pressure of the first finger - that I’d been deprived of for two whole days now. Followed by the kisses across my back as he leaned down over me - just before he added that second and eventually, the final third finger.
I instinctively rose up into him, unable to curb my desire. “I need you my love. It’s your turn to lead in our dance.”
Even with his expected chuckle at my line, his entry was almost uncharacteristically gentle, nearly reverent. “Ollie, our time here has been so far beyond all my hopes and dreams. I want this moment to be more special than any we’ve ever shared before.”
I have no idea if he understood that simply saying those words out loud had already made them become reality. After just two short days, I’d somehow forgotten how intense and exquisite that initial burn always was - how much I would always crave it.
I found myself instinctively pressing up into his furry torso, with my lower back still arched and my pit exposed as an invitation. All while reveling in the feeling of his strong arm tight across my chest - urgently pulling me into him. Letting me know I’d always be his and his alone. Our lips met. Our desires exploded.
His thrusts were immediately and skillfully directed across my once again delighted prostate. A sudden epiphany made me realize it really didn’t matter how often I got to be top dog; we both knew that these were our natural positions. This was us in our most fundamental configuration. And we decided to give it our all - taking full advantage of being connected the way we loved most.
The rocking of the boat, the proximity of our friends around us, the heat of my lover’s body behind me - the fullness of him inside me. It was all quickly becoming too much to deny. Corey’s left hand rediscovered my right nipple - and gave it a knowing pinch. When his lips then found mine for final deep kiss - I crested our summit. My body erupted - once again hands free. Thick, pearly white ropes shot across the towel we’d placed over our “bed” to protect the ship’s beautiful leather cushions.
With my eyes shut tight and my head pressed back against my husband’s shoulder, I felt the final waves of our shared intensity roll through us - his warmth exploding into my soul. It was overwhelming in the best way possible - like something inside me had finally been opened completely, letting Corey’s love in deeper than ever before.
I’d never wished harder that we could somehow turn all this intensity into something even more tangible… No more puppy jokes. I knew we wanted something that would continue to grow beyond our lifetimes. I love this man so much it still aches when I let myself fully contemplate it. After everything we’d survived over the past year, the idea of building a legacy with Corey had quietly become my deepest, most undeniable desire.
I knew I’d figure my career out. I knew we’d always be surrounded by the incredible people who had become our family. But after what we’d just shared - after the promises we’d made to each other on Paradise Beach - I understood something new. We wanted the same future. The same kind of life. That realization filled me completely, leaving no room for doubt - only a quiet certainty that what we were building together was going to be something real, something lasting.
As I slowly came down from our shared summit while the world around us drifted back into focus, I noticed that Anna and Kevin’s stateroom door had slipped open from the gentle motion of the boat. I had no idea how long it had been that way - I’d been far too lost in our passion to notice much else. But as my vision focused, I found myself locking eyes with Kevin, his expression unguarded and startled. For just a moment, there was something soft there - something that bound us together - before it gave way to obvious embarrassment as he quickly eased the door shut again.
Corey and I exchanged a quiet, breathless smile, doing our best to hold back our customary howl. We decided to grant ourselves a few moments - just enough time to fully recover, to come back down, and to rejoin the world around us with something resembling a little composure before finally giving the all clear.
** Kevin’s Perspective **
Using Ollie’s own sweet phrasing: Oh my lurd…
Anna and I had just shared one of the most intense, deeply connected moments we’d experienced in far too long a time. And somehow, knowing that our two best friends - our almost literal brothers, our family - were just a few feet away, sharing something just as deep… at the very same time… only made it more powerful.
And then it happened.
For all the pride I took in being a “boat guy,” I’d somehow failed at the one simple task I’d been responsible for. Our cabin door - despite my best efforts - hadn’t fully been latched. And with the gentle rocking of the waves, it had slowly drifted open… without us noticing. Our wayward portal was completely unaware that it had suddenly exposed something that was never meant to be shared.
I reacted instantly. Or at least, I tried to.
All I wanted to do was quietly reach over, ease the door closed, and pretend none of this had ever happened. To protect our friends. To give them back their privacy without even letting them know that it had ever been broken.
But my eyes… betrayed me. If only for a moment.
A moment that decided to linger.
They weren’t just… together. They were completely lost in each other. Corey holding Ollie like he was something precious. Ollie leaning back into him with a kind of trust that you never question - you just felt. There was nothing careless about it. Nothing casual. It wasn’t something you somehow stumbled into.
It was… love. Fully realized and openly shared between them.
And I felt the power of it through them. Not in a way that crossed any line. Not in a way that didn’t belong to me. But in that rare, humbling way when you realize you’re witnessing something real. Something sacred.
I had always known how deeply our friends loved each other. We all had. But seeing it - even for that brief, unguarded moment - took my breath away in a way I hadn’t expected.
And then… Ollie’s eyes opened. And for the smallest fraction of a moment, they met mine. There was no panic. No anger. No shame. Just… understanding. Maybe even a sincere offer of sharing the joy of the moment. And that somehow made it even harder to look away. Harder to close the door.
Harder to pretend I hadn’t just been let in on something I was never meant to see - but would also never, ever forget.
I finally managed to ease the door shut, my heart still racing, my thoughts spinning… knowing, without a doubt, that something had shifted between us all.
Nothing had been broken. No line had been crossed.
Everything had suddenly just… deepened.
** Ollie’s Perspective **
“Uh oh… um, Corey?” I hesitated, still catching my breath. “How deeply do you want us to bond with Kev and Anna today?”
Still enjoying our afterglow while letting himself slowly soften inside me - a tradition I swear we both believed would somehow increase the chance of giving us those puppies we both so desperately wanted - Corey finally leaned back and gently slid out. In a voice that was still a little husky, he managed a soft, curious reply. “Why are you asking that, baby boy?”
I stammered just a bit as I slightly shifted against him, suddenly feeling a flicker of nervous energy. “Well… because I think Kevin and Anna’s door may have accidentally opened while we were, um… reaching our shared summit.” I winced just a little. “And I’m pretty sure Kevin might’ve seen it - like all of it. Honestly, I don’t even know if we still need to howl to give them the all clear.”
Much to my surprise, Corey just pulled me closer into his chest and let out a quiet, warm laugh. “Well, pup… I guess that means there really aren’t any more secrets left between us.” He pressed a soft kiss into my temple. “We might as well go ahead and do our howl before this gets any more awkward.”
As soon as we gave our signature signal, Corey couldn’t help but call out, his tone easy and reassuring. “It’s okay, Kev! Come on out - we’re good. Let’s just all talk this through.”
** Kevin’s Perspective **
We really didn’t have a choice. After hearing Ollie and Corey’s chuckling howl - and Corey’s bold invitation - I knew it was time to rejoin our pack. I glanced over at Anna and immediately saw the confusion in her eyes. I knew I needed to get her up to speed before we stepped back out there together.
“Babe…” I exhaled, still trying to process it myself. “That was absolutely incredible. I already know I’m going to want to relive that moment with you again and again when we get home.” I hesitated, then pushed forward. “But… our stateroom door kind of decided to open before Ollie and Corey were, um… finished. And I - um, well - I saw more than I was ever supposed to.” I rubbed the back of my neck, searching for the right words. “And now I think I’m a little… confused.”
Anna’s expression sharpened just enough to make me instantly realize how that sounded - like I’d made another twunk-level mistake.
“No, no,” I corrected myself quickly, shaking my head. “Not confused about what they were doing. Those two men love each other - completely. Honestly… I hope we look just as connected and beautiful when we’re making love.”
Then I paused, trying to pin down what I was actually feeling. “It’s just… seeing it like that… it hit me harder than I expected.”
I let out a small, nervous breath and gave her an uncertain smile. “But yeah… like Corey said, I think it’s time we go out there and actually talk about it.”
** Ollie’s Perspective **
I don’t think I’d ever seen such a sheepish look on my police officer poster boy’s scruffy face. He instantly started tripping over his apology even faster than when he had declared he’d be our driver after Corey nearly drove us into a few boulders while looking at my newly smooth face.
“Guys, I’m so sorry our door somehow came open before you two probably - er, I mean obviously - wanted it to,” his words rushed out. “And I’m even more upset that I couldn’t just shut it and let y’all finish your… uh… moment. But, well…” He winced slightly. “I guess I saw something I never expected.”
Corey stepped in smoothly, taking over what Anna probably would have said anyway. “Come on, Kev. It’s no big deal - we know it was an accident. And it’s not like what Ollie and I share is all that different from what you and Anna have. Right?”
Kevin’s face somehow found a brand-new shade of red before he answered. “My bad, Corey. Listen, seriously, man - what I saw… it was beautiful. I didn’t mean ‘unexpected’ like that.” He hesitated, then gave a small, nervous laugh. “But… okay, please don’t get mad at me again… I just - “
He glanced at me, clearly debating whether to continue… and then finally committed.
“Ollie… Well, how did you manage to - um, let’s just say - celebrate a touchdown without ever, um, you know, putting your hands on the ball?”
I completely lost it.
Laughter burst out of me before I could stop it, and I got to watch my favorite officer turn even more crimson as the whole moment finally tipped from being awkward into something we could all just be in together.
Exactly as I’d declared in my monologue mere moments earlier, I rushed over to Kevin and wrapped him in a big tight hug. “I’m sorry Kev, I’m not laughing at you, only at the hilarious situation we’ve somehow gotten ourselves into. And well, at the sweetest euphemism I’ve ever heard to describe a ‘hands-free’ orgasm.”
It was my Norse god’s turn to nearly trip over his words and join in the fray. “So, Kev - my brother - I take it you’ve never had a prostate exam?”
Lurd, I was suddenly worried that Kevin’s ears were about to burn off from even more embarrassment.
My sweet but always mischievous nurse continued, “Seriously buddy, while it doesn’t work its magic on all guys, your prostate can be your unexpected second favorite toy. Ollie and I are both blessed with very cooperative ones. And as a medical professional at a urology clinic, I gotta say, I’m a certified expert on this topic.”
I caught Corey’s evil smirk a fraction of a second before I could warn my poor befuddled officer about what was coming. Corey already had his punchline locked and loaded, “If you’d like, while we’re here all naked and happy, I could check yours out and see if you’re one of the lucky guys too. Heck, I could even give Anna a few lessons on how to rock your world back at our villa.”
My second favorite protector didn’t have a homophobic bone in his body, or a buried hateful thought anywhere in his soul. But there was no other way to interpret his reaction to Corey’s not-all-that-serious - but still dangerously all too real - offer.
Kevin was mortified.
Before things could get any more embarrassing and out of control, Marcos and Nina thankfully emerged from their cabin, glowing like the rest of us had been - just moments before Kevin’s embarrassment had exploded. Fortunately, like the captain he couldn’t stop himself from being, Marcos politely brought our over-sharing session to a quick halt. Well, by sharing his own surprising wisdom.
“Kevin, this may sound outrageous - unbelievable even… But may I ask you - when you use your left hand to do something. Something you usually do with your right… Do you ever worry that you might secretly somehow be left-handed?”
His face was gentle and wise as he continued, sincerely trying to connect with Kevin. “Most straight men like us assume that the single most ‘gay’ thing a man can do is, well ‘take one for the team.’ The strange part is, a lot of gay guys don’t even necessarily like doing that. Even more unbelievable, I know there are an awful lot of straight guys who would really love ‘taking one’ if they would only be brave enough and open-minded enough to just let it happen - or, at least, let their wives help them explore just a little.”
Bringing his point home, our amazing captain concluded, “Your furry backside isn’t gay. No part of your body is gay. Your body is simply yours to use as you want to enjoy.
“Just like being left-handed, being gay is simply how your brain has been wired - it can never be changed. And yours is wired to be very straight - but - also with a wonderful ability to truly love your gay brothers here.”
Marcos’ smile was immense and loving. “And that makes you one of the most open minded and caring ‘big burly guys’ I have ever met. So please, take my advice. Don’t be afraid to explore all of your big beautiful body with your wife.” Marcos winked, “I am grateful I did so with my Nina.”
We were all astounded at our captain’s simple wisdom - even before he added, “I suggest all four of you should have maybe one more Painkiller - just to relax during our cruise back. You’ve come a long way today. You should all be very pleased with your special pack.”
Chapter 55: A Different Kind of Family
We were maybe about thirty minutes into our voyage back to reality - sailing into the wind - all of us totally amazed, watching our crew skillfully tack against it.
But then I realized, by “back to reality,” what I really meant was that we’d still be spending a few more nights in an unbelievable villa on an unimaginably beautiful tropical island. I had simply assumed that we’d be leaving today’s unexpected - and very special - magic behind us the moment we stepped off the yacht and boarded our waiting tender.
After everything that had happened to me - to all of us - I probably should have begun to realize something important: magic, like paradise, isn’t a place or a moment that you leave behind. It’s something you carry with you. Something that’s made from within.
As we sailed silently toward home, my back rested against Corey’s chest, completely at ease. Nearby, Kevin lay stretched out with his head in Anna’s lap, her fingers gently moving through his thick, dark hair. And yes - even after everything we’d shared today - we had all put our trunks back on.
Because… reality is what it is.
I took a sip of my final - practically mandated - Painkiller and mock-innocently murmured to my wolf, “You were so amazing today, Corey. Sooo, do you really think I should be drinking if there’s a chance I could finally be carrying our puppies?”
My wolf snickered and pulled me in tighter, clearly enjoying my tease.
But Anna suddenly leaned forward, catching my eyes with a question that neither Corey nor I had expected her to ask out loud. There was a spark of curiosity there… along with just the faintest hint of hesitation.
“So… okay,” she began, her voice careful but honest. “It’s not like we could really get much more personal than we’ve already gotten today, but… Ollie…” She paused, then pushed through it. “Since you just mentioned maybe having puppies - are you the one who’d, um… most likely take that role between the two of you?”
Even after everything we’d shared on this ship, even after her thoughtful wording, hearing that question said out loud still made the moment land sharper than anyone expected. And somehow, Anna - who had just managed to ask it - ended up blushing even harder than I did.
“I mean - well…” she added quickly, a little flustered now, “Corey kind of mentioned earlier that things, um… work pretty well for him too.”
I let out a gentle, contented laugh. “Yes ma’am… I am. Most of the time.”
After surviving her embarrassment, she wasn’t willing to let me off that easily. “Most?”
I tilted my head and glanced back at my wolf, a slow smirk spreading across my face. “Well… maybe sixty-forty.”
Corey raised an eyebrow immediately. “Pup, I appreciate us being a vers couple, but come on - it’s way more like seventy-thirty. Right?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Actually, babe, as far as our island time goes… I think this afternoon just managed to bring you back up to fifty-fifty.”
Our laughter erupted almost instantly - completely unguarded - just seconds before Corey launched yet another highly effective tickle attack.
As soon as I finally caught my breath, I launched my own special counterattack. “Wait! Corey - lurd, is that a spider on your shoulder, my top wolf?” I pointed upward. “I swear I just saw it drop down from the mast.”
Corey’s forever bro reacted instantly, bolting upright and leaning across the deck to swat at Corey’s shoulder with dramatic urgency.
My man wasn’t buying any it for a second. “Thanks, Kev! I was just about to get a little worried,” he shot back dryly. “But then I realized… if there were an actual spider involved - there’s no way you’d sacrifice yourself to come help.”
Our laughter lingered for a moment before slowly fading, replaced by the gentle rhythm of the water against the hull and the steady push of the wind in the sail above us. I glanced over at Anna - we both loved our men more than words could ever hold.
But even so… I wasn’t prepared for what came next.
Kevin’s deep, soulful brown eyes burned with an unexpected purpose as they met ours - suddenly keeping both of our blue gazes locked with his.
“So…” he said quietly, “have you two ever thought about really having a child?”
Corey decided it was his duty to return the unexpected volley. His voice was more serious than I’d expected when he began.
“Honestly… yeah. It’s something Ollie and I seem to have both been thinking about - pretty seriously, actually. We just hadn’t said it out loud to each other until yesterday… after we did our best to clean up my old Paradise Beach spot.”
He pulled me in tighter against his broad, familiar chest before continuing, his tone soft but certain. “I guess we both want a family. But only if it can somehow feel like it comes from us - like it’s truly ours.” He gave a small, almost sheepish shrug. “And don’t ask me exactly what that means… because we’re still trying to figure that part out ourselves.”
Then, just as naturally, Corey shifted the conversation back to Kevin.
“I don’t want to get too personal either,” he added, his tone still gentle, “but I’ve gotta admit - we’ve always kind of wondered why you and Anna don’t have kids yet. You’re at the perfect point in your lives, and… honestly, Ollie and I both know you’d be incredible parents.” A small smile tugged at his lips. “We’d even volunteer to be the world’s best guncles.”
For the second time on our incredible honeymoon, we watched Kevin quietly lower his gaze to his hands - hands we hadn’t even noticed had curled into tight fists. Neither Corey nor I could stand seeing our sweet, steady officer - our friend - looking so weighed down for a reason we didn’t understand.
Anna pulled him close, tucking his head gently against her shoulder and pressing a soft kiss to his stubbled cheek.
After a moment, he looked up at us. His eyes were unsure… and glistening.
“Guys…” His voice caught slightly. “We’ve never told anyone this before, but… I can’t have children.”
The silence that followed felt heavy as it pressed down on all of us. For a few long seconds, no one moved. No one breathed.
Then Kevin found his voice again.
“According to my doctor, I guess I’m just ‘an unfortunate statistic,’” he said quietly. “One of the guys where… things just don’t work the way they’re supposed to. I’ve always been healthy. Strong. Fit. I never had any reason to think…” He trailed off, shaking his head faintly.
Anna’s arms tightened around him as he continued, more softly now.
“When we first started seriously trying - and couldn’t understand why nothing was happening - we both got checked. And that’s when we found out… it wasn’t Anna.” He swallowed. “It was me.”
What we witnessed next broke our hearts even more than Kevin’s quiet confession.
He turned toward Anna, his expression softening with something that looked far too much like apology. But she didn’t let him even begin.
“I love you, my big, strong police man,” she said, pulling him closer. “You have never done anything wrong. This isn’t something you’ve ever had any control over. It’s not your fault.” She pressed her forehead gently against his. “We both know that.”
Kevin took a breath, steadying himself in Anna’s arms before continuing.
“Like you two… we’ve been trying to figure out a way to have a child that still feels like it comes from us. Like it’s truly our family.” He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “But I don’t have any brothers… or even any male cousins. So if we went down the invitro road, it would mean bringing someone else in - basically a complete stranger. And neither of us has ever felt right about that.”
I couldn’t speak for my wolf, but I suddenly broke out in goosebumps all over. My stomach flipped - not from anything we’d eaten, but from the sheer weight of what was happening - and I realized I was gripping Corey’s hand tighter than I meant to. I felt him squeeze back just as firmly, his body reacting right along with mine, and somehow, just sensing that steadied me.
Our friend reached for Anna’s hand, lacing his fingers with hers before they both lifted their gaze to meet ours.
Kevin spoke gently - steady, and hopeful.
“Corey… Ollie… today really was our wedding gift to you. We hope you enjoyed every bit of it as much as we have - because we love you.” He paused for just a moment, then gave a small, knowing smile. “But, just like Chris… it turns out Anna and I might have a few secret plans of our own.”
A flicker of his usual confidence returned, and with it, a smirk spread across his face. One that felt comfortably familiar - like a gift our family had given his.
“And sitting here - on this incredible yacht - as open and honest as we’ve all been today…” he added, his tone soft but certain, “…it feels like the perfect time to finally share them with you.”
****
After listening to their proposal, none of us needed any Painkiller-fueled excuse to fall into what may now be the new most meaningful Family Hug of Acceptance I’d ever experienced.
Through our shared tears of joy, Corey found me - pressing a soft, loving kiss to my lips - before gently guiding my gaze back toward the St. John coast.
And just for a moment… as we sailed past… I caught the faintest glimpse of our all-knowing, all-seeing, ever-grateful bathysphere guardian of Paradise Beach.
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