Chapter 56: A St. John Postcard
** Kevin’s Perspective **
The four of us returned to our villa a changed pack… no longer just two close couples - four good friends. We had become something stronger. Something deeper.
We shared a new, profound - and for now, private - bond. If Corey’s dads or Ollie’s grandparents had noticed the shift, they respectfully allowed us to keep the reason to ourselves. No one asked any questions. No one pushed. Of course, we would bring them in on our secret plans soon enough, but for now, we needed time. Time to let what we’d promised settle into something real before sharing it with anyone else - even the people we loved most.
We all understood that what we’d committed to was precious - and very delicate. Still uncertain. Something that needed to be ours alone, at least for a little while. It felt like if we exposed it too soon, it might somehow unravel before we ever had the chance to watch it grow into the miracle we were hoping for.
****
I took the driver’s seat for our Saturday morning adventure. Not just in case we might once again face certain doom from Corey’s distracted driving - but because my man, my brother, knew it was time to hand over the wheel and let me take responsibility for safely getting our newly formed family around the island for the day.
We always joked about being “co-alphas,” but the truth was, Corey really is my best friend - and I know I’m his. Anna and Ollie roll their eyes at us plenty, but we understood each other on a level that doesn’t need much explaining.
Still, I had to admit I was grateful we were spared another thrill ride down Highway 206 and instead got to follow our old faithful Centerline Road east this time, winding our way down into Coral Bay - St. John’s other “big city.” Not that we got to see much of it.
Chris and Ted led our little caravan onward, guiding us around most of the village as we continued on to the East End with our snorkel gear and supplies packed safely in the back.
While it may not have been “boulder-strewn” like the infamous road we’d somehow come to accept as normal for the island, once we passed Coral Bay, the road ahead became a nightmare in its own right. I kept catching quick glimpses of the steep climbs rising in front of us - the black ribbon of asphalt somehow clinging to impossibly sharp hills rising above the jungle.
It reminded me of the first time I ever saw real rollercoasters at an amusement park. Back then, I could only make out the coaster’s towering rise hills through the trees. And this time, I knew we wouldn’t be strapped safely into our seats by overly tight shoulder harnesses - secured by some hopefully well-trained, pimple-faced summer employee. These hills were mine to navigate. Mine alone. And I was responsible for getting my three most precious loved ones over them safely.
I think I’ve said this before - and I know I’ll say it again. I understand that Ollie probably doesn’t look back on our first meeting the same way I do. And I’m also pretty sure I might be the most grateful police officer on the planet for failing to do my duty and arrest a sweet, curly blond-haired, fresh-faced “car thief.”
All because the moment I looked into his crystal blue eyes that morning, my heart was melted by his polite, earnest, and completely innocent expression. While I could easily see his confusion, I also saw his honesty.
And then, even as I sensed his growing panic, I watched him somehow manage to make a joke about “surrendering peacefully.” That was it. That was all it took. In that moment, I knew I was going to do everything in my power to protect him from Richard Carson’s obviously fraudulent stolen vehicle report. I knew Ollie was someone special - someone who deserved every bit of help I could give him.
What I didn’t know then was how much spotting a random “vehicle of interest” would change my world… or how much it would change my life with Anna. I’ll always be grateful for that fated morning - for meeting our pup and then his Norse god Corey. And I’ll keep trying to make sure he understands just how much that moment meant to us.
Well… at least I would - just as soon as we safely made it to wherever Ted and Chris were currently leading us.
Damn. The rise in the road ahead was so steep and sudden that the Jeep’s crash-prevention warning lit up and started screaming at me. I kept my cool, never letting even the smallest gasp escape. Because hey - that’s who I was. Staying calm and steady wasn’t optional. It was my job.
Still, I swear Chris and Ted were testing my limits. After popping over the crest the last impossibly steep hill and making it down the other side, I was suddenly confronted with a giant tree nearly blocking the road. It stood there like a gatekeeper, shading a small wooden shack that was also way too close the “highway” we were on.
I almost missed Chris’ turn signal - just a quick flash telling me to turn left a few yards past the mammoth trunk. All I could do was trust him and ease our Jeep in beside his, in a little parking area I hadn’t even noticed. As I got out of the Jeep, I read the sign painted on the little wooden building over the shuttered serving window: “Mrs. Vie’s Snack Shack.”
****
Just like they had on every other trip we’d taken on this island, Chris and Ted jumped out of their Jeep, all excited and already assuring us this quaint little place was well worth the white-knuckle journey to get here. But before they could prove it, we crossed the road and found ourselves stopped at a gated fence - cutting off our eager party’s path to Hansen’s Beach.
The rusty barrier came with an equally old faded sign, politely requesting a two-dollar-and-fifty-cent “donation” per person. I watched Ted grin as he slipped a twenty - along with another ten for good measure - into a modest little wooden box.
We passed through the gate - and immediately found ourselves walking through a small, sacred family graveyard.
Aside from Chris and Ted, none of us were prepared for something like that.
Ted quietly stepped in to explain as we slowed to give the space the respect it deserved.
“Listen, y’all - I know this might seem like a bit much. And I know this beach gets a bad rap for that little entry fee. But the family that owns the land around it has been here for decades, and they really do take care of it. Believe me, they’re not trying to make a profit - they’re only covering maintenance expenses.”
Chris picked it up with an easy grin. “Trust me, it’s worth it. I promise you two things. First, as soon as you see the reef just off the beach’s west end, you’re going to be amazed. And second, once Mrs. Vie opens her snack shack up for lunch, her conch fritters are going to give Ollie and Grandma Laura’s meatloaf some serious competition for the best thing you’ve tasted on the island.”
****
There was no question about Chris’ first promise. Unlike yesterday, there was no Ollie-traumatizing blue void to survive. Instead, we found the most pristine and densely populated coral reef we’d seen yet. Even Joe and Laura made the short swim out to take in the incredible underwater display of sea life. The sounds of our pack’s excitement floated beautifully over the gentle rhythm of waves rolling onto the beach.
After thoroughly exploring the coral wonderland, the four of us who had survived yesterday’s unexpected deep-water challenges felt an almost instinctive pull to keep going. To push past the easy spots and swim out around the point - toward whatever new adventure waited for us in the next cove.
Our bold effort wasn’t exactly a disappointment… but it wasn’t what we’d hoped for either. There was no new reef. No vibrant explosion of sea life waiting just around the corner. Still, we found a few larger fish - and an unexpected cascade of massive, squared boulders that formed what looked like an impossible staircase descending into the bay’s infinite blue.
There was no real reason to continue on - we all now knew the best sea life show was behind us - but then I saw our pup. Ollie had decided to test his limits. He faced his new fear without fanfare, without making an announcement, with nothing more than a simple, stunningly beautiful act of courage.
Just like yesterday, I found myself witnessing something exquisite and precious between him and his soulmate - something that once again should have belonged only to them. Ollie kicked down at least twenty feet into the blue while Corey watched from the surface, protective… and maybe even a little anxious.
Ollie finally stopped, still head-down, fins-up. I watched, completely mesmerized, as he slowly spun around, then somersaulted against the blue as if he were performing an underwater ballet for his mate. His arms drifted outward, gracefully waving against the endless blue, his body weightless as he danced through the crystal-clear water.
I glanced over at Anna, my love, and our eyes met. We didn’t need to say a word - I could feel all my emotions reflected back at me. Even behind our masks, the smile in our eyes must have been obvious… or at least as obvious as they could be with our snorkels firmly clenched between our teeth. It was clear we were sharing the same quiet amazement at how fate had somehow brought us all together.
And in our moment of connection, I knew our promised child would always be surrounded by the love of the four of us. Our son or daughter would be so fortunate, so deeply cared for, and loved beyond belief.
****
After our latest perfect snorkeling adventure, we were finally allowed to confirm Chris’ second promise. Conch fritters had officially become our group’s new island favorite. Dang… we’ve got to find a way to ship some Mrs. Vie’s back to Texas.
The rest of our road excursion took us by a handful of wonderfully unique knick-knack and gift shops. We enjoyed them all and came away with plenty of keepsakes - before eventually discovering that the road ahead simply… ended. It wasn’t blocked by any wayward boulders. It wasn’t covered by some massive spiderweb. There was only a simple sign: Residents Only Beyond This Point.
And just as simply, we knew it was time to turn around and head back to the villa - to share our stories from the day, to keep building this new family bond, and to prepare for our final full day on our beloved little island. Hoping with all our hearts that the paradise and magic we’d found wouldn’t end here… but might somehow follow us home.
****
The dawn of our final full day in paradise came - exactly as we knew it eventually must. Over the past week, Anna and I had somehow become morning people, and we didn’t mind it at all. Of course we knew we were still riding an incredible high… one we quietly hoped might last the rest of our lives.
Just as Ollie and Corey understood that some things in life weren’t meant to ever become physical realities - they knew they would never make puppies no matter how intense their love making became. Anna and I had just experienced something equally as powerful in our own way. Our shared moment of ecstasy wasn’t about what could or couldn’t come from it - it was about the moment itself, and our commitment to each other.
We had long ago accepted that there would never be any children born from our love making. But for the first time in years, I felt no shame in admitting that truth. Instead, I was able to embrace what we shared for what it was - a beautiful moment that reminded us what we meant to each other. A quiet rekindling. A renewed closeness.
In a very real way, our reawakened love life was another gift that had come into our lives through our sweet pup and his wolf.
We’d barely stirred from our afterglow before Ollie started knocking on our door.
“Kev! Seriously! Did you and Anna really just howl?”
I swear I could feel his grin radiating through our bedroom door.
I called back, “Hey, pup! Yep - you caught us. Give us a few, and we’ll be down to meet you and everyone for breakfast.”
Then I paused. “Oh - wait. Dang. Whose turn is it to make breakfast this morning? Is it ours? Are we late to the stove?”
Ollie laughed. “No worries, buddy. I think Grandma and Grandpa have this one. We’ll see you in the kitchen when you’re ready for coffee.”
****
As expected, Laura and Joe proved to be just as gifted in the kitchen as the rest of us. And somewhere along the way, I realized this all-too-short week had completely ruined me. There was no going back to fast-food breakfast sandwiches before a patrol shift. Not after this. I was definitely asking Chris and Ted for their quiche recipes.
We stumbled into the kitchen, and before I could make my way through my usual round of morning hugs and over to the coffee bar, Joe stopped me in my tracks.
“Kevin, I had no idea there were so many wolves roaming around the Caribbean. Their howls sounded really close this morning. Almost on top of us…”
I just smiled and pulled my favorite grandpa into a hug.
Chapter 57: A Whole Pack Promise
There was no question that Chris and Ted were our pack’s unofficial island guides. And they seemed to know that we were all starting to feel just a little beach-weary. Lurd… even thinking that felt wrong. But we’d given this week everything we had - throwing ourselves into every adventure and making stories we’d be retelling for the rest of our lives.
I chuckled before I could stop the thought from slipping out - and sharing a whole lot of unexpected naked bonding time…
As Chris and Ted had clearly intended, Francis Beach turned out to be the perfect destination for our final day in paradise. It was the gentlest, most relaxing beach we’d visited all week. Less about challenging snorkel adventures, and more about stretching out in the sun, enjoying a good lunch, and floating in the gentle motion of the surf.
Even so, we still managed to spot our first shark. I knew Ollie and Corey had already told us about the sleeping nurse shark they’d found, but this one was different - a sleek Caribbean reef shark, wide awake and skillfully performing his role as the bay’s aquatic patrol officer - just out beyond where the beach sand gave way to the seagrass.
His brief appearance provided the only real thrill of the day. Everything else was easy, relaxed, and restorative. We all knew we’d have a long travel day tomorrow - retracing every step we’d taken to get us back to the real world. This quiet pause in our adventure was exactly what we needed.
****
Anna and I took over cooking duties for our last night together. Damn… I didn’t like thinking of it that way. I mean, sure, we’d get back to our usual rhythm - weekends at Corey and Ollie’s for summer days by the pool, and then all of us drifting in and out of each other’s homes for the rest of the year - but this week had been different. It felt like we’d truly become one big, happy, extended family. And lurd… was I ever going to miss all those playful jabs from Grandpa Joe.
Our lasagna was a big hit - but come on, lasagna is always a safe bet. One we shamelessly took advantage of, because we wanted everyone to be full, satisfied… and maybe just a little relaxed before we shared our news.
As we were finishing up - before anyone could suggest clearing the table - I looked around at our group… our chosen family. And I knew it was time.
So I went for it with full-on drama.
I tapped my knife against my wine glass.
After making sure I had everyone’s - maybe a little startled, but completely focused - attention I cleared my throat and began our little presentation.
“On our final wonderful night here together in this beautiful paradise, Anna and I have some very big news to share.”
I gave them my brightest scruffy smile. “During our sailboat excursion on Friday, Anna and I found out that we’re finally going to have a baby.”
I didn’t get another word out before the villa erupted - cheers, applause, and a flood of heartfelt joy from our four elders crashing over us.
“Congratulations, you two!”
“It’s about time!”
“Y’all are going to be the best parents ever!”
“Anna! That’s wonderful! When are you due, sweetheart?”
I raised my hands, trying to gently settle the room… and doing my best to keep the smirk from forming on my face and giving us away before Anna had a chance to explain.
Anna’s face was glowing as she looked around the table. “Sorry, everyone - our bad. I’d love to be able to answer your question, Grandma Laura, but we don’t have the timing down… or even all the details figured out just yet.”
We were met with four instantly very confused faces, so she quickly continued. “Because what we really should have said is that the four of us - me, Kevin, Ollie, and Corey - are going to have a baby.”
That was my cue. “Okay… let me explain. I think y’all know that from the moment we met, I’ve always kind of thought of Ollie as my son. Or at least that I wished for a son just like him.”
I paused just long enough to find his eyes across the table - and hold them for a moment before continuing. “And you know how much I mean that, pup.”
Anna gently picked it back up. “Kevin and I will always be grateful that Ollie’s biological father was… well, the kind of Richard who lives up to the shortened version of his name - because without his bogus stolen vehicle report, we never would have met any of you.”
I glanced back to Ollie, making sure he was okay. “Sorry, Ollie. I know that morning will never be one of your favorite memories - but I hope you understand what we mean.”
His small, steady nod - and sweet quiet smile - was exactly what I’d hoped to see.
We turned our attention back to our four elders as Anna continued. “Ted, Chris, Joe, Laura - during our sail on Friday, the four of us started talking about what it might mean to become something more. A very real… and very unique… family. One that could give us all something beyond just hoping to make more puppies.”
I caught Ollie and Corey’s eyes again and couldn’t help myself. “Hey - don’t worry, you two. Puppies are pretty special. And don’t forget to FaceTime Riley tonight. He needs to know he’ll be seeing his two daddies in person this time tomorrow night.”
Everyone’s laughter bought me a second. Maybe two.
My expression shifted as I forced myself onto the hardest part. “But… here’s the thing. I can’t father children of my own.”
I let that sink in before continuing. “Before that morning - before I ever pulled Ollie’s Bronco over - Anna and I had already made a decision. We were moving forward with starting the adoption process. It felt right to us… or at least less wrong than using IVF with DNA from someone we didn’t know.”
Anna picked it up, her voice warm and steady. “Like Kevin said, just about a year ago, Ollie and Corey came into our lives - and that’s when we started to think about a new way forward. By all rights, we never should have become so close with y’all… but we did. And we believe that means something. And that ‘something’ is that we’ve been given a very special new possibility for starting our family.”
I tried to read the expressions on our four elders’ faces before continuing - they maybe still seemed a bit confused but definitely ready for our announcement. “During our sail… things, um, escalated a little.” I gave a small, self-aware smile.
Anna added, with just a hint of a teasing smile, “And Ollie and Corey have already said yes - in their own unique way - but only if all of you agree as well.”
I took a breath, knowing this was my part to add. “Chris, Ted, Grandma Laura, Grandpa Joe… on Friday, we asked your two amazing sons, er - grandsons, to be our donors - to help us bring a child into this world. Will you give us your blessing?” I paused, then added more gently, “And before you answer… if we haven’t made it clear already, we don’t just want your support - we want you to be part of this family we’re building.”
Anna stepped in again. “Ollie and Corey will be our child’s godparents - as well as the two most amazing guncles on the planet. And we would love the four of you to be our child’s god-grandparents.”
I turned my smile toward Joe and Laura. “Well… our bad again. That would make you our child’s great-god-grandparents.”
Joe couldn’t contain his grin.
Anna looked around the table, her voice soft but hopeful. “So… what do y’all say? Do we have your support?”
Everyone answered all at once - loud, immediate, and without hesitation. The room filled with excited agreement before Chris leaned forward, needing just one final detail.
“Of course we do, Anna and Kevin! Absolutely yes. No question.” He smiled, then added more cautiously, “But… I’m almost afraid to ask. How is the way Corey and Ollie agreed… um, unique?”
I knew my brother would take this one.
“Well, Dad,” Corey began, calm and steady, “we didn’t want anyone to feel like they had to choose between us. So, Ollie and I just asked if we could find a way for us to both donate… anonymously.”
He gave a small shrug. “And yeah, I know anonymous isn’t exactly the right word. What we really mean is - we want to do this in a way that keeps all of us from knowing whose contribution made the baby… at least until Kevin and Anna are holding a little Corey or a little Ollie in their arms.”
Ollie quickly chimed in, “Or… a little Olivia or Corrina.” He shot a smirk at his chuckling other half.
Corey winked back at him before turning to me, an easy playfulness returning to his voice. “Hey, Kev… you may not get to have my Ollie as your son - but there’s still a fifty-fifty chance our Ollie can give you one. Or a daughter.”
He grinned. “We’ve got this, buddy. This is going to be amazing.”
Chapter 58: The Stars Are Ours
The stars are ours tonight
They sparkle and shine so bright
Because you're mine tonight
The stars are ours
I made it back to our grand suite for our final night in paradise a few minutes before Corey. For some reason, I felt drawn out to the balcony - unable to resist, accidentally diving into another unexpected and unsettling moment. One that quickly became the counterpoint to the panic I’d felt staring down into the deep blue void at Waterlemon Cay.
All I did was just look up… into the void of an endless black sky.
I wasn’t quite as instantly panicked, but a kindred feeling surfaced anyway. I suddenly felt just as alone. Lost. Both adrift and somehow trapped in the same breath. The vast darkness became just as overwhelming as the endless ocean had been. And while I could at least see the stars, there were so many of them that I couldn’t recognize anything. Even the constellations I thought I knew by heart were gone - hidden in the flood of stars.
The pristine Caribbean sky allowed thousands of points of light to pour down over me, until my vision was completely consumed. And once again, I felt I was floating - lost in another infinite void, with nothing to hold on to.
I’m sure Corey never meant to startle me, but he certainly did. His sudden presence on the balcony made me jump, a soft gasp escaping as he stepped in close beside me.
“The stars are ours tonight, pup,” he said gently. “Look at them… thousands of diamonds scattered across an impossibly black sky.”
He leaned in, and I met him with a kiss - something solid that I could hopefully ground myself in. “Corey, I didn’t mean to jump… I’m just - I mean I was just feeling a little lost again. Maybe even a little overwhelmed. Just like on Friday.”
His big arms wrapped around me. Letting me feel his grounding strength, exactly what I needed at the moment. “Ollie… Because you’re mine tonight. And because we’re standing here together - right now, with our families, old and new.” He paused, his voice softening. “All those stars? I swear they’re celebrating our big bold promise right along with us. I think they’re telling us we’re somehow exactly where we’re supposed to be. That through some miracle of fate, the whole universe is aligned with us.”
I tried to hold onto that, to steady myself even after he mentioned our agreement - our promise with Kevin and Anna - but it just wasn’t enough. Even Corey’s arms around me couldn’t stop what was coming. I felt it rising before I could even understand it. A wave of emotion I thought I’d calmed over a year ago washed over me.
I had no idea why my chest suddenly tightened…
And I found myself breaking down in Corey’s arms - sobbing, completely unable to stop it. His grip tightened instinctively, pulling me closer.
“Hey, pup… what’s this all about?” he murmured. “Everything is going to be so amazing for us. Listen to me, Ollie. Ted is so happy and supportive of your career path change. And, even though we just got married, we’ve somehow already brought three beautiful families together and made one big new one - one that loves us every bit as much as we love them…”
He tried to lift my chin, gently coaxing me to meet his eyes, but I wasn’t ready.
“…and now we’re going to have a child with our best friends. A child we get to be there for - for the rest of our lives.”
His voice softened just a touch, his warmth taking center stage. “We’re going to make sure our little Ollie, Olivia, Corey - or… wait, nope, you know I’m still never agreeing to ‘Corrina’ - has a wonderful, happy, magical life.” He chuckled.
I sniffled, still trying to catch my breath. “I know, Corey. It’s just… so stupid. I mean, I feel so stupid. Tonight should feel like the most unbelievable way to end our perfect honeymoon. I don’t know why, but all I can do right now is keep thinking that a year and a half ago, this same night sky used to upset me - no… wait, no… it infuriated me. Just like that big blue void did on Friday. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I think what happened at Waterlemon forced me to relive some memories from the start of my time in Texas… that I wasn’t ready to face right now.”
I finally managed to meet my husband’s eyes. “Corey, during those three months before we met, for the first time in my life, I couldn’t stand looking up at the stars. I mean I was living alone in parking lots. Sleeping in my Bronco. Scared all the time and on constant alert for more thieves in the middle of the night.
“And even as warm as our Texas winter can be, there were nights when the only way I could keep from shivering all night long was by putting more dirty laundry on top of the pile that was already covering me.”
Another tear slipped down my cheek. “I started to hate those stars. And that’s why I feel so stupid now - because no one should ever have hate for something so beautiful. But during that… lost time, all I could think was, just like my father, the stars were only something else that had suddenly become cold and distant to me.”
I swallowed hard. “Like they didn’t even care. Like they weren’t going to help me - no matter how many times I wished upon them… no matter how many times I called my father and left another voice mail begged him for it.”
I managed to continue on before breaking down again, “As much as I kept hoping, they both only seemed to judge me in cruel silence as I struggled through yet another test. One I knew if I failed, that it would probably be the last one I’d ever get to take.”
Corey looked like he’d just taken the hardest gut punch of his life. He pulled me in tighter than ever, wrapping himself around me.
“Oh, Ollie… I know you don’t like to talk about that time. But you just helped me understand so much more about it. About how hard it was for you… About how much it must have hurt and even changed you.”
He drew a slow breath in. “And I also know that even after everything we’ve shared this past year, you don’t just get to walk away from something like that. You may have survived it - and yeah, you did it like a champ - but that doesn’t mean it suddenly just disappears.”
His voice softened. “Pup, I think that horrible time is always going to be a part of you. Something you’ll have to learn to live with… and eventually maybe even make peace with.”
For a long moment, neither of us spoke. Corey just held me, his chin resting against my temple, his heartbeat steadily reassuring me against my cheek.
Above us both, the stars simply waited - quiet and unchanged - keeping their time, unbothered by anything happening below them, down here on our small, fragile island earth drifting through their vast sea.
Slowly, without even realizing it, I felt my breathing begin to steady its rhythm against my wolf’s chest as he held me tight giving me the support I needed. As I calmed, Corey shifted slightly, his arm lifting from my shoulders as he pointed up into the darkness.
“Ollie… do you see that dim smudge? The one that kinda looks like a faint, fuzzy tennis ball?”
As my eyes adjusted to the black sky, I forced myself to focus on what Corey was trying to show me. I remembered Anna’s advice from our snorkel trip - letting my brain catch up to what my eyes were already seeing. And then, just like the octopus… there it was. A soft, glowing patch of stars unlike anything I’d ever noticed before.
“I see it!” I said, a little breathless - before I immediately realized I had no idea what I’d just spotted. “Okay… that’s kinda cool, Corey. But I give up. What exactly am I looking at?”
The edge in my voice surprised even me.
Corey chuckled, clearly knowing I was still trying to regain my balance. “Well, pup… there are two kinds of backyard astronomers in the world. The ones who go after the Big Brights - planets, the moon, star clusters. The easy stuff. The things you can see right away… and understand just as quickly.”
He tilted his head slightly, still looking up. “And then there are those of us who quietly seek out the Dark Fuzzies. The things that take a little patience to see. And even more imagination and a willingness to really look closely - to understand the importance of what they represent.” He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “What you’re seeing my love… is my favorite dark fuzzy. That’s the Great Andromeda Galaxy. The most distant thing you can see with your unaided eye.”
Something about his very detailed explanation pulled me away from the profound fuzziness of Andromeda. I blinked and found myself looking back at something much brighter and a whole lot closer and dear to me. His eyes. “Okay, my amazing nurse… how do you just happen to know all that?”
His laugh was soft and easy. “Well, pup… as you’re about to find out during your next school year, your new major isn’t always about biology and pre-med classes. You still have to survive a few of those pesky electives.”
Corey’s sweet smirk continued to calm me, pulling me back from the edge of my breakdown. He went on, “So I signed up for an astronomy class one semester. Don’t tell the dads, but even though I always thought looking up at the stars and planets was pretty cool… I mostly took it because it included a few fun late night ‘labs’ with the university’s telescope - and therefore it counted as a lab science. Seemed like a pretty easy way to knock out another one of those annoying requirements.”
His little confession kept working its magic. I let out a quiet chuckle at my wolf’s latest bad-boy admission. I knew he’d been a serious - honestly stellar - student… but I also knew he’d never pass up the easiest way to get through something he didn’t think he really needed.
Corey’s expression shifted, again turning completely serious. “Still, my pup… I really can’t imagine all those stars being up there only to judge you. I think they were there trying to cheer you on - especially during those lonely nights when you needed something - anything - to hold onto.”
His gaze softened. “Listen… I know neither of us are religious. But I do believe in something more - call it souls, or whatever you want. I think we’re all so much more than these bodies we’re living in right now. And I have to believe that the Milky Way… and even Andromeda… are filled with so much of that ‘more’ that we could never begin to imagine or count how many souls are out there.”
He drew a slow breath before continuing. “So… every night you were under them, feeling like you were all alone in your Bronco, maybe you weren’t as abandoned as it seemed. Maybe there were countless souls looking back at you - just like you were looking up at them. And while you were feeling the most lost and unsure of your life, wondering if the future could ever turn out like you’d hoped… maybe there were so many other souls out there feeling the exact same way. Wishing and waiting. Just like you.”
Corey’s smile was the warmest I’d ever felt.
“Ollie, I believe our stars were doing their best to keep you company - letting you know you were never facing all your tests alone. They were always there for you, giving you thousands of tiny, twinkling points of encouragement… trying to carry you forward until you first found Ted, then Dad… and then me - right when you needed each of us the most.”
He brushed his thumb gently along my cheek. “And those same stars were there with us the night we found our abandoned Riley… exactly when he needed us most.”
Corey leaned closer, his voice soft but certain. “And finally, under those same stars once again… tonight, we told our family that Anna and Kevin need our help to create something truly incredible with them. Something you and I also want - something I know we’re ready for.”
Corey’s kiss, beneath the quiet watch of Andromeda, was the most profound moment I’d ever felt. I mean, there would always be our first kiss. Our proposal night kiss. Then finally our wedding night kiss - and I’ve treasured them all.
But this one was something so much more.
This one carried a promise… one of bringing a new soul into the universe - and we understood that we were opening up a whole new galaxy of possibilities for our future.
****
There was no way my Corey was ever going to let a moment like this simply fade away. As we stood together beneath our very special stars, he slowly began to undress me - never once breaking our kiss.
I trusted him completely, letting my clothes fall away piece by piece to the tiled floor of the balcony, all beneath the quiet glow of the Zodiac.
It only felt right to return the gesture.
By the time we stood together beneath the open sky - naked, facing each other, completely exposed in every way possible - there were no barriers left between us. Only trust. Only us.
Corey lifted his hand and gently cupped my cheek, his fingers once again brushing softly along my stubble.
“So, Ollie… how do you want tonight to go, pup?” he asked quietly. “I’m pretty sure we’ve got the stars on our side. Maybe we could start with something simple… an intimate shower? Like our first day here?”
After the wave of emotions I’d just let out, I was relieved - almost giddy - watching my love slip back into my favorite excited schoolboy mode.
“Heck, we could even grab all the cushions from the chairs inside and bring them out here and make a bed for the night,” he said, his eyes lighting up. “We could sleep under the stars… just like you had to. But this time, you’d be safe. Anchored. Right here in my arms.”
His expression softened, the seriousness returning. “And don’t forget… I’ll always be just as happy - and just as grateful - to be held in yours.”
I’ll admit, that last part nearly broke me all over again - but in a much brighter way. “Hey, believe me, that sounds incredible… but I’m not sure the villa’s management would appreciate us involving their cushions in such an off-label use.”
I smirked, catching Corey’s knowing look. Acknowledging my reference to our embarrassing shower fail from last year - before continuing…
“… But I do have an idea”
****
Out of all the chairs decorating our suite, there was exactly one that could handle the job we needed it to do. Apparently, good old-fashioned club chairs were more of a Midwest hotel room thing than the preferred décor of a Caribbean villa - but we were grateful for that one perfect exception.
We carried it out to the balcony and set it in place with care. Almost like we were once again preparing to witness a manmade geyser erupting across the Mississippi. But this time, as Corey settled into the chair inviting me to position myself over him, there was no Gateway Arch gleaming in the late afternoon sun. Instead, we found ourselves beneath the most brilliant star-filled sky I’d ever finally allowed myself to appreciate.
Completely exposed - but entirely held in the care, protection, and love of my husband - I slowly started believing that Corey was right. The stars were ours. And maybe… just maybe… they always had been. Always quietly there, marking every step of the journey we’d taken together - every test we’d passed.
And now, they were cheering us on through our bold new promise. I leaned my back into my husband’s chest as I gently, inch by inch, let his erection breach my tightness, once again welcoming the grounding stretch it gave me.
At almost the same instant that my furry glutes finally rested on his untamed bush, Corey’s big arms wrapped around my chest and tummy, reassuring me that I will always be his, and letting me know once again that he’d never lose me.
Reveling in our gentle moment, I was allowed to marvel at the simple magic of seeing the warm breeze ruffle the dark blond hairs of his forearms. I once again pledged to never make my wolf shave any part of my body again. Well, unless he really wanted to.
Just like back in St. Louis, Corey understood exactly how to perform his part of our intimate dance. I pressed back into his chest, presenting my right trimmed pit to his waiting nose and lips as he started seriously thrusting up into me.
But this time, before allowing myself to get too lost in all the intense feelings coming from our duet, I realized we had a daring new opportunity to explore. “Corey, this is perfect - just like under the arch. But, um, I have a dangerous idea… Let’s move our chair closer to the railing.”
I looked into his lust-filled gaze, trying to give him a little more incentive. “My wolf, are you ready to find a whole new level?”
Corey didn’t howl yet, but he definitely growled as he quickly followed my instructions. I watched him return to our chair while I took advantage of the support of stone railing guarding us from a two-story fall.
I settled back into my wolf’s lap, but this time, not with my back to him. This time, I faced him. Our new position ensured that Corey’s every thrust would be directed precisely across my prostate. My second favorite boy accessory that was now becoming over-stimulated almost too quickly.
As we approached our summit together, my instinct was to lean forward into Corey’s broad chest and hug him in tight. Losing myself in his safety as I rode out my impending climax. All while showering him with endless kisses.
But he surprised me, somehow understanding that we needed to keep exploring. He simply placed his hand against my flexing abs and gently pressed back. I realized what he was asking and I let myself lean back against the cool stone - my arms angling out away from my sides griping the railing, keeping me secure.
And that simple repositioning made all the difference. Corey’s thrusts weren’t just “directed” any longer, they were absolutely locked on target. Finding that new level, my wonderful husband realized he was suddenly presented with a new dance step. While he continued doing the first one perfectly, he bowed his head forward and just as expertly started the second - eagerly taking my leaking hardness into his warm mouth.
We had somehow discovered a position that allowed my amazing wolf to pleasure both of my favorite body parts at the same time. Unfortunately, I knew there was no way I could contain my gratefulness for more than just a few minutes longer. I tried to utter a warning but it was already too late.
My wolf’s urgent whimpers let me know he was just as thankful as I was for finding this magical new position. I felt his warm gratitude shooting hard, urgently delivered deep into my soul, reassuring me that we would always be here for each other. Bonded forever and prepared to face all of our bold adventures together.
Corey slowly found his voice again. “So, Ollie… that was definitely an incredible surprise. But are you still sure you don’t want to spend our last night out here - sleeping under our beautiful stars?”
I leaned forward into him, wrapping my arms around my class clown while he slowly softened inside me. “Well, my wolf… a couple of weeks ago, I would’ve been all for it. But now I understand what kind of beatdown a long travel day can be. And I know exactly how long the journey ahead of us is going to feel in the morning.”
I smiled, brushing my nose against his. “So… how about we settle for a calming shower under Andromeda and all these amazing stars - and then head back inside to our very comfortable bed instead?”
Chapter 59: Goodbye for Now
Over the past year and a half, I’d started to feel like the story of my life had been graced with an unreasonable - maybe even almost unbelievable - amount of good fortune. I’d experienced things that just shouldn’t have worked out the way they did. Like my co-op mentor, Ted, being married to my urologist, Chris… and my new husband, Corey turning out to be their once-lonely gay son.
And yet, all those impossible coincidences had also left me with a feeling of something deeper than just unexplained luck. Something that felt a lot more like destiny.
As if, somewhere along my way, something - some unknown force - out there had finally heard the desperate pleas I’d made and was even now quietly trying to guide my story toward something incredible… something rewarding beyond my wildest dreams. I had no idea if that “force” was just the bold determination everyone always said I had… or if it was something else entirely.
Especially when the latest example of that good fortune meant none of us needed an alarm clock to make sure we were up early enough for coffee and one last big breakfast before beginning our long, multi-leg journey home.
Because, as we quickly discovered… what woke us wasn’t our excitement.
It was a 5.7 magnitude earthquake - its epicenter right off our shore.
We all quickly made our way - still only in our underwear - down to the main floor, instinctively gathering in our usual morning meeting place for a round of reassuring group hugs.
As we watched the news, our tensions slowly eased. There was no major damage reported. No power outages. No threat of dangerous surf. It seemed that the quake had been nothing more than a very dramatic wake-up call.
Before long, the familiar sound of our pack’s laughter had returned - along with our easy teasing and good-natured ribbing. The kind of comfort we’d come to rely on all week. And somewhere in our shared relief, we decided to turn our final island breakfast into something a lot more special.
A celebratory feast.
One that included anything and everything we could think to make - so long as it came from whatever was left in our refrigerators. Like we joked while cooking - it was either use it now… or lose it forever.
The result was epic. More than enough to carry us through the long journey ahead.
After the dishes were cleared and the last of the cleanup finished, we found ourselves still lingering around the kitchen’s island - no one quite ready to move on.
And none of us could decide whether the earthquake had simply been the island’s way of making sure we’d all be on time for our ferry… or if St. John itself had been upset that we were leaving.
I don’t think I was the only one who secretly believed it was the latter.
****
Only a week ago, I’d been bubbling over with excitement at every step of our complicated journey to reach this paradise. Now, I found myself almost dreading them - each one only taking us further away from paradise and closer to the real world.
We started simply - securing our villa’s keys in the lockbox and taking the last of our trash to the collection bins. Then came the Jeeps, their tanks refilled and returned to their rental company. And finally, we rolled our suitcases through the quaint streets of Cruz Bay once more… I even managed to catch a final glimpse of Woody’s Seafood Saloon before we walked onto the all-too-businesslike ferry dock.
As we waited for the boat to arrive, I found myself scanning the shoreline, hoping to once again see my two favorite island pups playing with their fishy friends. But it seemed they were off having adventures elsewhere this morning. I was able to take some comfort in knowing I’d be holding my own favorite pooch later this evening.
The ferry arrived right on time - which, of course, was far sooner than I ever wanted it to. For a moment, I had to fight the urge to run back to the little beach and dip my toes into the gentle waves… just to say one last goodbye.
But instead of letting myself drift any deeper into that longing, I wrapped my arms around Corey and made him promise - again - that there would be no more “Titanic” reenactments on our ride back to St. Thomas.
Kevin and Anna’s soft laughter followed us across the gangway.
****
As promised, Corey and I didn’t attempt another Rose-and-Jack moment. We simply stood at the back of the ferry, leaning against the top deck’s railing, our arms draped around each other’s waists as we watched our island’s peaks grow smaller in the distance.
I said all my quiet goodbyes - to my sweet George and our sleeping shark… to the lovable pookie donkeys with their itchy ears… and to the graceful, mated pair of manta rays.
I even found myself offering a bit of gratitude for the thrills our ever-perilous highway of wayward boulders had given us. And finally, I made a silent promise to our guardian bathysphere of Paradise Beach - that we’d return as often as we could, and do our best to keep his little piece of paradise as pristine as we’d last left it.
As St. John’s green peaks slipped farther into the distance, one last realization settled over me. Our little island hadn’t just given us memories to carry with us for the rest of our lives… it had given us Kevin and Anna’s proposal. The one that had led to our big bold promises we made to our future.
A future that would, hopefully, give us an endless supply of new memories - just waiting to be made. Our magical paradise had changed all eight of our lives forever. And I couldn’t wait to see what our new life together would bring.
****
Checking off yet another step in our complicated itinerary that would eventually carry us home, we found ourselves once again walking through the bustling corridors of the Miami airport.
Before I could stop it, a wistful thought slipped into my mind - I wondered if my Miami look-alike Ollie remembered our meeting as fondly as I did. I hoped he and his boyfriend were out there building the same kind of wonderful life Corey and I were dreaming about.
As we moved through the busy terminal, I found that I was walking beside Grandma Laura. Without even thinking, I reached for her hand - just like I used to do when I was a lot shorter… and a lot less scruffy.
And just as innocently, I started guiding her along our way.
Until… feeling a gentle tug, I glanced over to see her looking up at me with the softest, most loving smile.
“Ollie, my sweet grandson… you know that’s not the direction Joe and I need to go right now.”
The realization hit me like a punch, a blush already rising up my neck and moving over my cheeks before she continued.
“I understand,” she said gently. “We’ve been given nearly two whole weeks together - during such an important time in our lives. And I feel it just as strongly as you do… a big part of me wishes we were all heading back to the same place too.”
I tried to steady myself as the first hint of tears blurred my vision.
“But, Ollie,” she went on softly, “this is where we have to walk down our separate paths again. Only for a little while… not forever.”
That was all it took. My cheeks burned as the tears I’d been holding back finally slipped free.
After such a short time together, she was right - I’d let myself somehow believe my grandparents would always be near me again. Just like they had always been… before I’d almost lost them due to Richard’s lies.
“Oh my lurd, Grandma… I’m sorry. I have no idea what I was doing. I guess I just didn’t want to think about you and Grandpa Joe heading back to Michigan.” I let out a soft, shaky breath. “These last two weeks have been the best of my life - especially having the two of you here with me… with all of us. But I guess we really do have our separate concourses to go to now.”
Grandma Laura saved me from any further embarrassment. She gently guided my head down to hers, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before pulling me into her arms.
When we finally parted, she smiled and motioned to Corey, Anna, and Kevin. “Come here - my three handsome grandsons and the beautiful granddaughter that I’ve always wished for.” Her eyes shone with warmth. “I still can’t believe the gift you’ve decided to give us. We can’t wait to fly down to Texas next year and meet our beautiful great-grandchild.”
All four of us wrapped around her in a hug filled with only happy tears - just before Grandpa Joe found his voice and gave my shoulder a firm, loving clap.
“Ollie… once again, I can’t tell you how proud you’ve made us. You’re not even twenty-one yet, and you’ve already done more than we could have ever imagined. You moved to Texas all alone, with nothing but your own determination. And you didn’t just build a life there… you built a future. And now,” he added with a warm smile, “it looks like you’re going to help build a legacy.”
He stepped in close, placing his hands on my shoulders before simply saying, “I will always love you, my incredible grandson. You just keep amazing me. Listen, I know you’re strong enough to stand on your own - but never forget, all of us… me, Laura, your mom, and your new dads… we’ll always be here for you too.” His voice softened. “You will never be alone again.”
As we eased out of our bear hug, I watched him step over to Corey and pull him into the same sincere embrace. “I love you just as much, my equally wonderful - if occasionally misbehaving - grandson-in-law. Don’t you ever stop pulling Ollie into your adventures… mischievous or otherwise.”
And then I was given something I never thought I’d see. Both of my grandparents, wrapped in a hug with both of my dads. In that moment, my world finally felt free of Richard Carson’s shadow.
The stars were ours. And so was my new family.
But then it was time for the final goodbye. And it happened exactly the way I knew it would.
Grandpa Joe turned his shining eyes toward Kevin and Anna. “And you two… you’ve given us the most unexpected - and unimaginable - gift we could have ever hoped for.”
He stepped in closer, his tone shifting just enough to carry both pride and a little playful authority. “Anna, you make sure you keep our boys in line. And when you hit that third trimester, they’d better be doing all the heavy lifting while you’re doing the important work. Make sure they keep you happy and completely pampered.”
My favorite mischievous spark returned to his eyes - one so much like my Corey’s. “You’ve got three big, burly men at your disposal. That’s two more than most expecting mothers get - so I suggest you take full advantage of it.”
He gave her a conspiratorial wink. “And if any one of them ever complains, just give me a call. I’ve got plenty of pictures of all of them - especially our burly Officer Kevin here - in his little speedos… and I’m not afraid to use them.”
Joe paused just long enough to let that land before adding with a grin, “Heck, I even managed to get a perfect shot of you spiking that volleyball right into Corey’s stunned face.”
Laughter broke through the moment, just enough to keep it from becoming too heavy.
And at the very end, I’m pretty sure I caught the faintest glimmer of a tear in my big, strong officer’s eye… just before he pulled Grandpa Joe into a hug and quickly wiped it away.
To Be Concluded…
Just for fun... If you leave a comment, please also include a guess on which baby you think we’re going to have:
1 - Ollie 2 - Corey 3 - Olivia 4 - Corrina
One final thing, the song "The Stars Are Ours" and "This Island Earth" are two amazing songs of hope by an 80's acapella group called The Nylons. They've always meant a lot to me. Especially the first time I saw Andromeda. Paul and Marc were the group's main voices and song writers. Marc died of AIDS in the very early 90's and Paul decided to leave the group around the same time. I included their lyrics as a loving tribute.
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