Hey everyone, I have a quick apology. Those of you who told me to just wait until I had the entire story finished... Were 100% right. I'm sorry I didn't take your advice. I thought the pressure to not make a fool of myself in front of y'all would keep me inspired. Instead, I'm getting reports that it's making me really grumpy to live with. Even worse, this whole 7500-word section was completely unplanned. Ollie, Corey, Chris, and Ted decided they needed to say quite a lot before we can get to the wedding. Be warned, there's even another section after this before they let us get there. Luckily, that unexpected section is a very special one - on a topic that more readers have requested than anything else. Lurd I hope I don't blow it. It should be ready in a week or so. Please forgive my rambling and my unexpected "bonus" chapters.
Chapter 7: Team Ollie and Riley
I was worried that we were maybe letting a little pre-wedding stress slip into our late morning. All I really knew was that it suddenly wasn’t shaping up to be a typically blissful Saturday afternoon at our house. In fact, I was certain that Corey wasn’t even close to getting on board with my - fine - maybe a bit ambitious, but still perfectly reasonable suggestion. So, I pivoted and leaned into using a little puppy guilt.
Flashing him my best puppy-dog eyes, I presented my new argument. “Come on my big strong wolf. Think of it as some quality whole pack bonding time. I mean, Riley needs outdoor fun with both of his dads.”
Well… That angle earned me nothing more than a dramatic eye roll. But then, before I could lose hope, I was rewarded with a much deeper look from my love. One that I was getting to understand by heart. His look that told me: Yeah, while we both love our alpha wolf/pup role play, the truth was that Corey respected me as his equal. Assuring me that I was his partner. And that he’d always hear me out - even when my bold ideas gave him more than a few reservations.
“Seriously Ollie? You want us to jog to our dads’ house?”
The slight but definite school-boy whine I heard in his voice made me grin, even as hard as I was trying to hide it. I finally understood that Corey thought my proposal was either some kind of Army bootcamp torture, or maybe he was re-living a traumatic high-school P.E. class memory. As if I were punishing him with extra “laps” for not getting dressed out fast enough.
After that realization, forget just grinning - I barely managed to stifle a full-blown chuckle. And I completely failed to stifle a sudden inspired burst of fairly-evil mischievousness. I couldn’t let the opportunity drop… I just had to take my argument in yet another whole new direction, and into dangerous territory.
I started sweetly, “Corey…” I paused for dramatic effect, and to add a raised eyebrow as a subtle clue that I was up to no good. “You did just turn thirty a couple of months ago. So… It may be time to add a little more cardio to your workouts.”
I quickly flashed a trademark Rainer family smirk to admit that I knew exactly how much trouble I’d just gotten myself into. And yep, the look I got in return from my very unamused wolf told me that my latest brilliant justification had totally failed to inspire him - well at least to join in our run.
Corey is a master at playful banter. So, he didn’t immediately bite back with words right away. Instead, he replied with a slow, silent, wolfish grin that told me he was already plotting his revenge. He finally leaned in with a low and smooth voice that gave me goose bumps and assured me that my little tease had totally been worth it.
As I let my smirk bloom even brighter, he finally continued. “Careful, pup. Keep calling me old, and I might just make you prove how much cardio you’ve got left in you tonight.” My face maybe wobbled toward showing a goofy grin, but I managed to stop it, even as my cheeks burned a bright pink. That was the most dangerous thing about teasing my wolf - he always knew how to turn it back on me.
Knowing I was getting precariously close to spending the night with Riley on his puppy bed, I softened my smirk into a sincere smile of deep love for my mate. “I’m only teasing, my wolf. You know you’re still young and oh so gorgeous and I can’t believe you’re mine. Plus, you should also know, according to Mrs. Miller - over half of our neighbors practically trip over themselves to sneak a peek of you any time you’re shirtless in our yard.” I grinned as I added, “I could probably earn some serious bank by charging admission to the Corey Show.”
As I gazed into those sky-blue eyes, I finally realized exactly what I needed to do. I simply allowed myself to melt into a hug with my scantily clad, sexy AF man. A little good old-fashioned full-body contact was the surest way to convince him of how much his participation in our little journey meant to me and to our pup.
That did it; I sensed his resistance starting to crack. So, I continued coaxing him over to my side with a more practical pitch. “I promise it’s all good Corey. About a month ago, I found the least traffic-ridden jogging path between our homes with Google Maps. And it’s not even all that far - only 1.7 miles. Plus, I swear, at least half of it’s downhill. Even better, it’s all safe and neighborhood-y. No busy roads, just cozy, tree-lined streets. I know you’ll love it.”
I wasn’t above stacking the evidence in my favor so I decided to add, “Riley and I have already done it on our morning runs five or six times. We’re usually able to make it there before Dad 2 leaves for work - just in time to give him a quick lick and a hug. But we’ve never managed to beat Dad out the garage door. Well, unless we do it on a weekend.”
Right on cue, Riley gave a sharp shake of the leash in his mouth, with his tail thumping against our kitchen island like a drum. His eager whine made it clear he was voting in my favor. Team Ollie and Riley was clearly winning. No recount needed.
Corey groaned, dramatically throwing his head back. “Great. I’m outnumbered in my own pack. Two against one, and one of you can’t even talk.” He accusingly looked down at Riley. “Traitor.” But he immediately walked his accusation back as he bent down for a nose kiss and an ear scratch.
My alpha finally, and very sweetly, decided to seal his surrender with his best wolfish kiss - for me. He added a nipple pinch that made my whole body quiver and my knees nearly buckle. Then, with a wicked smirk, he promised, “Just wait for our next LA Fitness workout pup. It’s time for some serious boundary pushing on the weight bench.” Lurd! That smirk made we want that promised workout now. I gleefully accepted his condition and couldn’t wait to see what he had in store for our next gym time together.
I was able to keep my smile pure and free of smirks while I sensibly added, “Oh, and just wear a pair of speedos under your joggers. That way you can dive into the dads’ pool as soon as we get there to cool off. I’ll toss a couple t-shirts along with our tighty-whities into my backpack for after our swim.”
After all, that was the whole point of this little family outing: an afternoon with our dads. First, for some quality pool time. Then a traditional Texas poolside summertime dinner. And finally, locking in the remaining few details of our wedding plans.
****
I tried my best to console my suddenly very confused - and more than a little frustrated - pup. Expressing his disappointment, he let the leash slip from his muzzle as he watched his other daddy head back to our bedroom, instead of moving toward the front door as his fluffy brain had expected. “It’s okay Riley, Corey’s still gonna run with us, I just didn’t tell him the whole story before he got ready to join us. Believe me pup! We’re going to have a very fun run.”
Whether he completely understood or not, the reassurance earned me a happy pant and a lot more tail wagging. I beamed down at my furry-faced love and reassured him, “You’re the best pup on the planet my sweet boy! Yes you are!” That’s all it took for Riley to rear back on his hind legs and throw his paws up, giving me his adorable invitation to dance. I could never turn his request down. Well, until I caught sight of my wolf walking back into the kitchen…
Corey was… naked. He was beautiful - stunning - with his sharp tan lines perfectly highlighted by our sun-filled kitchen. His dark blond pubic bush contrasted flawlessly against the pale skin of his untanned pelvis. He smirked as he noticed my shocked but completely titillated look and decided to take advantage of the spell he’d successfully put me under.
He triumphantly and seductively raised his arms, hands behind his head, to expose his bushy pits and flex his abs as he rotated. When his furry rear came in to view. My speedos were suddenly begging for mercy, stretched to within an inch of their Lycra life.
“Uh, Corey… as much as I love it, I don’t think we can jog to the dads’ house with you looking like that. Well, unless you really do want me to charge admission. But damn you are beautiful.” Then I finally noticed he had two speedo-cut trunks, one in each hand.
Basking in my sincere admiration, his smirk was more sweet than mischievous, “No worries pup, I just needed your opinion on which pair of trunks you thought I’d look best in today.” Okay, his smirk gained maybe just a bit of mischievousness as he continued, “Just a simple question before we leave on our pack bonding trip.” His look assured me that his question had nothing to do with why he decided to stroll into our kitchen totally naked. In fact, his amazing dangly boy bit was already getting way too engorged to squeeze into either pair of trunks he presented.
“My wolf, I don’t think either of those is going to fit you at the moment. Um, did my closing argument trigger a little more than just your agreement to join us?” I kissed my naked wolf as I happily allowed myself to be held in his arms. I slowly moved my right hand down to encourage his dangly part to become a lot less dangly.
Lurd I love kitchen sex! Maybe it’s my love of cooking; maybe it’s the bright lighting making sure I get to see every part of my incredible man. Maybe, after topping Corey last night, I knew I was about to be bent over the island and get thoroughly bread and buttered. Lol, right as that thought occurred to me, a little bottle of lube that he’d snuck in with his trunks decided to make its escape and fall to the floor.
Corey gave me a sheepish grin of near apology. I simply smirked in return and replied, “Busted my wolf.”
Our roles for our moment now established, we kissed again before we reluctantly parted and Corey spun me around to press my chest down onto the cool stone of our island. Our obvious daddy-time intentions triggered our even more confused pup to give a very attitude filled sigh before making his dramatic exit from the room with a final ‘harrumph,’ dragging his leash behind him.
****
Riley’s judgmental commentary aside, I was suddenly shivering with anticipation as Corey commandingly untied my joggers and lowered them down my thighs. He playfully gave my cheeks their first smack right before reaching around once again to undo my speedo’s little white string bow and slowly slip them over my mostly furry buns.
Much to my appreciation and joy, Corey’s knees hit the kitchen floor even before my trunks could. I guess my unscripted dominance in the bedroom last night along with my bold surprise request today, had pushed my alpha past his submissive limits and well, I was hoping I was about to reap the rewards. I felt my cheeks being pulled apart just before Corey’s fingers started tapping his own drum beat on my furry hole. I also couldn’t stifle the sudden flurry of whimpers that started marching their way up from my throat.
While he was knocking on my door - asking for permission to cum inside - I quickly slid my trunks and shorts off my ankles and stepped out of them, allowing Corey to force my legs apart and give him the access he demanded. He didn’t wait long before taking advantage of my increased exposure. I shivered again as I felt my favorite beard nuzzle its way between my cheeks maybe a split second before my favorite tongue started forcing its way through my tight hole.
I couldn’t contain my outburst. Corey’s impulsive passion was so unexpected after our near argument, “Fuck Corey! I thought you were gonna test my cardio fitness level tonight! Damn, I love you my wolf!”
Corey’s tongue left its intended target as his beard briefly left my cheeks, “I’m getting my cardio in right now pup. I’m expecting you to get yours in when we get home tonight.” I swear I could feel his smirk as his face returned between my cheeks for a few more frenzied licks.
As I’d hoped, a burst of slick, thick fingers followed next. I moaned against the cool countertop as Corey gently yet urgently coaxed my tight hole to relax just enough so I’d be able to accept his oversized invader without too much discomfort. I hadn’t expected this any more than Corey had expected our jog to the dads’ pool. But I knew I was going to enjoy our daddy time just like I hoped Corey would enjoy our run.
My first gasp and moan at his entry validated those hopes. As much as I loved my new puppy tail plug that I’d debuted last night, nothing - absolutely nothing - could compare to the feeling of Corey’s long, thick, hot, manhood expertly rearranging my insides. He was a wolf on a mission right now.
Still, I couldn’t stop my head from shooting up from the countertop as he quickly bottomed out. I doubled my efforts to keep my back arched and let Corey go as deep as he needed. “You okay pup? We went a little fast, but I think we were both feeling the urgency.” He tenderly added, “Do I need to slow down a little?”
It was my turn to growl, “Jeeze Corey, you have no idea how good you’re making me feel right now. I’m yours my mate. Breed me, but um, remember I still need to be able to jog.” I rose up, keeping my back arched while leaning back into my humping wolf’s furry chest. Damn, I’ll always love him taking me from behind.
My lover understood what I was asking for and instantly wrapped his strong arm across my shoulders, almost as if he were about to choke me, but only in the way I craved. I leaned into his shoulder and turned my head for a savage kiss. Allowing my beard to battle his - not for dominance, but for ecstasy. His angle of attack was perfectly directed right at my suddenly overstimulated prostate. Every thrust turned into pure bliss and guaranteed that my shivering wasn’t going to stop any time soon.
But, as always, even though it felt like we’d barely just started, our feverish few minutes of serious coupling was already pushing me toward another hands-free orgasm. Wait! Does it still count as “hands free” if Corey’s free hand suddenly started pinching the same nipple that instigated this whole unexpected euphoric episode? Too late to over-think it; his pinch pushed me over the edge. I spasmed and moaned as my pearly white Ollie batter thickly splatted all over our kitchen island.
I think this means I’m a true bottom, even after my orgasm, continuing to get pounded by my man didn’t suddenly become uncomfortable. But it did become, well, different. It was like releasing my pent-up excitement allowed me to settle down, listen to my body, and truly enjoy the stimulation he was giving me. And I love those more relaxed feelings just as much as my orgasm.
As I’d suspected, my amped up, recently dominated alpha wolf didn’t take much longer than I did to reach our summit. I felt his warmth flood my body. And once again, I wished we really could have puppies. A topic of serious conversation that we’d have to tackle AFTER our impending wedding and honeymoon vacation with our loved ones. But right now, I couldn’t feel any more satisfied, loved, and connected.
****
With our unexpected disagreement and equally unexpected kitchen coupling behind us, I sought out our furry boy to give him a sincere apology. As I approached his usual “daddy-time” couch resting spot, I found that there was no apology needed. I was always grateful for my pup’s loyalty. I treasured the comfort he gave me by knowing that all I had to do to get him back on board was jingle his leash and offer to slip his running collar on. I knew he’d be instantly by my side, wagging that fluffy tail; all excited to start our new adventure.
This time though, a big pang of guilt caught me completely off guard. I suddenly realized that my Riley had no idea that the big plans we were discussing this afternoon with his granddads meant that he’d soon be spending seven whole days in his den with Ethan and Daniel instead of being his dads’ faithful companion - twenty-four seven - like he was used to.
I sighed and after shaking off the unexpected heaviness, my unbridled happiness of the bigger picture allowed me to reclaim my little family victory as we finally stepped out of our front door.
Of course, my sweet Corey simply couldn’t resist getting the last word in. He leaned close with a sly smile. “Tell me the truth, pup. This jog isn’t about fitness or whole pack bonding, is it? You’re just trying to soften me up so you and Ted can slip in some last-minute wedding decisions behind our backs.”
I glowed at his tease and bumped his shoulder with mine. “Please, my wolf! I swear I have zero ulterior motives. Besides… I promise. You’ll have a cold beer waiting for you at the dads’ pool.” Grinning, I sealed the deal by adding, “And I’ll even throw in an Uber ride home - exercise-free and on me.”
Corey paused and suddenly shot me a most profound smile while pulling me into another kiss so unexpectedly deep that it took my breath. When he finally drew back, his gaze trapped me as I once again relaxed into his arms. “My sweet Ollie, after next Saturday, there’s no more ‘on me’ for anything. There will only ever be ‘an unbreakable us.’”
I somehow managed not to melt into our front sidewalk, but my smile exposed my joy to the world. My wolf wasn’t just on board with our little unexpected run - he was completely and absolutely, on board - with us - forever. And so was I.
As my rush of elation settled, he made our moment even more perfect. With Riley happily bouncing by his side, Corey suddenly took off at a run along our chosen path. But not before tossing me my favorite smirk over his shoulder and uttering, “Pup! Remember, you’ve promised that you’ll make it up to me tonight when we get home.”
That was all I needed to hear. I sprinted to catch up, echoing my promise back to him - a promise that, yes, would definitely mean that we’d be embarrassing our furry son all over again.
Chapter 8: The Taste of Home
Twenty fun-filled minutes later, we were still unified, dedicated, and racing each other for pack dominance. Riley kept effortlessly darting between us like the little referee he thought he was. By the time we reached Chris and Ted’s front door we were happily breathing hard and sweating like champs. We didn’t even think about leaving a trail of sweat and fur through the dads’ home. Instead, we quickly veered around the house to the side-yard gate.
Once inside our dads’ private sanctuary, Corey didn’t pause for much longer than a quick “Hey Dad! Hi Uncle Ted!” as he slipped his joggers off in a quick smooth motion on his way to cannonballing into the pool. As he jumped, he let out a triumphant howl of joy that lasted all the way until his head disappeared below the splash. Riley joined him a half a second later, in a perfect smaller and furrier imitation of his dad.
That left me with the honor of delivering all the sweaty hugs our dads deserved.
It was my sweet dad, Ted who unknowingly duplicated Corey’s early morning words to Riley - only to me this time: “Eww! You’re wet!”
I just chuckled and squeezed him tighter. “Love you, Dad.”
His grin was unstoppable. “Sport! My lurd! You’re getting huge! In the best way possible. Since the first day we met, you’ve always been my lanky, scruffy, beautiful, stray puppy. But now you’re turning into my full-bearded muscle hunk. Dayam!” He glanced over my shoulder into the pool. “Corey! Have you noticed your future husband lately? He’s not your scrawny pup anymore.”
As Corey grinned and tried to send a playful splash to us both, I could feel myself blush furiously through my deepening Texan tan. Ted mercifully let it slide, giving me one more proud hug and a smile that said everything we were both feeling.
Chris joined the conversation with his trademark dry humor. “Ollie! How on earth did you coax your Norse God into jogging all the way over here? Blackmail? Extortion? Bribery?”
I offered the simplest and probably most truthful answer, well - without admitting any unnecessary carnal information: “Bribery!” I chuckled, “Cold beer, Dad 2. Cold beer!” I gave Chris a sincerely playful look, “We’d better have one ready for him when he and his furry son finally climb out of your pool.”
That earned me a heartfelt hug from Chris and twin laughs from both dads. All the while, my wolf and mypup circled each other in the sparkling water, joyfully splashing and kissing noses in what was clearly their second-favorite swimming hole.
I finally got to join my no-longer-sweaty wolf and - as it seemed - my always-wet pup. I plunged into our dads’ heated pool, showing the same glee as the rest of our pack.
What followed for the next hour or two was a storm of absolutely necessary splashes and even more kisses - some were just for furry noses; some were maybe a little too sensual for sharing the pool with our parents - especially while wearing tight speedos. By the time we climbed out of our little family oasis and toweled off, I couldn’t stop grinning. My “whole pack” jogging suggestion had been a hit. Corey might never admit it out loud, but the joy written all over his handsome, bearded face was more than enough for me.
****
Our feast on the patio, in the shade of a stately live oak - that was older than me, Corey and Riley combined - made the whole afternoon feel even more perfect. In no time at all, we’d eaten way too much German potato salad and sweet baked beans laced with jalapeños. As a “northerner,” I grew up with a near-deathly fear of anything with more heat than a ripe bell pepper. I guess I really am becoming a Texan because I now understand that baked beans without jalapeños should absolutely be illegal.
But let’s be honest, as amazing as they were, those sides were only the opening act. The real headliner was the brisket. Once again, my Michigan tastebuds had never dreamed that such a humble cut of meat could ever hold so much smoky, savory magic. My surprisingly smoker-skilled dad had been tending to it all morning, making sure that every bite tasted like paradise on a paper plate.
After our feast and catching up on family news, followed by a little time cleaning up and preserving our precious leftovers, Corey and the dads were a few beers deep. I knew I could’ve had a few beers too. My family trusted me completely, but I just couldn’t do it. I swear, I wasn’t channeling my biological father’s piety and judgment; it was simpler than that. I just didn’t feel ready to let myself lose that kind of control. I didn’t know who I’d be if I got drunk. Or even buzzed. Honestly, maybe it wasn’t really about alcohol at all. Maybe it was just that worrying about being Richard’s son hangs over your head longer than you want it to. You know?
Anyway, it was finally time to get down to our happy main task of the afternoon: wedding joy. This was where my wonderful Dad 2’s true superpower came alive: planning and organizing. Thankfully, my wolf had inherited that gene. Chris and Corey had already accomplished so much, but watching the two of them work together to bring it all to a close was like witnessing an unstoppable force of well-ordered nature.
I don’t remember who first came up with the outrageous idea of getting married in the “Texas Wilderness” section of the Fort Worth Zoo. Once we realized it was not only possible but actually a popular wedding venue - that felt absolutely perfect - they were both immediately off and running in absolute planning heaven.
They were so intense that it almost felt like Ted and I weren’t being allowed in on all the details - let alone to add to them. It was as if we were being kept on a strict “need to know” basis, and apparently, we didn’t need to know quite a lot. So, Dad and I decided to take action. I feel we were totally justified in reminding our mates that we both had government-issued badges with the Sacred Red Dot - the dot that said we’d qualified for Secret security clearances with the U.S. government.
It didn’t work. Corey and Chris - almost gleefully, though still very sweetly - rejected us soundly while returning to their task of making a few more infinitely important tweaks to their infinitely detailed wedding agenda. Giving us a look of patience and determination that made it clear they weren’t giving up any of their benevolent control.
I caught Ted’s eye, and with one of those unspoken father-son agreements, we silently decided to let them revel in their maddening resolve. It helped that their absolute seriousness made us both chuckle just a little.
Even so, my Corey was soft when it really counted. I understood he always had my best interest in his heart. From planning our epic road trip last year, I knew he could be ridiculously detail oriented, especially when he was trying his best to impress me. But because he could also read me like a book, he must’ve sensed I was feeling a little left out.
That’s when he leaned over my shoulder, his voice low and conspiratorial, to remind me of our own special little secret wedding plan. One just for me, my wolf, and our pup. My heart swelled and my stomach filled with its customary flock of butterflies as he smiled at me.
I totally loved our wonderful little secret whole-pack plan, even as it gave me all the nerves - like walking a razor thin line between excitement and sheer insanity. Lurd. Riley, please tell me you’ve got this.
Thankfully, we’d gotten advanced permission from the zoo, along with a couple days of very important “practice” time. Last Saturday and Sunday, our sweet Riley had been allowed to roam off-leash to explore our venue and make friends with the locals, so to speak. The zoo staff were amazed at how well our pup adjusted to the exotic environment.
Now then! Back to The Plan…
****
My remaining biological family: my mother, her new boyfriend Jordan, and my amazing grandparents Laura and Joe, were all flying into DFW on Thursday early afternoon. I’d be picking them up in my Bronco. The same Bronco I’d found out last year, during a gut-wrenching legal confrontation with my father, was actually mostly a gift from Grandpa Joe and Grandma Laura. A gift that my father had tried his best to take away from me. He failed.
After our joyful reunion at the airport, I’d be chauffeuring mom and Jordan to the downtown Fort Worth Renaissance Worthington Hotel. Where I was honestly hoping they’d get to experience the miracle of some hotel happy time. It’s ironic, I know. The thought of my mom and Father ever having “parent time” made me want to bleach my brain. But mom and Jordan? Somehow, I was all in favor of them having some new-lover’s magical vacation experiences. Well, as long as I didn’t think about it too deeply.
My grandparents, on the other hand, would be coming home with me. They’d be staying in our guest bedroom - just like they had last fall. I was beyond honored to get to host them again. I was already plotting a magnificent breakfast for them on Friday morning - and quietly regretting that Grandma Laura and I wouldn’t have time to collaborate on one of our masterpiece meatloaves for our extended family. At least not until we were all on St. John, cooking side by side in a hill-top villa named Hakuna Matata. Who knew what we’d be able to dream up there.
All told, with my thankfully reconnected family, a few of my classmates, and (again, don’t tell Ted yet) my former co-op friends and co-workers - who still loved thinking of themselves as my surrogate parents, or at least my big brothers and sisters - I could only account for about thirty people on our wedding guest list.
Instead of feeling small, that number filled me with gratitude. Every single one of those names was a heart-felt story, a cherished memory, or a loving bond that had helped me make it to where I was. I realized that the four of us weren’t just planning a wedding this evening, we were weaving together the start of a new family that stretched far beyond mere blood. And I couldn’t wait to celebrate and share that creation with those thirty people who mattered most.
Chapter 9: The Stories We Carry
It always seemed like casual family conversation before a major family event had a way of gently lulling you into a comforting relaxed haze - right before whomping your emotions when you least expected it. One second I was basking in the glow of everything that we had accomplished this evening, and the next, I was blindsided by the sobering realization of how little I really knew about the families who had shaped my two dads. It wasn’t the guest list that left me feeling small, it was the blind spot in my heart that I hadn’t even realized was there.
Given the chaos of my Wild West first year and a half in Texas, I could probably be forgiven for being so wrapped up in my own story. But still, not knowing more about my dads’ families felt like my own very personal failure.
I loved that I’d soon have the joy of meeting Corey’s mom, Elizabeth, and her husband, Ben. But then came the gut punch: learning that Ted’s parents had both died very young, and that Corey no longer had paternal grandparents either. How did I not know this?
My embarrassed and overly emotional brain twisted their unexpected revelations into an echo of my own life. Instead of just hearing their explanation, I suddenly pictured my two dads as if they’d been left abandoned and alone. Exactly how I had felt before Ted, Chris and Corey found me last year. I knew it was a juvenile thought. In a way, even a selfish one, but their news hit me like a burden I realized I had no idea how to carry. Thankfully, before my guilt could spiral out of control, both of my sweet dads caught my expression and stepped in with the reassurance I so desperately needed.
Ted took the lead and quietly explained, “Sport, my parents were killed in a car accident when I was twenty-six.” He caught my eyes, his voice steady but soft. “They were both only in their mid-forties.” He blinked at a sudden realization, “It’s so strange to think that you’re now older than your parents ever were.”
His eyes never left mine, but it was like his look drifted beyond me, far away, as if he could actually see the scene he was describing to me. “They’d been stopped by a flagman on a country two-lane highway… Only one lane was open and it had to handle traffic in both directions. While they were waiting, a semi-truck came up behind them - with a full load. The driver had either fallen asleep, or succumbed to highway hypnosis.” Ted shook his head. “The driver never even tapped his brakes. He rammed into their car still doing sixty. Even the construction workers had to jump away for their lives.” His demeanor dropped. “Not all of them made it.”
Ted tried his best to hold himself together, but I noticed a lone tear gracing his cheek. “Ollie, they knew I was gay, but they never fully accepted it. Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t like Richard. They just… well, they just couldn’t understand it.”
Ted gave me a conflicted, almost apologetic look. “The last time I saw them, my sweet mother held my hands and told me that she could be okay with me being gay… So long as I never pretended to be married to another man. Lurd. I didn’t even know what to say to that. Our last conversation ended in a hurt silence. I just had to walk away - no hugs, no goodbyes.” His voice broke as a few more tears slipped free.
He recovered his composure and his eyes were able to meet mine again - with a beautifully wistful gaze. “I’ll always wish they’d lived long enough to meet Chris. To understand our happiness. To see us married. To see me become a father to Corey.” He reached for me, his voice becoming proud and certain. “And finally, to see me get to be your father too. Son.”
I barely had time to throw myself into Ted’s arms and start letting my tears wet his shoulder before Chris leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss on his husband’s forehead. Then he straightened and quietly offered his part of their story as I chose to remain in Ted’s big arms.
“Ollie, my parents were… well, clueless too. When my marriage with Elizabeth was finally falling apart, I tried to explain things to them. And they accepted it - at least in a detached, academic sort of way. Like, ‘Yes, this gay revelation is unfortunate, but let’s not make it worse by following through with these unfounded divorce plans.’”
He gave a small, helpless shrug. “Like Ted, I honestly had no idea how to respond to their inability to see my world for what it was. And sadly, I never got the chance to figure out how to help them work through it.”
His eyes shimmered with moisture as he added, “My dad passed away a week after our divorce was finalized. And my mother followed him just three short months later.”
Chris paused, a bittersweet smile rising through his near tears. “What I hold onto is that true soulmates sometimes do that. When the first passes, the survivor follows shortly after. As if they simply can’t bear to live without the other. That’s the beauty I choose to remember from their story.”
I tightened my grip around Ted while turning to Chris, blinking away tears of my own. “Dad… I think that is beautiful. I mean, I hate that you lost them so close together, but - at least they didn’t have to be without each other for long. And now you get to carry their kind of true love forward - for you and Ted... And for me and Corey.”
My throat caught, but I pushed through it. “I just wish they could’ve seen you with Ted. Then they would’ve known you weren’t alone after your divorce. That you’d found your true love. And they would’ve understood that Corey was happy and loved too, by both of you.”
My more clinical, but still so very loving dad cleared his throat to regain his composure and continued. “That’s so beautiful my son - Number 2,” as he flashed me the sweetest smirk I’d ever seen. “What I’m saying is…” He quickly glanced to his soulmate, “What I think we’re both getting at is, Ollie - our sweet son - they all loved us, but just couldn’t accept what we were and share our joy in what we were destined to become.”
Chris once again moved his gaze to Ted for a little added strength before returning his eyes to meet mine and Corey’s. “You two are giving us such an unbelievable honor. Ted and I get to experience the joy of loving you both and watching you step into the next chapter of your lives. We couldn’t be more proud. Believe me, pup, there will be no sadness next Saturday about any family members who aren’t with us. It will only be a celebration of our two sons, starting their lives together as a married couple, in front of their family and loved ones - who are there.”
As paramount as that statement was, it only took a second or two after his beautiful declaration landed, before the unintentionally comical, but obvious misunderstanding hit. And of course - Corey, being our Corey - was the first to break into a round of laughter over how easily the phrasing, no matter how sincere, could be tragically taken out of context.
We all joined in with Corey’s chuckles; the beers may have helped. Mercifully, Chris recovered quickly and flashed our smirk before giving his unnecessary explanation. “Fine! Even if it sounds a little strange that our sons are getting married to each other.” He teased, “Well, at least to anyone who doesn’t know our story and everything that you two have already built together.” He gave a fatherly pause before loudly declaring, “And who cares? None of those people are invited anyway.” I’ve never heard Dad 2 laugh so sincerely and freely.
Still within his embrace, Ted pulled me tighter into one of his bone-crushing hugs - the kind that made my ribs ache and my heart feel completely safe. In that moment, every trace of anxiety I had about the week ahead, evaporated. Not that I’d had many doubts to begin with - well, other than a zoo, a dog, and a few remaining secrets - but I knew, deep down that my family had this. And that it would all be incredible.
With the unexpected heaviness behind us, the rest of our evening filled itself with our usual mix of love, laughter, and gentle teasing. By the time we finished the remaining wedding details and review of the guest list, I was filled with as much joy as our list was with Corey’s, Chris’, and Ted’s friends and co-workers. A hundred people who weren’t just guests, but family in their own right. And that knowledge left me feeling absolutely elated.
Looking at the long list of names, I realized it really was going to be a whole pack bonding event. A hundred people, a daring venue and one very spoiled dog… what could possibly go wrong? If paradise was supposed to feel this exhilarating, then I’d already found it.
Chapter 10: Unconditional
As our evening gently reached its conclusion and our plans felt absolutely foundational, my little pack was ready to head back to its den. Keeping my promise, I’d summoned a most likely “smelly Uber.” Hey, old habits die hard and even with last year’s sudden cash flow, I was still a poor college student at heart so there was no Uber Black.
Before our ride could arrive and confirm my suspicions, Ted pulled me aside. There was a look in his eyes I hadn’t seen before. It was split between fatherly mischief and something heavy and sincere. It was a look that was unsettling enough that my heart did an odd little lurch. I had no idea what he was so serious about, but the way he looked at me made my stomach drop.
There had never been any distrust between us, but his gaze made me immediately feel guilty in a way I rarely ever had. Exactly like I’d been caught red-handed doing something “bad” without knowing what it could possibly be.
Ted didn’t even try to interrogate me or prolong my suffering. He simply started, firm and steady, “Ollie, my sweet son, I lied to you yesterday in our text, and I’m sorry. But let’s be honest: you’ve been keeping a big secret from me for a while now.”
He tilted his head with a knowing look to soften the edges of his voice. “I swear, pup. I only wanted to get you to say it out loud. To say it to me. And let you get it all off your chest.”
His loving look melted my heart and made me suddenly realize what he was talking about - and my guilt hit me full force. All the words I’d been circling around, trying to articulate, tumbled out of my remorseful mouth before I could stop them. “Oh, Dad! I’m so sorry. I know I should’ve told you as soon as I started thinking about switching majors…”
Ted hushed me instantly with a grin. “Ssshhh, Ollie. Remember: We’re dads. We have cameras everywhere.” He winked and his gentle laugh that followed softened the blow. “We always know more than you think.” His fatherly look got even more sincere, “I’m not spying on you Sport; there are no dad-drones flying over your campus. But don’t forget, I still have plenty of connections at TCU. It’s kinda my alma mater you know.
“And one day, yours too.” He encouragingly added.
Then, because just like me - my dad was impossibly affectionate - he booped my nose before gripping my shoulder. I couldn’t keep from letting a deeply-relieved chuckle escape while he continued. “All my old friends and colleagues are always looking out for my superstar boy.” The look he gave me - still part mischief and part proud father - made me feel absolutely stupid while knowing I was also utterly loved and protected. I decided to just relax into a happy state of comfort and relief.
He softened even more and continued. “Sport, tell me you know how much I love you.”
I blinked through my once again watery eyes and choked out, “Yes, Dad, I do. And, well, I hope you know how much I love you too.”
He tightened his grip on my shoulder. “Then believe me when I say the only thing that eases the sting of losing you as my favorite co-op student is knowing that I’m gaining a new favorite doctor-son.” He blinked at me, his eyes not watering, just absolutely sincere. “Do you understand?”
That completely broke me. I barely managed a ragged, “Yes, sir!” before he hauled me into the new most bone-crushing bear hug I’d ever known - one I’d never forget and hoped, that someday, somehow, I could pass on to my own child.
When he finally eased up and I could breathe again, his eyes were steady and piercing, full of a love that almost undid me once more. “Ollie, you’ve been carrying this unnecessary guilt around for far too long. Your sweet heart always wants to spare everyone else of any pain without considering your own. Son, please never be afraid of upsetting me. My love for you isn’t tied to what you do. It’s tied to who you are: your joy, your future, your family - our family.
“My superstar pup, I don’t want you carrying even a shred of guilt into your wedding week. You hear me? I love you Olliver. Always and forever - unconditionally. Are we good?”
I swallowed hard and wiped my eyes before giving an enthusiastic, “Yes, sir.” Those simple words came out sincere and authentic. With more reverence than anything I’d ever given Richard. “Dad, I’m so sorry. It’s not that I didn’t trust you - or, lurd - even think you’d be mad at me. I just… I didn’t want to upset you. Or…” Sheepishly looking into his eyes, “even worse, disappoint you.”
I tried to lighten the moment with a small chuckle. “And honestly, I’m not even prepared to give up the joy of working with you every day. Damn! I love that I’ve been allowed to do that Dad. I hate that it’s, well, all my fault that we’re losing it.”
Ted’s expression turned into something almost holy. “Ollie, you’ll never lose me. You might not get to see me as your co-op mentor anymore. Standing over your shoulder with pride as you write brilliant code…
“But you’ll still see me in so many new ways. The look I’ll give you when you graduate from TCU. The one I’ll show you as you walk across the stage again with your medical degree. And finally, the one when you eventually get to fulfill your desire to be a healer and caregiver. That’s the love I’ll keep showing you, Sport. Every single day - again and again.”
“So again my son, are we good now?”
I merely repeated what my smile was already saying, and gave him my second, “Yes sir!” For the first time since I had unconsciously made my decision, I let myself believe it - I wasn’t disappointing my dad. I was making him happy by simply being my true self.
As we boarded our fresh-smelling Uber, I thanked our driver for allowing our dog in his car and I couldn’t stop my smile from acknowledging how grateful I was for our dads - I once again understood that I would always be their son no matter what.
Corey noticed my uncontrollable grin, “So pup… You thinking about how you’re going to impress me with your cardio fitness when we get home?”
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