Chapter 1: Never Alone
My sleepy brain was just beginning to stumble its way toward consciousness when a memory from another life pushed its way through my early morning fog. A year and a few months ago, I was sitting in my Bronco outside a forlorn urology clinic that was located in an equally uninviting medical plaza. I was terrified, though I never would have admitted it at the time. The only truth I allowed myself to admit was that… I was alone.
Now, after a whole year of living with Corey, I was once again waking up to another beautiful morning - in a life I could barely believe was mine. And… I was not alone. Like, pretty much ever anymore. My new world was beyond anything I could have imagined sitting alone in that parking lot. Even now, all this feels bigger than any of my wildest dreams.
Okay, fine. I was maybe a bit too warm and smothered at the moment, but everything was still wonderful.
I was snuggled between two gently rising and falling bellies, surrounded by the kind of comfort that only comes from unconditional love. I was in paradise. My wolf’s ripped, furry abs gently moved against my back with his every breath. And in front of me, Riley’s fuzzy little tummy was pressed against mine, marking his own sleepy rhythm.
So… how did we all end up here?
When we rescued our beautiful little lost pup a year ago, we fell for him instantly. And, we instantly got to experience the unconditional love that all parents realize they have - we were deeply, even helplessly, bonded with our new pup. But we also swore we’d be responsible puppy parents. Strict, yet loving. Supportive and caring, but firm.
We promised ourselves that our sweet little silver-blond bodied, black-muzzled, wonder pup would be adored. But we also declared that he’d learn to respect our boundaries and be a good boy. Most importantly, we decided that he was absolutely not sleeping in our bed - I let a sleepy chuckle escape thinking about that one... So, we got him a top-of-the-line orthopedic puppy pad and placed it at the foot of our bed. We wanted him to know he was a treasured member of our pack. Just… with rules.
And of course, also like all new parents, we had no idea how unprepared we were to raise a special soul like Riley. He wasn’t a rascal. He wasn’t manipulative. He wasn’t a misbehaved “bad boy.” He was simply - and absolutely - perfect. Even deeper… there was a softness, almost a vulnerability, about him that broke our hearts. As if he carried the weight of his cruel beginning forever in his eyes. It only made us love him all the more.
Still. He wasn’t even close to what I’d call needy. He just… loved. Everyone he met. And he loved them deeply. Chris and Ted were welcomed into his new pack instantly, as were all of my college friends. But there was a special place in his furry heart for Officer Kevin and his wife Anna, who took us up on our pool party offer - for almost every weekend last summer - they quickly became our closest married friends.
Our Riley never imposed himself on the people he adopted into his pack; he just made sure they knew how deeply he cherished them. So, pretty much every night in our home played out according to his fluffy-brained script: He respects that Corey and I get our “daddy time” when we first get in bed. He politely naps on the living room couch until we settle down. And only then will he finally agree to use the expensive bed we got for him. Well, at least until around 5:30 in the morning.
It was as if our pup were a furry time-keeping miracle - I swear he’s more accurate than my Apple Watch - he knows I get up at 6:00 to start my day. He also understands that his other daddy gets to sleep in until 8:00. And even though Riley has his routine with Corey too, both of his routines start with me.
As I was saying, at 5:30, he stealthily crawls onto my side of our bed - at least as subtly as a 50-pound pup can sneak - and then he sweetly cuddles with me for our final thirty minutes of slumber. Of course, I don’t get to be his big spoon the way Corey gets to be mine - that would be way too normal. Nope! My pup hugs me, belly to belly, with his beautiful black-furred muzzle firmly nestled into my left pit. He doesn’t try to wake me; he just wants to finish his slumber comforted by my scent and to be assured that the first face I see when I finally really wake up thirty minutes later, is his.
Some days, I try my best to hide my awake-ness as long as I can - I’d so love to sleep in for even just a few more minutes - especially on weekends. It doesn’t matter, as soon as I stir the least little bit, he somehow knows the instant his alpha is awake and ready to start the day. Once that happens, it’s all full-frontal face kisses and thumping tail wags until I drag my naked butt out of bed. And of course, I always have to give his nose lots of kisses in return. It’s almost as if he refuses to let me get out of bed until he analyzes my breath and scent to make sure I’m good to go for the day.
I’m a little proud to admit that our boy is as good as our family doctor. I caught a nasty cold right after Christmas, and our Riley wouldn’t let me out of bed for a whole week without whining for me to just stay still. Our boy really does care deeply for his pack mates.
Thankfully, today felt perfectly normal for all of us. Well, with maybe a hint of something special in the mix. It was the day of my final test; marking the end of my first full year at TCU. Things hadn’t worked out quite the way I’d planned. Sure, the admissions board loved my introductory essay and they were equally impressed by my real-world experience, but I quickly realized how far behind I was after taking a spring - and an unexpected summer - off.
I could’ve started a new co-op term after my first fall semester, but my advisors strongly recommended against it. They felt it was more important for me to catch up academically and to just settle into life at TCU. And that’s exactly what I did. That first fall I decided to get involved with TCU’s football program. I knew I was too out of practice to actually make the team, but I still managed to become part of the practice squad, and I quickly bonded with all my football brothers.
It was during that fall when I first began to question whether I still wanted to be a software developer.
I guess you can blame my nurse-fiancé Corey or maybe my doctor-dad Chris (and please don’t tell Ted yet), but something had shifted. With my continuing trainer role at LA Fitness, and my growing connection with the football team, I realized I felt most useful and happy when I was helping others through their workouts, or recovery, or - it’s hard to say, but even - their injuries. I just felt most at home being a caregiver. It didn’t happen overnight, but I eventually accepted what had been growing in my heart: I wanted to switch my major to some form of medicine.
Today was my final computer science… well, final. If I passed, I’d have enough credits for a minor in IT; no matter what came next. But I already knew my path. My heart was pulling me toward a future in sports medicine. I just had to figure out how to break the news to Dad… Er, Ted.
****
Riley excitedly leapt out of our bed just before me; his tail was wagging and his eyes were bright. As I sleepily tried to gain my balance, I expected him to immediately demand his rightful place between my legs - for his morning “puppy car wash.” Of course there was no actual water involved, just a celebration of kisses, fur-on-skin snuggles, and a symphony of belly rubs and ear scratches as we slowly stumbled our way toward our back door to greet the rising sun.
Riley was confidently and shamelessly naked. I at least had managed to slip on a pair of tighty-whities.
While he performed his morning abolitions, I took care of mine. Our friends like to joke that in every gay relationship; there’s one guy who pees outside and the other one who doesn’t. With Corey being my benevolent alpha wolf and all, you’d think he would be the backyard pee’r.
But… Nope.
That honor goes to me; much to Corey’s dismay. I just made sure to spread my “markings” around so I didn’t kill any bushes or grass. Our sweet Riley boy did the same. I swear.
Next up on our early morning agenda: Riley’s breakfast snack and my sacred cup of sweet coffee. Over the course of a year, our morning routine had become nothing short of pure comfort. After his treats, Riley would pretend to be indifferent about our schedule while I sipped my coffee and scrolled through my socials; checking for anything urgent that came up overnight.
Riley usually gave me a solid twenty minutes of peace and quiet… Any longer than that and the soft whines and nose-rooting would start. I could practically hear his puppy thoughts: “Dad! Dad! It’s getting hot! It’s time for our run. Please, let’s go now! Please?”
And as always, I’d happily give in.
I’d head back to our bedroom, trade my tighty-whities for a jock and a pair of running shorts, and gently sit down on our bed to quickly put my running shoes on. Also, as always… Er, make that - right on cue - our Riley would politely retrieve his leash from the table by the front door and drag it to me. His fluffy tail would always be wagging the whole way. Then he’d gently nudge my arm to put his walking collar on. And as soon as I would, we both understood that it was his Go Time.
Because… The countdown began.
I had exactly thirty seconds to start my Apple Watch’s jogging workout and make it out the front door. Or else our sweet “little” Riley would throw a full-blown puppy tantrum. Complete with pathetic whines, dramatic body flops, and full-blown, belly-up tummy exposures. Our dignified, well-mannered, young pup would lose all his composure in the most adorable meltdown imaginable.
Luckily, we made it out of the house without waking Corey from his slumber this morning. And, as usual, the moment we hit our front sidewalk, we were met with Mrs. Miller across the street. She was dutifully watering her flower beds, right on schedule. Early morning watering was the price we all paid to have our flowers survive the Texas summer.
“Good morning Riley and Ollie! My two favorite sweet boys! Have a fun run! And Ollie, you’re getting to be almost as furry as Riley!”
Hearing her mildly embarrassing assessment of my chest hair nearly made me trip. Even worse, I couldn’t stifle the goofy grin that quickly spread across my face. All I could manage in response was an awkward, “Thank you, ma’am! I’m trying!”
To be fair, Mrs. Miller wasn’t wrong. My little island of blond chest fur was finally starting to spread its way across my pecs. If I was lucky, one day soon it would merge with the tufts of blond fur under my arms and with my already established happy trail; just like Corey’s did. These days, my Corey was my benchmark. I’d finally stopped comparing myself to any old memories I had of my father.
Trying to recover some sense of my alpha-dignity after my little stumble, I made a split-second decision to switch up our run. We crossed Berry Street and headed toward TCU’s football stadium and practice fields. It wasn’t our usual path, but Riley seemed to share my nervous energy this morning, like he knew something special was in the air.
As soon as we made it to the fields, I unclipped his leash and let him bolt. I knew my pup and he knew my commands. With our shared trust, I smiled as he took off. Making joyful loops around me with his tail spinning like a rotor; happily burning off all the nervous energy for both of us.
Oops, well… I guess he wasn’t exactly doing loops just around me.
A fraternity’s soccer team was already practicing in the relative coolness of the early June morning. And of course, my sweet Riley had to go greet every single sweaty, shirtless boy he could find. Which he did - with gusto.
To their credit, the guys were more than happy to greet him right back.
I swear, I’ve made more friends through Riley’s antics than from any class, club, or social event. Life lesson: Just be a sweet, happy pup and the world is yours to make life-long friends with.
****
After an absolutely wonderful, and needed, run, we were back at our front door just past 7:45. Both of us were breathing hard from the exertion and growing heat, but only one of us was sweaty and in desperate need of a shower.
Still, keeping my pup’s happiness in mind, I decided to skip the shower and simply jump into our still-chilly pool with my boy.
Except that Riley’s got way more fur than I do, and the ever-so-slightly-still-too-cold water didn’t seem to faze him at all. Me, on the other hand… Well, let’s just say I’m not nearly as shrinkage-resistant as my pup.
All things considered, our early morning dip was perfect. Refreshing. Peaceful. And weirdly enough, I swear the chlorinated water does wonders for keeping my pits tamed. Which is a huge win, considering Corey’s ongoing mission to keep me a convert of the Church of No Deodorant.
I try my best to honor his wishes. Because, well… Hey, I like it too.
Even if it means offering up my armpits to the gods of chlorine and puppy splash fights.
Chapter 2: The Real Alpha
As I climbed out of the pool, I stripped out of my soaked running shorts, leaving me in nothing but my wet white jock. I started to dry off and looked up to see my beautiful, still very sleepy wolf making his early morning appearance in the doorway to our backyard.
Riley noticed too and gave a quick, yet earnest, shake in an attempt to rid his coat of water before bounding over to greet his alpha’s alpha. My pup always seemed to know how to summon all the respect and reverence his young “little” fifty-pound frame could muster - all for his Corey. And Corey gave him his reward in return: a sincere nose kiss and a customary, “Eww! You’re wet!”
I needed my alpha time as well. I crossed the deck, my jock clinging to my shrunken package, highlighting just how cold the pool really was. My Corey didn’t miss a beat. He pulled me in, rewarded me with a lingering kiss, and pressed his warm hand low against my nearly transparent jock - as if he were coaxing my testicles to return to their rightful place - um, outside of my body.
“Hey, pup,” he teased, “looks like you two have already had quite the morning. So… who got to witness the Ollie and Riley show today?”
“Well… Mrs. Miller, as usual. And then most of Phi Tau’s intramural soccer team. I’m pretty sure that after today, Riley’s their official mascot. He just can’t stop himself from being so cute and irresistible.”
“Kinda just like you, pup.”
Despite the heat rising in my cheeks, I managed to push back. “Hey, at least I didn’t immediately run up to everyone, sniff their crotch, and then flop over on my back for tummy rubs.”
I locked eyes with Corey, letting a grin tug at my lips. “I mean, I wanted to. But, my wolf… I’d rather save all that for you.”
And just like that, his mouth was on mine again, morning-breath and all, and I reveled in the sweetness of another kiss that belonged to us alone.
Breaking our embrace, Corey gave me a slightly guilty look. “Ollie, my beautiful, amazing pup. I know I should remember this. I’m sorry, but what time is your final-final today?”
“It’s not until noon,” I admitted, “and while I’m as prepared as I can be, I’m absolutely dying from nerves. I mean… if I ace this, I’m good for my IT minor. And then… All that’s left is telling Dad - Ted - that I’m seriously thinking about changing my major. And I know it’s stupid, because both of our dads love me. I just… I can’t stand the thought of disappointing either one of them.”
Corey reached out, brushing his thumb along my furry cheek. “Aww, Ollie, my love, please believe me. You’re not disappointing anyone. Ted really is your dad now. You need to trust that he’ll love you no matter what you decide to do. He only wants you to be happy. He’s not Richard. You don’t have to brace yourself for his reaction - that nightmare is over.”
Even after a year, the mention of my biological father still sent a shiver through me, deeper than the cool pool water ever could. I thought I’d put my confrontation with him behind me. But the truth was far harsher: you don’t get to simply “divorce” a parent, no matter how much they deserve it. Even after “winning,” the scars were still there.
Corey noticed my sudden faraway stare and tightened his hold, bringing me back to him. “You won, Ollie. You won your freedom, your Bronco, your dignity - and the closure you deserved. You even got your mother and grandparents back. Don’t you dare regret anything about that day. Your father’s sad fate is his fault, and his alone.”
He paused and smiled softly, reminding me where we were headed. “Even your mother is happier without him. Don’t forget, she and her new boyfriend will be here next weekend… For our wedding. Seriously! Our freaking wedding, pup! That’s what you need to hold onto. Our joy. Our family. Our future. It’s all ours now. And no one can take it away from us.”
I focused on letting my tension go as I melted into Corey’s mostly naked body, grateful for the warmth it was giving me. My nerves eased, but my breathing intensified. Not only were my testicles making their happy reappearance, but my uncircumcised shaft was beginning to stretch the boundaries of my still damp jock. Corey noticed my growing situation and in one fluid motion, relieved my building pressure by stripping the constricting fabric down my quads to land at my feet.
Riley, ever the watchdog of our moods, chose our intimate moment to scratch at the door. Politely requesting entry. Our cozy bubble burst before our daddy time could even begin to get serious. Parenting, even of the furry variety, had its interruptions. As sweet as our Riley is, a wet pup clashes with our decor. Corey chuckled, his hand brushing my still hardening seven inches with just enough of a promise to make my pulse race.
“Pup,” he murmured, “you dry our puppy off, and I’ll meet you in the bedroom. I promise, I’ll warm you up a lot more, and maybe even get your mind off that final. Who knows? Maybe we’ll even make a new puppy.”
Riley let out what sounded suspiciously like a dismissive growl-huff at the idea of another puppy, but he was quickly placated as I toweled his damp coat with exaggerated affection. By the time I was trying to tame his tail, Corey was already disappearing toward our room, shooting me a sultry smirk that left my knees weak.
Mostly dry, Riley hopped up onto the towel Corey had spread across the couch - his designated damp resting spot - and settled in with a dignified obedience. I gave his black-furred forehead a loving pat before following my wolf. Corey had slowed just enough to allow me to catch up to him, then he pulled me into his arms again. And together, laughing and stumbling, we made our way into our den. Ready for an unexpected, but very necessary, early-morning round of young love.
The moment we crossed the threshold to our room, Corey’s hands immediately started guiding me toward our bed. My heart started pounding. Not just from our shared desire, but from my sudden amazement.
My lurd… It’s been a whole year now.
I’d never had anything last this long before. A year used to feel like a lifetime. But this year - and three months - with my wolf has been beyond anything I could have wished for. We haven’t just crystallized as lovers; we’ve learned how to live as partners, as puppy parents, as a family. I couldn’t control my grin.
And, yes - all the important life stuff aside - we’ve definitely perfected the lover’s part or our relationship. We’ve grown in ways that surprise even us. Corey, my once-professed “total top,” now happily lets me take charge more often than either of us ever expected. And I loved it. Not just the act itself, but the chance to give back the same love, care, dominance and feelings of protection he always poured into me.
This morning, though, I could see it in his eyes. My wolf was going to be the one in charge.
“Damn, Ollie,” Corey breathed. “You in that stretched, wet, practically transparent jock… that always gets my blood pumping. You’re so beautiful pup. And by the way, your dedication as a trainer at LA Fitness, has really paid off. How much weight have you put on? It’s gotta be at least twenty pounds of muscle - right? I swear, my blond, curly-haired pup is getting dangerously close to becoming a muscle hunk.”
I couldn’t keep from beaming at his praise. “I’m up to 190 now. And I don’t wanna brag, but… my abs don’t look like I’m homeless and living in my Bronco anymore.”
Corey’s eyes softened and absolutely melted my heart. “Never again, my love,” He once again solemnly pledged as he fell back onto our unmade bed, pulling me down on top of him. The soft, rumpled sheets beneath us were still warm from his body, a comforting contrast to the cool pool water. After a few minutes of entwined kissing and touching, Corey motioned for me to change directions. I knew exactly what he was asking, and my head began to move down his body while my almost furry butt cheeks suddenly brushed against his beard and tongue.
We always tried to keep our focus on pleasing the other when we were in this position. It was almost like a contest with no losers. And I immediately started giving his cock the attention it deserved as he reacquainted my twitching hole with its second most favorite playmate. I swear, Corey was on fire this morning. His deep tongue dancing was really making it difficult for me to concentrate on giving him the treatment he deserved. The wet, kissing sounds of his mouth on my most intimate place merged with the rough scrape of his beard to send shivers down my spine.
Meanwhile, for a man who professes to like giving blow jobs more than he does receiving them, I was managing to make Corey moan an awful lot. I don’t want to brag, but as soon as I learned how to take him down my throat that first time in an Anne Arbor hotel on our proposal night, I knew I had him. And this position was perfect for me to give him all the pleasure I could. The taste of him, salty and musky, filled my mouth as I took him deep, loving the feeling of his length sliding down my throat.
“Ollie, my lurd! I still can’t believe you can do that. My pup is incredible. But I’m already way too close. And we need to work off your nervous energy. How about we go animal! I need you on all fours; down on your elbows with your furry butt crack in the air, ready for my spit-lubed cock. Dare I say it… Face down, butt up? Is that okay my love?”
I beamed at the memory. “Yes sir! You know how much I love that. When you get into your, er, well, your rut, I’m in heaven. Breed me my wolf, let’s give Riley a little brother whether he wants one or not.”
Corey practically jumped up and bounced around on our bed to position himself behind me as I went down on my elbows and made sure my back was arched perfectly. I knew this would be a rushed entry. In the last year, I’ve learned how to quickly relax and accept Corey’s monster as smoothly and painlessly as possible. The sound of his heavy breathing behind me, the feel of his strong hands gripping my hips, and the thought of his thick, hard cock pressing against my entrance, sent a thrill through my being.
I was right, Corey was way too lost in our mutual lust to be as gentle as he usually is, and I let a grunt escape when he went balls deep in one long, nearly-too-fast, plunge. He registered my reaction and immediately apologized while he slowed his attack and gently placed kisses all across my shoulders and neck while his beard scraped against my skin, leaving a trail of prickly heat. It worked, and I was finally able to completely relax and accept his invader.
With our little stumble corrected, he gently found a rhythm that put both of us into a shared state of bliss. My man’s weight was on top of me. The source of his masculinity was expertly rearranging my guts and making my prostate sing. This is my happy place. All I have to do is match his thrusts and enjoy the ride. The slapping of our skin, the slick sounds of our bodies coming together, and the deep, guttural moans escaping from both of us filled the room with an erotic cacophony of our passion.
No matter how long we go, when we hit this groove, it’s never long enough. I started making my embarrassing noises that let Corey know his thrusts were about to force another hands-free orgasm out of me. Before meeting my wolf, I had no idea it was even possible to cum without touching your dick. Now for the past year, it’s become a regular occurrence. And I was happy to know my man was right there with me. As soon as I let the first blissful gasp escape my lips, I heard Corey’s desperate grunt as he pushed in deep to deliver his payload as far into my spasming chute as possible.
Damn! I love this man. Okay, that may sound a little superficial given our current activity. And I certainly cherish our love making, but yes, I really, truly, deeply, unconditionally, love this man! Even when his cock wasn’t still giving me thrills and aftershocks as it slowly deflated and eventually slipped out of my satisfied hole.
Corey’s voice was soft and his sky-blue eyes sparkled. Then as if he could read my mind he echoed what I was thinking: “I love you my Ollie. I love you so much my sweet pup. I can’t wait to become your husband next Saturday. You’ve made me the luckiest man on the planet.”
His words drew us into another flurry of kisses and full-body closeness, threatening to overwhelm me again. I even contemplated begging for an unexpected bonus round. At least until… Corey laughed against my lips and murmured, “It’s my bad pup. I’m sorry Ollie. If I don’t jump in the shower right now, I’m going to be late.”
I smiled, pressing one last warm and tender kiss against his lips. “It’s okay, my wolf. You know me, I need to cram a little more for my test anyway. But if my final goes well, I’m totally holding you to that second round tonight.”
His smirk nearly unraveled my resolve not to make him late for work - until he added, “Deal, pup. But our poor Riley… I just know he hates being shut out during our daddy time. If we keep this up, our poor pup’s going to develop separation anxiety.”
I let a half-laugh escape, “He knows he’s loved. He can deal. Honestly, I think he puts on that whole ‘I’m so embarrassed when my dads get frisky’ act just to make us feel guilty for getting him, uh… fixed.”
Corey chuckled as he untangled from our embrace and finally made his way to the shower. “Don’t worry my sweet love. We were only being responsible doggie daddies. I think he’s forgiven us.”
I couldn’t help but grin as I watched my wolf’s furry buns flex as he leaned over to start the shower’s water. It was a sight I knew I’d never get tired of. With a contented sigh, I followed him into the bathroom. Reality isn’t always quite as romantic as fantasy. I knew I wasn’t about to have puppies of our own. But I also knew that if I didn’t take care of business soon, I was definitely going to be wetting my tighty-whities.
Chapter 3: One More Test
Even after our explosive round of, er, bonding. I still couldn’t seem to keep my hands off of my man this morning. Thankfully, despite all my best efforts, my soon-to-be husband still managed to make it to his clinic on time. Which was good, considering his father Chris was the principal doctor there. No son wants to risk being scolded by his dad in front of his co-workers. The thought made me chuckle; as if Chris would ever actually do that.
Thinking of Corey’s dad reminded me that it had been way too long since I’d texted the man who had truly become my dad, Ted. Chris’s husband. Corey’s “uncle.” My co-op mentor. The first person who saw through my brave face and knew I was struggling and about to collapse.
When I was homeless, living out of my Bronco, and started having bladder issues after a fight with two thugs who were trying to steal the only thing I had left. It was Ted who urged me to see some urologist doctor named Chris. I agreed and that simple decision set everything else in motion. It’s how I met Corey. It’s how I found my new family.
After that unexpected meeting, I still couldn’t believe it when Ted and Chris welcomed me into their home. Ted’s unconditional love and care quickly filled the hole in my heart that my biological father had left behind when he abandoned me. And when Richard later tried to have me arrested by reporting my Bronco as being stolen, Ted and Chris stood with me through it all. My nightmare would have ended much differently without their unwavering support.
Ted isn’t “like” a dad to me anymore. He is my dad. And I need to make sure he knew that he always will be.
I pulled my phone out - the one Ted had given me after my father suddenly cut off service to the one he’d once “gifted” me.
Ollie: Hey dad! Have a great Friday. I’m about to dive into one more intense study session before my last final at noon. Love you! Can’t wait to see you tomorrow for the final round of wedding prep.
Ted: Hey pup! I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished in your first year at TCU. You’re always my superstar. I can’t wait to have you back as my favorite co-op student this fall. Go ace your test and I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you, Sport.
That hit me hard. Frak. Frak-frak-frak.
I really need to man up and tell Ted about my career change. But the timing feels so inappropriate right now. Who drops that kind of news on their dad right before he gets to be a major part of your wedding? I’m not ignoring my situation… exactly. I’m just, well… maybe deferring it. For a week or three. That’s what responsible adults do. Right?
****
I busied myself in an eleventh-hour cram session. To my relief, my efforts absolutely worked. My nerves calmed as my focus sharpened. The big payoff was, when I sat down for my last big test, it turned out to be a total breeze. Way easier than I’d expected.
After the test, I was still enjoying my huge wave of relief when Ethan and Daniel spotted me talking to a few equally relieved classmates. They quickly made their way over to join our conversation, but not before wrapping me in congratulatory hugs.
Daniel stepped back first and grinned. “You look ridiculously happy. I’m guessing that your last final went well?”
I flashed my biggest smile. “Total cake! Honestly, I almost feel stupid for studying so much.”
Ethan smirked. “Careful, pup. The one time you slack off, I swear the next test’ll turn out to be a beast and rip you to shreds. You know… like a wolf.”
Heat flooded my face and I knew I turned bright pink. Yeah, my two best friends maybe knew me, Corey, and our kinks, a little too well. Sensing my embarrassment, Daniel rolled his eyes and playfully elbowed his boyfriend in the ribs, getting us all back on track.
“So,” Ethan said with a still slightly mischievous grin, “are you and Corey ready for next Saturday?”
“Lurd, who knows?” I laughed. “We’re having our wedding at the Fort Worth Zoo, inviting over a hundred guests, and letting our dog play a major role. It’s like we’re trying to make this as disaster-prone as possible.”
Ethan hooked an arm around my shoulders in a sympathetic bro side-hug. “Don’t worry Ollie pup! Our god-puppy is the best boy on the planet. He’s got this. And so do you. Plus, we get to puppy-sit him and house-sit your fabulous pool while you’re gone. Seriously, I can’t believe we get a whole week with that pool! We’re totally pumped. So, no backing out now. You’re locked in!” He topped his excited declaration off with a cheesy grin that was impossible not to laugh at.
I snickered, but Daniel quickly stepped in with a more skeptical tone. “I still can’t believe you two decided on a family vacation instead of a traditional honeymoon. Are you still sure about that?”
“Yes. Absolutely!” I didn’t even blink - I just continued grinning. “We knew it was the right thing to do the moment we picked St. John for our destination. There’s only one resort-class hotel on the island, and it’s on the island’s only ‘not-so-great’ beach. Everyone swears the best way to experience St. John is to rent a villa. And the one Corey insisted we had to book has four bedrooms. And they all look like primary suites.”
I shrugged my shoulders, but my smile only grew wider. “It just felt right to invite all of the people who supported us through our first year together. Of course, that means Ted and Chris, and my grandparents, Joe and Laura. But here’s the weirdest one - the man who almost arrested me, Kevin… And his wife Anna. Somehow they’ve become two of our closest friends - just like you two.” I emphasized my point with a relief-fueled double hug.
But even after my confident defense of our decision, I couldn’t stop myself from giving a sheepish grin. “Okay, but… does all this still sound a little weird?”
Daniel’s steady smile put me at ease. “Ollie, you and Corey met and fell in love in what, two hours? In a urology clinic? Way on the other side of the Metroplex? Weird is kinda your thing.
“But you two make it work - because we’ve seen it - every day. So just go with it - pup. I know you’ll all have an amazing time. And rest assured, Ethan and I will make sure Riley’s happy and safe. Oh, and that your pool gets used to its fullest potential.”
I rolled my eyes. “Riley loves you both. Just um, remember that when y’all start having what he decides to be ‘daddy time,’ he’ll make a few disgusted doggy noises and walk out of the room. Don’t take it personally.”
Ethan smirked. “Noted. We’ll confine our playtime to the guest bedroom or, you know, maybe the hot tub.”
“Thanks,” I laughed. “And don’t forget. Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner are next Friday at six o’clock sharp. First at the zoo, then on to Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Dishes.”
We sealed or pledge with more hugs all around, then headed out for the weekend on our separate paths. My heart was happy and my mind was swirling. The countdown to our wedding was officially underway.
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