“You know that goes double for me, Daddy,” I said as I tossed the washcloth to his side table. I then sandwiched his hand between mine. We continued to look at each other until I saw Mason’s eyes begin to droop. “I’m sure by now, visitor hours are over, and I’m skirting the time limit Sonja allotted.”
“Sonja?” he questioned.
I snickered. “Yes, she’s your night nurse and gave me permission to have a private moment with you. She knows the score. I’ll see you in the morning after I meet Mom and Kyle for breakfast. They’re headed back to Portland.”
“Okay,” he said sleepily.
I kissed his forehead before I retreated, pulling the curtain open. I looked back at him once I got to the door and could tell he’d already fallen asleep. “Sweet dreams, trucker Daddy,” I said in a low whisper so as not to wake him.
Mom and Kyle were already at the restaurant when I arrived the next morning. They’d just ordered coffee for the table, for which I was grateful. I’d woken up later than I wanted and had to rush to meet them.
When I settled in the booth next to Kyle, neither brought up what we’d learned the night before, so I broke the ice. “I’m sure you guys have questions, so lay it on me,” I said after I took a swig of coffee.
Mom was the first. “How are you feeling, sweetheart, about learning who your biological mother was?” She reached across the table to touch my hand. I could see Kyle looking at me, but I didn’t turn to acknowledge him right away.
I thought before I answered her, sipping my coffee as I pondered my reply. “It was a shock at first, especially about his near-death experience and his chat with Claudia. The timeline and pieces fit. Her becoming pregnant at fifteen, having me at sixteen, and then putting me up for adoption in Portland, where you and Dad adopted me.” I pulled my gaze from Mom and glanced at my brother, who looked concerned. I appreciated his caring.
“When Mason was married to her, she didn’t reveal anything about having me. That seemed to sting the most when he said it like I was a forgotten piece of her past she wanted to get away from.” Mom reached to grab my hand in support. “But I know that’s not really true and she did the responsible thing for me. I wasn’t forgotten because you took me into the family you’d already started. I guess I’m grateful she gave me up because look at what we have now. I just wish I could have known Dad.” Mom nodded and reached for Kyle’s hand along with mine. “They were the same age, married for fourteen years before she passed at thirty-eight. Ten years later, I met Mason, and I’m almost twenty-two. It all adds up. And the clincher was my eye color.” I snickered when I said that andsubtlyshook my head with a semi-pained smile, my attention on my coffee cup.
I was surprised at Kyle’s reply. “You know that your eye color is a blessing, not a curse.” I looked at him with a slight pinch to my brow. “Your green eyes were a green light for Mason to connect with you, and look at what you have now,” he said as he nudged my arm with his. My brother was not one for deep thoughts, and it made my throat tighten.
“The weird thing is the connection Mason and I have,” I said, looking down at the table. “There’s no family blood involved or marital ties around any of it. People might question what our relationship looks like socially, but it’s nobody’s business. We’re not going to go around telling everyone how fate brought us together. Only the closest people in our lives will know our story.”
Once we’d had breakfast and made our way out of the restaurant, we hugged goodbye. Kyle could only take the weekend away, so they needed to hit the road back to Portland. I filled them in on the plan for Mason, how we were going to finalize everything today, and that I’d be headed back to the university tomorrow. Christmas break would soon be upon us, and I needed to stay caught up on my thesis. I told them I’d probably plan on coming back to Seattle for the holiday and hoped they’d understand, which they did, of course.
When I got back to the hospital, Eli was already there, talking with one of the nurses in the hallway. He acknowledged me as I walked into Mason’s room. A beaming smile greeted me when I leaned over for a kiss. When his lips met mine, I felt the front of my jeans become tight. I realized I still hadn’t taken things into my own hands after my oral work on my man the night before.
Eli walked in, holding a handful of papers as he pulled up a chair. “They gave me a list of instructions and facilities where they’d like our patient here to complete his rehab. He has another operation scheduled in a few weeks to replace the piece of his skull. I asked if, once they did that, Mason would lose his open-mindedness,” he said, with a straight face.
I looked at Mason, who kept a steady frown, and I laughed so hard I almost lost my balance. “Okay, that was a good one,” I said to Eli, slapping my leg. I knew he had a dry sense of humor, and I was sure it helped Eli cope, knowing he had to leave and head back home too. We were both leaving tomorrow, and I felt apprehensive. I knew Jack and Sylvia would be great caregivers during Mason’s time in Seattle, and that alleviated some of my anxiety.
As if on cue, the older couple arrived, and Eli and I stood and greeted them. They said they were meeting Mason’s neurologist in about an hour and would be told when he’d be discharged. Mason had yet to get his protective helmet, but it was scheduled to be delivered in a few days.
Mason was antsy to get out of the hospital, and I couldn’t blame him. The food alone got tiresome, but we brought in takeout to give him a break. I was sure Jack and Sylvia would do the same, especially considering what I had been told about her incredible cooking skills. I was so grateful for them and had them promise to keep me updated, even by text if necessary. Since Eli held Mason’s power of attorney, they all made sure he was contacted regularly as well.
The day went by quickly. The doctor gave instructions, so we all knew the plan. I didn’t want to leave Mason's side right away, so the rest of them said their goodbyes, and Eli told me he’d see me at the hotel later.
I stood by my trucker's bedside and held his hand, brushing my thumb over his fingers. Our conversation was relayed with touch and gazes. We both knew how deep our love had grown and even though tragedy had struck, it brought our hearts closer. It brought everyone closer. My family and chosen family had grown here in the hospital. We had great people in our lives, and I felt everything was where it was supposed to be.
I told Mason I’d reach out every day to check on his progress and that I planned to be up for Christmas break. Jack and Sylvia were thrilled I’d be spending the holidays with them once I told them my plans. I was sure Mom and Kyle might come up for a brief visit as well. We said goodbye with kisses and tears. I blew him a kiss as I backed out of his room, my eyes filling once again with moisture.
The next morning, Eli and I checked out of the room. True to Eli’s nature, he paid the entire bill, and I had to argue with him. I figured I’d send him money by a money app in a few days anyway. Luckily, we’d exchanged that information by splitting takeout orders.
I had already madebus reservations over the weekend and was soon on the road back to La Grande. It felt like I’d been away forever, but I knew I needed to buckle down with research and classes to stay caught up. Spencer was kind enough to help the students I was tutoring, so I didn’t feel overwhelmed by that. I was also excited to see my bestie again. I didn’t tell him I was on my way back, only that it might be in a day or two. I thought it would be fun to surprise my golden retriever today.
When I got to the dorm, there was a paper banner across my door that read, ‘Welcome back!’ in rainbow colors. It was no surprise who’d created it, and it made me laugh. I quickly threw my bags on my bed and headed down the hall to Spencer’s room. His door was unlocked, and habits being what they were, I barged in.
Before me, standing in plain view, were Spencer and Evan in the middle of a heavy-duty make-out session. All three of us were caught off guard by my intrusion. I stared, mouth open wide, and they looked like deer caught in headlights. I burst out laughing as Spencer pushed away from Evan and rushed over to throw his arms around me, which was fine, but in doing so, I felt his arousal pressed against my thigh.
Evan, on the other hand, seemed mortified and held his face in his hands. I could see the crimson blush through his fingers, which had me laughing again. I backed away from our friendly embrace and pointed at Spencer’s crotch. “That’s one hell of a weapon there, Spence,” I said as I tried to stifle my laughter.
Spencer didn’t seem fazed in the least and shrugged. “Hey, nothing like being a versatile bottom with a huge dick,” he snorted as he grabbed my arm. “I’ve been told my choice of being a submissive was a bit of a waste. I think Evan here would disagree, though,” he said rather proudly. Evan sat down and shook his head, but his embarrassment was still evident. I figured he took the preventative approach by sitting down so his manhood could subside and not be drawn into our dick discussion. I knew he was a hugger when he greeted people, just not at this precise moment.
“So, you’re back?” Spencer asked as he pulled me into the room and shut the door.
My arrival was rather obvious, but I replied, “Yup, at least until Christmas break. Mason is still in Seattle and will have weeks, if not months, to recover. I plan to head back up there for the holidays. He’s doing great, though, and will probably be released from the hospital later this week. His ex-in-laws are taking him in and helping as caregivers for a while.” Evan looked confused. “It’s a long story, Evan. I’ll catch you up later.” He seemed satisfied with my explanation. “Why are you here? You graduated last spring.”
Evan finally stood up and said, “I took a few days off to see this guy.” He motioned to Spencer. “He’ll be back in Boise for the holidays, but I wanted some selfish time with him. You know…no parents around.” He smiled, and I saw his blush return. I completely understood what he meant.
