Chapter 16 #2
General Observations—the unrelated pair have bonded, and it is recommended that they remain together for placement.
Both demonstrate above average intelligence, resourcefulness, ability to learn, and a desire to please.
They possess good social skills and interact well with humans.
No major physical, psychological, or behavioral concerns.
Placement prospects are excellent, with timing at the discretion of the Bear Creek Administrator.
Sensing that Aiden was troubled, Dash set the paperwork aside and pulled his mate closer for a tender kiss.
“It may not seem like it, but these boys were lucky. You know as well as I do that many cubs have a much rougher time of it. If we’re serious about adopting, I’m wondering how we’ll handle our schedules with the boys’ schooling.”
Aiden was glad his mate had brought that up, as he’d planned to anyway.
“What if we get a housekeeper who was good with kids? I ran the idea past Orrin, and he thought it would work best if we hired an older, female shifter. He even offered to help vet the candidates for us. No matter what we decide to do, having a family means you and I will have to make some sacrifices, and I refuse to allow someone else to raise our children.”
Dash heartily agreed.
“I don’t want that either, love. I’m sure we can make it work—after all, we own our businesses and can do as we please. I don’t think anyone would begrudge us time away from work to care for our children. Now, I’d like to meet the boys and see if we get along. What do you think?”
Aiden kissed his fantastic mate with gusto, excited to be on the same page.
“Yes! How about a meal and play date at the resort? In fact, we could invite everyone at the Cub House to come along. Even better, lets include the Cunninghams and McCoys, and maybe Orrin will invite Zak to come with us.”
Dash looked puzzled.
“Zak Hall? Is he… are they… where did you hear that?”
There wasn’t much you could hide in a small town, and Aiden knew almost as many people as DeeDee Tillman.
“I found out today at Delicious , though I got the feeling the relationship is new and he wasn’t quite ready to announce it. Did you know Orrin is going to adopt Kip and a little girl named Rayn? She’s a quasi-shifter from what I understand, just like Zak Hall. Very interesting, if you ask me.”
Dash’s brain swiftly unpacked the information.
“How about that? Orrin is probably busy putting the cubs to bed, so let’s send him a text and let him know that we’re interested. Meanwhile, I think we’re overdue for a visit to the Cub House.”
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Orrin spent the remainder of the evening with a little extra joy in his heart.
Dash and Aiden’s enthusiastic message meant his entire group of orphans had a chance to find forever homes right here in Bear Creek.
Tomorrow, Knox and Levi would join them for lunch to meet Scout and Birdy.
After informing the cubs of the visit, he’d met privately with the siblings to explain who the men were and why they were coming to see them.
The news was both welcome and scary as they wondered what would happen.
Orrin encouraged them to be themselves and not worry about the future.
“The McCoys might be perfect for you, and even if they’re not, you’ll always have a home here. Tasha and I will take care of you for as long as you need us, and no one will force you to live with people you don’t like.”
Among the children, it was understood that Kip and Rayn belonged with Orrin, and Zuzu would most likely be adopted by the Cunninghams. That left Griffin and Fort, who would soon be told about the mated couple who wanted to meet them.
Orrin’s regular updates to the home office included reports of potential adoptive families, and his immediate supervisor had responded with a personal note.
“Orrin—I’m happy to hear of your interest in Kip and Rayn! You will make a wonderful father, either alone or with a mate. Keep me posted on how things are going, and let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the process or paperwork.”
After story time that evening, Orrin made the rounds to say goodnight, ending up in Kip and Rayn’s room last. Instead of stacking the beds, theirs were both on the floor and separated by a small table with a lamp.
Rayn didn’t enjoy sleeping in a room by herself, and Kip’s protective instincts compelled him to keep an eye on her.
In bear form, he often curled up by her side, bringing both of them a measure of comfort.
It was a given that the boy’s bear had already bonded with Rayn, though she would never sense it the same way.
To her, they were now a matched set, like salt and pepper, and they both loved Orrin.
Hugs and smooches on the forehead were doled out as usual before Rayn asked him a question.
“Is Zak going to live here and be our daddy, too?”
Kip sat up in his bed, waiting eagerly for the answer. Orrin had to be careful how he phrased it.
“I hope so, sweetheart. He’s very fond of you and Kip, but he needs time to think about it. It’s a big change, even for a grownup. While he gets used to the idea, we’ll just keep on loving him. Can you do that?”
They both nodded and settled down for the night.
It wasn’t exactly what either of them wanted to hear, but Orrin couldn’t make promises for someone else.
Deep down, he believed the four of them were already a family.
If he was right, how long would it take Zak to realize the same thing and act on it?