Chapter 20
With Zak’s permission, Crew had decorated the front desk area with paper hearts, cupids, and streamers for Valentine’s Day.
Patients also received a chocolate candy heart (courtesy of Delicious ) at checkout in celebration of the ‘holiday of love.’ Crew looked forward to going home tonight, as his sexy boyfriend, Leo, had promised gifts of the naughty sort for him to open.
He chubbed up every time the thought came to mind and received curious looks from both Dixy and Zak when they smelled his arousal.
It had been an easy morning thus far, with steady but routine appointments for both Zak and Jessica.
A number of her patients had already transitioned to Zak as their primary physician—delighted with the new office and the professional care they’d received.
Online reviews praised both healthcare providers and the support staff, giving everyone an encouraging boost. Zak had been effusive in his praise of the staff, and generous with little extras and thank-you notes.
Crew worked hard, but he enjoyed his job and coworkers immensely.
Shortly before lunch the phone rang, and Crew set aside the patient chart he was working on to answer it.
“Bear Creek Medical Clinic. How may I help you?”
“Good morning, Crew, this is Orrin Crosby.”
Everyone knew he and Zak were an item, but it was odd that Orrin didn’t call his man directly.
“Hello, Orrin. Happy Valentine’s Day. Should I put you through to Doctor Hall?”
“Thanks, but not this time. Actually, I wanted to bring something to Zak during lunch. He doesn’t have a meeting or appointment scheduled, does he?”
“Not that I know of. In fact, he’s free until one o’clock. Would it help if I sent him home for lunch?”
Orrin’s amused growl rumbled over the phone line.
“Yes, it would, and your help is appreciated. I hope you and Leo have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.”
Crew smiled as he hung up, suspecting that Doctor Hall was in for a good time during their break. After the last patient checked out, he forwarded the phone and hurried down the hall to Zak’s office. Zak waved him in when he knocked on the open door.
“What’s up Crew? I hope Mrs. Gilmore wasn’t complaining about her insurance again.”
Crew shook his head and lowered his voice.
“No, nothing like that. I received a call from Orrin Crosby, and he would like to meet with you at home for a private lunch. Your schedule is clear until one o’clock, but I’ll text if anything changes. Happy Valentine’s Day, Doc.”
Zak’s eyebrows rose, but Crew didn’t wait for a response. Moments later, he heard the connecting door to Zak’s home open and close with a resounding thud. Dixy came up front just about then, looking rather puzzled.
“Anything wrong?”
Crew shook his head.
“Nope. Zak’s taking an extended lunch today, but will be back in time for his one o’clock appointment.”
They both looked up toward the parking lot as Orrin’s sedan zipped past and started laughing.
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Naked and spread-eagle on the bed, Zak cried out as Orrin’s magical tongue wrenched an orgasm out of him.
Before the hot doctor could catch his breath, Orrin attacked his uber-sensitive right nipple, toying with the piercing as he stroked Zak’s cock in a tight fist. He came even faster this time, and Orrin hungrily licked up his release.
Dazed and delighted, Zak pulled him closer for possessive kisses, nibbling on his lover’s lower lip until it was bright red and swollen.
Orrin had arrived hot and on edge, carrying a gift that had been left on the coffee table, and too busy removing their clothing to speak.
Without touching his own cock, he’d cum both times Zak did, spraying the bedding with ropes of seed.
Though time was short, they snuggled for a few moments, savoring their ever-growing connection.
Once their heartbeats returned to normal, Orrin spoke.
“I got the flowers you sent me. They’re beautiful! Tasha got hers too, and was thrilled. She’s been so helpful, making sure we have time with each other and the kids. I should have thought of it myself, but I’m thankful you put both of our names on the card.”
Zak brushed the hair away from Orrin’s face and kissed him again.
“I’m glad you liked them. I’ve never had a reason to send someone a Valentine’s Day gift before. I hate to spoil the mood, but I need to eat lunch. Can you stay?”
Orrin stroked Zak’s trimmed facial hair with his knuckles.
“Yes, and I got you a gift too, but you can open it after you eat.”
They got up, dressed quickly, and reported to the kitchen where Zak made sandwiches and his mid-day protein shake.
Cognizant of the time, they ate quickly and without much conversation.
With ten minutes to spare, Orrin gave Zak his gift.
The scent of chocolate was obvious, despite the Delicious gift box, and Zak put one of the double hearts in his teeth, sharing it with Orrin until their lips met.
The incredible taste of one another plus the chocolate was almost overwhelming, and they lingered to savor it.
Zak pulled away, eager to share his feelings.
“Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you, Orrin.”
Orrin’s happy purr rumbled between them.
“I love you, too, Zak. Will I see you tonight?”
Zak kissed him as the timer on his phone went off.
“Yep. Supper with the kids, story time, and then it’s just us.”
Orrin smiled all the way home.
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The Cub House, Sunday, February 23 rd
Right after breakfast the driveway began to fill up with vehicles in preparation for the great Pocono Ridge Resort excursion.
Once everyone had agreed on a date, Dash set things in motion to host all the children and their prospective parents to play and eat together.
The idea was to provide a fun bonding time away from home and Bear Creek, while making sure everyone enjoyed themselves.
Not only was Tasha invited to come along, she’d been gifted with a free overnight stay, plus meals, courtesy of the resort.
The big room upstairs buzzed with activity—couples assisting the children as they filled their backpacks with flip-flops, towels, and a change of clothing.
Tasha helped locate items and answer questions, making sure everyone had what they needed before leaving the house.
The kids had been talking about the event all week, and Orrin had shown them a colorful map of the resort as well as a short promotional video so they could see what the place was like.
While bears (and bear shifters) loved to swim, they usually did so in rivers, ponds, and lakes—not in concrete pools under protective domes, and certainly not in the middle of winter!
Which was why the group would visit both the human water park and the Watershed; a separate domed play space specially designed for ursines.
After the recent scare with the big boar, Rayn wasn’t sure she wanted to be anywhere near strange bears.
Orrin sat down with her and Kip to explain things.
“There won’t be any natural bears there, sweetie, only bear shifters .
Wild bears never turn into humans or even think like humans.
Besides, Papa Zak will stay with you the whole time, and there will be other people in our group who don’t shift, like Levi, Aiden, and Dustin.
Most of the bears you’ll see will be people you already know, like me, Tasha, and Kip.
There’s nothing to be afraid of, and you’ll get to see how bears have fun in the water. ”
Zak was convinced that once she saw the bears in action, the fear would fade and she’d have a blast. Fortunately, her follow up appointment last week revealed that her leg had sufficiently healed to allow freedom of movement, though he intended to watch over her very carefully.
While the children put on their winter outerwear, Orrin and Tasha installed booster seats in the other vehicles.
The house was locked up as the kids boarded, with Dash leading the way, followed by the McCoys, Cunninghams, Orrin and Zak, and finally Tasha in the new sedan.
The eleven-mile drive itself was an adventure for the children, though the deep snow prevented them from seeing much.
Each vehicle had its own conversation going as they drove—varying widely depending on the occupants.
Dash and Aiden were already attached to Griffin and Fort, and were currently doing final interviews for a housekeeper.
The cubs were too young to care about the couple’s wealth and standing in the community—they just wanted to be loved, and the men had plenty to give.
The boys would certainly enjoy some advantages growing up, but Dash and Aiden were grounded enough to prevent them from becoming spoiled and selfish.
The McCoys were having a ball with Scout and Birdy.
The household represented an eclectic mix of city and country life, formal and self-taught education, and love mixed with humor.
The littermates would have a chance to flourish in such a home, no matter where their interests led them, and through it all they still had each other.
As for the Cunninghams, Zuzu appeared to be an ideal fit for Gruff and Dustin.
She was sharp, inquisitive, sweet, and funny—keeping both men on their toes and laughing the entire time.
Having Baxter as a companion, as well as Esther and Jay as grandparent figures, provided Zuzu with a wonderful household in which to grow up.
Future plans to adopt several more cubs would balance out the family and give the girl much-needed siblings.