Chapter 23
The following day…
Fortunately, Orrin was off on Thursday and started shopping as soon as the stores opened.
With Zak and the kids moving in soon, he’d need bedding, towels, and bathroom supplies for Kip and Rayn, and to stock his kitchen cupboards.
Technically, the orphan’s meals were covered by the Cub House budget until they were officially adopted out.
He knew, however, that at least some meals and snacks would be served at home—either on his days off, or when they wanted to eat together as a family.
Zak had given him a credit card, with instructions to get whatever he needed, including a TV, a computer, additional kitchenware, a rug and shoe rack for the main entrance, and shelves for the books he’d ordered online.
Other things came to mind as he shopped—plastic bins for toys, laundry baskets, additional clothing, spring jackets, bubble bath for Rayn, cars for Kip, and decorations for their shared bedroom and bathroom.
A trip to Delicious supplied him with chocolates, Bear Brownies, and Snax, followed by a visit to the Red Barn for some sweet breads and cookies to toss in the freezer.
Caring for his own home and working at the Cub House would no doubt leave Orrin with little time for baking, at least until he and Zak worked out a routine.
Combining their lives would involve a lot of changes all at once, but being together every evening would help smooth over the inevitable bumps.
At least Orrin didn’t have to deal with the school schedule for another couple of years, giving them time to gel as a family.
Using his home’s private entrance off the backyard prevented the kids from noticing his shopping spree.
He’d told Kip and Rayn that he was working on a special project today and would see them around suppertime.
As usual, Zak planned on supper and an overnight stay, but they had decided not to tell the kids he was moving in until he showed up on Saturday.
Now that the other children were looking forward to their own new homes, Orrin didn’t think it would bother them too much that Kip and Rayn would no longer be living at the Cub House—only absent after bedtime or on Orrin’s days off.
By early afternoon, Orrin had finished shopping and had hauled everything inside.
He tackled the kitchen first, finding space for foodstuffs and supplies while the new towels and linens were washed and dried.
Next came the kids’ bedroom on the third floor—making up the beds, putting away clothes, and adding wall decorations.
He saved the bathroom for last, stocking the drawers and linen closet with everything needed to keep the little ones clean and groomed.
Downstairs in the living room, the computer, TV, electronics, and bookshelves remained in their boxes.
There simply hadn’t been enough time to get them connected or assembled today, and he’d need Zak’s help anyway.
If the kids saw them there between now and Saturday, it probably wouldn’t prompt any questions, keeping the secret safe.
Orrin had to pinch himself at the thought of them living together—Kip and Rayn with their forever family and Zak in Orrin’s arms every night.
The only thing missing would be the mating bond, and though he could live without it for a while, his bear might start pushing to claim the man before long.
Zak didn’t know that according to BSA rules, they either had to be married or mated if they sought approval for a joint adoption.
Orrin could, of course, adopt the kids on his own, but then Zak would have to go through a separate approval process, with mountains of paperwork and legal fees.
The main reason he hadn’t been told was because Orrin didn’t want to add outside pressure and make Zak feel that he’d been forced to do something he wasn’t ready for.
Orrin detected the familiar sound of Zak’s pickup in the driveway, and hurried to the door to greet him. He’d brought a small overnight bag and clean work clothes for the next day, putting the bag down to give Orrin a one-armed hug.
“Hey, love. How was your day?”
Orrin paused to kiss him before answering.
“Busy. Come and see.”
They trooped up the stairs together, dropped off Zak’s things, and then proceeded to the third floor.
Zak was pleasantly surprised by the transformation of the kids’ room.
Kip’s bed sported a Cubs In Space bedspread, while Rayn’s had a frilly princess motif.
Posters and artwork broke up the previously blank walls, and a large round rug covered the floor between their beds.
“Wow! You sure got a lot done. They’re going to love this.”
Next, Zak checked out the bathroom and started laughing.
What used to be a plain off-white box was now decorated with dinosaurs—shower curtain, artwork, nightlight, soap dispenser, waste basket, and bubble decals scattered over the walls.
Above the toilet hung a framed image of a T-Rex sitting on the potty while reading a book.
Even the toothbrushes had dinosaur handles on them.
Zak paused chuckling long enough to give Orrin smooches.
“This is terrific! Good thing you were in charge, because I don’t think I have the decorator gene.”
The pair headed downstairs and were poking through the kitchen when they heard impatient knocks on the connecting door. Kip and Rayn were on the other side and rushed the couple, receiving hugs and kisses. Rayn then delivered her message.
“Tasha said to come and get you for supper.”
Not to be left out, Kip piped up with his own contribution.
“Fench fies!”
Zak gave him a quick tickle.
“Well, we don’t want to miss those. Let’s go.”
The rest of the kids waited at the bottom of the stairs, excited to see them but also eager to eat now that everyone was present.
Orrin went to give Tasha a hand in the kitchen while Zak herded the little ones into the dining room and got them seated.
He enjoyed these noisy, chaotic meals, having grown up with only his parents for company, and presumed that he and kids would be frequent guests at this table—even after the coming changes.
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Friday, Bear Creek Medical Clinic
Their last patient for the morning had just left the building, and with seven minutes to go before lunch, Crew checked the afternoon schedule to see what they were facing. He looked up as Dixy approached his workstation with a crooked smile.
“Brief staff meeting in the breakroom. Zak said to go ahead and forward the phones.”
Crew did so, removed his headset, and followed Dixy down the hall. Doc and Jessica were already there, and he wondered what this was all about. Zak cleared his throat and got started.
“I wanted you to know that as of Sunday, I’ll no longer be living next door. I’m moving in with Orrin, Kip, and Rayn.”
Smiles broke out among the staff, all of them happy for Zak but not terribly surprised. Jessica was the first to speak.
“How exciting! You make a great couple, and your little ones are precious. Uh, what will you do with the house?”
Zak had expected the question.
“Long-term plans are up in the air, but in two weeks, a woman named Cora Middleton will move in until she can find a place of her own. She’s Dash and Aiden’s new housekeeper, and her work hours closely match ours, so we won’t even know she’s there.
Just to be safe, I’m going to have new locks installed on the clinic side of the door, and an external security system with cameras for both the house and the clinic. ”
While Zak appreciated their well wishes, he was relieved to go home for lunch and escape the focused attention of his staff.
They didn’t do anything wrong, of course, but he wasn’t comfortable sharing his personal life with co-workers.
Years of schooling and training had taught him to be cautious, and with good reason.
The most vicious gossips were often people who knew a little about you and assumed (or created) the rest so they could pass on juicy details.
He believed Crew, Dixy, and Jessica were good people, but it was difficult for him to share so openly—especially when he struggled with doubts about the enormous leap of faith he was about to take.
############
Moving day, Sunday March 9 th
Zak started his day at the usual time, working out in the basement.
He wouldn’t be taking the exercise equipment with him today—not until he and Orrin figured out the best place for it.
He’d also leave a set of bed linens, a few towels, and most of the kitchenware for Cora to use.
She’d been living with her employer’s family for years, and no longer owned household goods.
Zak would take the food, clothes, toiletries, and boxes of personal belongings that he’d originally brought with him.
While he would have preferred warmer temperatures, Zak was thankful for clear skies as he loaded the pickup.
Two left turns brought him to the Cub House, and he parked in his usual spot near the garage.
Orrin had already given him a key, and he began to transfer his belongings without drawing undue attention.
Tasha knew what was happening today, though the children didn’t, including Kip and Rayn.
First came the perishable food, and Zak was surprised to find a sealed greeting card lying on the kitchen counter.
Inside was a message in Orrin’s neat handwriting.
You’re probably a little nervous, and I don’t blame you. Just remember how much you are loved, and that we look forward to being with you every day. Welcome home, Zak!
Hugs and kisses,
Orrin
Heart thumping, Zak took the card upstairs for safekeeping, wiping tears away as he realized Orrin was taking a leap of faith along with him.
They were together in this new adventure, but he’d been so busy nursing his own worries that he’d neglected to consider how they affected the sweet, patient man.
Both shame, and a resolve to change his tune, swept away the selfish musings that had made him doubt in the first place.
He wasn’t simply changing residences, he was making a commitment to three people who cared for him deeply, and he wouldn’t disappoint them.
############
Knowing he wouldn’t have time later, Zak got all his belongings stowed, clothes hung up, and toiletries put away.
The kitchen cupboards and refrigerator were stuffed full, but it wouldn’t take long to empty them again with four in the house.
A glance at the clock told him he had just enough time to get their home entertainment center set up, and he started opening boxes.
Amid a few mild curses and a multitude of wires, he figured out how to hook up the TV, DVD player, stereo, and speakers.
Part of his motivation to complete the job came from a purchase he’d made for Kip and Rayn—several seasons of one of their favorite TV shows.
Though he’d never asked, it got Zak to wondering if Orrin enjoyed movies or music.
Some shifters weren’t interested in those things, preferring time spent outdoors, napping, or reading during their down time.
Zak was a fair dancer and hoped he could coax Orrin into some romantic swaying after the kids went to bed.
He’d enjoy any opportunity to hold the man close, breath in his delectable scent, and kiss his hot mouth—with or without music.
As he cleaned up the cardboard and packing material mess, Zak’s stomach reminded him that he hadn’t eaten lunch.
Opening the fridge presented him with an overwhelming number of choices, and he grabbed a container of leftover pasta and ate quickly—eager to get next door and see his loved ones.
They had probably finished their meal by now, though the house was nearly empty on Sundays with all the kids (except Kip and Rayn) visiting their adoptive families.
Zak cleaned up the kitchen and headed towards the connecting door.
He’d love to tiptoe down the stairs and surprise the kids, but there was no way to sneak up on shifters.
Instead, he entered as usual and listened for the sound of little feet.
Sure enough, they came running, calling ‘Papa!’ and ‘Papa’s here!
’ Zak hugged and scented them both, rustling Kip’s hair and kissing Rayn on the forehead.
When he looked up, Orrin stood there, gazing at them fondly.
Zak locked eyes with his lover, scooped him up, and twirled him around as the kids laughed.
The kiss that followed drew applause from little hands, and Zak gave them an abbreviated bow while Orrin blushed.
“We’re having dessert—join us.”
Tasha grinned at them as they entered the dining room and served Zak a big slice of Chocolate Cream Pie.
She quietly observed the pair as Zak let the little ones tell him about their day while he ate and held Orrin’s hand under the table.
Tasha knew what was supposed to happen today, and with Kip and Rayn spending the night in their new home, she could have the afternoon to herself and give the family more time together.
When dessert was finished, she made a suggestion.
“If you’ll help me with cleanup, the four of you can skedaddle until tomorrow.”
Orrin winked at her, failing to hide an enthusiastic smile.
“You got it. I’ll help you in the kitchen while Zak and the kids clear the table.”
Operation clean-up was a rousing success, and thirty minutes later Tasha had retreated to her quarters.
Orrin grabbed a bunch of paper grocery sacks before he and Zak escorted the children to their bedroom.
They knew it wasn’t bedtime, and before Rayn could ask a question, Orrin directed them to sit in a circle on the floor for a little talk.
It was time to discuss their future—together.