Chapter 6
Fernando wrapped the tiny green collar around Beans’ neck while Walker settled the bill at the veterinary clinic. The puppy licked his chin, long fuzzy tail wagging.
“Okay.” Walker smiled at him. “We have dewormer, and he’s had all his shots. Ready to go to the pet store?”
Fernando nodded, finally snapping the collar in place. “We’ll need a carrier so I can bring him on the plane.”
Walker gave him a nervous look. “I hate the thought of you being so far away. I know it’s stupid because I’m not going to be here. I’ll start the process of transferring bases. It’ll take a while, and nothing is guaranteed, but I can at least get it moving before we ship out.”
Fernando froze in place and stared at Walker. His alpha looked worried but determined. He really wants to do this. He really wants me. Me.
Fernando shook his head and headed to the rental.
“Walker, after I graduate in May, I have nothing holding me to New Mexico. One of my sisters will still be living there, but she doesn’t expect me to stay close.
Hell, I think she half expects me to move to Hobson Hills, Maine, to be near my brother. ”
Walker opened the car door for him. “What are you saying?”
Fernando sat and buckled his seat belt. “I’m saying that I can move here. I’ll have to do extra paperwork to get my teaching license here, but it won’t take long.”
Walker stared at him. “Seriously? Would you do that for me? Your whole life is in New Mexico.”
Fernando laughed, then winced at the bitter sound.
“I purposely went to graduate school to put off getting a job because I’ve been rejected over and over at schools back home.
They know what my uncle did. He was a pedophile, Walker.
” Fernando blinked away tears. “One place said they couldn’t risk it being genetic. ”
Walker’s face turned red, and his eyes grew hard. “Stupid, fucking idiots. They don’t deserve you.”
Fernando grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “They don’t. Get in the car and let’s go get Beans some stuff.”
The drive to the pet store was quiet, and Fernando started to worry that Walker was having second thoughts. What if it is genetic?
Walker parked and gave him a solemn look. “I’ll talk with my superior and get you added to the email list for updates. A few of my buddies are married, and I’ll get you their spouses' numbers. It won’t be easy, Ferdie. Are you sure I’m worth this?”
Fernando thought of Gigi’s words from yesterday. “I’m ready for a change, Walker. If I get to have you, all the better.” He leaned over and kissed Walker. “You have no idea how much you’re worth, marine.”