18. Epilogue
Epilogue
Andre
S ettling into a routine proved easy. I got the job as a trainer at the rec center.
Zahir helped me set up a website for being a personal trainer.
I spoke to the owner of a local physiotherapy clinic, Marcus Brannigan.
He had several clients who no longer needed intensive therapy, but who needed guidance and encouragement.
Including several with physical disabilities.
Once he’d vetted me thoroughly, he was happy to release those clients into my care.
My business was hopping.
Pixie and Daphne were like long-lost sisters and insisted their beds be right next to each other. Most of the time, when it wasn’t too hot, they could be found curled around each other.
“Are you certain our girls will be okay tonight?” I fidgeted.
Zahir grasped my hands for a moment before putting his back on the wheel. “Look, the timing was perfect. Demetrius and Jai are out tonight as well. Keegan and Alaina are thrilled to have the four dogs to look after. You know Gus and Gizmo are best buddies with our girls. ”
“Seems a lot.”
My man laughed. “Four dogs in the hands of two capable teenagers is just fine.” Alaina wasn’t officially a teenager yet, but she was darn close. “Are you nervous about tonight? We don’t have to go—”
I shook my head even as we pulled into a parking lot in downtown Vancouver.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our engagement.
” My head still spun. Four months after we met, just a couple of days ago, my Daddy proposed.
Last night, we’d shared our news with Demetrius, Jai, and the kids.
Phone calls to Imani and Malaya had followed.
In truth, I’d wanted to be the one to propose.
So I could prove my devotion. I’d been saving money for a ring, but Zahir beat me to the punch.
Oh well, I intended to buy him the best ring I could.
He’d tucked away his wedding ring from Marty, and we’d moved into the primary bedroom full-time.
Occasionally, Marty made his way into our conversations, and that always made me happy.
Zahir’s relationship with his husband had made him the man he was today. The man I loved.
“I’m not nervous.” Excited, perhaps, but not nervous.
Zahir yanked out his phone and paid for parking.
The sun had begun to set, and the sky had a pink glow.
“I’ll admit I’ve never been to Pup Night at Club Kink, but I think it’ll be fun.” He squeezed my hand. “I like the idea of you meeting other pups. To make friends.”
“You’ll meet other Daddies.”
“True.” He laughed. “I’ll get handling tips.”
“Because I’m a brat?”
He grasped the back of my neck and pulled me in for a hard kiss. “Never bratty. Just…challenging.”
I laughed .
He did as well.
We exited his SUV and headed inside.
I could’ve driven, of course. But Vancouver traffic still intimidated me. Mission City was much easier to deal with. Soon, though, my license would be upgraded, and I’d be able to drive on my own. How long before I headed into Vancouver solo was an entirely different question.
The beat of the house music in the club matched the vibe of the low lighting. Tables were clustered in front of a stage.
I strained to see the pile of puppies as Daddy paid our entry fee.
I twisted the handle of my cloth bag in my hands.
My ears, paws, and tail were all inside.
As I watched the enthusiastic pile, though, I wondered how everything would stay in place.
I planned to wear shorts. I wasn’t yet ready to go naked.
Several pups were. Along with several who were in various states of dress and undress.
Zahir grasped my hand and guided me farther into the room.
As my eyes adjusted to the light, I caught sight of someone I was certain I recognized. “Uh, Daddy?”
“Yes, Rocky?”
“Is that Jai playing rope with Lorcan? And Foster watching?” The words didn’t come easy. Because I couldn’t figure out why three men I knew from Mission City—all friends—were here tonight.
Zahir stilled. Then pivoted his attention to the table.
My gaze followed and locked with…my half-brother. “This is too weird for words.”
“I have to agree with that.” Zahir gripped my hand. “We’re out of here if you want to go.”
“How do you feel?” Because I still couldn’t sort this out.
Demetrius hesitantly waved us over .
Jai, clearly noticing the movement, turned my way. His dark eyes widened and, after a moment, he grinned. He bounded over to Demetrius’s feet and rubbed himself against the man’s thigh.
Foster and Lorcan—both a bit older and wearing knee pads—joined their respective partners. Lorcan with psychologist Cody and Foster with lawyer Arnav. I knew Lorcan and Foster worked in the construction business together.
Mind made up, I squeezed Zahir’s hand. “Well, this is going to be interesting.”
“I’d say.” Clearly having understood my interest, Zahir gently guided me to the table.
Cody, Demetrius, and Arnav all stood.
Zahir extended his hand.
The handshakes felt incredibly formal, and I wondered if this was how Daddies greeted each other.
Demetrius held his hand out to me.
I grasped it—but not in a handshake. No, I grasped it between mine like a lifeline.
“You okay?” His forehead creased in concern.
“Fine. Just…fine.” Because, as my nerves settled, things began to make sense.
Arnav grabbed two chairs. “Join us?”
“Sure.” I gratefully took a seat.
“I’m going to grab us a couple of drinks. Root beer?” Zahir met my gaze.
“Yes. Please.” I took a deep breath. “Daddy.”
His gaze passed over everyone—almost as if daring them to comment. When no one did, he headed to the bar.
Demetrius chuckled. “Well, that answers one question. ”
“Oh?”
“Most people assume Daddies are the older man. That’s not always the case.” Cody spoke as he stroked Lorcan’s damp hair.
“I’m glad it’s not.” Lorcan beamed, and I remembered how attractive and genuinely kind I’d found him my first morning in Mission City. I’d never have, not in a million years, guessed he was a puppy like me.
I caught Demetrius watching me. Not in a judgmental way—as far as I could see. No, more in an amused way. “What?”
“Who knew we had this in common?” He smiled. “When you said you were going out tonight and wondering if Keegan and Alaina could watch your dogs, I never dreamed you’d wind up here.”
“One root beer.” Zahir placed the drink before me.
I released my bag, letting it drop to the floor. Eagerly, I took a sip.
“It’s okay if this is overwhelming.” Cody smiled.
He was a psychologist at both Pride Camp, working with Jai, and at Healing Horses Ranch.
Since he’d been busy with camp, I’d seen counselor Justin.
A great guy—also gay—who had helped me work through a number of issues.
And then assured me that if I chose Zahir, I was making a sound decision.
“Not overwhelming.” I smiled at Cody. “Just…unexpected.”
“Well, we’re here every month. Even Arnav and Foster—with their two foster children—find time to make it here.”
I’d met Malika and Joshua. Clearly, Foster and Arnav were great foster parents. Just like, from everything I’d witnessed, Jai and Demetrius were amazing parents.
Zahir and I agreed early on that we didn’t want kids. Although my mother was amazing, I’d had no real father figure. I worried I’d be bad at parenting and, frankly, it didn’t appeal to me. Zahir felt the same way, so we were good .
Foster took a sip of water. “I want to play some more.” He grinned at me. “Come and join us?”
“Uh…sure.” I grasped my bag. “I’m wearing shorts.”
“Perfect.” Lorcan beamed. “Let’s go.”
Just as I was about to stand, Zahir placed a hand on my arm. He turned to the other three Daddies. “Is that Sloan Lavoie?”
Demetrius chuckled. “Our pharmacist? I believe it is. He appears to be alone. I wonder what he’s doing here?”
“I should at least go say hello . Loriana did try to set us up.” Zahir rolled his eyes.
Everyone laughed.
“Yes, our hopeless matchmaker librarian is a sweetheart—and clearly out of her element sometimes.” My Daddy grinned. Then he stilled. “I’d gotten a clear Dominant vibe from Sloan. It had occurred to me that he might be a Daddy. But hell, maybe he’s a puppy.”
“You’ll never know unless you ask him.” Arvan chuckled. “Invite him over—if he wants to join us. We can watch the pups play together.”
And just like that, everything felt right.
Lorcan took me into the changing rooms and within just a few minutes, I was in the puppy pile with him, Jai, and Foster.
And Sloan appeared to be in deep conversation with the Daddies.
My Daddy kept an eye on me, though. And when we took a break, I sat at his feet and rubbed against his thigh.
This. This was what I’d always wanted, but had never known how to ask for. This was pure perfection.
And I couldn’t have been happier.