Earth and Sky

surprise.

    She and Jack drove up to the ranch in Jack’s old truck, and Hunter worried that life on the Tennessee country music circuit hadn’t been all she’d made it out to be. Lisa looked happy, though, and despite a short awkward moment between her and Hugh, the reunion with Danny was full of hugs and kisses. Lisa proudly showed off her baby bump, so Hugh teasingly congratulated his brother for knocking up his ex-wife.

    Everyone ended up staying until the sun set, and then it was time to get all the kids to bed.

    Although Grant and Hunter hadn’t planned it that way, last-minute work had meant their first night at the new house was the evening after the housewarming. Everything still smelled new, and although they’d been careful to let the house air out to get rid of the painting fumes, there was no mistaking the fact they all still had to learn to find their way around.

    While Hunter was checking on his sleeping son, Grant closed the heavy front door, shutting out the outside world. Hunter found Grant caressing the intricate woodwork he’d started carving the night they staked out the house, when there was still snow on the ground.

    “It’s by far the best-looking door this side of the Rockies,” Hunter joked.

    “And you’re the best-looking man this side of the Rockies too,” Grant replied, turning around to take Hunter in his arms.

    “You mean there’s a better-looking man on the other side?”

    Grant poked Hunter’s ribs. “There are lots of better-looking men, but I only want this one.”

    “I’m glad to hear that,” Hunter whispered while kissing Grant’s ear.

    “Mattie asleep?” Grant asked.

    “Like a lamb,” Hunter smiled.

    Grant chuckled. “He takes after his dad. Feed him well and keep him warm and he’s asleep before you can say goodnight.”

    Now it was Hunter’s turn to poke Grant in the ribs, which wasn’t easy, because Grant held him in a tight hug. “We’ve been working hard. I don’t see you lying awake much either!”

    Grant’s face turned serious. “So you think you can stay awake long enough to christen this house?”

    Hunter pushed his lover against the intricately carved door and devoured him with a kiss. Then he pulled away. “As long as we can do it horizontally.”

    Although Hunter had crossed the hallway on the way to his son’s room, he hadn’t entered their bedroom yet. They’d quickly made the bed that morning, knowing they wouldn’t have the energy to do it later, but hadn’t been inside the room after that.

    They hadn’t put up any curtains yet, but there was a large banner tied to the curtain rail. It said: “Enjoy the rest of your life together.” In smaller letters underneath was added: “We know we’ll enjoy the quiet.”

    “Christy,” Grant said at almost the same time Hunter said, “Izzie.”

    There was a huge fruit basket in the middle of the bed and rose petals strewn around.

    Hunter snorted. “I wonder if they meant anything by that? Fruit.”

    Grant burst out laughing, then stopped as abruptly as he started and grabbed Hunter from behind, kissing his neck. Overcome by the sudden gesture, Hunter leaned his head back in the hope of moving even closer to his lover, until he felt teeth biting into his flesh. “Shit, you going all vampire on me?”

    Grant held him tight. “Nope. You’re my fruit, and you look so tasty I want to bite you.”

    Still embracing, they walked to the bed, where Hunter turned around and sat down, pulling Grant between his legs. “I’ll show you how tasty you are.” He looked up at Grant as he unbuttoned first Grant’s jeans and then his own. Grant followed him with his eyes, a smile slowly spreading over his face until Hunter took Grant’s semi-erect cock in his mouth.

    “Fuck, I’ll never get used to what you do to me,” Grant said, with a definite grunt in his voice.

    Hunter used his free hand to attempt to pull Grant’s pants down further, but since Grant liked his clothes kind of form-fitting, it wasn’t easy. “I’ll do mine if you do yours,” Grant finally croaked. Hunter reluctantly let go and Grant pulled his jeans down while he watched Hunter do the same.

    Hunter put the basket in the corner and in one fell swoop pulled the duvet off so petals flew all around them.

    Once they were naked, Grant tackled Hunter until they were lying on the bed in each other’s arms. Hunter looked down at Grant and ran his fingers through Grant’s dark curls. “Damn, I