Without Reservations

startled glance.
    Yeah, he knew the feeling. He didn’t like seeing Keaton this way either, but he at least realized why Bit was acting goofy. “He’ll be okay.
    He’s a little out of it. From what I’ve been able to gather he actually lost consciousness on impact. According to the nurse, they did a CAT scan when they brought him in and didn’t find any hemorrhaging. What are you doing here, Dad?”
    Joe frowned. “My son’s mate was in a car accident.”
    Chay gasped.
    Keaton giggled. “Oh, hey that’s cool. He knows.” He tugged on Chay’s hand. When Chay looked down at Keaton, he grinned. “You don’t have to tell him now, he knows. And I don’t think he’s mad either. He doesn’t sound mad.” Keaton yawned, and turned his head toward Joe. “Are you mad?”
    “No, Keaton, I’m not mad.” He gently ruffled Bit’s hair, then looked back up at Chay. “I haven’t told your mother yet. I admit, I’m a coward.
    You know how she is.”
    Bit started snoring softly.
    Chay brushed a lock of hair off Bit’s forehead. “Yeah, I do. She’s not going to take it well.”
    Joe shook his head. “No, she’s not. But she can’t change it so she’ll have to get over it and deal with it. It’s not like we choose our mates.
    How are you? Are you okay with it? You seem to be, but…”
    “Yeah. I’m cool with it. I freaked out a little at first, but now…” He tilted his head. “Now it doesn’t matter. He’s mine, you know?” With his eyes he pleaded for his dad to understand.
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    His dad smiled. “Yeah, Son, I know. I’m happy for you. I know how bad you’ve always wanted a mate. And I admit, I’m a little disappointed I’m not going to be getting grandkids to spoil. But I like Keaton. It will be nice having another son. And besides, that puppy is pretty darned cute. I supposed he’ll make a decent grandpuppy.” He winked.
    Chay blinked away tears. He hated to admit it, even to himself, but he’d been half-afraid his dad would turn his back on him.
    Joe walked around the bed and pulled him into a hug. “You could have told me.”
    He nodded and hugged his dad with his free arm. “I was scared to, I guess. Remi knows. He…we aren’t friends anymore.”
    Joe leaned back and sighed. “Give it some time. You’ve known Remi a long time. You know how he is. Let it soak in. He’ll come around.”
    Chay shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I’m not giving Keaton up. Not for Remi’s friendship, not for mom’s peace of mind, not for any reason.”
    “That’s how it should be, Son.”
    “How’d you know?”
    Joe smiled fondly. “Because I know you, Son. I knew when you called after Keaton was brought into you. I could tell by the tone of your voice.”
    “You told John Carter.” It wasn’t a question but Joe answered anyway.
    “Yes.”
    Suddenly, Keaton gasped, his eyes fluttered open. “Omigod!” He tugged on Chay’s hand. “Where’s Pita?”
    He rubbed the top of Bit’s hand. “He’s at home, Bit.”
    “Oh, okay. I was worried.” He looked around, then blinked up at Chay. “Where are we, Chay?”
    “Hospital, Bit.”
    “Why?”
    “You wrecked your car.”
    “I did?”
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    Without Reservations
    “Yeah, you did.”
    Joe cleared his throat. “Chay, is this normal?” He sounded scared.
    Chay glanced up, seeing the concern in his dad’s eyes, and tried to reassure him. “Yes, Dad, he has a grade three concuss—”
    “Hi, Joe.”
    His dad’s eyes widened, then he peered down at Bit. “Hi, Keaton.”
    Chay bent and kissed Bit’s forehead again. “Shhh… You’re scaring Dad.”
    Keaton yawned. “I’m sorry.”
    “Mr. Winston?” The sheriff walked in and looked at them.
    “Yes?” Joe answered.
    Chay cleared his throat. “Dad, I think he’s talking to me.” To the sheriff he held out his hand. “I’m Chay Winston.”
    Dad frowned and mumbled under his breath, “He said Mr. Winston.”
    Chay couldn’t quite hold back his grin. Calling him Mr. instead of Dr.
    was always a sore spot with his dad. His dad was proud of him and liked to let everyone know his son was a doctor, not a mere mister.
    “I’m Sheriff Benson. The nurse said you’re with Mr. Reynolds?”
    “Dr. Reynolds,” Joe corrected.
    Chay smiled and elbowed his dad in the ribs. “Yes, sir. I am. Keaton’s my…partner.”
    The sheriff shot a startled glance toward Joe then back to Chay before quickly composing himself.