Wings of Love (4 page)

In those earlier years when Brad and Jeff would visit, usually in the spring or summer, he had noticed that they were great-looking guys. He remembered thinking that they were very fit and not the least bit gay-acting, if there was such a thing. All he knew about gay people was what he saw on the news or in some comedy sketch show on television, and that wasn’t usually very flattering.

But now, as he looked closer at Brad, Mac noticed how handsome and rugged he was. He had never really noticed what guys looked like on a regular basis, so why now? He was suddenly perplexed and felt himself blush a little. Brad seemed to be built for the wilderness. His straight, blond, shoulder-length hair seemed to frame his rugged face, and why hadn’t he ever noticed those deep green eyes? He was hit with a startling thought—
Oh my God, I’m checking Brad out?

He was shaken out of his thoughts by what he soon realized was a whistle. Brad was whistling. That thought made him relax a little, because until that moment, he hadn’t realized just how worried he had been for Brad. He hadn’t wanted to show Brad, or Jake and Zander for that matter, that he was concerned about if Brad didn’t start to turn a corner and begin to make peace with his situation, Mac felt Brad would be in real trouble. He’d hoped that Brad would come around, and it appeared that he was starting to do just that.

With Brad’s soft whistling steadily filling the little truck cabin, Mac again started to think about his previous realization.
This sudden fascination with Brad has to have something to do with us sharing most of the night talking about and comparing our losses
.
Maybe it’s just part of the bonding process.
Mac thought about how their conversation that night had affected him during his flight home the following morning. He had relived some painful memories of his own, of his beloved Lindsey, but as he always did when his past started to pull at him, he focused on working through the dull pain, and by the time he’d landed, he was back in control.
That must be it. It has to be it
, he thought.
What the hell?
He forced his thoughts back to the cabin.
Could it be the same cabin Lindsey and I had dreamed of buying so many years ago? What are the odds?

Chapter 6

B
RAD
made a tight right turn and headed up a steep, almost vertical driveway that was bumpy as hell. Again, Mac was shaken out of his thoughts.

“We’re here!” Brad said as they climbed their way up the narrow driveway, bouncing around the tiny cab like toy men in a Tonka truck.

“I know the first thing you’ve got to do after you buy this place,” Mac stated.

“What’s that?” Brad asked.

“Fix this damn driveway,” Mac said with a hint of sarcasm. “If you don’t, you’ll spend a hell of a lot of money putting shocks and tires on Zander and Jake’s truck.”

“You’re probably right, but don’t start prioritizing yet, mister; you haven’t even seen the cabin.”

Brad pulled the truck up to a huge woodpile at a turnaround and stopped and put the truck in park. They got out and stood for a moment, looking at the back of the cabin. Brad said, “Welcome to Tumbling Downs.”

Well, I’ll be
, Mac thought as he looked at the cabin. “You take me to the nicest places,” he said.

“So, whatta you think?” Brad asked.

“Not bad. The way Jake and Zander talked, I was expecting half a roof with no walls. I think this has some real potential.”

“Ya think?” Brad asked.

“Yeah, I do, but I’ll hold my comments until after the tour,” Mac said.

Brad laughed. “I think that’s a good idea.”

When the tour was complete, they ended up on the front porch, staring out at the spectacular view.

“Okay, so fess up,” Brad said. “You haven’t said more than three words since we got here.”

“To tell the truth,” Mac responded, “I’m a little bit jealous. I think I’m in love.”

“Hey, hold on a minute, flyboy,” Brad said. “I’m nowhere near having a new boyfriend.”

With a smirk on his face, Mac said, “Ha-ha, very funny! I was talking about the cabin, you idiot. I’m not buying what you’re selling, remember?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s what all the boys say. So really, what do you think?”

“I really love it. Lindsey and I always dreamed about a little cabin like this, tucked away in the mountains,” Mac confessed.

“Well, if you really feel like that, do you want to go in with me?” Brad asked before he had time to think about it. “I’ll need a lot of help to put this old place back together.”

“Yes,” Mac said. “Are you serious?”

“I… I think so.” He paused for a minute, and then said, “Yeah, I’m serious. Put it there, partner,” and stuck out his hand for a shake. Mac accepted his hand, and with that, they were buying a cabin.

When they got back to the truck, Mac offered to drive back to the lodge, and Brad gladly accepted. The two men talked a mile a minute about all the things they wanted to do and what they should do first and what could wait. The winter would be on them before they knew it, and since Brad was going to live in the cabin through the winter, there were certain things that needed to be taken care of before the first snow. Luckily, there was that huge woodpile, so at least he would be warm.

When they got back to the lodge, they were as giddy as schoolgirls. Jake and Zander couldn’t believe the change in Brad in just a few days. The two men shared their news with their friends, and they would have had a beer together to celebrate, but Mac had to fly, and the boys had to work, so they said it could wait until the next time they were all together.

“We better think about getting in the air soon,” Mac said.

“When’s your next trip back up?” Brad asked.

“Tomorrow,” Mac said.

“Okay, perfect. Let me run to my room and get a change of clothes, and I’ll be ready to go.”

“No problem, I’ll take the other guests down to the plane and start my checklist.”

“See you in a few,” Brad said over his shoulder as he ran back to his room.

Chapter 7

T
WENTY
minutes later they were in the air and heading back to Anchorage. The noise level in the little plane didn’t allow for much conversation, so both men had time to think about what they had just signed up for.

After Mac leveled out at his cruising altitude, his mind began to wander.
What have I just agreed to? I’m investing in real estate with someone I hardly know. I mean, I’ve flown him
—
them
—
back and forth every year for the past five or so years and hung out with them casually at the lodge, but no more than that. What do I know about this guy besides the fact that he’s gay and just lost his partner, for God’s sake?

As Brad settled into the co-pilot’s seat for the short trip, his mind was doing back flips.
What have I done? I’m buying a cabin with someone I hardly know. Jeff and I hung out with Mac a few times over the years, but I really don’t know him very well. Hell, I just found out that he has an adopted daughter and lost his wife to cancer!

Before either of them could wrap up their thoughts, they were landing at Lake Hood. Mac taxied to the dock, brought the plane to a stop, and said his thanks and good-byes to his passengers. He unloaded the suitcases from the luggage compartment, and everyone was on their way.

It was a little after noon, so Brad had plenty of time to get to the bank and have them cut a certified check. He looked at Mac and said, “Last chance to back out. You were awful quiet during the flight. Are you second-guessing your decision?”

“Hey, you weren’t exactly Chatty Cathy either,” Mac threw back. “Are you second-guessing your offer?”

Brad laughed. “What do we really know about each other?”

“Not much,” Mac said.

“Okay, I don’t know why, but I feel very comfortable around you, and although I don’t walk around with a tiara on my head all the time, you know I’m gay, and if you don’t have a problem with that, then I guess I’m good.”

“Well, duh. No one needs to see a tiara on your head to figure out you’re gay.” Mac chortled.

“Very funny,” Brad replied with a smirk.

Mac laughed. “Of course I know you’re gay, and I feel pretty comfortable around you, and if you don’t have a problem with me being straight, then I guess I’m good too.”

“Then it’s settled,” Brad said.

“I guess so,” Mac replied.

They exited the plane and walked toward the terminal.

“I’m going to head out and see if I can grab a cab to the bank,” Brad said.

“Not on my watch,” Mac replied. “I’ll be finished here in twenty minutes, and my truck is in the parking lot.”

“This isn’t your watch, Mac. You’ve been great, but at some point you’re allowed to be off duty.”

“Who says I want to be off duty?” Mac asked. “Who or what do I have to go home to? Zoe’s at school and only gets home for spring break and holidays.”

“You sure you don’t want a break?” Brad asked. “If it makes you feel any better, I’ll still be screwed up tomorrow.”

“Oh great, a comedian,” Mac said. “Give me a few minutes, and we’ll head to the bank.”

Brad’s eyes were filling up again. He stepped up to Mac, threw his arms around the man’s shoulders, and whispered, “I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me. How will I ever thank you?”

Mac stepped back from the embrace and said, “How about giving me my share of the cabin as a gift?”

“No can do, my friend. You won’t really appreciate it unless you pay for it.” Brad added, “I’m just looking out for your happiness, you know.”

“Thanks a lot!” Mac grumbled.

“No problem, now go get your plane secured so you can take me to the bank.”

Mac started walking toward the plane; then he stopped and turned around. “Hey, one more thing. Where are you staying tonight?”

“Oh, no worries, I’ll find a hotel nearby,” Brad responded.

“No way,” Mac said. “I live very close, I have a guest room, and I won’t take no for an answer. Besides, we can have that celebratory beer we didn’t have earlier.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Brad said.

“Just say yes, and we’ll have all the serious stuff settled and be on our way. Remember, since you won’t give me my half of the cabin, now I have to go to the bank too.”

“Okay, yes!” Brad responded.

“Yes what?” Mac asked.

“Yes, I’ll bunk in your guest room. Yes, we can have that beer. And yes, I know you have to go to the bank. Now please get your damn plane secured so we can leave.”

“Jeez, you’re bossy,” Mac shouted, as he started for the plane again.

Chapter 8

F
IFTEEN
minutes later, Mac had the plane secured and they were walking to the parking lot.

“By the way,” Mac said, “how much is this little venture going to cost me?”

“A mere twenty-five Gs,” Brad replied with a smile.

“Is that all?” Mac said.

“Yep, quite the bargain, don’t you think?”

“Sure is,” Mac said sarcastically.

They first drove to a branch of Brad’s bank, where Mac waited in the car while Brad picked up his check. Then they were off to Mac’s bank to do the same. When Mac had his check in hand, they made a quick stop at the package store for some beer and headed to Mac’s place.