Wings of Love Read online

  Chapter 6

  BRAD 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

  TWENTY 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

  FIFTEEN 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.

  Mac lived in a trendy suburb called Seward, just outside of Anchorage. The house was a Cape Cod with a white picket fence and a little garage. It reminded Brad of the house in the old television show Leave It to Beaver. He didn’t quite know what he’d expected, but this wasn’t it.

  Mac unlocked the front door and, upon entering, Brad saw the house was as charming on the inside as it was on the outside.

  He must have had a strange look on his face because Mac said, “Don’t look so surprised. Straight men can decorate too.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t know what I was expecting,” Brad said. “This is really charming.”

  “Thanks,” Mac replied. “But I was just kidding about straight men decorating. Lindsey did the entire place, and I haven’t had the heart to change it. Sometimes it feels like it’s all I have left of her, and by changing it, she would be totally gone.”

  “I can see where you’re coming from,” Brad said. “I can’t even begin to think about our place back in Seattle. I guess I’ll deal with it when I’m ready.”

  “Yeah, you will. Make yourself at home, and I’ll open a couple of beers and put the rest in the fridge. The guest room is upstairs, second door on the left, if you want to take your bag up,” Mac said.

  “Thanks, I’ll be right back down.”

  When Brad came down the stairs, Mac was in the den, starting a fire. “I thought a fire would take the chill off.”

  “Sure thing,” Brad replied. “Can I help?”

  “Nope, I got it under control, but thanks.”

  Brad sat on the couch and took a deep breath, the events of the last few days flooding his mind. Mac finished fiddling with the fire; he kicked off his shoes and sat cross-legged on the opposite end of the couch.

  He noticed that Brad suddenly had a somber look on his face and his eyes were starting to fill up with tears. He took a sip of his beer and said, “You okay?”

  “I think so,” Brad replied. “So much has happened in the last few days. Jeff would have been so excited about this cabin. He loved shit like this.”

  “Listen,” Mac said. “I certainly didn’t know Jeff as well as you did, but I’ve spent some time with both of you, and to be honest, I think he would be very proud of you.”

  “You really think so?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Mac?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Seriously, I don’t know what I would have done without you these last couple of days. I mean, I didn’t expect this kind of support when I showed up on your doorstep at Lake Hood. I just needed a lift to the lodge.”

  “I’m glad I could help, and hey, don’t forget, I got half a cabin out of it,” Mac said through a smile.

  They were both startled by the doorbell. Brad wiped his eyes with the back of his hands and said, “I don’t care how nice and supportive you are, you’re still paying for your half.”

  Mac got up to answer the door, but said over his shoulder, “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  “No, seriously man, thanks,” Brad said.

  “Anytime,” Mac said. “I’ll get the door, and you get us another beer, so we can toast to our new adventure.”

  “Sounds great.”

  When Brad returned with the beers, there was a really handsome man sitting on the couch.

  Mac stood. “Brad, meet Jack Cameron, Lindsey’s little brother.”

  Jack looked to be in his early thirties, with a full head of strawberry blond hair, a fair complexion, and beautiful hazel eyes. Brad stuck out his hand, “Bradford Mitchell, good to meet you.”

  “Likewise, Bradford,” Jack said.

  “My friends call me Brad.” Brad held out a bottle to Jack. “Beer?”

  “Thanks,” Jack said.

  As Brad headed back to the kitchen to get another beer, he heard Mac say, “You’re just in time for the celebration.”

  “Really, what are we celebrating?” Jack asked.

  “My new investment,” Mac said. “I am the proud owner of half of an old cabin up at Hiline Lake.”

  “Wow, congratulations, Mac, I know you’ve always wanted to do something like this. Am I to assume that Brad owns the other half?”

  “Yep. Brad and I met years ago when I would fly him and his partner up to the lake,” Mac explained. “His partner recently died of cancer, and he came up to get away for a while, and stumbled onto this cabin. He offered me half, and here we are.”

  Brad came back from the kitchen with his beer just in time to hear Jack say, “That’s great, Mac, I’m happy for you.” He turned to Brad and said, “You too, Brad.”

  The three men held their beer bottles up and touched them together as they all said, “Cheers,” and took a swig.

  “So, Jackie boy, how’s the charter boat business?” Mac asked.

  “Pretty good,” Jack said. “I’ve been very busy. In fact, I’m looking forward to a little downtime. I have a week with no charters, so I’m having the boat pulled out of the water to do some maintenance, and I can take a break.”

  “So what brings you to my neck of the woods?” Mac asked.

  “Oh, nothing really. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I haven’t heard from you in a couple of weeks.”

  “Thanks, Jack, I’m sorry I haven’t called,” Mac explained. “It’s been pretty crazy. I’ve had flights almost every day and some didn’t have any return passengers, so I just stayed at the lake. It saves on fuel, and Zander and Jake are always kind enough to put me up at the lodge.”

  “You don’t have to apologize, Mac. I’m not keeping tabs on you; I was just concerned.”

  “Hell, Jack, I know that. I’ll do a better job of staying in touch, I promise.”

  “Just invite me up to your new cabin every now and again, and I’ll forgive you.”

  “Deal,” Mac said. Then he shyly turned to Brad, looking for some sort of okay from Brad.

  Brad nodded in agreement and said, “You’re welcome any time, Jack.”

  They drank the rest of their beer while Mac and Brad told Jack about the cabin, and they discussed what needed to be done immediately and what could wait until the spring. They decided they would check out the solar power system first to make sure it was in good working condition, then the roof, porch, and the plumbing.

  While Mac and Brad excitedly discussed their plan of attack, Jack observed the interaction and the relaxed familiar manner between them. They seem very comfortable with each other, he thought. They appear to get along really well, and Mac has needed something like this for a long time. And I’m sure Brad could use a distraction about now. This could be good for both of them.

  Jack stood. “This is all well and good, boys,
but I need to get going. I just wanted to check on my favorite brother-in-law.”

  “Wow. I’m flattered,” Mac said. “Although, it would mean a little more if I wasn’t your only brother-in-law.”

  “Very funny, Mac, you know what I mean.”

  “Thanks, Jack. Let us know when you want to come up to the lake,” Mac said.

  “Will do, gentlemen—later then?”

  “Later,” Brad said.

  Mac walked Jack to the front door, hugged him good-bye, and closed the door.

  He returned to the den and found Brad making a list of things they needed.

  Brad looked up. “He seems like a really nice guy.”

  “Yeah, he saved me when Lindsey died. I’m not sure if I could have gotten through it without him.”

  “I’m glad he was there for you, and we’ll make extra sure we get him up to the lake soon.”

  “Thanks, Brad, I appreciate that. It means a lot.”

  “Now let’s get to that list.”

  They continued adding items to the list, such as oil for the lamps, assorted tools, and various supplies. When they were exhausted from all the planning, Mac picked up the remote, turned on the television, and started channel surfing. They settled on This Old House, a do-it-yourself home improvement show that was just starting. Talked out, they fell into a comfortable silence.

  The next time Brad glanced over at Mac, he was sound asleep with his head back and feet stretched out in front of him, crossed at the ankle. He had never really looked at Mac before, not like this anyway. Mac was really handsome. His jet-black hair, with a little gray at the temples, was the perfect backdrop for his crystal-blue eyes and dimples. He was about five eleven, medium build, with a swimmer’s body, lean and fit. He thought back and couldn’t remember him and Jeff ever talking about how handsome Mac was; why did they not notice him? Not that it would have mattered; they were a monogamous couple, but every now and then, one or the other would make a comment about another person’s looks, just to acknowledge a great body or someone exceptional-looking. Studying Mac now, he could clearly see that he was absolutely gorgeous.