It's a Good Life

by Carol Lynne

  “And have I changed your mind about that?” Sonny asked, bending over to give Garron a better look at his ass.

  “Are we going to get into the furry lifestyle now?” Garron actually looked incredibly uncomfortable at the prospect.

  Sonny reached behind his back and started to unzip the costume. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I thought it would be funny.”

  “Don’t take the whole thing off, just the mask. I think that’s what’s freaking me out the most.”

  Sonny stopped unzipping and tore the purchased rubber mask off. “Whew, that thing’s hot.” He dropped it on the floor as he walked toward the bed. “What about the Santa coat? On or off?”

  “Off,” Garron instructed.

  Sonny unbuttoned the coat, exposing his bare bits proudly. Despite the fact that his brain was fucked, he knew his body was still kick-ass. “Better?”

  “Definitely.” Garron pulled Sonny down on top of him. His hands ran down Sonny’s back to his bare ass. “Where in the hell did you get this material?”

  Sonny stopped kissing Garron’s neck long enough to answer. “Well, I’ll tell ya, it’s not easy to find this color of green matted fur in Nebraska. I had to order it online. I can’t tell you how much of it went up my nose and down my throat while I was cutting it.”

  Garron separated Sonny’s ass cheeks and ran a finger up and down his crease. “I love that you did this for me.”

  “I wanted to surprise you, but I really didn’t intend to freak you out. I thought it would be funny.” Sonny lifted his legs up to straddle Garron’s hips, giving Garron better access to his hole.

  “I will never again be able to watch The Grinch without thinking of this.” Garron stared into Sonny’s eyes. “Get the lube.”

  It was obvious to Sonny that Garron had wanted to say more but had stopped himself. He decided not to push it and grabbed the nearby bottle.

  When he tried to hand it over, Garron shook his head. “How many people do you think can say they were fucked by The Grinch?”

  Sonny’s cock went rigid at the idea. He’d felt helpless for so long that the thought of taking control of their lovemaking empowered him. “I’d like that,” he whispered, rolling off Garron.

  “How do you want me?” Garron asked.

  Sonny glanced at the big mirror mounted over the dresser. “On your hands and knees, facing the mirror. It’ll be like you’re watching a movie.”

  “You’re a sick fuck when you want to be.” Garron chuckled but moved to the suggested position.

  Sonny dripped lube onto his fingers and brushed them across Garron’s opening while watching them in the mirror. “Can I wear the mask?”

  “No,” Garron refused.

  “Spoilsport.” Sonny rimmed Garron’s pucker with his finger until the muscles started to relax. It had been months since Garron had been breached, so Sonny went slow, hoping to make it good for the man he loved. He pressed the tip of his finger against Garron’s hole, slowly pushing it inside.

  “I’m fine. You can go further,” Garron told him.

  Sonny moved his index finger in all the way. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah,” Garron confirmed. “You can add more.”

  “How is this possible? Have you been fuckin’ around on me?” Sonny asked, pulling his index finger out before adding the middle finger.

  “No fucking around, promise. I’ve been expecting this, so I’ve been using my own fingers in the shower.”

  There were so many parts to that statement that Sonny didn’t know where to focus on first. “You were expecting this?”

  “Yeah.” He shrugged. “Just because I don’t ask for it doesn’t mean I don’t want it on occasion.”

  Sonny sawed his fingers in and out of Garron. “I’m sorry. You should’ve told me.”

  “I did, just a few minutes ago.” Garron looked over his shoulder at Sonny. “I’m not saying I feel neglected or anything, so don’t feel bad. I’ve been thinking about it lately, so I asked. That’s it.”

  Sonny removed his fingers and poured more lube onto his cock. Not only was he empowering himself, but he was evidently giving Garron something he’d wanted. He got to his knees and lined the head of his cock up with Garron’s stretched hole. “You watching?”

  Garron chuckled. “Yep. Start the movie already,” he complained.

  “You asked for it.” Sonny pushed the entire length of his cock inside Garron in one slow, smooth move. He forgot about watching himself and focused on the feel of Garron’s body wrapped around his cock. Holy shit, why hadn’t they done this more often? As much as he loved to get fucked by Garron, he was quickly becoming a fan of the reverse position.

  “Damn,” Garron growled, grinding his ass against Sonny’s groin.

  Sonny took control and put his hands on Garron’s hips. Holding his partner in place, Sonny pulled his cock out before surging back inside. The pleasure was amazing and once he remembered to watch their makeshift movie in the mirror, it was even better. He concentrated on the area where his hips thrust back and forth, pumping himself into Garron’s ass. “You’re right, it’s definitely freaky-looking, but I’m kinda liking it.”

  Garron shook his head. “Well, enjoy it while you can because I don’t see this becoming a regular thing for us.”

  Sonny’s rhythm faltered as he realized it could be one of the last times they made love. He tried to hide his body’s reaction by draping himself over Garron’s back. Wrapping his arms around Garron’s waist, Sonny continued to fuck in and out as he turned his face away from the mirror and closed his eyes. He tried to memorize each thrust and the way it made him feel. “Love you,” he whispered.

  Garron, who had been jacking his cock almost the entire time, cried out his climax as soon as Sonny had said the words.

  The idea that Sonny could bring his partner to orgasm with just two words touched him deeply. He wondered if Garron felt this could be one of their last times together. Surely, he wasn’t the only one who understood the risks of someone cutting around in his brain. His brothers and Garron may not want to talk about it, but they were intelligent men. The more Sonny thought about it, the faster his erection wilted. Shit. How was he going to play off the fact that he hadn’t come? Hell, he always came, sometimes twice while Garron fucked him.

  When Sonny’s flaccid cock was dislodged from its warm hole, Garron lowered himself to the bed. He rolled over and stared up at Sonny, tears swimming in his eyes. “Why don’t you take that damn thing off and lay with me for a while before we go to sleep?”

  Embarrassed, Sonny got off the bed. “Just give me a minute.” He retreated to the bathroom and began tearing the costume from his body, ripping it in the process. Who gave a fuck—he didn’t care if he ever saw the sonofabitch again.

  He turned on the shower and climbed in without waiting for the water to heat up. The slap of cold was just what he needed to cool his sudden build-up of anger. It wasn’t Garron’s fault Sonny couldn’t get out of his mind long enough to fuck the man he loved.

  The door opened and Garron stuck his head inside the shower. “Hey, mind if I join you?”

  “I said, I just needed a minute,” Sonny reminded Garron.

  Ignoring Sonny’s answer, Garron climbed in and wrapped his arms around Sonny. “You know what my favorite part about taking a shower is lately?”

  Sonny shook his head where it rested on Garron’s chest.

  “No one can see you cry.” Garron kissed the top of Sonny’s head. “I think we both need a shower right now, don’t you?”

  Chapter Six

  Garron awoke early Christmas morning with a last-minute plan in mind. He grabbed a clean change of clothes and his phone before sneaking out of the bedroom, leaving Sonny to get some much-deserved sleep.

  The two of them had spent the majority of the night holding each other and talking about their mutual fears. Knowing his friends were going to want to kill him, Garron called Nate’s phone from the kitchen.

  “Are you crazy?” Ri
o grumbled.

  Garron smiled. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Garron?”

  “Yep. Listen, I know it’s early, but I have a favor to ask.” Garron went on to explain to Rio what he had in mind. “I know it’ll be a stretch, but I really believe it’ll make a big difference.”

  “Yeah, okay, I’ll rouse Nate and Ryan and call ya back.”

  “Thanks,” Garron said before hanging up.

  After starting a pot of coffee, Garron sat at the kitchen table with a pad and pen. He’d just started writing when his phone vibrated. “Hey,” he answered.

  “Okay,” Rio began. “We can’t drive and get there in time, but Nate’s checking on flights out of Sheridan. I promise, we’ll be there if we can.”

  Garron was more than grateful for his friends. Nate, Ryan and Rio had helped put Sonny’s shooter behind bars, so it was only right they should be with them for such an important event. “I know you will. Let me know what Nate finds out.”

  “Will do.”

  After returning the phone to the counter, he poured himself a cup of coffee. With a steaming cup beside him, he returned to his writing. He’d never been good at putting his feelings into words, but he was horrible at putting them on paper.

  The sound of water running caught Garron’s attention. “Shit.” He tore off the sheet of paper and folded it into quarters, Slipping it into his pocket, he took a sip of coffee.

  Sonny came into the kitchen, naked and rubbing his eyes. “Why’re you up so early?”

  “Couldn’t sleep.” Garron tilted his chin up for a kiss. “Why don’t you go back to bed for a few more hours?”

  “Naw, I need to get some stuff done in the barn. Just because Jeb offered to take care of the animals while I’m gone, doesn’t mean I can’t make it easier for him.” Sonny picked up Garron’s coffee and took a sip. “You making breakfast?”

  “Sure. How long will it take in the barn?”

  “Two hours, probably.”

  “You want my help?” Garron asked.

  “Thanks, but I’ll be fine as long as there’s a big stack of pancakes and bacon waiting for me when I get back inside.”

  “It’ll be waiting.” Garron messed around in the kitchen until he heard the front door close. He watched Sonny through the window, taking in his bowed head, and he knew—surprising Sonny with a wedding in front of his family and friends was more important than ever.

  Snatching up his phone, Garron couldn’t wait any longer to call the others. He started with Jeb since his brother was probably also up doing chores.

  “Hello?”

  “I want you to help me throw a surprise wedding for Sonny,” Garron blurted out.

  “Okay,” Jeb readily agreed.

  “Just like that? You’re not going to think about it or anything?” Garron refilled his coffee cup.

  “You want this to happen today, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “So, how much time do I have to think about it?” Jeb asked.

  “Good point.” Garron ran his fingers through his hair. “I called Nate, Ryan and Rio and they’re trying to get a flight. Besides them, I think it should just be us, but I want someone to take pictures, and I know Lilly’s going to be pissed because she won’t have a dress to wear, but that’s okay because Sonny won’t even know about it, so I think it’s best if we all just dress casually…”

  “Take a breath,” Jeb urged.

  “Right.” Garron wiped his forehead before staring at his wet palm. “I’m sweating. God, I’m like a nervous groom, but I wasn’t nervous the first time I married Sonny. Why now?”

  “Because the stakes are higher this time,” Jeb offered.

  Garron nodded even though Jeb couldn’t see him. “It could mean the difference.”

  “I know. Let me call the others, and I’ll get out my big camera with the tripod.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You don’t have to thank me. It’s what I would do if I were in your shoes.”

  God, Garron loved his brother. “If you were in my shoes you’d look like a damn clown,” he shot back, hoping to lighten the mood.

  “You’re right about that,” Jeb agreed. “You’ve got grotesquely large feet.”

  With the world righted between Garron and his brother, he felt much better. “I’ll call you later.”

  “Garron…” Jeb said before Garron could hang up.

  “Yeah?”

  “You don’t always have to be the strong one. I’m here if you need a shoulder.”

  Garron squeezed his eyes shut and cleared his throat. “A damn puny shoulder,” he finally said.

  Jeb chuckled. “You’re an ass.”

  “I know, but you love me anyway.” It was the closest Garron could get to thanking his brother for the sentiment.

  “You’re right about that. See you later.” Jeb hung up before Garron could ruin another heart-felt moment.

  There was no doubt Garron would eventually collapse on his brother’s puny shoulders, but until Sonny was wheeled into the operating room, Garron would do his best to keep his shit together.

  * * * *

  Sonny was washing his hands in the kitchen sink when strong arms wrapped around him. He smiled and leaned back, believing it was Garron. “Hey, love.”

  “Don’t let Nate hear you say that,” a deep voice said in return.

  Sonny jumped and spun around, coming face to face with Rio Adega. “What the hell’re you doing here?” He gave Rio a hug.

  Rio, who was one of the best huggers Sonny had ever met, held him longer than usual. It dawned on Sonny what the trio was doing in Summerville. “Garron called you, didn’t he?”

  “Yeah.” Rio released Sonny and stepped back when Nate came in and tapped him on the shoulder.

  “My turn,” Nate said, throwing his arms around Sonny. “It’s been a while.”

  “Too long.” Sonny gave Nate a quick squeeze before moving out of the embrace. He liked Nate, but that hadn’t always been the case.

  Garron had gone behind his back and hired Nate and Rio to help prove Lionel’s involvement in Sonny’s shooting. Jealousy, something Sonny wasn’t aware he possessed, had come out in full force when he’d spotted Garron and Nate at a cozy table at the Zone. What he hadn’t known at the time was that love was blooming between Nate and Rio…who had already happened to be committed to Ryan. It had been a tangled mess, and Sonny was grateful he only had one man to keep happy.

  “Where’s Ryan?” Sonny asked.

  “Talking weapons with Garron and Rawley. I had a new bow made for him for Christmas.” Nate helped himself to a cup of coffee. “So, tell me about your surgery. What’re they going to do?”

  Leave it to Nate to cut to the chase. “Uhhh, I guess they’re going to try and remove the build-up of scar tissue from my brain.”

  “And will that eliminate the seizures you’ve been experiencing?” Nate probed, eyeing the healing cut on Sonny’s forehead.

  “That’s the goal.” If I don’t die on the table.

  The sound of a grumbling stomach drew Sonny’s attention. “You hungry?” he asked Rio.

  “Sorry. We were up and out of the house early this morning.” Rio rubbed his stomach. “Do you have cookies or something I can nibble on?”

  Sonny chuckled. Rio was one of the sweetest men he’d ever met, and definitely a child at heart wrapped in a huge, muscled Latin package. Holding up a finger, Sonny opened the refrigerator and withdrew a huge platter of tortilla roll-ups. “How about some of these?”

  Rio’s dark eyes lit up. “They look delicious, but I don’t want to eat something meant for your family.”

  Sonny removed the plastic wrap and shoved the plate toward Rio. “You are family.”

  Rio grinned, reaching for a pinwheel. “In that case.” He took one off the tray and popped it into his mouth. “Mmm,” he said, rolling his eyes.

  Nate slapped the back of his hand against Rio’s stomach. “While he’s cleaning your refrigerator out, what ca
n I do to help?”

  Sonny suddenly realized he might not have enough chicken for their unexpected friends. “Well, I was getting ready to wash the chicken and soak it in some buttermilk. If you want to start that for me while I make a quick call, I’d appreciate it.”

  “No problem.” Nate removed the cufflinks on his designer crisp white shirt and began to roll up his sleeves.

  Sonny took a carton of buttermilk out of the fridge and poured it into a large mixing bowl. “I’ll be right back.”

  Going through the back hall to the bedroom, Sonny pulled his phone out and called Ranger. “Hey.”

  “We’re leaving in a few minutes,” Ranger said.

  “Nate, Ryan and Rio are here. Please tell me you have some chicken.” Sonny paced the room, praying Ranger could help.

  “Sorry, no chicken, but I’ve got a big package of pork chops.”

  Pork chops. Sonny tried to marry the two in his mind. “Okay, I can make that work. I’ll just prepare them like the chicken and maybe no one will notice.”

  “I happen to love pork chops, so I’ll give up my chicken,” Ranger offered.

  “I knew I could count on you. See ya in a bit.” Sonny ended the call. He stopped and reminded himself that Nate, Ryan and Rio were his friends and wouldn’t think less of him because he’d had to improvise on lunch. More importantly, they’d probably be staying in the house with Garron while he was in the hospital.

  * * * *

  Sonny was listening to one of Nate’s stories when Rachel tottered her way into the room. “Unca!” she cried, holding her arms up to Sonny.

  “Hey, princess.” Sonny lifted Rachel into his arms and blew a raspberry on her cheek. The seventeen-month-old giggled and pressed her tiny hand against Sonny’s lips.

  “Again,” Rachel said.

  Sonny repeated the action so Rachel could feel the vibration against her palm while everyone in the kitchen chuckled. “What’s today?”

  “Cwimas!” she shouted.

  “That’s right.” Sonny smiled at his niece. He’d never been a big fan of children until Rachel had come into his world. He hugged her tight, silently praying he’d have another Christmas with his family.