The Great American Road Trip (short story) Finding Family Book Four

 

Beware this story contains spoilers if you haven’t read Half Empty, Half Full, or the first seven chapters of Brimming Over. You can find all three stories in the usual places myBook.to/FindingFamilyTrilogy

The Great American Road Trip

by

Alexa Milne

Chapter One

After leaving Beaumont early, they arrived in Austin mid-morning and found their way to the hotel. Linc’s curiosity had been pinged when David had said nothing about the place he’d found online.

“I can’t wait for you to see this place.”

“I did wonder when you didn’t show me anything.”

“It’s a shame we’ve only got one night here.”

 When they pulled into the car park, Linc’s mouth fell open. “Do they know that sign looks like a cock and balls?” Linc asked.

“They do, and they make a feature of it. It’s a colourful place,” David said grinning. “I warned them we’d be early, so we should be able to check in. I’ve a list of places to go, and we should be able to walk or catch cabs. This is an old place with an interesting history.”

They carried their bags into the entrance and were directed to a pool bedroom. Linc stood and stared turning in a full three-hundred-and-sixty-degree circle to take it all in. “I know you like colours,” he said. “But I’m not sure I could cope with a bedroom in these shades. And is that real orange leather on the sleigh bed?”

“It is, and I’m not sure I could cope with the wallpaper either. I got a double room as they advertise being LGBTQ+ friendly. There’s a two-day tour of the city recommended on-line, but as we’ve only got today, and it’s a long journey to Roswell, I’ve cut some places. At least I should be able to do some of the driving tomorrow.”

“We’ll see,” Linc said. “Thankfully, you got some rest last night, and if we don’t do too much today…you should be fine. Now, before we do anything else, a coffee.”

They strolled to the downtown area, found a place, and sat drinking excellent coffee watching the world go by. “There are a lot of people stood around looking at the buildings,” Linc said.

“Austin has these message murals around the city. The one on the wall here says, “I love you,” and people have their pictures taken there. I thought we might too if that’s all right with you.”

Linc leaned forward and kissed David, forgetting for a moment where they were. He glanced around, but no one had paid any attention. Clearly, the rainbow sticker and Austin’s reputation were correct.

Outside, Linc grabbed David’s hand to stand in front of the wall. “I’ve got longer arms.” He held out his phone hoping he got everything in. “There. That works,” he said, standing behind David and wrapping his arm around him. “I want to kiss you again, but maybe we’d better not out here.” Instead, he placed his chin on David’s shoulder and clicked a couple of times.

They spent the rest of the morning in and out of shops. Linc bought a couple of T-shirts with rainbows. “And I bought this one for you,” he said. “He held up the shirt with its “I’m the top” logo.

“You know I will never wear it, don’t you?”

Linc frowned. “You could wear it for me at home.”

“It’s not even true.”

Linc stroked David’s arse. “It could be tonight on the oh so colourful bed. You could wear it and nothing else.”

David whispered in his ear. “Baby, if you’re the bottom, I’m the top.”

“You’ll get no argument from me.” Linc moved nearer. “I wish you weren’t so god damn sexy,” he whispered.

David growled. “Stop it.”

“Not helping.”

David stepped away. “Enough. So how do you feel about bikes?”

“It’s been a while, but they say you never forget.”

“There’re places you can rent them. I thought we’d have lunch then work it off. And if I feel dizzy, I’ll stop.”

“I’m not exactly small,” Linc said.

“I checked. It’s fine as long as you can ride. There’s a big park we can travel around and stop whenever we want. We can rent the bikes for three hours and afterwards I did plan going out for some music and dancing, but I might be tired by then.”

“We can always go back to the hotel, have dinner across the road, and sit in the bar. It’s a long bit of driving tomorrow.”

After a lunch of tacos, they collected the bikes. Linc sat astride his. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been on a bike. He wobbled at first, but after a little while it was like they said, you never forget. David managed to use the peddles. Linc hadn’t said anything knowing David knew what he could and couldn’t do. They headed to the park, carefully avoiding pedestrians, stopping when they needed to watch the world go by along the bike trails on the banks of the Colorado river. It was warm, but not too warm, though Linc built up a sweat and looked longingly at the river, wishing he could swim.

“We could take a dip in the pool at the hotel later,” David said, reading his mind. “I will if you will. I can cope with people staring. You can give me a hand if I need it—big boy like you.”

“I hope you’re not all talk,” Linc said riding off ahead of him.

They handed in their bikes at another branch two hours later, grabbed a drink, then took a cab back to the hotel.

“I know we haven’t seen much,” David said.

“It’s fine. Maybe, we’ll be able to come back one day.”

David gazed up at Linc. “Come here. There was something we mentioned earlier.”

Linc joined David on the bed. “Oh yeah, I seem to remember you saying you’d wear that T-shirt. Are you sure you don’t want a sleep?”

“There will be another time.” David rolled on top of Linc not waiting to change his clothing.

“I see you’re topping already,” Linc said, grinning broadly.

“Are you complaining?”

“Me? Complain? I’m just an old married man grateful for any attention he gets.” He lurched, feeling David grab his now excited cock. “Fuck! You could warn a person.”

“And what would be the fun in that?” David asked. He kept pressing Linc.

“If you keep that up, I’ll come in my pants, and I don’t want to have them stashed in my packing.”

David shuffled down the bed and knelt between Linc’s legs. He kept his shirt on and Linc didn’t ask him to remove it instead he sat up and pulled off his own T-shirt.

“God, those arms of yours,” David said. “You’re like one of those blokes in a strong man competition. It must be all those years of using your tools.”

Linc laughed aloud knowing David had chosen his words carefully. “If my arms depended on how I used my tool, only one of them would be this big.” He reached forward and undid David’s jeans. “Talking of tools…”

“I need to divest myself of a few things.”

Linc watched while David stripped and took off his leg. It made balance harder but as David had explained, “It makes fucking easier because my foot doesn’t bend.” Linc didn’t care. He stripped off his own jeans and lay back staring at David, this gorgeous man who for some reason loved him.

“Have I ever mentioned how much I adore your dick?” he said, reaching forward.

David glanced toward the window. “We might need to be a bit quieter. We are on the ground floor, and there may be people strolling past. We don’t want to get thrown out.”

Linc chuckled. “Just remember the hotel logo. I have to say your erection is as impressive as their sign, though thankfully not orange. Now, handsome, I want you to put it to full use.”

David grabbed a towel and Linc lifted his hips so David could place a pillow underneath. A cool finger pressed into his body.

“You are eager today,” David said. “I will need my finger back.” Another, then another, joined the first. Linc squirmed then jerked when David hit his prostate.

“Come on, need you inside me.” David winced.

“You are okay, aren’t you? Sorry, I wasn’t thinking about your bruises.”

“I’m fine,” David said. “It’s only when I move in certain ways. If I managed on a bike, I can manage you.”

Linc lifted his legs up and apart. “Then I’m all yours.”

David pushed inside him in one smooth movement until he was balls deep. Linc sighed letting his body relax for a moment getting used to the stretch and burn which was soon replaced by the pleasure of being full of this man he loved more than life itself. He didn’t care how or why he’d been so lucky. David loved him and wanted him. He was simply happy that he did. David settled himself with his hands either side of Linc’s chest ed back then thrust back in. Over and over he took Linc higher and higher. Never would he ever have had enough of this man.

“You feeling it?” David asked.

“Oh yeah. God, I love your cock inside me. I love the weight of you over me. I love seeing your face, especially when you come. Yeah, just there. That’s it. Fuck me harder, but don’t hurt yourself.”

“Not hurting,” David said. “I love being inside you too. It’s like your body was made for me.” He leaned over and kissed Linc’s mouth then each nipple in turn. All of Linc’s nerve endings tingled. His body gathered until every sensation lodged in his cock and balls. He loved to come first and squeeze David’s orgasm out of him. 

“Not long,” he warned. David fucked him faster. Linc grabbed his cock, gave it two tugs, and came over his hand and stomach. His arse contracted around David, and from the almost agonised expression on David’s face, he knew David would follow him soon.

“Bloody hell!” David cried. He slowed then stopped, breathing heavily until he withdrew and rolled off to lie next to Linc on the bed. Linc removed the pillow and placed one of their own towels under him in case he leaked. David picked up the wipes from the bedside cabinet and cleaned Linc’s front.

“Always best to be tidy in someone else’s bed,” he said. Linc smiled. David was just as tidy in their own.

“You are awesome,” Linc said. “And I’m starving. When we’ve rested a little, let’s go to the place over the road and relax. We can try the nightlife somewhere else when you’re fully recovered.

“Fine by me,” David said. He yawned.

“Close your eyes,” Linc said. David turned and Linc wrapped an arm around him but didn’t press too hard, not wanting to hurt him any more than necessary. It must have hurt David doing that, but he obviously didn’t want to acknowledge any fragility, and Linc was prepared to go along with what David wanted and needed. He was still angry with him, but David had met his father and Linc’s anger would fade in time. His circle is complete in a way mine will never be. But that didn’t matter. Within these walls, with his friends and family, and now with the prospect of a child of their own, he had everything he could ever need.

They dined on tacos at the restaurant across the road from the hotel. Linc checked the menu, then asked the waiter.

“Does this have cilantro? It’s just I’m one of those people who can’t stand the taste.”

“No, sir. It doesn’t. We know not everyone can eat that particular herb.” They ordered chips with cheese, or fries as they had to remember to say.

“It’s a whole new language,” David said, laughing. He glanced at Linc. “And could I have avocado?”

“Certainly, sir.”

“Posh bastard,” Linc whispered, but obviously not quietly enough as the woman nearby turned and frowned. He mouthed a ‘sorry.’

“This is nice,” he said, glancing around. “And it’s warmer than the weather we left behind in Norfolk.” The temperature gauge on the wall read seventy-five degrees even at seven in the evening. “So, do you feel up to driving tomorrow?” Linc asked.

“Got to try some time,” David replied. The food arrived. Linc bit into his taco.

“Wow, this has some serious chilli content,” he said, grabbing his beer. “I can feel it tingling on my tongue. How’s your avocado?”

David grinned at him. “Very good, thank you. They do like to smother things in cheese.”

They finished their meal and decided to treat themselves to one cocktail sat in the courtyard bar. They lounged on the bright blue seating, sipping margaritas.

“Think I still prefer a beer,” Linc said.

The woman on the next seat leaned forward. “Me too but you have to try things.” Linc noted her accent.

“You’re not from around here,” he said.

“No, I might still have a slight accent. Most Americans have no idea what I’m saying, but then mostly anyone outside the Moray Firth has no idea either. I try to tone it down, but it slips out.”

“Are you on holiday here too?” David asked.

“I am, but I live in California. I work in Silicon Valley. Don’t ask what I do. One, it’s secret and two, it’s excruciatingly boring, but it pays. I’m doing three years here then it’s back home. You’re here on holiday, I assume.”

“Yes, we’re doing a two-week road trip. We started in New Orleans and we’re planning to end up in San Francisco.”

“That’s a lot to pack in.”

“And lots of driving,” Linc added. “We’d be driving from Norwich to Edinburgh every day driving these distances, but it’s nothing here.”

A man appeared, put drinks on the table and sat in one of the chairs.

“This is my husband, Steven. I dragged him over with me for the experience. And I’m Chance.” She held her hands up. “I know. I tell people my parents loved Monopoly and I could have been called Community, but Mum always said she took a chance getting pregnant and the name stuck.”

“I’m Linc, and this is my husband, David.”

“Been married long?” Steven asked.

“Since February,” David said. Linc could feel David tense beside him. Every time they announced their relationship each wondered what reaction they’d get.

“We’ve been married three years,” Chance said. “I took one look at him dancing in a kilt and it was love at first sight.”

“Well, she says that,” Steven said, beaming from ear to ear. “But between you and me, I was nae wearing anything underneath like a good Scotsman, and let’s say not only my kilt was swinging.”

Chance punched her husband’s arm. “Ignore him. He’s a writer, and he does tend to exaggerate. What is it you two do?”

“David was a librarian—”

“But my library was closed by recent cuts so now I’m about to train to teach. And Linc is a wood sculptor.”

“I make one-off pieces of furniture for people I would say with more money than sense, but I’d be lying. The people who buy my stuff have both sense and taste.”

“Do they?” Chance asked.

“He’s not lying,” David said. “He makes the most brilliant pieces. My husband is a talented man.” 

Linc desperately wanted to hug David. Rarely in his life had someone spoken of him with such huge pride in their voice. His heart threatened to jump out of his chest, like in a cartoon. Heat rushed into his face and his ears burned. David nudged him. “Well, you are. I could show you examples of his work.” David fiddled with his phone.

“This is a chair. You can see the dragons on it. And this is a wall of cat runs he did for me.”

“Bloody hell,” Chance said. “You must love cats.”

“He does,” Linc said, grateful to change the subject. “He fosters them and has a You Tube channel. My goddaughter knew him before I did, and she has one of his kittens. He used to read children’s stories at the library.”

“That’s a coincidence. Steven writes children’s stories,” Chance said.

“Well, young adult. They’re aimed at teenagers. Not original, but it’s a group of teenagers who solve mysteries.”

Talk turned to books. Linc listened while David and Steven chatted. Chance patted his arm. “I think we’ve lost them. If only coding was so exciting.”

“You could try to explain it to me,” Linc said. “But I should warn you, my best friend does all my IT stuff like my website.”

“I couldn’t help noticing David’s head. Tell me if I’m being too nosy.”

“There’s a long story behind it, but a few days ago David was alone in the car outside a house. Someone called the police who dragged him out and wouldn’t let him explain what he was doing. He ended up in hospital with staples in his head.”

“Shit! You see all sorts. Have you complained?”

“David didn’t want to, but I think his father, whose house he was outside, might. He could have been killed. I mean who hasn’t seen the way Black men are treated by the police?”

“I know. It’s incredible to think that as a mixed-race couple, Steven and I couldn’t have married in some states just over fifty years ago.”

“Times change. When my grandfather chucked me out of home aged fourteen, I never imagined I’d be able to marry a man. Trouble is there are always those who want to stay in the past and misuse religion as a reason.”

“Sounds serious,” David said, leaning in.

“Another round?” Steven asked.

“Just something soft for us,” Linc said. “We’re both driving tomorrow. Raspberry lemonade sounds nice.”

Steven stood and wandered to the bar.

“So where are you heading off to in the morning?”

“Roswell tomorrow and overnight, then a secret trip,” David said. 

“Aliens,” Chance said, laughing. “Don’t get him started.”

“On what?” Steven asked, placing the tray on the table.”

“David and Linc are off to Roswell tomorrow.”

The evening continued with discussion of UFOs, the existence of aliens, and films and TV until David yawned.

“Time for us to sleep. It’s been lovely to meet you. If you’re ever in Norfolk…” They exchanged phone numbers before returning to their room.

“That’s what I like about holidays,” David said. “Meeting new people from different places. Steven said his publisher is looking for someone to do the audio for his books. He gave me their address and told me to get in contact.”

“Sounds promising,” Linc said.

David yawned. 

“Come on, lie down. I’ll rub cream into your leg for you.” David was asleep before he’d finished. For a few minutes, Linc simply sat staring at his husband, then climbed in beside David, ready to sleep before the long drive in the morning.

Chapter Two

Even after setting off at seven in the morning, the journey to Roswell seemed to take forever. They allowed themselves one brief stop on the way, but it was still just past three in the afternoon when they finally arrived at their destination, booked into the hotel, and washed off the dust from the journey. 

David sat on one of the twin beds. “I was a little worried there might be a free alien in every room or that all the decoration would have little green men, but this is quite ordinary. Mind you, I did love the streetlamps with alien heads.”

Linc nodded. “That may have been the longest and most boring bit of land I’ve ever travelled through.” From setting off, the landscape had turned from trees at the side of the road to mostly flat scrubland that made Norfolk seem much more undulating and certainly greener. “I’m glad I didn’t have to drive the whole distance myself.”

David had managed a couple of hours behind the wheel. His headaches had almost gone, and his bruises were beginning to fade. “The bed’s comfy though. Shall we go alien hunting?”

The museum turned out to be a modern building full of mannequins re-enacting various scenes involving Roswell and the dissection of aliens. Some of it appeared more tongue-in-cheek than serious, at least to David, the more sceptical of the pair.

“You can’t deny something must be out there,” Linc said. “Look at all these examples of UFO sightings, and some of them really do have no likely explanation. As Mulder would say--the truth is out there.”

David turned on the spot taking in the room. “This place splits itself in half—some silly and some serious—and there’s too much reading to keep kids interested.” David found himself analysing every visitor attraction with a more critical eye since his involvement in the project.

Linc had wandered away. Of course. There’s lots of reading here. David found him staring at a large model of a silver robot.

“The Day the Earth Stood Still—klaatu nikto barada.”

“Sorry?” David said.

“Klaatu nikto barada,” Linc repeated. “Please don’t tell me you’ve never seen The Day the Earth Stood Still. It’s classic sci-fi. They remade it a few years back, but the original is the best.”

David shook his head.

“Well, that’ll change when we’re back home. You have watched the X-Files, haven’t you?”

“Some episodes, but not all. Chris is your man for Mulder and Scully. I’m not as total a geek as you and Matt. I got lost in the conspiracy theories.”

Linc turned to face him. “You need a thorough sci-fi education.”

“And I suppose you’re just the man to give it to me.” He grinned.

“You’re darn tooting I am.”

“Are you even allowed to say that without a Stetson on your head or chewing a piece of grass?” Linc shrugged and continued to the next room.

After a couple of hours, and a visit to the gift shop, they emerged into sunshine. “Matt will love these postcards,” Linc said. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving, and thirsty. Let’s see if we can find a place to eat that offers a UFO burger or something. I did see somewhere I’d like to visit tomorrow before we set off for Santa Fe. There’s a museum of contemporary art which looks good.”

“Fine by me,” David agreed. “And I’d love some food. There must be somewhere with something other than tacos and burgers. I need some vegetables.”

“You had lettuce, tomato, and onion last night, not to mention avocado,” Linc said.

David frowned. They wandered down the main street and finally found something different. “This one has a proper salad bar,” David said.

Inside, there wasn’t an alien in sight. The walls were decorated with cattle horns and cowboy hats with the odd saddle, but there was a huge buffet selection. “I feel like I should lower the timbre of my voice in here. I wish we’d both worn something in flannel with jeans, boots, and a belt with a huge buckle.” His anxiety eased when he saw some other non-white people under fifty in the place.

A smiley waitress greeted them with dinner menus and showed them to a table. David settled on chicken and piled his plate high with vegetables, while Linc went for ribs with some salad on the side. They shared a bowl of fries.

“This isn’t half bad,” David said. “The sauce is rich and sticky. And the beer’s good too.”

Linc chewed on a rib, getting sauce in his beard. He nodded. “Yep. This is more like it.”

David handed him a napkin. “You might want to give the facial hair a wipe, or it’ll be you that’s sticky. I’ve wondered about growing a beard myself while we’re here. I’ve never had much more than stubble.”

Linc grinned. “I could go for the stubble. I could come home with a new man.”

Back at the hotel an hour or so later, they collapsed into bed and slept. 

The next morning, they continued their exploration of the area.

“This place is great,” Linc said, in the Museum of Contemporary Art. “I want to run my hand over this wood, but I suppose it’s against the rules. I’ve never sculpted horses, and this is life size and awesome.”

David wandered, checking out the paintings. “The colours on these landscapes are beautiful.” He couldn’t imagine the scenery they’d driven through yesterday inspiring anything like these. He’d have loved one for their wall. He turned to find a woman staring at him. Linc had disappeared, leaving him talking to himself.

“David, come look at this.” He found Linc in the next room staring at a table, a huge table built like one of those racing tracks with a loop in the middle, carved from one piece of wood.

“Can you imagine having a tree wide enough to carve it from.” This time Linc did run his hand over the surface. He leaned into David. “I’m getting a hard-on just touching the patterns in the wood. It’s magnificent.”

David grinned. “But who would have a house big enough?”

“I could make one on a smaller scale.” He took out his phone and snapped a picture.

“Still not sure we could fit one in the house,” David muttered.

In the next room, more wooden creations hung from the ceiling—huge swordfish, marlins, sharks, and were those crayfish? They ended up spending longer there than planned, so had to cut back on lunch and grab a burger. The car already loaded, they set off for Santa Fe.

This journey was shorter, but this time there wasn’t even any scrub. The landscape was completely flat, and you could see for miles. It was hard work to keep to the speed limit, but David had no desire to tangle with any more police.

“I take back what I said about the last bit of the journey,” Linc said. “You don’t really get how big this place is until you’ve done these drives. The horizon appears so far away. The cowboy shows always have those huge rock formations, but this is dull with a capital D.”

David checked his notes. “Santa Fe is the place with the strange museum with all the colours and interaction. And there’s a tourist attraction about local life as well. A lot of the houses are low-level and have orange plaster on the walls like the pueblos. Tomorrow is a bit more of a journey but to somewhere extraordinary. We’ve two nights there so we can have a rest after all the driving.”

“You’re not telling me much about it,” Linc said.

“No, but I will tell you that you’ll be glad we packed the binoculars and boots.”

An hour later, after one wrong turn in the town, they found the hotel in the New Mexican capital.

“Another day, another room. The joys of a road trip,” David said. “Still, it’s only eleven and I booked a bathroom with a large shower and a shower seat, so I don’t have to hop. Care to join me?”

Linc grinned and stripped immediately.

It was wonderful feeling the warm water flow over his shoulders and back, but yet more wonderful was having Linc’s cock in his mouth. Getting the height right had proved tricky but now, stretching to take in as much as he could while Linc braced himself and moved so he slid over David’s tongue, was everything David had hoped for. He loved this connection. He loved the sounds and the smells. He loved the sense of power and control it gave him. Is that wrong? He stopped sucking and ed away just leaving his tongue on the tip when he suspected Linc was close.

“Gonna be like that, is it?” Linc growled.

David glanced up at Linc’s blue eyes, crinkled at the sides by his huge beaming smile. He let his tongue slide around the tip tasting the bitter liquid, teasing while with his hands free, he squeezed Linc’s balls or ran a fingernail down his arse. He stopped and Linc moaned.

“Don’t be mean.” His voice sent blood racing to David’s cock.

“You love it. It’s a pity there’s nothing for you to lean on or I could turn you around, bend you over and eat you out.” He could swear Linc’s cock leapt at the thought.

“You are evil.” The gaze they shared was full of love.

And I’ll show you exactly how evil I can be. Without warning, he tightened his grip on the base of Linc’s cock and took the rest into his mouth, licking and sucking in his cheeks, leaning his head on Linc’s stomach, and gently rolling his balls.

“Oh yeah, you’re so good. Gonna pour down your throat.” They didn’t always talk dirty but sometimes he needed to hear it. 

“Oh yeah. Suck me, baby. That’s it. Make me come. Wanna come over your face.”

David pulled off making a popping sound. Linc peered down at him with a worried expression. “Sorry, got a bit carried away, but as we’re in the shower. We’ve never and I haven’t asked. If you don’t want to, it’s fine.”

“After all we’ve done, now you worry.” Linc’s dick had deflated a little. “Shower me with your love, big boy.”

“You bastard,” Linc said. “For that I’m going to cover you in me.”

Linc reached for his cock, but David batted him away. “You’re mine and your cum is mine too.” The reaction was instant.

A minute of intense attention later and Linc was coming in waves covering David’s face and chest until milked dry. David licked his lips.

“You look pretty covered in me,” Linc said. David stood with help from Linc then leaned back holding the side for balance. He could get his head wet now, and let the water run over his face. Linc got to his knees, opened David’s legs, took hold of his cock, and reciprocated for all he was worth. 

With cleaning taking a bit longer than planned, after a hurried chicken wrap and fizzy water, they set off walking to the local quirky art installation.

“Fuck me,” Linc said when they parked. “I wouldn’t want to find something that size in my house.” A huge metal spider stood in front of the building along with a blue metal wolf. They took pictures of each other and having booked tickets in advance entered the plain building. The colours hit them at once.

“It’s a good job strobe lighting doesn’t bother us,” Linc said.

“Or loud music.” David added.

Every room contained strange, amazing shapes and designs in every material, some you pressed, some you experienced, others you watched. It was easy to become immersed in everything and turn around on the spot to take it all in. Children ran around touching things, screaming at displays which moved without warning. David flinched at a particularly piercing sound.

“You might have to get used to noise with kids about,” Linc said. “Just imagine you’re in an especially colourful mosh pit.”

“Never been in one,” David admitted. “The leg sort of makes them a bit dangerous, and I can’t jump about.”

“I’ve only done it a couple of times. Matt ended up being carried over people’s heads because he’s slight. I have memories of sweaty bodies and beer.”

“I have no problem with sweat,” David said. They wandered through a narrow corridor with striped lights. Linc pushed the sides and they trembled.

“Am I too old to say that’s cool? There’s some sort of mystery here. I’m so used to touching wood every day, but this is every sort of material you could imagine and every texture.”

David suppressed a chuckle. Linc caught his eye and they both laughed out loud at the innuendo. Clearly, we’re both still teenagers sometimes.

After a couple of hours, they’d worked their way through and visited the shop. Outside, despite the colours inside, the light glared. It had become hot now, not just warm. They grabbed a drink from one of the food vans.

“Where next?” Linc said. 

“Well,” David said. “There’s a place fed by hot springs I’ve booked us into for the afternoon. We get foot rubs, CBD massages, and a private spa just for us. I hope you’re up for it.”

“Are there happy endings,” Linc asked, his eyebrows raised.

“No,” David replied emphatically. “Not there, but I’m sure one could be arranged for later. Maybe it’s the climate making me so horny. We need to pick up our car and swimming trunks if we bother to wear them. I explained about my prosthesis, but they said it wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Sounds brilliant,” Linc said. “Especially with all the driving we’ve done and have to do.”

“You can eat there too, so I’ve booked us in for dinner.”

“With this, and our mystery tour tomorrow, you’re spoiling me.”

“Today will set us up for the next two,” David said.

After the foot treatments and massages, David felt like he was floating with Linc floating alongside him. They donned their kimonos and entered the private ofuro spa. “This one is fully accessible,” David said. “It has sit-down showers. Shall we shower then lie in the pool?”

“Naked, I think,” Linc said. “I love how we can look out but no one can see in.” They lay back in the warm water and stared at the countryside until they began to wrinkle, then reluctantly got out and lay on the cooling bench.

“It’s even got one of those flash Japanese toilets,” Linc said. He came out still wearing the kimono.

David kissed him. “I wonder if they sell these in blue. You’d look gorgeous. As you do now.”

“This was such a good idea. I feel so relaxed after everything. We could get a hot tub for the new house.”

“I’m not sure we could manage a proper one, but I’ve seen blow-up ones which are cheaper. Anyway, let’s get dressed, have a drink, then eat.”

“Is this when I say I’ve never had Japanese food?” Linc asked.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll find something. And it will be a welcome change after all the meat we’ve had.”

“But I thought you liked meat.”

David nudged Linc and laughed. This holiday was proving exciting in more ways than one.

Chapter Three

When Linc came into the room from the bathroom, David was sitting reading his e-mails. 

“Mum and Dad send their love. They were just checking I’m all right and to let me know the cats are fine. The phone signal isn’t good around here for some reason so I couldn’t give them a ring. Mind you, it still amazes me you can call over such long distances without benefit of wires.”

“It’s magic,” Linc said. “I suppose I should check mine. I haven’t in case someone wants something.”

“Here use this,” David said. “I downloaded the app, so it’ll speak to you as well.”

Linc took the phone tapped a few buttons and loaded his e-mails. “There’s one from the estate agents.” David sat next to him on the bed. He opened up the email.

“There’s been an offer on the house for exactly how much I asked. If I take it, we can pay for the bungalow outright and worry about yours afterwards. It’ll give us some wriggle room to do up the new place before we move in. I didn’t expect it to be this quick.” He’d managed to read without the app. Colouring the screen helped nail down the words. 

David peered over Linc’s shoulder. “The buyer’s a builder. I guess he’ll extend and resell to make a profit and is taking a chance on the lapsed planning permission.”

“I feel a bit guilty selling, but it’s not as if it was in Frank’s family for years or anything. He bought it when he got married. I’ll have to put all my equipment in storage until I can make the new garage more secure and get some quotes on building something more permanent where the current workshop stands. We’ll need to check it’s all right, but as we’re replacing an existing building, it should be. We’ll also need to look at access from the back.”

David grinned at the last comment. “Always important.”

Linc pushed him back onto the bed and kissed him hard, letting his hands roam under David’s T-shirt.

“We haven’t got time,” David said.

Linc gave an exaggerated sigh. “No, because we’re off on a magical mystery tour. What d’you think? Should I accept the offer?”

“It’s your house,” David said.

Linc dictated the answer into the phone. “Done,” he said. “Now, lay on, Macduff. I may be driving but you know the way.”

“I will say at least it’s not completely flat this time,” Linc said as he drove along Highway 285. “There’s higher land ahead. Are we heading off into the hills?”

“We’ll certainly be going up,” David replied. “It’ll take about five hours to get there, and the last bit is uphill and around some bends—not exactly hairpin but pretty spectacular. We can sort the driving how you want.”

“I’m feeling refreshed after yesterday’s spa visit and a good night’s sleep.” Not to mention being fucked into the mattress last night by an equally refreshed David. His cock twitched in response. Down boy. Now is not the time.

“What do you think you’ll need to do with the new place for your workshop? I suppose we need to check if it’s all right to have a business operating out of there.”

“Already done,” Linc said. “I asked the previous owner. With everything else happening, I forgot to tell you. He used to repair bikes for people in the garage, so it’s soundproofed. He had thought of building a bigger workshop so got planning permission as long as it was a wooden structure on the outside and had proper access from the back, insulation, and proofing. I applied last week with a bit of assistance from Matt. He offered to help.”

“You have been busy,” David said.

“You don’t mind, do you? You said that part of the garden was mine. I thought it would be one less bother if I dealt with it, and I know what I need.”

David squeezed his thigh. “Don’t be daft. It’s fine and, as you say, you know what you’re doing. It’s just we’re spending your money, and I won’t be able to split things with you as I haven’t got enough equity in my house. I’m just hoping it sells as quickly. Mine isn’t in a popular coastal village.”

“It’ll sell,” Linc said. He hadn’t thought about the money really. He had it. They were married. The money was theirs. “And it’s my business, so it’s mine to spend money on. This way I can get it all set up how I like. It’s not like there’ll be much traffic. No one overlooks us at the back of the house, and I don’t think the wheat fields will object. It’s good because the access is wide enough for farm vehicles so it’s easily wide enough for my van. I can keep it out of the way and improve security with proper fencing and alarm systems. Meanwhile, you can concentrate on the house. I’ve never decorated a house or chosen wallpaper or carpets in my life. I used what Frank left me. Most of it is so old I’ll just get rid. I’d like to keep the bedframe though. It’s big enough for both of us. We could get a new mattress or use the one from your bed.”

“Does it come apart? I did wonder if Frank built it in the room.”

“Rachel said he took out the window to get in the longer pieces because the stairs were too narrow. Have we started going uphill now? It’s hard to tell on these open roads.”

“A little,” David answered. “We’re beginning the ascent.”

The slow climb went on for some time while they discussed colour schemes for each room in the new house and, more importantly, where David could put all his books.

“We could build an extension for them,” Linc suggested.

“Or you could build me lots of shelves. We could have some in our bedroom.” The three bedrooms were along one side of the house with the biggest at the back having French doors overlooking the garden.

“Are you sure you’re happy with blue?” Linc asked. “You haven’t mentioned purple yet. I know how much you love it.

“I know purple isn’t for everyone,” he said. “But I did see some wonderful bedding with matching curtains and netting that would look great on the bed.”

“Purple it is then.”

“Thank you. I thought we could build a catio with a link from the kitchen on the concrete to the side which looks like where the garage was in the past.”

“Sounds good. Are you hungry yet?”

“I could eat,” David said. “I’ll keep an eye out for somewhere.”

They stopped at someplace which called itself a cantina. Thirty minutes later they were back on the road with David driving. “It’s getting steeper.”

David sounded excited. “When the bends begin, we’ll be nearer. This is the Navajo trail.”

They drove for some time around bends and up and down until they emerged into more open territory. “Wow, the views up here are amazing. The sky seems to go on forever.” Linc glanced in every direction.

“Wow indeed,” David said. “I’ve driven this trip on Google but seeing it in real life is something else. We’ll have to stop somewhere.” They found a spot a little further on.

“This place is beautiful,” Linc said. “You can see for miles.” He took lots of photographs. “It’s a good job cameras don’t need film anymore.”

David insisted on driving the rest of the way. “This is my treat for you, so I want you to take in the scenery.”

Linc didn’t argue. The road continued to loop around the range, rising higher and higher on the Mesa Top Ruins Road. Wherever they were going, if it was as spectacular as this, he’d love it.

David turned at a sign for a lodge. “We’re here,” he said, and turned into a parking space.

Once again, they grabbed a suitcase from the car and Linc followed David into the entrance then, having signed in, along a corridor to door number seventy-two. This room had two huge beds, but it wasn’t those which caught his eye. It wasn’t even the beautiful wood on the carved bed frames. This time, it was the view.

“Fucking hell!” He strode over to the balcony door, opened it, and stood outside drinking in the sights. David wrapped his arms around him from behind and kissed his neck. For a minute, they stayed in the same position, staring out over the valley.

“Tomorrow we’ll be hiking and driving with a private guide who is taking us all around this area famous for the native Americans who built pueblos there. Some of them are seven hundred years old.”

“A private guide?” Linc said.

“Yes, we get driven to places then there are short hikes, and the guide tells us about the dwellings and the people who used to live here. Tonight, we’re dining in the restaurant. The brochure says the sunsets can be amazing.”

“For now, I just want to sit here and take in the view of the canyons. I bet the colours at sunrise are spectacular too.”

The restaurant proved to have equally splendid views. They wandered around the site, taking photographs. The next day they had an early start.

Their guide met them at the park entrance where they left their car. “Hi, I’m Andy. I’m your guide for this morning. And you must be Linc and David. I’m glad you’ve dressed appropriately. It’s likely to be hot and sunny today, so the tracks can get dusty, but we’ll be ahead of the group tour.”

“I’m Linc, and this is David.” 

“Okay, put your bags in the back and let’s get off.”

The vehicle was open much like a jeep, with bars to hang onto if they stood up. “Have you been doing this long?” David asked.

“I’ve lived in this area all my life. On my mother’s side, I can trace back the original people who lived here. My father is an incomer. He’s a park ranger like me. He drives the coach parties. He visited years back and fell in love with the place and with my mum.”

“Where we come from in England, it’s mostly flat. There are lots of arable farms with what we think of as huge fields. I live on the coast in a village. It’s so different from all these vast open spaces though.”

“I’ve never lived anywhere else. I went to New York once and hated it. I mean we have canyons here, but all those skyscrapers and people. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.”

The vehicle bumped along dirt roads. “We can go a little further than the bus.”

“I’m glad I slapped the factor sixty on,” Linc said. “My unknown genes help, but I still have a tendency to burn first then go a little brown.”

“So, are you two doing a big trip over here?”

“We are,” David said. “It’s our last big holiday on our own. We’ve just bought a house together and we’re hoping to adopt a child, so we won’t get to do this again any time soon.”

Linc waited, wondering how Andy would react, and surprised David had said anything.

“You two are a couple then—cool. My uncle is gay. Have you been together long?”

“About eighteen months—we got married in February,” Linc said.

“Do you mind me asking? Did anyone question you getting married with you being a mixed couple or is it different in the UK? My mum and dad faced loads of difficulties. Neither family was happy to begin with, though they’ve come around now.”

“Not with our families,” David said. “I’m adopted. In fact, my biological father is American. I met him for the first time when we came over here.” Linc didn’t add anything to the conversation.

“Wow, it has been a big trip then.” Andy stopped the car. “Ready to stretch your legs?”

They climbed out and followed Andy down a well-worn track until it opened up. Ahead of them, under a cliff of orange coloured rock, was what looked like lots of huts or rooms carved out of the stone.

“Follow me. That’s where we’re going first.” 

The Cliff Palace was the first of many sites they saw, each one amazing. Andy showed them around explaining the rooms and how they were made. “To think people lived here for hundreds of years,” Linc said. “It’s so hard to imagine. We tend to think of native Americans living in tents and following buffalos around the land.”

“Not all of them. In fact, not most of them. Many lived in villages for all or most of the year. Hollywood westerns have a lot to answer for.”

At one place, they had to climb a ladder to get into the house and they sat for a while gazing at the scenery. Lastly, they were taken to a viewpoint staring down the valley.

“The power of water is incredible. How it’s created this landscape,” David said. “We’re off to the Grand Canyon next, trying to get as much in as we can.”

Linc wiped the sweat from his brow. It was heading towards midday. A time when only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the sun. On the walk back to the jeep, Andy pointed out the wildlife of the area. Somehow over three hours had gone by. 

“I’ll take you back to the entrance to pick up your car.”

Once there, they thanked Andy and gave him a large tip. “Thank you. It’s been really interesting. I’ve taken so many photographs,” David said.

They watched Andy leave, no doubt off to meet his afternoon trip and found their way to the nearby café for lunch. Full of paninis and salad, they decided to do some shopping, knowing their families would love the native crafts on sale. They bought a couple of small rugs and turquoise jewellery, spent some time sitting on a terrace drinking fruity non-alcoholic drinks and glancing through the visitors’ guidebooks they’d bought. Linc sent a photo to Sylvia and received a reply suggesting her day hadn’t been quite so spectacular.

Eventually, they made their way back to the lodge, showered and sat on the balcony before dinner. That night the sunset was again beautiful as they looked  out over the mesa.

“I can’t believe we’re already halfway through our holiday,” Linc said. “This has been a wonderful place.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with moving on all the time? I’m beginning to feel a bit like that scene in A Room with a View.”

Now it was Linc’s turn to express a gap in his movie knowledge. “I’ve never seen it,” Linc said. “I usually watch films with Matt and he’s more of a sci-fi and horror fan than romance.”

“We can watch when we get back home. Anyway, this priest in Italy talks about American visitors and says, when an American asks where somewhere was—"that must be where we saw the yellow dog”—because they’ve done the usual tour. And tomorrow for us it’s another long drive to the Grand Canyon.”

Linc leaned over and kissed David’s ear. “I booked something for the day after tomorrow.”

“What?” David asked.

“I know we’re doing the Sky Walk Bridge if I’m brave enough, and visiting the local attractions, but I booked us a helicopter ride for thirty minutes. It flies down into the canyon.” He hoped he’d done the right thing.

“Really. Oh wow! I’ve never been in a helicopter. Is it just us?”

“Yep, just me and you swooping over the river. I have to admit, I’m more than a bit terrified, but we might only get to do it once.”

David took his hand. “Come to bed with me.”

David lay naked behind Linc. His breath caressed Linc’s neck making the big man shiver.

“Are you all right?” David asked.

“Yeah, I’m good. Will you fuck me like this?” He reached into the bag next to the bed and pulled out the lube and a towel. David prepped him quickly and slid into him. Linc loved how full it made him feel—how connected with David surrounding him. As David thrust into him, Linc lifted David’s hand and sucked on his fingers. David groaned into his shoulder.

“You smell so good,” he said. “I love how you feel, how you sound, hearing each breath you take, the way you moan.”

Linc placed the towel under his cock and dragged David’s hand down. He took the hint and Linc matched David’s rhythm. Soon neither of them could stop the orgasms which flowed between them.

“I love you,” David whispered into his ear. “So much.”

“I love you too. This has been so good with just the two of us.” After cleaning up, they fell asleep in each other’s arms, resting before the next day. Tomorrow they’d be on their way again, travelling to one of America’s most famous sites.

Chapter Four

“Today, I’m once again grateful for two things,” David said when they arrived at the hotel and stepped out of the car. “Firstly, that the car has air con and secondly, that petrol is so cheap here. I hate to imagine how much all this mileage would cost back home. I should have added up how many miles we’ve done.”

“You can always Google it,” Linc said. 

They entered reception out of the heat and into the cool again, gave their names, and took the keys for their room. “Not such a view this time,” David said.

The drive had taken nine hours with bending roads at the start and an accident somewhere along the way. They’d taken it in turns at the wheel.

Linc collapsed onto one of the beds. “I bet we could have driven from home to Land’s End or even John O’Groats today. I need food and sleep.”

David checked for Wi-Fi, logged on, and calculated the distance they’d driven. “It says we’ve done five hundred and five miles which is more than home to Land’s End, and about the same as if we were going to Inverness. At least the journey wasn’t flat and boring this time.” He scratched his head, forgetting the staples. At least his hair had grown a little. The baseball cap had come in handy to avoid comments or questions, and here eating with a hat on seemed normal. His mum would not have been pleased. No caps at the table at home.

“Maybe I should get myself a Stetson,” he said, turning to Linc who was lying on the other bed. “What do you think?”

“You can only wear one if you’re riding me, cowboy.”

David chuckled. “I think it could be arranged.” He palmed his groin.

“Don’t,” Linc said. “I’m too tired and hungry. I think we’d better find the restaurant and eat before I fall asleep here. But keep the thought in mind.”

David grinned. “Oh, I will.”

The hotel’s diner was a huge barn-like room. They found a table at the side, ordered, and sat back hardly talking, neither of them feeling the need to fill the silence.

“More carbs,” David said, as he tucked into a jacket potato served with yet another burger. “I’m going to have to join a gym when we get back.”

Linc winked at him. “There are other forms of exercise available.” He yawned. “Don’t worry, I’m all talk.”

David copied his yawn. “Tonight, we sleep. Tomorrow, we’re going up in a helicopter.”

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, they packed up the car, then drove the short distance to the airport. They waited in the shop.

“I wish we didn’t have to worry about weight allowance as the girls would love these multicoloured rocks,” David said.

“Perhaps we could get a few for each of them,” Linc replied. “You go and sign us in, and I’ll pick a few.”

David strolled over to reception.

“You’re booked on the nine thirty flight, Mr Rallison. Here’s a brochure, and you’ll have to get weighed, though it won’t matter much as there are only two of you on this trip.” That’ll please Linc. He remembered Linc hadn’t weighed himself for years, but he had booked this so David thought he must know. A tap on his shoulder made him turn. Linc handed him over a bag. He gazed inside and laughed.

“It’s not the biggest. Why don’t you try it on?”

David removed his cap and put the Stetson on his head. “What do you think?”

Linc leaned towards him. “I just hope I’ll get a chance to say “Ride ‘em, cowboy” at some point.”

“Definitely.” He paused. “We have to get weighed,” David said.

“Just been there. I wanted to get it over with. It might be a tight squeeze to get our heads in.”

“There’s only us two. I’ll go and stand on the scales. I wonder if they’ll want me to take off my leg. Should I have told them?” he asked.

“No, it’s fine. I checked. We just need to go through a few safety procedures before we set off.” They listened to the compulsory talk then clambered into the back of the helicopter, ducking their heads, and putting on the helmets and headsets so they could listen to the pilot.

“We’re about to take off. Make sure you’re secure.”

David checked his seat belt, as did Linc. The helicopter blades rotated, and they lifted up.

“Whoa,” Linc said, clutching David’s arm. “Taking off is scary enough.” They flew over flat ground covered with trees. David pointed to the horizon.

“Over there,” he said, indicating the edge of land ahead. Suddenly, the canyon opened before them.

“Bloody hell, it’s high,” David said. “And it’s so huge. Imagine how many years it’s taken for the river to wear down the rock. You okay?”

Linc nodded but he had paled a little David noticed. “I need to get used to the movement.”

The canyon below stretched so much further than David had ever imagined. “I’d always thought it was like one canyon, but there are so many.” Some valley sides were smooth with stripped layers of rock, others had foliage and specks of green.

“The canyon has a lot of cacti,” the pilot explained.

“Do people fall in?” David asked. He could imagine people standing on the sides to take selfies.

“Around an average of five a year—some fall, and some jump. More get lost when they’ve gone hiking and not been prepared enough. You have to know what you’re doing down there.”

“People do the same in Britain,” David said. “Climb mountains in poor weather wearing trainers. Some even do it in snow.”

“We get snow here,” the pilot said. “It’s high up so can be cold in winter. The rocks look like they’ve been sprinkled with powdered sugar.”

They swooped down into the canyon itself travelling along with the pilot pointing out features of the rocks, the temples, and the buttes. In some places, the river was blue, but in others it was rusty brown like the rocks on each side. Sometimes it flowed quickly, with rapids in places. They spotted a tiny boat on the water.

“Not sure I’d want to do that,” Linc said, pointing down at a boat negotiating a small stretch of water rushing through varying sizes of boulder.

“No,” David agreed. “This is scary enough for me.” They followed along the canyon then flew back out.

“We’re going to land now for a while. You can get out and take photographs but be careful. Obviously, the sides are steep, and we don’t want to lose anyone.”

They dropped down to a wide ledge with benches and tables. Two other helicopters were already there, and people wandered around. David and Linc unfolded themselves and stepped out while the pilot wandered over to the others.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Linc said. “You see it on the TV, but it doesn’t show you the truth. When you just fly over the edge, and there it is.”

David pointed towards the slight incline. “Over there look. There are some of those huge cacti, though these haven’t got arms.” He strolled over watching where he trod and gently touched a spine. “Wow, that’s sharp.”

Nearby, people were attempting to throw rocks down into the river to make a splash—none succeeded. In this section, the water was brown and hardly seemed to move. They took pictures as near to the edge as either of them dared, but soon their time was over, and the pilot called them.

Back in the helicopter, they flew back down into the canyon until it was time for the trip to finish. Their hour was over all too soon, so it was back in the car again and off to Death Valley.

Eventually, they drove out of the higher land and back on flat which seemed to go on forever. It made for dull driving. They put on the radio and got a country channel.

“I wish they had more mixed stations like we do,” Linc said. “I could plug in my phone.”

David nodded and Queen blasted out of the speakers. Who could resist nodding to Bohemian Rhapsody? Not either of them.

“We’re going up again,” David said as the car slowly climbed. “We need to find somewhere to stop.”

A little while later, Linc pointed ahead. “There should be somewhere here where we can get some food and petrol just to make sure.”

They swapped drivers after quickly stuffing themselves with sandwiches. 

“These journeys are beginning to get tiring,” Linc said. “Especially when there’s nothing really to see. That’s the thing with Britain. There’s so much in a small area. Here everything is just so vast and yet it’s somehow claustrophobic too, like the open sky will fall or something. I can’t explain it. And Britain is so much more… green.”

David nodded. Everything here did seem to go on forever even when they passed through the small towns on the journey.

“Still,” he said, “it does mean we can go star gazing tonight and the skies should be clear.”

Hours passed as they drove along the highways. David could understand how someone might lose concentration with nothing to see and so little traffic. It was nothing like any motorway he’d ever been on. Did they even have traffic jams here? 

“Finally, we’re in Nevada.” David said. “I can’t imagine what it must have been like coming out here in a wagon, or for those people who built the roads and railways.”

“Through land which didn’t belong to them,” Linc said.

“True. I wonder if Luther knows anything about his family,” David said. His mind jumping to other groups forcibly moved in this vast land.

“You could ask him.”

“Have you ever researched your family tree?” David asked.

“Never wanted to,” Linc said. “I bet many of them weren’t recorded. They weren’t too keen on notifying the authorities of anything.”

“I know Rallison is an old Norfolk name, but Dot was a Smith so her family could have come from anywhere.”

“I’ve always tried to forget where I came from,” Linc said.

“I get that.”

They continued in silence glancing around and humming along to the music. After a few more hours, they finally arrived in California.

“Not long now,” Linc said. He’d taken over driving for what should have been the last couple of hours. “I’ll be glad when we get there. Sometimes, I lie down when we arrive and it’s like I’m still moving.”

The last section was uphill again with mountains to either side. It looked hot.

“I suppose it’s not called Death Valley for nothing,” Linc said. “Do temperatures fall at night?”

“I think so. We might need to take coats with us later.” There was very little else on the road now.

“There,” David said, pointing. “We need to turn.”

Linc took the next right and followed the signs to reception, glad to be there at last. Twenty minutes later, they were in their room. They’d booked a cabin at the oasis. It was cool inside. 

David glanced at his watch. It was just before six. It had taken them seven hours. 

“Shower, dinner, stars, and sleep,” he said. That night they were taken to a spot away from the lights of the hotel, in fact away from any lights. Around ten guests lay on loungers to stare at the skies. The evening was perfect. The guide explained exactly what they could see.

Linc had pulled his lounger next to David before they lay down. “It’s amazing,” he said. “We’re seeing light which came from stars that no longer exist. When I see all of these spread out above us, it makes me think there must be something to Roswell after all. We can’t be alone in all of this. Can we?”

“I don’t know,” David whispered. “It does make me feel small and insignificant.”

“You’ll never be that—not to me.”

“Seeing all this makes me realise how lucky I was to find you. There are billions of stars and probably millions of planets. On Earth there are billions of people, yet I found you.”

“And I found you.”

“Maybe there is something to fate or some plan to everything. Maybe I was meant to find Dot and Luther. I’ve been so incredibly lucky with both sets of parents.”

“Do you feel like you have all the pieces of your puzzle now?” Linc asked. “Now you’ve found Luther.”

David thought for a moment. A shooting star crossed the sky. “Nearly. I want to meet my other half-siblings and I want our child or children. After that I just want to have everyone in my life for as long as possible.” He reached out and took Linc’s hand. “What about you?”

“Sometimes I like to think of my mum, Frank and Rachel watching over me. I want to feel like I’ve made them proud. I hate I’ve lost them all already. But I have you, Sylvia and her kids, and Noah and his two boys. I have family and people who love me. I don’t feel the need to find the man who fathered me. I have no idea how he felt about my mother. All I want now is to be the best father I can be, and the best husband.”

Neither of them spoke for a while, letting their words sink in. Another star shot across the sky and David made a wish.

The next day, they hurried from the hotel to the car to get out of the heat once again. Yet another long drive lay ahead of them, but this time they had two nights in Yosemite to look forward to, and tomorrow they wouldn’t be driving. To begin with, the landscape remained much the same, without even any trees some of the time.

“This is like I imagine the moon would be,” Linc said. “You can see for miles and miles.” 

David spotted a sign. “It says this is sea level. It’s hard to believe. Do you think this was once covered in water? I’ve no idea of the geology of America.” In the distance, all around them was higher ground. As had become the norm after a couple of hours, the road began to rise, and this time the sides narrowed. It didn’t last for long.

“Let’s stop here,” Linc said, when they reached Big Pine. “At least there are some trees. “

They ate at an Italian restaurant and filled the petrol tank before David took over at the wheel, hoping for a change of scenery. After an hour he got what he wanted.

“More trees,” Linc said. “I didn’t realise how much I’d missed green. This is the Inyo National Forest. Look, there’s snow on some of the mountain tops.”

“It is just the beginning of May,” David said. “They’ll still have snow on Ben Nevis. And these are serious mountains now.”

Occasionally, the trees would open to reveal views of valleys and peaks. Linc wound the window down. “It’s fresh,” he said. “You can smell the pine.”

For the next couple of hours, they drove along narrower roads surrounded by huge conifers.

“Everything is so big here. Even last night, when we lay staring at the stars, the sky seemed bigger. I forget how small Britain is until I have somewhere to compare it with.”

Finally, after another three hours and nearly taking a wrong turn, they arrived at the next hotel. This time they were surrounded by trees and mountains.

“The brochure says there’s a waterfall you can see from the dining room and some of the bedrooms,” David said. He’d booked another accessible room to make life easier for him. They had to shift the car to be as near as they could but were rewarded with a ground floor room and wooden veranda with a view of the cliff sides. After a wash and rest, David glanced through the information on Yosemite.

“It says they have story readings in one of the other lodges. That might be nice for a change. According to this we can get there walking in around thirty minutes. A stretch of the legs would be good.”

“We’d get to see more as well,” Linc said. “And you know how much I like listening to stories. What about getting back?”

“There’s a shuttle service. We could eat there too.”

Once outside, David took in a deep breath. “The air is so different here after the heat.”

“It must be the oxygen from all these trees and look at those cliffs. It’s beautiful here. I think this is my favourite.”

They walked at a good pace, taking in their surroundings, pointing at birds. “I suppose we’re not likely to meet a bear here,” David said.

Linc grabbed from behind. “Some might say you have one already.”

“Nah. Not hairy enough.”

They had to take care walking single file along the side of the road without even a dirt track.

“We turn here off the main road,” David said. “This is better. It has a path wide enough for us two.” On a couple of occasions, runners passed them, but they largely had the place to themselves.

“This is so beautiful,” David said.

“Like you.” Linc took his hand and for a while they strolled along without a care in the world. They passed through places with more cabins in the woods. Every so often the trees would part, and mountains appear.

“That’s it,” David said, pointing to a building set amongst the spruce. “I booked us a table before we left.

They ate then found the lounge and settled down to a series of talks about the native inhabitants of the area. Stories of the past formed a long oral tradition telling the history of those who had lived in the area before others came. The man who told the tales had a hypnotic quality to his voice. The listeners hung on his every word as he painted pictures everyone could see in their minds. He was truly talented.

“He’s brilliant,” Linc whispered. David nodded lost in awe.

They talked non-stop about what they’d heard on the shuttle back to their lodge. David had bought a copy of the speaker’s book and got it signed. Linc had tutted playfully at yet another one they’d have to pack.

Back in their room, David removed his prosthesis and reached for the cream. The walking meant he needed to take more care.

“Here, let me do it.” Linc took the pot and knelt in front of David who’d shuffled back enough so his leg was just over the edge of the bed. Linc kissed the inside of David’s thigh ever so lightly. He shivered in a good way and even more when Linc nuzzled the front of his cotton briefs then gazed up, licked his lips, and winked at him before taking the top from the pot, putting a liberal amount of cream on his hand, and starting to rub.

“Is this all right?” he asked.

David lay back on his hands. Linc’s touch anywhere on his body was something to savour.

“Yeah. I just need to make sure there are no places likely to rub. Sometimes dust can get where you least expect and cause damage. That’s good.”

After rubbing in all of the cream thoroughly, Linc wiped his hand on a towel, grabbed David’s legs and hauled him forward. He glanced at David’s groin then at David who nodded. Even now, he always checked they were on the same wavelength.

Linc reached into his briefs and pulled out his already semi-hard cock. He groaned when Linc lifted it and licked a stripe from his balls to the leaking head.

“Please,” David whispered.

“What do you want?” Linc asked while his tongue teased at the tip.

It’s going to be like that, is it?

“Take me in your mouth and suck me,” David said. “Make me come and swallow it all with nothing spilled.”

Linc wrapped his large, calloused hand around the base of David’s cock and started a steady rhythm while he took one ball then another in his mouth and sucked. David groaned again and clutched at the bedding.

“So good,” he said. He lurched when Linc took the rest of his cock into his mouth. “Oh yeah. I love your tongue.”

David sat up so he could see and meet Linc’s gaze staring up at him—a gaze full of love. His heart expanded. No one had ever looked at him the way Linc did. His body centred on the pleasure, his senses and nerve ending tingled. Linc sucked hard easing away then plunging down again while his hand twisted and turned, moving up and down.

“Soon,” David warned and his whole body became centred in his cock. He gripped the bedding again. Wanting to fuck Linc’s mouth, he thrust upwards. Linc nodded so he did it again. His orgasm hit as he poured into Linc’s open mouth. As he’d said, Linc didn’t miss a drop. He milked David, concentrating on him and not his own needs. Finally, he sat back on his legs, wiped his mouth and grinned while David attempted to regain his equilibrium. When he had, he leaned forward, grabbed Linc’s shirt, and ed Linc towards him. He kissed him hard, tasting himself on Linc’s tongue until he pulled away.

“Stand up.”

“There’s no need,” Linc said. The bulge in his pants said otherwise.

“Do what you’re told. Stand up and strip. Now, it’s my turn.”

Linc did as he was told, and David took his cock as far as he could and began to suck…

Chapter Five

The next day they crossed the road from the lodge entrance to an open truck. This tour would last all day with a few stopping points. Their fellow tourists were mostly adults, sensibly wrapped up against what might be a cool breeze as they travelled along the road. Linc hauled David up the steep step, and they found a seat facing the cab. It was an interesting arrangement they’d been aware of from the videos.

“You can see the waterfall from here now,” David said. “We’ll see a few of them along the way. We’re just at the end of when they flow strongly from snow melt.”

They waited for more people to get on. Once or twice, Linc noticed an odd glance. Was two men sitting together so surprising? Checking out the others, he realised there were other same-sex couples. Did they feel the same scrutiny? One of the women in front of them turned around.

“Hi. Sorry for doing something totally un-British, but did I hear a British accent?”

“You did,” David said. “We’re from Norfolk. And you?”

The other woman turned. “I’m from Newcastle and Debs is from Brighton.”

“That’s a fair distance apart,” Linc said.

“We met at university. I’m Max. And you?”

“Sorry. Call myself British? Where are my manners?” David said laughingly. “I’m David, and this handsome bloke is my husband, Linc.”

Linc wanted to grin at David’s simple introduction. “Hi. Are you doing a road trip too?”

“Not really. We’re staying in Los Angeles and decided to spend a couple of days out here. Doing this gave us a rest day from driving. The distances are so huge here compared to home. What about you?”

“This is the…” Linc had to think. He glanced at David.

“Tenth,” David said.

“Yes—tenth. It’s hard to remember. We started in New Orleans and have done Austin, Roswell, Santa Fe, The Mesa Verde, the Grand Canyon, and Death Valley. Before my mum died, she always wanted to go on an American road trip, so this is us doing it in her memory. After this we have a few days in San Francisco before we go back home.”

“I’m sorry about your mum. I think it’s nice you’re doing this for her, but that’s a hell of a journey.”

“It’s knackering,” David agreed. “So we too are giving ourselves a day off and letting someone else drive.”

The guide appeared at the front of the truck, so they all sat back to face him. “Hello everyone. My name is Michael, and I’m your guide for this full day Yosemite Park tour. First some safety guidance then we’ll be off.”

“Do you think we’ll see a bear?” Linc said, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.

“The guide says they do, so I suppose there’s a chance.”

They set off along the valley floor through the tall trees with more glimpses of mountains while the guide talked about the native peoples who had lived in the area and the local flora and fauna. Linc found himself looking from side to side trying to take everything in. Occasionally, he’d let his phone run on and video part of the journey.

“I just can’t get over how gigantic everything is. Imagine how many dining sets I could make from just one of these trees.”

David nodded.

The day continued with stops along the way for lunch and various viewing points. They lost count of the number of spectacular waterfalls seen either close up, where you could hear and feel the power, or in the distance as part of a huge vista.

“But the best bit was seeing the bear and her cubs crossing the road in front of us,” Linc said later, when they were back in their room at the lodge and Sylvia had called. “The three cubs were leading her a merry dance. Just as she got two of them across, the other would run back. Still, it meant we got a great view. We saw a pair of moose too. Even in the distance, they were huge.”

 “Nettie says did you get lots of photographs?”

“We did. The cubs were so cute. We were only fifty feet away. They don’t attack usually, but a mother with cubs can be more dangerous. After a few minutes of her trying to herd them across, they just disappeared into the forest. It seems unreal to imagine a place with live bears and wolves living freely. We also went through this huge sequoia tree. They’d carved a tunnel through it for stagecoaches in the nineteenth century. It does make Norfolk feel tiny, even with the huge arable fields we have. Everything out here is just enormous.”

“How’s David after the incident?” Linc smiled. Sylvia had raised her voice and kept her speech brief as if being so far away made a difference.

“He’s fine. I’m outside now getting a couple of cans from one of the machines. He’s had no problems other than headaches to begin with. He can have the stitches out at home.”

“That’s good. Any news on the houses?”

“Yes. I’ve had an offer on mine. I said we’d let them know when we come back, but they want to give full price, so unless someone else makes an offer, it’ll be another thing to sort. I’m not worried about the house. The workshop will be the problem. We’ll need to get in the new place ASAP so I can make the garage secure. I’ve enough money to get going straight away. We’ve also got the adoption training sessions to attend. We’ll be meeting ourselves coming back the other way soon. Thank goodness Gary and Carol have agreed to let Kian stay with them.”

“They’re kind people. I bet they can’t wait to have David back home safely.”

“He’ll have some explaining to do to them. I wasn’t happy about it myself, but it’s happened now. No point crying over spilt milk, and it was good to meet Luther and Lori. I’d better get back to him. I still don’t like to leave him alone for too long.”

“I understand, and you’re off to San Francisco in the morning.”

“We are. Last drive, though this one isn’t as far as some have been. And we’re off whale watching. After seeing a bear, a whale would be an added bonus. They even have blue whales along this coast.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to go, Syl. We’re having dinner with another couple we met today. Give our love to everyone, and we’ll see you soon.”

“We’ll chat more when you get back. Love you, and love to David.”

“Love you too,” Linc said. “And give Nettie and Thomas big hugs from me.”

He pushed the door open to find David lying on the bed.

“I thought you’d been eaten by a bear.”

“Sylvia called so I sat outside to talk to her. She sends her love. We’d better get a shift on.”

They changed clothes for dinner and set out for a stroll to the main building and the dining room with a view of the waterfall. A waiter guided them to a table with a relaxing view of the water cascading down the mountain. Debs and Max arrived a few minutes later.

“Sorry, I fell asleep,” Max said, “even though I slept like a log last night. It must have been all the fresh air. Shall we have wine?” She lifted her head and waved at the waiter. Linc guessed she was a person used to being in charge.

“Weren’t those bears incredible today?” Debs said. “And so amazing to see them in the wild. I’d love to go on an African safari sometime. There’s nothing like seeing animals in their natural environment.”

The waiter brought menus. “Well, I intend to have French onion soup followed by fillet steak and salad,” David announced.

“You’re having steak?” Linc asked. David hardly ever ate red meat.

“Luther mentioned there was no history of heart disease in the family, so I reckon I can give my arteries the odd bashing. What about you?”

“I’ll have the same, though I’ll have sirloin, not fillet, and a bowl of chips.”

“There’s so much to choose from,” Debs said. “I think I’ll have the salmon and chicken l’orange.

“And for me the lobster salad and trout. What shall we have to drink? I could get a bottle of white and one of red.” Max and David scanned the wine list.

“I have no idea about wine,” Linc said. “David is more of an expert. I’m more of a beer drinker at home though we don’t drink much.”

“Max went to classes. She has to wine and dine people in her job so wanted to learn.”

David and Max ordered.

“So what is it you do that needs a knowledge of wine?” Linc asked Max.

“I’m in advertising,” Max said. “I manage accounts for companies across the north of England and the whole of Scotland.”

“Sounds impressive,” David said. “And busy.”

“It is,” Debs said. Linc didn’t miss the edge to her voice.

“And what about you?” Linc asked. 

“I’m an artist though I don’t get to paint much. I do more on the graphic design side these days. I create all sorts of things from fabric to wallpaper. I love how colours and shapes interact, and I can work from home a lot of the time. What about you two?”

“Linc’s the creative one out of the pair of us,” David said, putting his arm around Linc’s back. “He’s a wood sculptor.”

“Really?” Debs said. “Do you make statues?”

“I mostly design custom pieces of furniture, table and chairs, cabinets, lamp stands, all sorts with whatever carving or marquetry a person wants.”

“Sounds expensive,” Max said.

“It can be. If you want the best you have to pay for it, and my stuff is unique. I never make any design for more than one person. Every set is different. Every piece of wood is different. You have to know what you’re doing, or it can be costly.”

“I must have a look at your stuff. I assume you have a website.”

“I do,” Linc said, and gave her the name. “You can see a lot of my work there and the basic prices.”

“What do you do, David?”

“I feel a bit boring compared with everyone else.” David explained his current situation.

“Wow,” Max said. “That is brave. I admire anyone who teaches. Deb’s brother is a teacher back in Brighton.”

“My parents were both teachers,” David said. “I didn’t plan on ever being one, but recent work has changed my mind.”

“Teaching can be tricky as a profession if you’re gay. Not everyone is open minded, and kids can be cruel.”

“I’ve made no secret of my sexuality. Schools can make up their own mind, I suppose.”

“We got married in February,” Linc said, bringing the conversation back. “What about you two? You said you met at university.”

“We did,” Debs said. “Our eyes met across a crowded bar in Fresher’s week. We’ve been together ten years in October. I know I probably shouldn’t ask but how did your parents react to—”

“Us being gay,” Linc interrupted. “Well, my family threw me out at fourteen.”

“And mine were brilliant. I’m adopted,” David said. “I’ve only recently met my biological parents.”

“I didn’t mean being gay,” Debs said.

“She meant about you being, how should I put it, non-white?” Max stuck out her chin. A sore topic Linc guessed.

“My mother is dead, but she would have loved David whatever his colour. For my grandfather, who threw me out, it would have had yet another reason to hate me. Has it been a problem for you? Being gay or a mixed couple?”

“A bit of both,” Max said. 

The food arrived. Conversation turned to eating and discussions of the meals—easier topics. The main courses were served almost immediately after the starters were cleared.

“This steak cuts like butter,” David said.

“That’s the second time I’ve seen you eat one. You’ll be getting a taste for red meat,” Linc said, picking up one of the chips or fries as he needed to remember to call them.

“And it is delicious, especially with this garlic butter. Maybe I should take up swimming more regularly again when we get back as part of my exercise regime. If people want to stare that’s up to them.”

Debs and Max gazed at David obviously puzzled by his comment. Linc waited to see what David would say.

“I have a prosthetic leg below the knee. I was born without a foot.”

“You’d never know,” Debs said.

“I have to take it off to swim, and people can be funny about such things.”

Linc nodded. “I don’t know if you’ve seen the woman on children’s TV back home. She’s missing part of her a forearm some parents complained their kids were scared—such nonsense. You’d think with the Paralympics people would know better.”

Max nodded. “You only have to look at social media if a celebrity—so-called—changes their hair or wears something different. There’s always someone who make a disparaging remark, as if they have the right to tell a person how they should look.”

“And yet you work in advertising,” Linc said. I probably shouldn’t have said that.

“Touché,” Max said. “You have me there.”

“In her defence,” Debs said. “Max employs a diverse range of models and actors in her campaigns. She has awards for it.” Debs reeled off a list of TV adverts and poster campaigns, some of which Linc recognised.

“In fact,” Max said. “If you ever feel like modelling, I could use both of you.”

“Now I know you’re kidding,” Linc said. “David is gorgeous, but me? I’m ginger and…”

David placed his hand on Linc’s arm. “Beautiful and talented. I could talk about your many other virtues and abilities, but this may not be the venue.”

Linc wanted to pull David into his arms and crush him to his chest. I’ll never get over the casual way you tell me that or the way you look at me like I’m so special. He wiped away a tear at the corner of his eye.

“Aww,” Debs said. “So sweet.”

“Still newlyweds,” Max replied.

“Have you ever thought of getting married?” Linc asked. “I know it’s not for everyone.”

“We’re thinking about it more,” Max said. “You said you were adopted, David.”

“I was when I was nearly three. I was in a children’s home because my biological mother’s parents had forced her to give me up. Her family were old fashioned, and I wasn’t what they wanted. I eventually met my biological mother last year. My families get on well now. Everyone was at our wedding.”

“We’re thinking of adopting,” Debs said. 

“Really?” Linc said. “We’re in the process of becoming candidates to adopt. We’ve some training meetings when we return and if they go well, we go through to stage two.”

“How did they react to you being a same-sex and interracial couple?” Max asked.

“They encourage all sorts of people to apply,” Linc said. “You’d be fine.” He didn’t ask why they didn’t just have their own—that was their business.

“We didn’t want to bring more children into the world when there are children out there needing good homes and people to love them.” Max took Deb’s hand. “We saw this documentary on the TV about this same-sex couple who adopted children with special needs.”

“We saw the same one,” David said. “And we both love kids. I’ve a nephew and nieces and Linc has godchildren. Kids love him. He visits the local children’s hospice and hospital all year round, but they love his Father Christmas best.”

“No padding needed,” Linc said, patting his stomach. “Now, let’s finish the mains before they get cold and who’s for pudding? I don’t know about anyone else but there’s a chocolate torte somewhere in this building with my name on it. 

We’ve a busy few days coming up and we’re off to San Francisco in the morning.”

I hope you enjoyed the story.