Page 143 of The Forever Vault

“The one about dealing with a super-sized sausage?”

Orion laughed. “Yeah, that one.”

I didn’t hesitate. “Not really. You got something off your chest, something that you wanted to talk about. That should feel good.”

I saw Orion check to see we were alone in the corridor. “I used to talk to Luke more about sex stuff, but when Austin and I got serious, it didn’t feel right anymore.”

“It became too personal,” I said.

“Maybe? In reality, Austin thought it was weird, so I stopped.”

“I’m trying to picture no-filter Austin as bashful, but I’m having a difficult time with that.”

“He doesn’t have any other gay friends, like a group, like you two do, so he’s never really gotten used to the idea that sex stuff is a common topic of conversation.”

“Is this your way of asking to hang out with us more? Is that why you guys didn’t come to Cabo?”

Orion smiled. “Part training for the Olympics, part Austin’s intimidated by all of you.”

I nodded. “I guess I can see that.”

“Plus, I think his head would’ve exploded if half the stuff I’ve heard is true.”

“I think more than that would’ve exploded.” I smiled. “Should be just outside these doors.”

I pushed through one side of a set of double doors, just as Orion said, “Austin doesn’t see himself on the same level as you guys.”

Before anyone spotted us, I quickly added, “Well, once he wins an Olympic medal, he’d better, and Luke’s always there if you need to talk.”

“Thanks, Cam.”

The car ride with nine of us was chaotic to say the least. Orion’s family was all about his gold medal, understandably, as was my mother over mine. But both Austin and I were trying to get an update from the hospital and failing. At the very least, Isaak had sent a text to confirm the hospital in the birth plan was their destination, so we had that.

I heard Warren’s whistle from the front seat. We all agreed, as the biggest, he should get the leg room. I looked out the window at what made him react and yeah, the maternity hospital looked like a palace. I should’ve expected it for the van der Bergs.

“Can you be underdressed for a hospital?” Orion said what I was thinking.

“Oh hush,” his mom scolded.

Our driver pulled into the covered entrance to drop us off, and I hopped out as soon as the vehicle stopped. I turned to find Luke, planting a quick kiss on his lips.

“I doubt they’ll let us all in. You okay if I run in now?”

“Yeah, that’s fine. I love you, Uncle Cam. Give Erika a kiss for me,” Luke replied.

“Alright, who paid for this car? I don’t want them paying the whole thing,” Cecilia asked.

Before my mother offered some form of repayment and it turned into a discussion of Venmo and Paypal transactions, I slipped away from the crowd, pulling a distracted Austin with me.

“Let’s go find your sister.”

We entered the bright atrium and quiet, soothing music drifted down from somewhere above. A large rounded desk in the center with a sign indicating check-in was my target.

“Excuse me, we’re family members of Erika van der Berg hoping to be directed to her birthing floor.” I wasn’t wasting time.

“They mentioned two handsome gentlemen might be the first to arrive. Cam and Austin?”

“That would be us, ma’am.” I gave as charming a smile as I could.