We’d made it back to where I needed to turn toward the softer sand and the wooden stairs that would take me to the road home.
“This has been fun,” I said. “It was good to spend time with you. We don’t do this very much, do we?”
His eyebrows went up as if he’d just realized that truth. “We don’t. I enjoyed it. We could make it a more regular thing?”
“I’m out here every morning,” I said with a grin. “You are invited to join me any time. Spud would love it too.”
The dog had worked his way under Zeus’ hand and was enjoying the head-scratching Zeus was giving him.
“Tomorrow?” he asked.
“Sunrise,” I agreed.
The breathing of the ocean faded as we made our way up the stairs and out onto the neighborhood street.
By the time we were passing the first houses, the ocean was a white noise in the distance.
“Have you decided who will officiate at your wedding?” he asked.
“Ryder’s in charge of the details. I don’t think he’s asked anyone yet. Are you volunteering?”
A car rumbled by. We crossed the main street and started up into the neighborhoods to the east.
“It would be an honor to marry you and Ryder. But I don’t think I am the god he will choose for that boon.”
“Boon. Fancy. But why wouldn’t we choose you?” I was curious how he saw weddings in general, and mine specifically.
“If you asked, I would gladly officiate. But I think...you know you have my blessing, don’t you?”
“I didn’t know I needed it,” I teased.
“You don’t, I suppose. But you have it. I have hoped for many years that you and Ryder would see how your hearts aligned. And now you have. Mazel tov.”
“Thank you. Just curious. Who did you think we would ask?”
“Crow? You are very familiar with him.”
“True.”
“Perhaps Hera.”
“You know there are humans who could do the ceremony.”
“Why would you choose a human when you could choose a god?”
“I like humans.”
He grunted. “I assume Ryder will have the sense to choose a god for your nuptials.”
“We’ll see. So, that’s my house, and an overly-protective dragon is waiting inside.”
“Perhaps I should go with you.”
“Perhaps no.” I gave him a sunny smile and a wave. “See you tomorrow morning, jogging buddy!”
I hopped up the porch stairs, strode through the door, and closed it behind me.
Finally. Alone.
