David rose, holding Nate’s hand in his. “Maybe we will, Josh. But knock on the door when you get back so we know Colin’s OK.”
Joshua nodded, then smiled when Nate hugged Colin. “I’m OK, rabble-rouser,” Colin told him.
As they left, the ship’s doctor reentered the infirmary and peered at Colin’s IV. “About another half hour,” he said, then checked Colin’s pupils and nodded. “Looks good. I’ll be back a bit later.”
Joshua held Colin’s hand to his cheek, his forehead pressed to his husband’s broad shoulder.
“Baby, I’m fine. I feel better already. The IV is helping.”
“You’re just saying that. You’re still ditzy, I can tell.”
“How can you tell? I’malwaysa little ditzy.”
“No. You’re not. You’re the most clearheaded guy I know.”
Colin puffed out a laugh. “It’s all smoke and mirrors.”
There was a light tap on the infirmary door, and Joshua moved to answer it. He opened the door to find a smiling Nate, who shoved a gigantic piece of blueberry pie into his hands. “There! I grabbed the last piece from the Lido.”
Joshua laughed and reached to hug his friend. “Well, that should perk him right up. We’ll see you in a half hour or so.”
Colin insisted on sitting up to eat the pie, and while Joshua held the plate for him, he scarfed it down in minutes. “Now Ireallyfeel better!” he announced.
The doctor returned shortly afterward and removed the IV. “Come see me tomorrow,” he advised.
“Any special time?”
“No, anytime you’re free, drop in. I want to check your pupils and make sure you’re OK. Won’t take but a minute. If you have any issues during the night, don’t hesitate to call.”
They left the infirmary and strolled toward their stateroom. Colin’s arm was draped around Joshua’s shoulders, but his step was firm and steady.
“You sure you’re OK?”
“I’m fine, babe.”
After entering their room, Colin spoke briefly with David and Nate, then pulled his clothes off and fell onto the bed.
“I don’t want to sound redundant…” Joshua began.
“I’m fine,” Colin assured him, then pulled him close, snuggling him against his body. “A little groggy, maybe. I’m ready for sleep.”
“Touching the whale feels like it happened a million years ago,” Joshua murmured, his voice sleepy.
“Talk about a day of incongruities,” Colin said. “Tonight was as far removed from the magic of our whale encounter as is possible.”
“What’s happening tomorrow?”
“You’ll be thrilled to know that you’ll be going up in a helicopter.”
“Oh, lord god,” Joshua moaned, burying his face against Colin’s shoulder.
Colin let out a sudden, brief laugh. “C’mon, babe. If you can kick the crap out of some evil asshole for spiking your husband’s drink, you can deal with a ten-minute chopper ride.”
Joshua pulled the blanket tighter around them and settled closer in Colin’s arms. “We’ll find out.”
CHAPTERSIX
THE PROBLEM WITH EAGLES
