Trent shot him a glance. “Much pain?”
“Well, not at the moment. Joshua and that doctor bullied me into taking a narcotic, so the pain isn’t too horrible.”
“Good for them! You need it, for a few days anyway.”
“Grrr.” The sound rumbled from Colin’s throat, earning a soft laugh from Joshua.
“Just so you know,” Trent said. “The kids are preparing a welcome home ceremony for you … so be prepared.”
“We need to get them out on the baseball diamond. We’ve got a game in three days.”
“With Nate in charge of welcoming you back, you’re lucky the United States Marine Corps Band isn’t showing up.”
Joshua chuckled while Colin rolled his eyes and groaned.
“Don’t pick on him, Colin,” Trent advised. “He was really upset when you were hurt.”
“I won’t.”
“And my bridegroom is in a white-hot panic that you won’t be able to officiate on Saturday.”
“Nothing on earth will keep me from officiating at that wedding. Even if I’m forced to do it from that knee scooter …”
Joshua shot him a glance that had ‘warning’ written all over it.
Colin snickered and patted his arm. “Relax, generalissimo. I’ll use the scooter.”
Back at Camp Pride,Joshua and Trent helped Colin climb out of the van and ease himself onto his scooter. Everyone had gathered in the dining hall, and a huge banner hung across the stage area reading Welcome Home Coach! When Colin entered, he was instantly surrounded by campers, all patting his back and applauding. Nate was on the stage, a microphone in his hand, leading the entire group in a rousing cheer: “Co-LIN! Co-LIN! Co-LIN!”
Joshua took a step back, letting Colin have this moment with the youngsters to whom he had become a hero, while Trent stayed at his side, not letting the campers crowd too close to his injured leg. Feeling exhaustion wash over him, Joshua perched on a nearby table, his chest tightening as he watched Colin’s tired face brighten, the pain briefly replaced by happiness.After a moment, Joshua bowed his head and slumped forward, overwhelmed by weariness.
When he looked up again, Colin was bent over, talking with one of the campers. Joshua couldn’t see who it was until Colin stood again, his hand still resting on the boy’s shoulder, and he felt his heart swell with pride and love. Alex! Colin ruffled his hair, and Joshua saw Alex smile.
“How’reyoudoing?” Trent asked, appearing at Joshua’s side.
“Other than exhausted? I’m fine.” He tilted his head toward the group. “Look atthat.”
They watched in silence as Colin leaned down to whisper something to Alex, whose eyes went wide before breaking into a grin. The boy’s shoulders relaxed, and he stared up at Colin, his eyes filled with awe and gratitude.
Trent nodded. “They love him, that’s for sure. But I wouldn’t let that go on for too long. He’s more exhausted than he’s willing to show, and he’s still in a lot of pain.”
Joshua nodded and strode forward. He scrubbed his fingers through Alex’s hair, then edged past the other campers until he reached Colin’s side. “You guys are wonderful,” he told them. “But Coach is pretty tired from last night and needs a bit of rest.”
Colin checked his watch. “Baseball practice at 2 p.m.!” His voice was strong, though the dark circles around his eyes betrayed his fatigue. “Thunder Bats, we’ve got a big game coming up. Don’t let me down!” Another huge cheer went up, interrupted by David, who moved onto the stage and grabbed Nate’s microphone. “Lunch is served!” he called out. Line up and grab your trays.”
Joshua looped his arm around Colin’s waist, feeling a slight tremor in his husband’s body. “Let’s get you to bed before you collapse,” he murmured, trying to keep his voice light through the ache in his throat.
Colin leaned against him, sagging, and gave a soft moan; his lips pressed into a thin line.
Alarmed, Joshua tightened his grip. “Are you OK?”
“Just tired, babe.”
“In pain?”
“A little.”
“Come on. When you confess to a ‘little’ pain, I know you’re close to passing out.” He leaned his head against Colin’s arm, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Please, don’t forget … I need you, too.”
