The Campground at 1600

The Campground at 1600

By Nutmegman

End of September 2026

This story has a tie in to My Daily Walk (by ANutmegman), Rotisserie Dating and My Mass MOCA and others in the group of stories since Spring 2025 to the present.

Nutmegman aka ANutmegman aka Nutmegman2, are all the same person.

This story starts the Saturday of Memorial weekend.

"Hi, I'm Mark Millerton, checking in."

"Yes, Mr. Millerton, we have you on site B-16. When your friends check in, they are right next door at B-15.

This is your gate pass, please do not lose it. You need to return it when you leave. Here are the campground rules, map, emergency contact and WiFi password.

The store is open 8 to 5 every day.

We have you with us for a week. We hope you enjoy your stay."

"Thank you. Your name is Mac?"

"Yes, short for Mackenzie. My parents say I'm named for some actor or actress."

"Interesting. You're the first Mackenzie I've ever met.

Thank you for the info."

I found my site, backed in and set up my parents' camper all the while wondering where my friends were.

I put a chair in the sun, and fell asleep. Two hours later, I woke up and they still were not there.

I called and left a voice mail and texted too. I called their houses. Their parents said they left almost 6 hours ago.

I asked them if they would call them, leave a message asking for a return call and then call me back. They said they would.

I called and left another message. "Billy, it's Mark. Where are you and Jeannie? I've been here for 2 hours already.

Please call me."

I walked to the store.

"Hi, Mr. Millerton." Mac said.

"Hi, Mac, please call me Mark."

"Hi Mark. What can I do for you?"

"Have my friends called in saying they were going to be late or something?"

"No. Have you tried calling them?"

I looked at her annoyed and waved my cell phone.

"Sorry, I'm used to dealing with older adults. I rarely speak with anyone close to my age."

"I'm sorry, Mac. I'm concerned for my friends. They should have been here before me. I left 2 hours after they did."

"Have a seat while I check in these people."

I listened to her go through her spiel to check them in.

"How old do you think I am, Mac?"

She tilted her head sideways. "21."

"Wow, you're good." I said. "How old are you?"

"A woman never divulges her age."

I made a face. "But you look annoyed and concerned so I'll tell you. I'm 21 also.

When you fill in the info to stay here, your age is required as this is an adult only campground. No kids, no one under 21."

"I forgot that. You look younger."

She curtsied, "why thank you." She said with a smile.

Some people walked in. "Hang one, Mark."

"Hi, Michelle, nothing exciting today except Mr. Millerton's friends in B-15 have not shown up yet. They are paid in full though."

"Thanks, Mac. Enjoy the rest of your day."

"Thank you. Come on Mark."

I followed her out and we sat on the front bench.

"Tell me about yourself." She said.

"I live in Sturbridge, Mass, about 4 and a half hours from here and attend UMASS Amherst studying business. This will be my final year in the fall. How about you?"

She looked at me for a long time. Then smiled. I live here in Milford, New York. I too go to UMASS Amherst studying business.

Who was your business lecture teacher last semester?"

I looked at her thinking. There were probably 200 people in that class. "Mrs. Edgerly." She was shaking her head and smiling.

"Mine too." She said.

"My friends Billy and Jeannie are in it too. I met them when we all started and became friends, sharing nearly every class. They live one town over from me.

Who were your other professors?"

She listed a few and I had them all. She was smiling at me. "We're in all the same classes. What a teeny, tiny world."

I looked at her. "It sure is." I looked at my watch. "Do you have plans for dinner? Would you like to get a pizza? That is if a decent one is not far."

"Let me text my mom to tell her I won't be at dinner, and will be out with a friend."

"Can I drive so I can learn my way around?"

"Sure. Are you hungry now?"

"I could eat."

"Me too." She said. "Let's go to your site."

We walked over, got my keys, locked the camper and drove off. "Tell me where to go."

"Turn left. At the bottom of the hill, turn right. At the end turn left.

This is a nice truck."

"Thanks, it's my dad's. I drive a little Corolla. Basic transportation that is reliable and cheap on gas. But it can't tow my parents' little camper. So my parents and I swapped for the week. Actually, my car is parked and my parents are in their SUV. The truck is for towing and dump runs."

"My ride is a Civic. Also reliable and cheap on gas.

Turn left here. There is a nice Italian place on the right a little ways up."

We shared a little pizza and talked for nearly 2 hours.

"Do you have any room for an ice cream?" She asked.

"Always. Direct me."

We pulled into a little place, each having a cone. We sat at the picnic table and talked.

"Do you have a list of places to visit?"

"Yeah, the three of us are big RedSox baseball fans. So the hall is number one on our list. Walk around the shops in town, and take a tour on the lake. Jeannie likes art, so we'd accompany her to the art museum. Maybe go kayaking on the lake. Wine tasting, a few other things.

We stocked the fridge in their camper the day before we all left because the fridge in mine isn't working. So I have warm water and food that doesn't require refrigeration. Which isn't much.

I'll probably put peanut butter on a bagel in the morning and eat peanut butter and jelly for lunch, which is fine. But I don't want it for dinner too."

"I have Monday through Wednesday off and then work Thursday through Sunday again.

Could I join you on those days?"

"Yes, that would be great. Let's go back, maybe they arrived while we were gone.

I think you'll like them. They're like me."

We drove back. The site was still empty.

"Would you drive around camp with me? Maybe they're on the wrong site?"

We drove through the whole campground, commenting on trailers. But no friends. I parked back at my site.

"Mac, thank you for the company and a very enjoyable dinner. Can I see you again when you get off shift tomorrow? Would you be interested in dinner with me again?"

"Yes, after shift tomorrow. Yes, for dinner. Would you be interested in coming to my house for dinner or would that freak you out?"

"I think that would be fine. Thank you.

I will probably be here hoping my friends show up. Drive safe, Mac. Thank you again. I'll see you tomorrow."

I left her at her car and returned to my site.

I called and texted my friends again and called their parents. No word anywhere.

What the hell?

I slept well, thinking about my time with Mac. She was nice and certainly easy on the eyes and fun to talk with. I was looking forward to seeing her tomorrow.

I woke up on Sunday, had my peanut butter on a bagel with warm water. I walked to the office.

I waited until she was free.

"Mark, I haven't heard from your friends. Have their parents said anything?"

"No. They haven't heard anything either."

"Can they do a GPS search thing in their truck?"

"No, Billy drives an old 70's Chevy K5 pickup he restored with his dad. No modern technology except the cell phone he carries. That they both carry."

"Sorry, Mark. If I hear from them, I have your cell and will call you. I put a note on the account to have anyone checking them in or hearing from them to call me immediately.

Can you give me your cell? Actually here, enter it into my contacts."

"Great. Here is my info if you see a call from me coming in, so you answer it. Excuse me, gotta work."

"I'll be back." I left and walked around camp a bit. Went back to my site and sent them both emails too.

I sat and read, dozed a bit, went for a swim in the pool, sat and read more and changed back into clean clothes for dinner."

Mac came by in her Civic and parked.

"Any news?" She asked.

I shook my head no. "No. I sent them an email too. I haven't heard a peep and am worried. They're always so reliable and are always on time."

"Are you hungry?"

"Yeah,. My parents say I'm always hungry."

"My parents are expecting us. They're making chicken kabobs with grilled peppers and onions and some dessert."

"Sounds delicious. I guess I should follow you to your house."

She looked at me. "Ride with me. I'll take you back. Put a note on your door in case your friends show up."

"Good idea." I found some tape and taped a note to the camper door. I got in and let Mac drive.

"We're you busy today? It looked like non-stop people checking in."

"Yeah. It helps the day go by quickly, here we are."

"Wow, this is beautiful." I got out admiring the log cabin, the perfect lawn and landscaping.

"Thank you. My dad is a contractor and both parents love to landscape and garden. Come on in.

Mom, Dad, I'm home and brought the guest I mentioned."

"I'm in the kitchen, Mac. Your dad is taking a swim. He'll be back in a few minutes. We're eating on the deck."

She took me to the deck. "Mac, this is so beautiful. The lake is so pretty. Is that your dad swimming?"

"Yes, he goes out to the floating dock a few times for his laps.

The lake doesn't allow any motorized boats more than 5 horsepower. Do you know how to kayak or canoe?"

"Yes, to both. I'd love to kayak with you. Is that okay, after dinner?"

She smiled. "I'd like that very much. Here comes my dad."

"Mac, have a seat; I'm bringing over the food."

I sat next to Mac. Her mom brought over dinner; her dad joined us.

"Mom, Dad, this is Mark. I was telling you about him at breakfast. We're in all the same classes."

"Nice to meet you, Mark"

Her dad shook my hand. "Nice to meet you sir," I said.

"Mom, Mark."

"Nice to meet you. Please call me Rosie."

"Nice to meet you, Rosie. Thank you for the dinner invitation."

"Mark, please call me Steve. None of this sir stuff."

"Sounds good, Steve. Your house and view is spectacular."

"Thank you. We love it too."

"Here you go kids, help yourselves," Rosie said.

"This is delicious," I said.

"Mark, would you like a beer or some wine or something else?"

"What is everyone else having? Mac?"

"Lemonade." She said.

"That would be perfect for me."

"Mac says your friends are missing. Can you tell me about them?"

"Yeah, they are always meticulous about being on time and never more than 15 minutes late. This is very unusual and their parents haven't heard from them either.

I called both in the morning and at night, hoping to hear something. So far, nothing.."

"Mark, I have some friends on the state police, would you like me to inquire with them and keep a look out?"

"Yes, very much so. Thank you. I'm at the point where I don't know what to do and sitting doing nothing is making me crazy."

"Dinner was delicious. Thank you so much. The fridge in my parents' camper is not working. The day before we left, we stocked the fridge in my friend's camper.

So all I have is food that doesn't require refrigeration. I have a case of warm water that I'm drinking. If I had any idea they would be late, I would have brought a cooler with some food.

"Mark, I have a good cooler that I would like to loan you. Mac, get some ice on the way back and get some food at the convenience store too."

"Great idea Dad. Right now, we're going to go kayak on the lake, and will return for dessert. Thanks Mom, this was delicious as usual."

"You're welcome. Have fun. I saw a few loons last night. Maybe you'll see and hear them tonight too."

We got in their tandem kayak. Somehow we coordinated the paddling right away.

"Mac, this is so pretty. Oh, listen."

We heard the distinctive call of a loon. We weren't far away. We slowed down, paddling very quietly now.

"There they are, Mark." she softly said.

We sat and watched them. Listening to their calls. Then they flew away.

"This was great, Mac. I'm awed by the beauty of this. Thank you for inviting me."

"Let's turn around and return for dessert."

We did and rejoined her parents.

"Mom, we heard the pair of loons. We saw them too. It was beautiful."

"I agree. We sat listening to nature, floating in awe of the beautiful sounds. It was really something."

I saw her mom give her a look. But I didn't know what it was.

Dessert was a home made blueberry pie. "This is so good. If I ate like this every day, I'd weigh 400 pounds."

"Mark, I have an idea for you. Why don't you and Mac drive back to your friend's house, looking as you go. Then return and stop in every rest area and turn off that you see and look for your friends?

"Mac, take my sat phone with you. There are places with little cell phone service. But my sat phone will work.

Maybe your friends got stuck somewhere with no cell service."

"Would you be okay joining me tomorrow, Mac?

We'd take my truck. If they did get stuck, I can tow their camper. We'd pack lunches and snacks.

I'd appreciate the company and extra set of eyes."

"I'll take the phone tomorrow Dad and an extra battery just in case."

"You got it, Mac. If you guys need anything, I have trailers and whatever might be needed to tow a truck or trailer if you need it. Without the cost of a tow service.

Call me for anything."

"Thanks, Dad. I'm going to take Mark back. I'll be back shortly."

"Thank you both very much for dinner and conversation and help with my missing friends."

We took the cooler and stopped for ice and some food. Then she drove me back. We put water in the cooler. Plus some other food I bought at the convenience store.

She walked me to the camper. "Mark, we'll find them. They have to be somewhere between their house and camp."

I looked at her. "What if they drove off the road, had an accident, or who knows?"

"You have to think positive. We'll find them if they are somewhere between their home and here."

She gave me a hug. I held her close. My concern level was really high.

"Thank you." I whispered, holding her tightly.

"We will figure this out, Mark. We have all day tomorrow and lots of time. With my dad's contacts in the state police, the whole state will be looking for them.

I'll be here at 7:00 am. Get some sleep.

"Thank you, Mac. I'll see you in the morning. I can treat you to a gourmet pb&j for lunch."

She laughed and released me.

"See you in the morning. Get some rest."

I opened her door for her "drive safe, and I'll see you in the morning."

Memorial Day Monday

I slept surprisingly well. I had cereal with blueberries and hot tea for breakfast. Showered and was ready for Mac.

"Good morning," I said. "You look very pretty."

She had on a pretty top and jean shorts with a pack.

"My dad's sat phone, two spare batteries, and the charger for my phone."

"I made lunch and had a few cold waters. I did find a soft cool pack and put some ice in it.

I need to get gas. Let's do this. Thank you for joining me."

I opened her door, and she climbed in. I left camp, reversing my drive in. I drove slow, taking care to look around just in case

We pulled into Billy's parents' house a little past 12 noon. I rang the doorbell and his mom answered.

"Mark, what a surprise. Have you heard from the kids yet?"

"Hi Mrs. Markson, no, I backtracked the route and we're going to go back the same way and stop at every possible rest stop and turn off, between here and camp.

This is my friend, Mac. This is Mrs. Markson, Billy's mom.

Have you heard anything at all?"

"No, nothing, and we're worried. What you're doing today is a very good idea. Please let us know if you find them."

"I will. Is it okay that we use your bathroom? Then we're going to get going."

"Of course. You know where it is."

"Mac, second door on the right."

Then I went.

"Mark, here is a gas card. Use it."

"Thank you very much."

She pulled me into a hug. Starting to cry. "Find them, please."

"I hope to."

She hugged Mac too.

"I'll call you as soon as I know something. Mac's dad gave their description to the New York state police too. Thank you, and stay positive."

We repeated the same at Jeannie's parents house.

We got in the truck, and started going back. We stopped at the Mass state police on route 90 and I described them, showing pictures of them and the truck and camper.

We stopped at every rest stop and turn off on the pike. Driving around and walking around. No one saw them.

At the truck, I went to open the door for Mac. "Do you think they drove off the road and are in a ditch somewhere?"

"Mark, you can't think like that. Think positive. We'll find them. If they are on the same path, we'll find them.

She had her hands on my head, looked at me, and pulled me in for a kiss. My eyes opened wide. "Think positive." She said. "Think about that kiss for after we find them." She smiled at me, gave me another hug, and got in the truck.

I got in, and we drove off. I kept it to 55 so we could look around as we drove.

We stopped at the Love's truck stop just over the line into New York. Looking around, we sat on the tailgate eating our sandwiches.

"Why don't we go in and find something more interesting to drink and maybe something for a snack?"

We both came out with drinks and a package of cupcakes."

We were sitting close together. I was thinking about that kiss.

We finished and just sat there in the sun for a little while.

"Mac, thank you for coming with me, and most of all your company."

"Mark, I want to be here with you."

That's all she said. I reached over and took her hand in mine. It was warm, soft and fit in mine perfectly.

I turned to look at her. She looked at me, smiling. "We'll find them."

I leaned in for a little kiss. She had soft, warm lips. I pulled back, "Let's get going."

We were in the truck again. Driving 55 now with the emergency blinkers on. Driving in the right lane, looking for any signs that a vehicle went off the road.

We saw nothing.

Route 87 north became Route 90 west in Albany. Then we started down Route 88.

Mac's phone rang. "Hi, Dad. No, we haven't found them yet. We just got on 88 south. We're going 55 to and looking closely at the side of the road in case they drove off.

We haven't seen anything yet."

She listened for a bit.

"Okay. I didn't know that. Do you know where they are? No, okay, the State Police are checking them out too. That's good. Thanks Dad. Love you."

"He says there are some old and little-known rest stops along 88. No signs anymore, but the access roads to them are still there and open. But not marked. The state never closed access to them.

He thinks there might be two or three before the exit."

"Okay, let's look for them."

"He said the state police are on 88 now, per his source, and are going to check them all out too.

"Hmmm," I said.

We stopped at a rest stop, filled the tank, and got more snacks and energy drinks. We were both tired after all the driving and stress.

We sat on the tailgate again, waiting for the energy drink to kick in, plus the sugar snacks. We bought some to go.

"Let's go. I think we're a little over an hour from camp."

She hugged me again. "We'll find them, Mark." She hugged me tighter. I hugged her back, feeling desperation set in.

We hit the road.

"Hey, look, an unmarked turnoff. I bet this is one of those my dad mentioned. Turn in here."

We followed a road aways in. Seeing lots of parking, old picnic tables, and old, closed bathrooms. But no one besides us.

"No cell service here." I said "let's get back on the highway."

We drove slowly, looking but not seeing anything. It was 5 pm and I was hungry. We snacked in the truck.

We found another old turnoff. This was a DPW. We looked around anyway and continued on.

On a whim, we drove by our exit and found another one.

"Holy shit," I said.

"What? Oh." She replied

"There's a statie behind us too."

There sat my friend's truck and camper.

The statie pulled beside us. "Are you Steve Williams' daughter and boyfriend?"

He asked us through the windows.

"Yes," she said.

"You kids stay here. Let me investigate first please. Let me make sure it's safe."

"Yes, sir," we both said.

We watched him call on his radio, then drive over, taking a wide view. Then he was on the other side and out of our view.

We waited. 10 minutes later, he walked around the side and motioned us over.

Billy and Jeannie were right there. I got out and hugged them both.

"It's so good to see you both!" I said. "I was fearing something bad happened to you both."

We stood with the cop, and heard the story.

"The truck was acting funny. Then I missed the exit. I saw this and thought it was an exit. We stopped and checked the truck. It seemed fine, but wouldn't start.

We looked at our phones and had no service. We walked all around and had no service." Billy said.

"So we stayed put, hoping someone would drive in, see us and help. But no one did until you guys.

If we spent another night, we would have started walking tomorrow.

It's so good to see you, Mark. Who is your friend?"

"Oh, so sorry. Mac, this is Billy and Jeannie. You guys, Mac."

"It's nice to find and meet you both. Mark and I have been searching for you since 7 am and have been to both of your houses earlier today, and are still looking for you, all day. We're so relieved to find you both. " Mac said.

Jeannie gave her a hug. "Thank you."

"I'm going to call it in that we found you. I'll be right back."

"Mark, I'm going to call my dad."

She took out the sat phone, called and talked to him.

"Dad! We found them! They were on the old rest stop past the exit heading south.

We need a trailer for the truck, which died. Mark said he can tow the camper."

"Mac, I'll have a trailer there in 30 to 45 minutes. Sit tight."

"Thanks Dad!"

"How were you able to make a call?" Billy asked.

"My dad gave me his sat phone and a few extra batteries this morning. It works everywhere.

He'll be here with a trailer in less than an hour. He'll tow your truck, Mark will tow your camper."

"Thank you," Billy said.

I went to the officer. "Until I saw you driving to them, it never dawned on me that something bad could have happened.

Thank you so much."

"You're very welcome. I'm going to stay here until we all drive out together."

"Can I offer you a cold water?"

"Yes, please and thank you."

We sat and talked, explaining how Mac and I met and our day long adventure.

Then we heard a truck approaching.

Mac's dad, with a few other people arrived. We introduced them.

We got the camper unhooked. Towed the truck out of the way and got it on the trailer. Then connected the camper to my truck.

"I have a friend who owns a garage. I'll call him and tell him we're bringing him a truck. He'll open and get the truck inside. Then have his mechanic look at it tomorrow." Steve said.

"You've made some very nice friends in our absence, Mark. Thank you all very much." Billy said.

It was approaching 7 pm.

"Mac, bring everyone to the house for dinner. I bet you're all hungry."

"We're starving." Mac said. "We'll drop off the camper and then head over. Thanks, Dad."

We went to the campground. "You can check in tomorrow and get a gate pass."

"Thank you, Mac. It's very nice to meet you." Jeannie said.

"You too, both of you. Mark has been very worried. Do you want help backing in, Mark?"

"Yeah, some guidance as it's larger than mine."

With their help and a lot of back and forth, I got it parked. They hooked up quickly and got back in the truck.

"Tell me where to go, Mac."

A few minutes later, we were in her driveway.

"Whoa, beautiful," Jeannie said.

It was all lit up.

"I'll say," Billy said.

"Wait until you see the back yard," I said. "Come on, Mac's mom is an excellent cook. Dinner last night was delicious."

We entered, greeting Steve again and Mac's mom, Rosie.

"Ooh, lasagna, yum," I said. "Two delicious meals in a row. Thank you so much.

Billy, what do you think is wrong with your truck?"

"I have no idea. It was working great until it wasn't. At least getting stuck there we had food. Otherwise, we would have gone walking the first day."

"I know. I was drinking warm bottled water and peanut butter on bagels and bread for breakfast and lunch. If it wasn't for Mac, it would have been my dinner too.

I'm glad we found you guys. Mac and I went all the way back to your house today and then returned.

Thank you, Steve, for the statie's help. He approached cautiously in case of foul play. One thing I didn't think of."

"After we check on your truck tomorrow, do you guys want to go to the hall? Mac only has 3 days off and I'd like to spend them with her.

By the way, why is it the campground at 1600?"

"The campground sits at 1600 feet above sea level. Hence at 1600."

"Hmmm. Interesting."

"Would you kids like dessert?"

I shook my head no, as did the others. "I'm stuffed. This was delicious, Rosie. Thank you."

"Mac, can you stay a bit and we'll light a fire?"

"Not tonight, Mom." She looked at her mom, getting a little head nod.

"I know honey, go have fun."

"Thank you again, Rosie," I said.

We went back to camp and started a fire.

"A bit chilly tonight.". Mac said.

I can help with that. I brought out my double chair and a blanket. I put it near, but not too near the fire. "Sit with me, Mac."

She sat next to me, then snuggled closer when I covered us both.

"So what happened to you guys?" I said.

"We were doing good, and then a few miles before the exit, the truck started bucking. As I tried different things to keep it running, we went right by the exit.

Then Jeannie saw what looked like an exit so we could turn around. But it went into this old rest stop. We stopped to use the bathroom in the camper. At least that's what we thought it was a rest stop. We parked to let the truck rest. Made lunch and then tried the truck again." Billy said

"Except it wouldn't start. I tried to call AAA, except we both had no service.

Billy tinkered with the engine compartment. But still nothing worked. So we stayed put. We couldn't believe no one came into the area.

If we had woken up tomorrow and the truck still didn't start. We would have locked it up and started walking. Then the police officer showed up with you two." Billy said.

Mac was holding my hand under the blanket.

"We left here around 7 am, heading back to your parents' house. You both need to call your moms and clear the many voicemails from us and them." I said.

"At your house we turned around and returned, driving slowly with the emergency blinkers on and checking every possible place out. All the rest stops, turns, everything including possible places to go off the road.

On a whim, we passed the exit and found the road you were on. The cruiser came in right behind us."

"We hadn't considered foul play until the cruiser told us to stay back until he said it was okay. Thankfully you both are."

We stopped talking and just watched the fire. I looked at Mac, and she looked at me, and we kissed.

She snuggled closer. I pulled the blanket more over her. My arm went around her, pulling her tightly against me.

Mac fell asleep, then I did. We were both exhausted.

I woke up to a fading fire and cold air. We were alone. I extracted myself from Mac, opened the camper, pulled the sheets back. Then I carried Mac in, laying her on the bed. I took her shoes off, covered her, and put the spare blanket within reach.

I took off my clothes to my boxers, used the bathroom and did my night stuff. I got in and spooned Mac. And fell right to sleep.

In the middle of the night, I felt her get up saying she had to pee. I shone the flashlight on the bathroom door.

She came back out, took off some clothes and snuggled back in. This time facing me

"How did I get into bed?"

"I carried you. You were out."

She snuggled closer. I wrapped my arms around her and felt her mostly nude body against mine

"Chilly." She said.

I pulled the blanket up, pulling her closer. "I'll warm you up."

She got even closer. My arms around her. Feeling her skin against mine.

"This is nice." She kissed me. "Tired, more sleep."

I closed my eyes.

I woke up hard, dreaming someone was stroking me. My eyes opened to see Mac in front of me, watching me.

Her hand was stroking me. "Good morning, Mark." She said softly.

"Good morning," I said, pulling her closer for a kiss.

My hand slid down her back to her butt. She only had on panties. Nothing else.

She pushed me onto my back and pushed the covers back. We both watched her stroke me.

She pulled her hand back, licked her palm, then stroked me more. I felt her bare breasts against my chest.

My hand slid down to hold her butt.

"Oh, god," I said.

"Cum for me," she softly said into my ear.

"Oh, fuck," as I exploded onto her hand, my stomach, and who knows where.

"Good boy," she said. She grabbed my T-shirt and wiped me off, tossing my shirt onto the floor. "Sleep more."

She kissed my ear, swung a leg over and between mine, half laid on me, putting her head on my chest.

She pulled the blankets up, whispering again, "sleep more, close your eyes."

I did and was out again. The next time I woke, the camper was warmer. She was looking at me again.

"Hi again," I said. "You didn't have to do that."

"I wanted to. Didn't you enjoy it?"

"Oh yes. Most certainly. I was very surprised that my dream came to life.

Did I warm you up last night? Did you sleep okay?"

"Yes, I slept very well, and yes, you warmed me right up. I'm still very comfy."

"Were your parents concerned you didn't come home last night?"

"I sort of told them it was a possibility I might not. Falling asleep on the chair, snuggled next to you, was a surprise. Waking up in your bed was too. Thank you."

"I know we were both very tired from yesterday. When I woke, I wanted to make sure you were warm and comfortable. There was no way I was leaving you outside.

In fact," I pulled her closer, "I can keep you warm for a while." I kissed her again. "Thank you for staying."

"You heard that cop; you're my boyfriend."

"I like that. You have 2 days before you return to work. Stay with me."

"I'm here, and not leaving. Unless you want me to?"

"I want you to stay. You need clothes."

"I have a few days worth in my car. Just in case."

I felt her hand reach down and hold my hardness again.

"Hmmm," she said. "Let's fix this."

She pulled the covers back, moved down and took me into her mouth. She was sliding up and down.

Her tongue is working magic. For the second time that morning, I was close.

She popped up, "cum in my mouth, Mark."

"Oh, god." I exploded again. Her tongue was still moving, suction taking everything until there was nothing.

She pulled off my softness, kissing my head.

She came back up to pull the sheets back. "Close your eyes, that's it. Pull me closer. Mmmm. Perfect. Nap now."

I woke up again. She was still asleep. I felt her breasts against me.

I pushed her hair off her face. Kissing her nose, her cheeks, her lips. Pulling her closer.

I glanced at my watch and saw noon approaching.

I whispered in her ear, "Peanut butter and jelly sandwich."

"Hi." She said.

"Hi," I said. She pulled me closer. "I don't want to get up."

"So we won't. I'll hold you close until tomorrow morning."

"Mmmm, sounds delicious."

I climbed on top of her. Nose to nose, " Your nose is cold." I kissed her nose, put mine beside hers. Our lips together and kissed her.

I slowly slid down, kissing her chin and neck, making her giggle. "Tickles." Her hands were in my hair, a very erotic feeling getting me hard again.

I kissed lower to the top of her breasts, then touched them, kissing them, making her moan.

I licked across her nipple. "Mmmm." I did a mock bite. "Oh, god, Mark."

She pulled my head down to her breast. I did another nibble.

She let out another moan.

Then there was banging on the door. "Hey, lovebirds, the day is half gone, come out and join us."

I looked at Mac and gave her a quick kiss.

"Go ahead and answer them. Tell them we'll be right out."

"We'll be right out, Billy. Make sandwiches for lunch, and we'll be out in 10 minutes." I yelled.

Softly to Mac. "To be continued." I kissed her again. "Will you stay again tonight?"

"Yes. Let's get up."

I stood, forgetting I had no clothes on and suddenly feeling modest.

Then she was in front of me. "No reason to feel shy, Mark. I like what I see. Put on sweats, we'll eat and take a quick shower and can be at the museum within the hour."

I leaned over and kissed her. "I like what I see too. As you can tell."

"More later." She said.

She found her clothes and mine and we went out.

"Sorry guys, we were exhausted from yesterday."

"Aha", Jeannie said.

"Mostly exhausted," Mac said.

We all laughed.

"You both were sound asleep when we went to sleep last night."

"I was stressed about finding you guys, plus all that driving yesterday and not getting much sleep the night before. It all caught up to me, to us."

We ate, took quick showers, got in my truck and went to the ball hall. Walking around, taking some pictures, then walking around town.

At the end of the day, we went out for Italian. All of us were getting along great, talking up a storm.

We finally returned to camp. The sun was setting, the wind had picked up, and it was going to be another cold night.

"Hey guys, we're going to sleep. Tomorrow wine and beer tasting. Thanks for a great day." Billy said.

"Us too," I said. "Sleep well."

We went inside. I set the heat on a temperature control at 62. I met Mac in the middle.

"Hi," I said. My hands on her shoulders, looking at her. "Thank you for another enjoyable day."

The timed light went off, and we were in the dark. Our eyes adjusted to the moonlight coming in through the windows.

"Hi again," I said, as we both laughed.

She put her hands around my neck and pulled me to her. We kissed a soft, romantic kiss that turned into a needy kiss.

We both pulled away, breathing hard.

I pulled up her shirt, unbuttoned her shorts. Both landed in the pile beside us. I undid her bra, then knelt and kissed her belly button and slowly lowered her panties. Kissing lower as I pulled them down.

She stepped out of them.

I kissed just above her pussy. Then gave her an exploratory lick. Then another, concentrating just below her clit.

I stuck my tongue in deep, listening to her sounds, her moans, and returning there for more.

I let my tongue graze across her clit. Her hands pulled my head to her as she let out a long, low moan. I was rewarded with more of her juices.

I licked faster, deeper, and across her clit again. More moans, and I felt her legs giving way.

I lowered her to the floor, pulling her legs up and going to town in her hot wetness.

She pulled my head up, "make love to me, Mark. I'm on the pill."

I raised myself up and slowly slid into her hot, wet box.

"That's it, Mark, oh right there. Mmmm. Gonna, oh fuck, cum, oh god, hard."

She put her legs around me, pulling me in tight as she rode it out. Holding me in.

Then I started pumping her hard. Pushing in deep and exploding inside her.

I lowered down to kiss her.

"More." She said.

I kissed her and pumped again. Getting hard again. Pumping faster.

"Oh, Mark! Again!" As she came, and I came again.

Finally calming down. Sweat drying and getting cold.

I pulled out. "Let's get into bed." I pulled her up and got in. Facing her. Covers pulled up.

Kissing her more gently now.

"Mark, tell me about your last girlfriend."

"Why?"

"Curiosity, and I don't want to lose you by making the same mistake she did," Mac said.

"My last girlfriend was nearly 4 months ago. We weren't together long at all, maybe two weeks. We got along fine, except she was looking for someone with a much larger dick. She said I was too small and she got no enjoyment from our lovemaking. We tried different things, but she kept telling me the same thing. I was too small."

"Mark, you're not too small. You're absolutely perfect.

We should match her with the last guy I was with. He was huge, so I couldn't take him. We broke up quickly.

I like you a lot. Spending all day with you, talking about everything, made me want to spend a lot more time with you."

She pulled me closer for a kiss.

"Plus, my parents like you a lot. My dad had never said more than a few words to any guy I brought by. You pass the parent test.

Pull me closer, I'm chilly."

I pulled her closer, her body right against mine.

"I like you too, Mac. A lot. Are you okay with my friends?"

"Yes, I like them a lot. No worries there. We should get some sleep. Today was nice. Tonight was very nice. One more kiss."

We kissed again. "Love kissing you, Mac."

"Me too, Mark. Sleep."

I closed my eyes, and then the alarm went off. Mac was on her back.

I touched her breasts. She moaned softly. I licked and then sucked on her breast, flicking my tongue across her nipple.

"This is a nice way to wake me up."

We kissed, both looking into each other's eyes. I could feel it. A different feeling than anyone that I dated before. I couldn't define it. But it was something new.

"Shower with me?" I said.

"Yes." She whipped back the covers, got up, and looked for her bag with her sweats, pulling them on. I watched her sexy body move. Making me hard again.

I got up, dick straight out.

"Watching me get dressed made you hard?"

"Watching you makes me hard. No time this morning." I grabbed my shaving kit, and we walked to the bathroom, hand in hand.

I pulled her into the men's shower. It wasn't empty, so I had her close her eyes.

"Sorry, guys. Her eyes are closed." I pulled the curtain, "okay open."

She was grinning at me. We stripped and stepped into the hot water. She soaped me up and I her.

I touched her everywhere and fingered her to an orgasm. Covering her lips with mine as she came. I pulled my fingers up and sucked them.

She held my hard-on. Dropping to her knees, she sucked every ounce of cum out of me. I was leaning against the shower wall.

She stood, and we kissed, each tasting like the other.

We got out, dried off. I had her close her eyes again and pulled her out.

Billy said, "good morning, Mac."

She replied, "good morning, Billy. I really like your friend. See you later." Making others laugh.

"Open your eyes now," I said as we were outside.

"That was silly, but so nice," Mac said.

"That was very nice," I replied.

We returned to my camper and got dressed. We all ate a quick breakfast and went in search of this hard cider place a few towns over. We did a tasting, but didn't buy anything, and then went to two more wineries nearby.

We skipped lunch and went swimming at Glimmerglass State Park for the afternoon. Lying on the beach, soaking up the sun.

"What are we doing tomorrow?" Mac asked.

"We're going to the Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville. A few years ago they had this name the giraffe contest online, and since then, I have wanted to visit the zoo." Jeannie said.

"Sounds like fun. I love animals," Mac said. "What are we doing for dinner?"

"We're going to the place on 28 that has the bull in front of it. Dining out tonight." Billy said.

"The food there is very good," Mac said.

We sat in the restaurant and talked for over two hours. We all started yawning at the same time."

"Will you stay with me again, Mac?" I asked.

"Yes. When do you guys leave?"

"Saturday morning," I said.

Mac pouted. "I'm going to miss you all. Mark most of all. This week has been so enjoyable."

"Mac, next Monday night, when you get off work, can you drive out to me and stay until Thursday night? My parents are in Europe for the summer. Maybe longer, as it's a work and vacation trip for my dad. I have the house to myself."

"I'd like that very much." She pulled me closer in the booth. "I can still see you after I get out of work, right?"

"I'll be waiting for you by the door every day. Anxiously waiting for you to get off work. I'm going to miss you so much, Mac. So, so much."

She put her head on my shoulder.

Billy said, "We should go."

We got in my truck and returned to the campsite. There was a note on his door about his truck with a description of what was fixed and the price.

"How bad?" I asked.

"Not bad at all. I expected much worse. Do you want to know what was wrong with it?" Billy said.

"Nope. I'm not technical and don't want to know. Tell them we may pick it up tomorrow afternoon or Friday morning. Good night, you guys. Let's plan on a 9 am. departure time tomorrow. So be showered by 8:30 and have a quick breakfast. Mac and I are going for a little walk. See you in the morning."

We stopped at the kiddie area and sat on a bench. "I know it's only been a few days, but I feel connected to you, Mac. Do you feel the same way?"

"Mark, I want to be with you. I feel it too. When you leave Saturday, I'm going to miss you so much. Let's enjoy tomorrow, and let's see where this goes."

We were holding hands, looking at each other as the sun set and it grew chilly.

"Come on, I know where I can warm you up " I said as I took her hand as we walked back to my camper.

It ended up being a very cold night, causing the heat to go on and us to use an extra blanket.

"Are you warm enough?" I asked her.

"No, I need more body heat," she said.

"Come closer. Mmmm. Closer." I pulled her closer, feeling her body against mine.

"This is so nice, Mark. Nice and warm now."

"Mmmm, very nice." My hands were wrapped around her. Her legs between mine. "I wonder what the odds are of us meeting at a campground?"

"Shhh, close your eyes. Sleep. Boyfriend."

My alarm went off. I turned it off, choosing to snuggle with Mac more. "I sleep so well with you, Mac."

"Me too, far better than by myself."

"I just remembered, I have a wedding to attend on a Saturday night in June. Would you be able to get the time off to go with me? My parents will be there too and then return to Europe. I said yes as a plus one. I'd love to see you in a dress. I heard there will be lots of dancing and very good food."

"Sounds like fun. I'll take that weekend off. Let me know which one and I'll put it on the calendar showing that I won't be there. I get to see you in a suit?"

"Yes, and I get to see you in a dress. I bet you will be so beautiful." I looked at my calendar on my phone. "June 13th is the wedding."

"I'll take it off. I can't wait." Mac said.

"Let's do today's zoo day, then you have to work. Do you think I could add two more nights and you could follow me home Monday afternoon?"

"We can stop in the office to see if the site is free on the way out. I don't want to get up. Just hold me."

Knock knock, "Come on lovebirds, the zoo is calling."

"Alright, alright. Make breakfast, we'll be out in 10 minutes. At least back at my house no one will do that. Will your parents be okay with you coming to my house for a few days?"

"They'll be fine. Like I said, they like you."

"Mac, I more than like you."

"I know Mark, I know I more than like you too. I know it's been a short time, but... I don't know how to describe it. But I want to be with you."

We put on sweats, ate and showered quickly. We got in the truck and went to the zoo in Harpursville, New York.

"You know, I've never been there. I've never had friends or a boyfriend that wanted to go. How come you guys want to go?" Mac said.

"I like animals. I like you even more. If it interests you, it interests me." I said.

"I agree with Mark on everything. If Jeannie likes it I do too and I get to spend more time with her making her happy. Plus it's fun." Billy said.

"I know you guys have only been together a few days. But what they just said means Mark loves you Mac. You probably haven't expressed it yet. Billy and I can see she is head over heels in love with you, Mark.

You both just think about that. No commitment needed."

I took Mac's hand in mine, giving her a little squeeze. She squeezed me back.

I knew she was thinking about our conversation this morning in the camper.

I pulled my hand back as we went up the hill, following the directions, then turning into the zoo. Mac paid for both of us.

"Thank you." I said.

She took my hand in hers, giving me a squeeze. We bought 2 pails of food and started our walk.

She fed the animals, I watched her. She had this huge smile on her face.

I came up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist. I kissed her ear softly. There are some bigger really good zoo's within two hours of my house. I'd love to take you to them." I kissed her cheek.

We saw the camels, making faces at them watching them react, then getting us laughing.

We met the capyberras, feeding them lettuce and petting them. One climbed up and became lap animals for Jeannie and Mac. We got some great pictures.

They were petting them and talking to them. Then they got off and went into the water.

We then went across the street into the drive through adventure. We saw lots of deer. Then an ostrich came up to the truck and the girls were making faces at them as they tapped the windows. We were all hysterical.

Then the bison came to the window and started licking it. "Ew, gross." I said, making everyone laugh. Then the big water buffalo with the horns did the same thing on Mac's side, making her jump and leaving a saliva trail on her window.

We all laughed more. "You guys are going to pitch in to get this truck washed. That's disgusting." I said, getting everyone laughing.

We parked and fed the giraffes. Amazed at how tall they were and how long their tongues were. "Can you imagine me with a tongue that long, Mac?" I said

"Oh, god, the thought makes me wet."

"Me too," Jeannie said.

"I could sell my services." Billy said, getting us all laughing.

We drove out, heading back to camp.

"Find a place for lunch." I said.

"Take the exit in 8 miles and turn left at the bottom. Go across the intersection and park. A tavern with food."

We did and had a good lunch, then continued on.

"Do you have enough clothes for tomorrow, Mac?" I asked.

"Can we stop at my house?"

"Of course. Are you guys okay with that or want to be dropped at camp first?"

"We're good. To Mac's house."

We arrived and Billy and Jeannie admired it even more in the daylight.

"How many kayaks do you have out back?"

"We have 8, two tandems and six individuals. My parents entertain so often, they bought a bunch. You want to go out?"

"Yes," we all said.

We went in, greeted her parents and went out back. Mac looked at me, "tandem?"

"If you want, I'm game."

"Yes." We pulled out both tandems. It took Billy and Jeannie a few minutes to get coordinated but they did and we all went out.

"You guys should know, most couples argue in a tandem. It's usually funny to watch. I think it says something about us four that we can paddle easily and quickly.

Shhhh. I hear those loons again. Listen."

We heard their calls. We quietly paddled towards the sounds. Seeing them and listening until they flew away.

"That was amazing," Jeannie said.

We kayaked more and then returned to her house. Her parents were watching us from their deck.

"Can I interest you in some strawberry pie with ice cream?" Rosie asked.

"Yum. Count me in," Billy said.

"Us too." We all said.

We sat, talked about the zoo, showed some pictures of the big water buffalo tongue licking the trucks windows and other animals.

"Thank you. This was delicious. With all the excitement the other day, I didn't think I said thank you, Steve. Your mechanic friend was very affordable and did great work. Thank you very much for the towing and everything. We appreciate your help so very much." Billy said. Jeannie was nodding her head in agreement.

"You're welcome. Glad I could be of assistance. You know, it's getting late, we have spare bedrooms, why don't you all stay? Yes, Mac, of course Mark can stay with you."

"That works for me. What about you guys?"

"We're game, thank you." Billy said.

"I know you have work tomorrow Mac. I promise to get you there on time."

"Maybe tomorrow we will go to that classic car museum." Billy said. "It won't be the same without you, Mac. We'll try to keep Mark from moping too much."

I looked at Billy. He grinned at me.

We washed up, Billy and Jeannie had their own room. I got to see Mac's room. Small bed, but we didn't need much.

"This is pretty. I've never really been in a girls bedroom. It kind of makes me wonder what you look like in a dress. I bet you're the prettiest girl in the room."

The moonlight lit up the room. We were both on our sides looking at each other.

"What are you thinking, Mark?" Mac asked me.

"I don't think I can tell you. It might scare you away."

"I don't think there is anything you could say to me to scare me away."

"Okay, here goes, I'm an ax murderer. There, I said it."

We both burst into uncontrollable laughter. Finally, we calmed down, looking at each other and starting again.

I was thinking we were making too much noise. We'll hear about it in the morning.

"Come on, really. But that was funny."

I put my hands on her cheek, looking at her. "I was wondering what it would be like waking up next to you every morning for the rest of my life."

She pulled me closer, kissing me. "I can imagine that too." She said.

"Have you ever said that to anyone before?"

"No, never even come close, until now. Think sleep, Mark. I'm right here beside you."

We moved even closer, entangling ourselves in each other. Sleep came quickly.

Morning came too fast. "One of these days, hopefully we can stay in bed longer. Good morning." I gave her a little morning kiss.

She pulled me closer. "I don't want to go to work. I want to stay with you."

"There's nothing I would like more. But work is work. A commitment to do a job."

She pushed me onto my back, climbed on top of me. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her closer.

"I feel it too, Mac. Shower together? Except I'll put on the same clothes,"

She got up and opened the door that I wondered where it went. To an en suite bathroom.

"Nice!"

We both stripped, washing each other quietly. Making sure to not miss anywhere on each other's bodies.

I went to my knees, pushing her against the wall and licked her sex. It didn't take long. I then stood and slid into her, as we quietly made love while standing up under the running water.

"Well, that was a first," I said as I kissed her.

"Mmmm," she said.

"Mac, I..." she put her hand over my mouth.

"Not yet." She said.

"But I'm hungry."

"That's what you were going to say?"

"Yes. But I could easily say the other." As I leaned in and kissed her, my stomach growled at her, making us both laugh.

We washed each other again, getting out and drying off. I helped her pick her clothes. She looked good. I put my clothes back on.

I sniffed her arm. I smell like you. You'll be with me all day. I'll sniff my arm and remember this shower.

We had a quick breakfast and returned to the campground.

She checked if I could stay on the site. It was booked. The whole campground was booked.

She came to me. "If someone cancels, I'll lock you in. Now go. I'll see you when my shift ends, right?"

"Of course. I have an idea for dinner tonight. Will you stay with me again?"

"Of course. I can't wait to see you later. Now go and have fun with your friends." We kissed.

Went to the campers, put on clean clothes and went to the car museum.

I was there when her shift ended. Hand in hand we walked to my camper. I made steaks with corn, and we talked while sitting at the campfire.

We were glued to each other. Tomorrow I will leave. And wouldn't see her until Monday night.

Lying in bed at 7 am. "I don't want to go."

"I don't want you to go." I was wiping her tears. I pulled her closer

"You'll come out to me Monday night? I'll make dinner for us."

"Yes. I have your address in my phone. I'll be there. I'll tell you when I'm leaving here.

Thank you for an amazing week. I can't wait to see you again. Hold me." She started crying. I pulled her tight against me. I barely held my tears back.

Finally, we got up, had breakfast and got her to work. I got the trailer ready to travel.

"I'm going to stop at the office to say goodbye and turn in my gate key."

"We are too," Jeannie said.

We pulled through the gate and parked. The three of us went inside to the busy office.

Billy went first. "Site B-15 checking out." He handed her his gate key.

She looked at Billy and Jeannie and the tears started. She ran around hugging both.

Then it was my turn. I couldn't even talk. I just looked at her and handed her my key.

She took it and ran around again. "I miss you already. I can't wait to see you again on Monday." She said, "Tell me when you get home." She pulled me to her to kiss; I held her close. I've never felt this way before.

"I have to work." She looked at me. I nodded. Kissing her again.

"Go work; I'll call you tonight after dinner." One last kiss and I left. Looking back, then leaving.

I followed Billy, tunes cranked so I didn't have to think.

We got home, parked, cleaned the trailer, cut the lawn, emailed my parents, and tried to keep busy.

I called her after dinner.

"Hi, is this Mac?" I said.

"Who do you think it is? Of course it's me." She said.

"I was just making sure I had the right number. How was work?"

"It was busy, which made the day go faster. When it ended, I briefly looked for you and then remembered you left. I feel sad."

"Me too. I miss you."

"What did you make for dinner?" she asked.

"I didn't have much motivation and just had a peanut butter sandwich. What about you?"

"My mom made spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread. It was good."

"It sounds good. Do you think if I drive back, I could kiss you good night before leaving again?"

"You can't do that. We both know you would never leave. I'll be there Monday night. Tuesday we can finally stay in bed all day. That's something to look forward to."

"It sure is. I guess I am tired." Yawn. "I should go to sleep. I miss you terribly Mac. You'll be in my dreams until I see you again."

"You too, Mark. Eat better and I'll see you soon."

I put the phone on charge and closed my eyes. I sniffed my arm, still smelling of her rose soap. I fell asleep.

I got the text Monday afternoon. Mac was in her way. What to do until she arrives?

I sat on the front steps and looked through social media. I was going to take her out for dinner tonight and cook the rest of the week.

I watched her pull into the driveway. I could see her face and saw a big smile as she noticed me.

Going to her, opening her door. "Hey there beautiful, I've missed you."

"Hey there handsome, I'm so glad to see you. I've missed you terribly."

I hugged her. "So glad you are here, Mac, welcome to my home. Are you hungry?"

"Starving. What's for dinner?"

Let me bring your bag in and we'll go out. Oh, bags."

"I thought I would leave one here, at least for the summer."

"That's great. Lock your car. We'll take the truck."

We had a great meal at the cedar restaurant and returned. I gave her the grand house tour and gave her a key. "This key does all the outside doors."

"What if we break up and I keep the key?"

"We'll never break up." I said with confidence. She smiled. "This is so much more than anyone I have ever dated. This is a relationship."

She looked at me, smiled and pulled me to her lips. She pulled off my shirt, shorts and boxers. I took off her shirt, shorts and panties and laid her right there on the hall floor and made love to her. We were two feet from the front door.

"Welcome to my house. Bed or TV?"

"Bed. I'm a bit tired and want to snuggle with my guy. But first, make love to me again."

There on the floor, we went at it. Sweaty on the cool flagstone floor. "Shower first?"

"Yes." We got up, leaving our clothes where they were and used my parents' large, walk-in shower.

"Wow! Nice shower." She said.

"My parents still love each other. When they redid the shower, they put some thought into it.

Now that they are in Europe for most of the summer, you and I can enjoy it. But they will be back for the wedding weekend. Then return to Europe."

We turned on the water to a perfect temperature.

"Watch." I said.

I moved a knob and water went from one shower head to rain above us. I pulled her closer, kissing her. We were both looking at each other.

I changed the knob again and spray was added from the sides.

I tilted her chin up, giving her a soft kiss.

"I could get used to this very easily, being with you all the time." I said to her.

"Me too, Mark. Tomorrow we will stay in bed longer, finally."

We dried each other off. Slid into bed. I bought satin sheets for her. We came together in the middle.

"Good night, sweetheart. I'm so glad you're here."

"Me too. These sheets are nice. Mmmm, sleep."

"Good morning." I said while pulling her closer. I moved my hand up and grazed her nipple."

A moan from her lips. I did it again, then pushed her over and licked her nipple.

"Oh Mark, you know how to get my juices running."

I reached down between her legs, feeling her hot juices. Touching her to make her moan more. "Do you want my tongue or my hardness this morning?" I asked her.

"Hardness." As she rolled onto her back. "Now."

I got on top of her sliding all the way in, in one movement. Then started a fast movement slamming into her and pulling all the way out.

"I'm gonna cum, Mac."

"Push in deep."

I pushed in, holding myself there as I exploded inside her.

Lowering myself to her, feeling her sweat mixing with mine.

"That was so good, Mark. Mmmm, sleep."

I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

I woke to see her looking at me. "Hi." She said.

"Hi." I said back.

She smiled. "I want to wake up with you forever."

"Me too, with you. I hear your stomach growling." I poked her stomach like I always do when it growls.

"Feed me."

We got up, walking naked through the house. I ate lunch, and went back to bed. We got up for dinner, still naked, and made love on the kitchen floor while dinner was cooking. Then we went back to bed.

Touching, talking, snuggling and showing again.

The week went by and she went home. We talked every night. I returned the night of her time off, staying at her house. She worked a few days, and I did yard work at her house.

Then we went to my house for the wedding. I introduced her to my parents.

They went to the Friday wedding dinner, we stayed home watching TV.

Saturday we were up and spent some time with Jeannie and Billy. Returning home to showered and to get dressed.

"What do you think, Mark?"

"Lovely, beautiful, so pretty, gorgeous."

"Thank you. You are so handsome, all dressed up."

We had my parents take some pictures and texted them to her parents. We followed my parents to the wedding and entered with them.

"Why the security?" I asked my dad.

"I don't know, Mark. I'm glad you entered with us, otherwise you wouldn't be able to get in."

We sat and realized it was a double wedding. "This is interesting. Did you know it was two weddings, Dad?"

"I do remember hearing something about it. It's a first for me.

By the way, you and Mackenzie make for a stunning couple. We want some pictures of you both and the four of us at the reception."

"Thank you, Mark's dad." Mac said.

"Mac, please call me Rob and Mark's mom, Sally."

"Sure thing. I think it's starting."

The first bride was escorted in. Whispering, "look how pretty she is." Mac said.

I squeezed her hand.

Then the second bride was escorted in. "Mark, she's stunning."

I squeezed her hand again.

We watched the first ceremony. The second started with a Superman reference getting us all laughing. Then it became proper again.

We found our table. Met a whole bunch of people. Chatting, surprising them that we were still in college. I mentioned who my dad was. There was good conversation that we enjoyed.

Then the dancing started. I got up, "my beautiful Mackenzie, dance with me?"

She got up and we danced for hours.

My parents brought us to the bride and groom. "It's nice to meet you and congratulations. I'm Mark and this is my girlfriend, Mac; short for Mackenzie."

"It's nice to meet you, Mark. This is my bride, Gracie." Alan said.

"It's very nice to meet you, Mark and Mac." Gracie said.

"You make for a beautiful bride." Mac said.

"Thank you." Gracie said with a big smile.

"It's very nice to meet you, Gracie. I agree with Mac. You both make for a very nice couple. Congratulations again." I said.

"Your dad talks about you all the time. He's been my financial manager since my dad introduced us when I was in high school. Are you out of college yet?"

"This is our final year. We graduate in May."

"What do you each study?"

"We're both business majors."

"Here is my card. I have a huge network of business contacts, if you need some help finding a job. Please reach out."

"Thank you very much. We both appreciate any help."

"Now, are you both ready for some dancing fun? The band is paid through 5 am and we expect to light up the room. We both hope you will join us?" Gracie said.

"We're ready. It's our first time dancing together." Mac said.

"You're going to have fun. We have a group of 60 friends here that will make this place come alive. We hope you join us. Go enjoy and we'll talk to you later." Gracie said.

"Thank you. We'll see you on the dance floor." I said.

Around 1 am, "Mark your mom and I are leaving. We'll return for breakfast and hope to see you here. Mackenzie you look beautiful and you both make for a stunning couple. Have fun as I suspect you'll be dancing until the early morning." my dad said.

"Thanks dad, this has been so much fun."

"Thanks, I agree." Mac said.

My parents left as we danced to some slow, vertical snuggle music.

Around 2:30 am, Gracie tapped to dance with me and Mac went to Alan.

"You both make for a very nice couple. Have you told her yet?" Gracie asked.

"Uhm, told her what?" I said.

"That you love her. It's so obvious with the way you look at each other, hold each other, hold hands."

"Uh, we've only been dating a few weeks, since around Memorial weekend."

"It doesn't matter. Most of our friends told their girls, now wives, within a week."

"Uh, we're only 21."

"Mark, take it from someone who almost lost her guy, because I waited much too long. Tell her."

"I'll scare her away, Gracie. It's much too early in our relationship."

"See, you do love her."

"Yes, I guess I didn't want to admit it to myself. We've been inseparable since the second day we were together. It wasn't normal how we got together. She rocks my world. I've never felt this way about any girl prior. I wasn't sure it was love, but I guess it is. My first time."

"It's an incredible feeling, Mark. Some people never experience it. Don't wait too long. She loves you too, even if it's too early to say it. I'm returning to my husband. Go get her, Mark."

We stayed dancing with them until 5 am. Having a blast, shutting the place down.

We walked out with everyone. "You know what? It's an hour to the house. We'd be there for 2 hours and then return here for breakfast. Why don't we just sleep in the back of the truck?" I said to Mac.

Alan and Gracie turned, saying, "Absolutely not. Follow us to our house, we have room for you both."

"We can't impose. We'll be fine in the back seat of the truck, really."

"Absolutely not. If I have to get our security team to drag you to our house, you're coming home with us."

Two big guys stepped out.

"Uh, okay, thank you. We're in that pickup, What are we following and where are we going?" I said.

He pointed to a 4 door Porsche. "Follow us, we live 10 minutes from here in Longmeadow. You won't have any trouble with so few cars on the road. Park on the grass beside the driveway, next to other cars."

I opened the door for Mac. Gracie looked at me, smiled and winked. I just shook my head wondering how she knew.

We followed them as were some others. I parked on the grass. We just sort of stood there, feeling very out of place. Gracie came over, taking our hands. "We won't bite unless provoked." Mac and I looked at each other.

She pulled us in, pulled out the sleeper couch. Alan appeared with sheets and pillows. "The bathroom is the second door on the left. There is another upstairs. We're going to leave around 8:30 am so we can greet people as they arrive. Feel free to sleep as long as you want. We'll probably be up at 8:00 am to make coffee for everyone."

"Thank you very much. I texted my dad to say we're at your house and we'll see him at the breakfast. Good night, or better yet, good morning."

Whispering to Mac, "Do you want to take off your dress? I can hold up a blanket to hide you and you for me. I'd rather sleep in my underwear."

"Me too. Good idea. This is better than sleeping in the truck."

We put our clothes on the back of the couch, lay down, snuggled together. "Good night, Mac. Close your eyes." We kissed and closed our eyes. The next thing I knew, I heard voices.

"Are you awake, sweetheart?"

"Mmmm, sweetheart, I like that. Did we really sleep? I feel like we just snuggled in."

"Yup, two and a half hours. It's 8 am. Do you want to get up or stay in bed longer?"

"Another 15 minutes?"

"I'll set my phone alarm."

In what felt like seconds later, my phone was ringing. "We'll sleep good tonight." I said.

I took the top blanket, stood to cover Mac while she put her dress back on. She held the blanket while I got dressed again too.

We folded the blankets and sheets and closed the sleeper couch. Stacking them on the edge. We walked into the kitchen. Gracie and Alan were there with some others.

"Good morning Mac and Mark. Oh, last night's clothes. Hmmm. This is Maria and Evie. Here comes Evie's husband Mike and Maria's husband Ken."

"Good morning everyone. Thank you for letting us sleep on your couch this morning. It was quite comfortable. We're sorry to inconvenience you."

Alan shook his head, smiling. "It's not an inconvenience and I'm sure it is much more comfortable than the back seat of your truck. Now, you don't have a change of clothes?"

"No, dancing late with you all and returning for breakfast wasn't in our original plans." I said. "Oh, sorry. I'm Mark and this is my girl friend, Mac. Short for Mackenzie."

Everyone was smiling at us. We saw Gracie look at Maria and Evie. "What's with the looks?" I said.

"He's as quick as Ken." Mike said.

"Gracie." Alan said.

"Maria, Evie, let's find some better Sunday clothing for Mac. She's about our size." Gracie said.

"No, I don't want to be any trouble. I'm fine in my dress."

"No, you're not." Maria said as she and Gracie each took a hand and brought Mac down the hall.

"Now," Alan said. "Mark is more Mike's size. Do you have something that may fit him Mike?"

"Oh, yes. Come this way, Mark."

"I really don't want to be a bother." I said.

Alan came over, pushing my back to follow Mike into his room. Mike looked at me, pulling a pair of jeans from his bag and a nice looking polo.

"Try these on, I'll look away."

I changed quickly. "Do they fit okay?"

He had a big smile on his face. "Mac will be all over you. Evie loves me in those. Put your clothes in a bag. Find a way to get those back to Alan's. We return home to Delaware in a few days and will be back up a few days before August for a little over two weeks.

What size shoes do you wear?"

"I'm fine in the dress shoes."

"What size?" He asked again.

"Nine and a half."

"Try these on."

I pulled off my dress shoes and slipped on the loafers. Looking in the mirror, "Damn I never look this good. Thank you."

"Wait until Mac sees you. She won't be able to keep her hands off you."

We walked out. "Much better, thanks Mike." Alan said.

Mac, Gracie and Maria

"Come on girl, off with the dress." Gracie said.

I pulled off my dress and laid it on the bed.

"Try these on." Maria said. Holding a pair of nice jeans.

I put them on. They were a little tight in the right places.

"Fuck, girl, if I were into girls, you'd be irresistible. Mark won't be able to keep his hands off you. You're hot. Now, let's find a top." Evie said.

I looked in the mirror. "Are they too sexy?" I asked.

All three looked at me, shaking their heads. "You look good. Mark's going to love it." Evie said.

Gracie pulled out a flowered top and held it up to me. "Too busy?"

"Yup, too busy. How about this one?" Maria said.

She held up a simple white top with some lace.

"I love it. Try it on, Mac." Gracie said.

I put it on, looking in the mirror. Surprised at how good I looked.

"Put on your shoes." Gracie said. Maria and Evie were nodding.

I put my high heels on and looked in the mirror.

"Fuck, girl, you're smoking hot." Gracie said.

"I don't think I've ever worn clothes this sexy before." I said.

"You do know that boy out there is crazy in love with you, right?" Gracie said.

"That can't be. We've only been together a few weeks. Doesn't love take longer?"

Maria and Gracie were shaking their heads. "I fell for Ken on the third day we were together. I had that feeling, right here." Pointing to her heart. "It hasn't gone away. It's that indescribable feeling when you're with that special person. You just know. You may not want to admit it, but you know." Maria said.

"The way you look at each other. The interlocked fingers when you hold hands. Watch others, a simple date won't do that. Those in love will. The way he looks at you. He's crazy for you. I think you know that."

"I kind of do and I guess I do feel that way about him. You guys, thank you. I don't have any girlfriends to talk about this stuff with."

"Listen, give me your phone, we'll enter our contact info. Call or text us anytime you want to talk. Maria lives in East Longmeadow, Evie in Delaware."

"I live in New York, outside Cooperstown."

"Mark lives in Sturbridge. How did you guys meet? Wait, we'll save that for another day. Do you come out and spend time with Mark and he goes there?"

"Yes, three days each on alternating weeks so far. We've only been together a few weeks."

"Listen, if you are out here, we can spend the day as a girls day with me, Maria and a few other women like Em and Molly. A girls day out, sometimes shopping and talking. Let us know when you're in town." Gracie said.

"If you ever want to talk, call or text. We'll always respond." Maria said.

"I will too, but have 4 boys to take care of, so I might be a little slower." Evie said.

"Four boys?" I said.

"Three sons and Mike. Four boys. When Alan and Gracie come down, it's five boys, but Gracie shares that."

"Come on, Alan and I have to go. But I want to see Mark's reaction when he sees you."

We heard footsteps and saw Mac being nudged by Grace, Evie and Maria.

I think my jaw hit the floor. "Wow, Mac, you're smoking hot. You look gorgeous. You can't wear that to school. I won't stand a chance if you do."

She came up to me, her arms around my neck, pulled me in for a kiss. "I like our new friends. I'm just borrowing the clothes." She pushed me away. "You look smoking hot yourself." She came to me for another kiss. Then stood beside me, our arms around each other's waists.

"Thank you all."

In a blink the girls were taking photos. "We'll text them to you Mac. Come on husband, we need to go. See you all at nine." They left with their security people and we were left with everyone else.

"I have to ask, who are the security people trying to keep out?"

"It's a long story. We can tell you, they did their job last night as a person was arrested."

"Arrested? Why? Wait, they'd have to be unruly or attack someone or, holy shit. Really?"

"He is as quick as you, Ken." Mike said.

"We'll tell you later. Stick around with a big group of us after everyone else leaves. Alan and his security people are going to tell everyone. It's not my place to say. I can say, the security team did its job very well. I need to get dressed. Let's all get to the breakfast. You two look great." Ken said.

Maria and Evie came up to us. "Remember what we said Mac." Maria winked at her. They walked away to get dressed.

"What was that wink for?" I asked.

She smiled. "Nothing you need to know about, boyfriend. By the way, you look so fuckable right now. But I'll have to wait."

"You do too." I hugged her close, my hands on her sexy butt. "You look so sexy." We kissed.

Evie came back out. "I have to ask you guys to tame it down. My boys are 16 but still."

"We're both 21. A lot of growth happens in those five years. Thank you for everything."

"Everyone will be ready to leave in five minutes. Do you guys need a toothbrush? Alan and Gracie have a few new packs in the drawer. Go use them. Stop saying you're a bother, because you are not. Now go. Be ready to leave soon."

We both went and brushed, tucking both toothbrushes into my dress pants pocket for later.

Everyone came out and we followed them back to the breakfast.

We sat and ate. My parents came in and over to us. "Did you guys come home last night?" My mom asked.

"No, we sort of made some new friends. Alan and Gracie let us sleep on their couch and loaned us some clothes more suitable for today. We were going to sleep in the truck, but they wouldn't let us. We danced with them until 5 am."

"5 am! Oh to be young again." My dad said.

"You're not that old, dad." I said.

"Stand up." My mom said.

"I need pictures. You two look hot."

"I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing coming from a parent." I said. Everyone near us got a good laugh.

The music came on and we danced with everyone else. Evie came to me and Mike to Mac.

"I think you've impressed your parents Mark. We heard their comments. Did you tell her yet?"

"Geezus no. Not yet. I'm going to wait. It's too early for us. Thank you again for the clothes. I suspect Mac may take me shopping so I can look nicer for her more often. You know, you guys didn't have to do all this."

"Mark, let me tell you something. We are all part of this big group of friends. We all do what we can and pay it forward. Do you know what that means?"

"I know what that means. Thank you again.

We have a couple that we are close to. They are not here. But we really have no other friends. I think before Mac met me, she really didn't have any."

"Well, she has 3 new girl friends now. We were talking about spending a day together and going shopping when she is out here some weekend. Some day, you'll have to tell us how you met with you living east of here and she in New York. Here comes your girl."

She returned to Mike. "Hi lover." Mac said.

"Lover?" I said.

She smiled. "Boyfriend."

"I think I like that better. What are those older women telling you?"

"I have some new friends. That's all I will say." She ground herself into me. Whispering my ear, "I feel how hard you are. I want that in me later."

"If we weren't near my parents..."

Her hands went around my head and pulled me in for a kiss.

Ken and Maria came over, "Are you guys next?" Maria said.

"Next for what?" I said.

"Mac knows."

"What am I missing?"

She looked at me, then gave me a I want to fuck you kiss. She whispered in my ear.

"Married? We have to graduate and get a job before that topic comes up."

Ken and Maria laughed, drifting away.

"We've only known each other for a few weeks. We haven't even said the L word yet. We're only 21." I said.

She looked at me smiling. What does she know? I wondered. What did they talk about when she was changing clothes?

The music picked up, the hall started to empty. We stayed and danced as the crowd thinned.

"Mark, Alan and Gracie are sitting on the stage. I think they are going to discuss the security issue now. Let's go over."

We stayed in the back of the group as Alan deferred to the couple beside them. Then we heard how a lady was detained with guns and ammunition. "Holy shit." I said softly. "Oh my god." Mac said. We listened more. I hugged Mac.

Ken, Maria, Gracie and Alan came over to us. "Are you two okay with this news?"

"Yes. Thank you for hiring the security." I said.

"We suspected something was going to happen. Listen, you two, don't be strangers. Keep in touch. When we all go to Cooperstown one of these days, we'll be in touch." Alan said.

"There is a lot to see and do in the area." I said.

Maria said, "When is the next time you are in town, Mac?"

"Uh, let's see. Mark is coming to me next week. Probably in a few weeks. I can text you when I'm coming back.

Mark, would it be okay if I took a day with the girls?"

"Of course! We'll find a day when you come home with me."

"I promise to contact you. Thank you both! I unfortunately am going home tomorrow. Mark comes to my house the following day."

"He's not going back with you?"

"No, he has to cut the lawn and a few other things, so we'll be apart for a day." She made a pouty face. "Thank you both. I think we're going to his house and getting some sleep." She yawned, making us all yawn.

We returned home, took a quick shower and crawled into bed. My parents woke us for dinner and we went back to sleep.

The next day, Mac returned home.

I arrived at Mac's house a little early. I was excited to see her. I rang the doorbell.

"Hi, Mark. Mac went shopping with her mom and should be back soon."

"I can go sit in the car."

"No, that's not necessary. Please come in."

I entered the house.

"I was just working on a client house design," Steve said.

"I don't want to bother you.

"You're not bothering me. No worries."

Uhm, I think you know my parents are in Europe for the summer. I was wondering..."

"Mark, is there something you want to talk about?"

"Yeah. I miss talking with my dad. If I get too personal, just tell me so."

"Ok, shoot." He rotated his chair to look at me.

I was quiet for a minute. "When did you know you loved Rosie?"

He looked at me and smiled. Rosie and I met at UMASS. We met in January of our junior year. I don't remember which class it was, just that this beautiful girl was in it and I had to meet her. I found the courage to ask her out, and for some reason, she said yes.

We met by the rock at the pond and sat and talked every day after class. We went into Amherst for pizza. I fell head over heels for her. I think by the 4th or 5th date, I knew I was in love."

"When did you tell her you loved her, and did she reply with the same?"

"We went for a walk, I think on the fifth day, and sat on the grass talking. I remember kissing her and saying, 'Rosie, I've fallen in love with you.'

I didn't know how she would respond. But I had to tell her, or I thought I'd explode.

She replied, Good, it's not just me. I love you too, Steve.

We were both in dorms and found an apartment room with friends and moved in together and have been together since. She's the love of my life, and I would die without her in it."

"I guess you can figure out why I'm asking. That's how I feel about Mac. We've been together a few weeks, and when we're apart, it's so hard to not think about her all the time. When I'm with her, life suddenly makes sense." I said.

"Exactly, Mark. When we moved in together, my grades improved. I was working for us, for our future. Not just me and whatever my business degree got me. But for us, for a solid future.

Mark, when you are not around, Mac talks nonstop about you. Please don't tell her I said that; she'd be very upset. You two are so good together. You both remind Rosie and me of ourselves at that age.

I hear the garage door; let's go help them with the groceries."

"Thank you for the talk, Steve. You and Rosie are just like my parents."

We went out and helped with the groceries. Even though my truck was in the driveway, Mac saw me, yelled, "Mark!" and ran into my arms. We kissed, even though her parents were there. "I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too. I arrived early. I couldn't wait to see you. Let me help you with the bags."

Steve, the girls, and I carried everything in one trip. I helped put everything away, then Mac took my hand and pulled me outside. She pushed me onto the lounge chair and climbed on top of me. My arms went around her, her head on my chest.

"I am complete now." She said.

"Mmmm. Me too." I said. I rolled us to our sides. "Uhm," I said, trying to put the two things I wanted to say to her into words.

"Uhm, what? What, uhm?"

"This year, Billy and Jeannie are renting a 2-bedroom apartment. I'm renting the second bedroom. Would you like to join me?"

She looked at me, eyes sparkling.

"Mark..."

"I know, sudden; you don't have to answer now."

"That's not what I was going to say. I was going to say, I'd love to. Playing house with you this past month has been incredible. I know it's not the same, but I want to join you. I can help with rent too."

"My dad already paid for the full year for my portion. But you can help with groceries, etc. I'll get the address from Billy."

She pulled me in for a kiss. "You want to say something else? Just say it."

"Uhm," I said again.

"Again, with the uhm? What, Mark?"

I took a deep breath. "Mac, I love you. I fell in love with you weeks ago. It's okay if you don't love me. I had to tell you before I exploded. I feel so complete with you. Life has purpose, and I see things so clearly.

When we are apart, I miss you terribly. I've never had that for anyone else, ever. I've fallen in love with you."

"Mark, I love you too. I hate being away from you. My parents tell me I talk about you all the time. Being with you is so incredible. Gracie and Maria saw it in us at the wedding. I love you too, Mark."

We shared a very tender kiss.

"Ahem," We heard in her mom's voice. "You have 40 minutes until dinner is ready. Use it wisely."

"What do you think she meant by that?" I asked.

"Quickie?" Mac said.

"No, I want to take my time with you tonight. Let's go for a quick paddle."

We pulled the tandem out, put on our PFD's, grabbed paddles, checked the time, and set off for a lap around the island. We returned 35 minutes later, put everything away, washed up, and were in the kitchen just as her mom pulled the food out.

We enjoyed dinner and conversation. Mac's phone rang as her mom served dessert. I watched her face as she glanced at me. She hung up.

"I have to work tomorrow. Michele is sick with some stomach bug. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, I'll take you to work and pick you up. I'm sure I can find something to do."

We had dessert, then made a fire in the fire pit. We sat and talked, feeding the fire, late into the night. Finally, we let it burn down and went to bed. We locked her door; we each pulled off an item of the other's clothing.

"Hi, miss super sexy," I said. I had my hands on her boobs.

"You like them?"

"Yes, very much so, and all of you. Like these fingers here." I picked up her hand and kissed each finger. "Your palm too." I kissed both her palms, making her giggle. "Then there are these sexy elbows."

I kissed each one. "I can't miss the nose." I kissed her nose. "Eyebrows need attention too. Ears also. I sucked in her earlobe, ran my tongue over her ear, whispering, "I love you, Mac." Kissing her ear. Then down her neck to her shoulders.

"You have the sexiest shoulders. Do you know that?"

She shook her head no. "Then there is your underarm." I kissed down, making her giggle and pull away. "Hey, I'm not done yet. "I kissed the sides of her ribs, making her giggle in happiness.

I moved to her belly button, kissing and licking inside it. I started smelling her excitement. I kissed up and licked under each boob. Kissing up and licking across her nipple. "Oh, god, Mark. I'm drooling down my legs."

I reached down and slid my fingers up, licking them. "Yup, you sure are," I said.

I put my hand on one boob and licked and sucked the other. Her hands were in my hair, and she was moaning softly.

"Mark, oh god, Mark." She was breathing heavier now. I switched, licking and sucking the other boob. Holding the other nipple, giving a little twist and nibble on the other.

"Mark, Mark."

I kissed down, moving lower, licking her wetness. "Oh, fuck!" She held me in place as she came. I lapped up what I could.

I pushed her to the bed, kneeling between her legs, licking and kissing up her thighs. Softly, saying, "Oh, fuck, oh, fuck, oh god, gonna cum hard." Her legs clamped my head hard as a big one hit.

She was thrashing on the bed; finally, she stopped moving and was just breathing hard. I went back at it, but more slowly. She came again.

I stood, getting myself wet with her juices and slowly slid in. My eyes were locked on hers. I started slowly rocking in and out. I knew she wanted more, but I held back, loving the look on her face.

I sped up, unable to contain myself anymore. Her legs were on my chest; my balls were slapping her butt, thankfully not painfully. I was getting closer.

"Mark, Mark, oh god, another big one cumming." Her hands were wrapped in her sheets; her body froze, and then I exploded inside her. We were both sweaty messes. I slowly slid out and got on the bed next to her.

We moved up the bed together, pulling the sheets up. We were nose to nose. Kissing softly. "I love you, Mark. So deep I can't even describe it."

"Love you, my lady. Falling asleep, sorry." I pulled her closer. Falling asleep in each other's arms.

In what felt like minutes, her alarm went off. We both groaned. "Good morning, Sweetheart. I think I died last night."

"Mmmm, me too. Gotta get up."

I showered with her, washing her. "Gonna miss you," I said.

I went into the kitchen and made eggs and toast for us. Her parents were not up yet. I cleaned up, we both brushed, and I took her to work.

"I'll be here at 5 sharp. Have a great day."

She wrapped her arms around my neck. "This was supposed to be our time."

"It's okay, things happen. Maybe your parents would be okay with me staying over the weekend with you? Now go. I'll see you later."

I got back, just as Rosie and Steve were getting up. "Can I interest you both in eggs and toast? That's what I made for me and Mac."

"That sounds wonderful, Mark. Thank you." Rosie said.

I made them both breakfast. "What are you going to do today, Mark?" Steve asked.

"Well, I was wondering if I could cut your lawn? And maybe Rosie could give me a cooking lesson?"

"Yes, on the lawn," Steve said. "That would be great, as I usually cut it on Tuesdays."

"Yes, on the cooking lesson as I make dinner tonight. What will you do in between?" Rosie said.

"I'm not sure, but I will figure something out. What needs to be done around here that I can help with?"

"We'll figure something out, Mark."

"Would it be okay, uhm, never mind. I think I'm going to email my parents. I'll start the lawn a little after 10 am."

"Mark, what were you trying to ask?" Steve said.

"Uhm, would it be okay if I stayed the weekend until Mac's next day off next week? I don't want to be a burden. I can work for food."

Both Rosie and Steve laughed. "Of course it's okay. Mac will be thrilled." Steve said.

"Thank you. I'm serious about working. I'm not great with mechanical stuff or electronics, but I'm a quick learner and can help where asked."

"We'll think about that. Give your parents our regards." He got up and dug around inside a drawer. "Here is a key to the house. If you go out and we are not here when you return. Mac told us you gave her one to your house the first time she stayed at your house."

"Thank you. No, don't get up, I'll do the dishes."

"Thank you, Mark," Rosie said.

I emailed my parents telling them I was in love. I sent a few new pics of Mac and told them about her family. I told them I was staying at her house for the next week. I told them I missed them and loved them and signed off.

I cut the lawn and string-trimmed the edges. I texted Mac around lunchtime. "Thinking of you."

I weeded the garden, picking the ripe vegetables. I found a book, sat, and read for a while as I watched the clock tick by minute after minute.

I showered again, putting on clean clothes and a little cologne.

4:30 arrived, and I went to get Mac. I saw a flower stand and bought her a small bouquet. I watched her close the office. I was standing by the door. She came up to me, arms around my neck, kissing me.

"I missed you so much, Mark. It's so good to see you."

"I missed you too. These are for you. Beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady."

Her eyes got really big. "For me?"

"Yes, for you. Let's go home; your mom and I made something good for dinner tonight. Your mom gave me a cooking lesson."

"I can't wait, I'm starved."

I parked, and we went in. "Mom, look at the flowers Mark gave me."

"They're beautiful. You can find a vase in that lower cabinet. Put them on the kitchen table. Dinner will be ready in 20 minutes."

I was eating dinner with Mac and her parents.

"Have you guys seen the weather prediction? A nasty big storm is heading this way. It's been leaving tons of rain and flooding in the Midwest.

They're calling it the thousand-year flood possibility for the lowlands here."

"Is it a concern for here or the campground?" I asked.

"We are at 2100 feet. If the lake fills, the spillway will open. The campground is at 1600 feet and also won't be affected.

But, the campgrounds and people living in the lowlands between the mountains should leave. They could be at risk. I'm glad we live up here." Steve said.

"I'm going food shopping tomorrow. Can you both join me, and we'll get enough food for a few weeks. We have a propane generator if the power goes out."

"Of course we'll join you, Mom." Mac said.

"Absolutely." I said.

"I'll talk to Issac and see what he plans for the storm and the campground. I'll tell him you're taking that time off until the storm and the damage isn't a concern.

Thinking about this, Mac, I'd like you and Mark to go to Mark's house until this storm is gone and whatever flooding has receded. It looks like his area and most of New England won't be touched by it." Steve said.

"I'm game. Do you and Rosie want to come too?"

"Thank you for the offer, but I'm sure Rosie and I will be fine. Plus, my company might be of help if needed.

You two go and enjoy yourselves."

"We'll help Mom shop tomorrow and leave after everything is put away." Mac said.

"You both only have a month left before school starts again. Go enjoy the time off."

"Thanks Dad and Mom. Mark, should I follow you in my car?"

"No, we'll take the truck and I'll bring you back when you return, I'll stay with you. Maybe I'll bring the camper back or a tent."

"I haven't tent camped in years. We used to have so much fun."

"Hmmm, that gives me some ideas. I'll have to think about that." I said.

The next day we helped Rosie shop and made sure she got some extra food. Mac packed extra clothing and we left for my house. Four hours later we turned into my yard and moved her into my house again.

"Why don't you reach out to the girls from the wedding?"

"Good idea."

'Hi Gracie and Maria, due to the bad rainstorm in New York, I'm with Mark for the next week. Would you all like to get together some day? Mark and I may go camping for the next 4 or 5 days, but will return on Friday afternoon.'

'Hi Mac, welcome back. Can you come to my house at 10 am on Saturday? Us girls will have a day away from the guys.' Gracie said.

"Is that okay, Mark? Can you drop me off? And pick me up later?"

"Of course. I'll drop you off Saturday morning. "Tell them you'll be there."

'Mark will drop me off. I'll be there. I am so excited and looking forward to seeing you all again. Thank you.'

'Maria and Em will join us. Maybe some others. We'll see you Saturday morning. Here is the house address again. Can't wait. Have fun camping!"

"I'm all set, Mark. I'm so excited. I don't have many friends and have never gone out with the girls before."

"Would you like to do some tent camping? We have a cabin tent, some air mattresses and two multi-day coolers. Or use the camper? Maybe go for three or four days?"

She looked at me. "Tent. Where are you thinking?"

"Beach?"

She smiled at me. "Yes."

"Let me go online and see if I can get us a site for a few days." After two hours, "I found one and made a reservation. Salisbury State Park in Salisbury, Mass. Five days. We'll pack the truck tonight and leave tomorrow morning."

"Where is Salisbury?" Mac asked.

"It's in the northeast corner, along the ocean and near the New Hampshire line. It's around 2 hours from here. I think you'll like it."

"Right now, can we snuggle on the couch and watch a movie? I want to be close to you."

I took her hand, leading her to the family room, and grabbed the TV remote. I lay down first, with Mac in front of me. I slid one arm under her and around and the other over. "Mmmm, this is nice." I said.

She ground her butt onto my hard-on. I adjusted my hands to hold a boob in each one. "Perfect, Mark." Her arms held my arms. We flipped channels until we found something we both liked. I was so comfortable, I fell asleep.

I woke to find her facing me, snuggled in close. She was asleep, the TV was on softly. I closed my eyes again.

I woke to find Mac watching me. She smiled, I smiled. "Hi." I said.

"Hi." She said back.

"What are you thinking?" I asked her.

"Just thinking about waking up with you every day for the rest of our lives. How I could stay right here, in your arms forever. How I feel safe, snuggly and loved with the most incredible guy I've ever met.

My parents know I'm crazy in love with you, Mark."

"You parents know I'm crazy in love with you, Mac. I talked to your dad a number of weeks ago. I mentioned how I missed talking to my dad. He offered and we talked. It was a good conversation. I like your parents a lot.

I told you a while ago, waking with you next to me, I hope is a permanent thing. We'll finish college, get jobs and work towards a future together. Just like both of our parents did. It's our turn now. Me and you together, miss Mackenzie."

"Mmmm, I like that." Grumble, went her stomach.

I leaned back and poked her stomach like I always do when it growls for food. That got her giggling and we started a tickle fight. Finally stopping as we were both laughing so hard.

"I have to get up and make dinner." She pulled me tighter. Grumble. "A few more minutes before your stomach consumes me!"

She pulled me even closer. "Love you, Mark."

"Love you, Mac."

We had dinner and packed the truck. Pulled the coolers out, arranged food in the fridge for morning packing of the coolers. Then we went to sleep.

We pulled each other close, falling asleep tangled in one another.

Morning arrived, we packed the coolers, put them in the truck plus a few last minute things, ate breakfast and showered.

Standing under the water, making out, I pulled her closer to me, grinding against my hard-on. My hands drifted to her boobs, then down her belly to her sex.

We kissed as I rubbed her until she came, falling against me, breathing hard. She looked up at me, pulling my head down for more kissing.

She sank to her knees. She was stroking me, watching my face and body for the signs that I was close. I had a hard grip on the shower rails.

"Oh, god, Mac," I said. I felt it cumming and suddenly her mouth was on me as I exploded into her throat. She sucked me dry, licking gently, kissing her way back up to me. She hugged me tightly.

"Let's clean up and go."

"Mmmm." Was all I could say as I caught my breath.

We dressed, locked the house and left for the two hour ride to the campground.

"Have you ever been to a beach on the ocean?" I asked as we pulled into the park and checked in.

"Not that I remember. Just lake beaches."

"An ocean beach is quite different. There are waves, different sand and sounds, the water is salty too. The fish are different too. Where we'll be you shouldn't see much of them though. I wonder if there is a whale watch nearby? We'll have to look."

"I'm excited. What's a whale watch?"

"You know what whales are, right?" I said.

"Of course!"

"A whale watch is being on a boat with a lot of other people and the boat takes you to where the whales are. It's pretty amazing to see these giant sea creatures. If we can find one, we'll go. You'll be amazed.

Here is our site. Let's set up camp."

Two hours later we were on the beach, laying on a towel, snuggled together once again. The sound of the waves, the briny air lulling us to doze.

"This is so nice, Mark." She said softly.

"Mmmm, it sure is. Do you want to go into the water?"

"Then we can come back here?"

"Most certainly."

We both got up and walked to the water, hand in hand. We stopped, looking out at its vastness.

"Welcome to the ocean." I said.

"It's so big."

"Come on." I led her into the water, just up to her knees.

"It's cold."

"This is actually warm for the ocean." We went in deeper, to our waists. The waves are pushing us around. I dove under, coming back up dripping. "Come on, try it."

She dived under, coming back up. "I'm refreshed now." She said.

"You certainly are."

"What?" That's when she noticed me looking at her boobs. Her nipples were erect. She covered them.

"Don't do that. Look at all the other women in the water. They are the same." I pulled her to me, kissing her. Under the water, her legs wrapped around me. My hands found her buns, pulling her closer. I walked into deeper water.

Her lips found mine and we kissed. I lowered us into the water until just our heads stuck out.

"Can we lay on the beach more?"

"Of course." I took her hand and we returned to the towel. Laying down and listening to the sounds around us.

We made burgers for dinner and went out in search of ice cream for dessert. We went to the town beach, walking along the boardwalk, hand in hand. We had some ice cream. We decided to return tomorrow to explore during the day, and have dinner at the local seafood shack which had music. We stopped and rode the carousel. The smile on her face said it all. My girl was happy.

Returning to the tent, we snuggled onto the mattress, pulling the sheet over us.

"Are you nervous about our last year of college?" Mac asked me.

"No. It's no different than any other year, other than it's our last and we graduate next May. Are you nervous?"

"Yeah. I don't know why. I guess I'm hoping I can keep my grades up."

"Why would this year be any different than prior years?"

"I'm just worried that's all."

"I'll do everything possible to help you to relax and do well. I think having you around will make me do better. I will be working for us, for our future. That makes me want to do better. Your dad told me he felt the same way when he met your mom in college."

"I suppose so... Today was nice. I like the ocean. I like you. No, I love you, Mark. Exploring today was so fun. I'm glad I'm here with you. This is a nice getaway trip and so much better than being housebound with the falling rain back home. Mmmm, good night sweetheart."

"Good night my sexy Mac."

We awoke at the same time. My hard-on pressed between her legs. She reached down and started stroking me, pushing me onto my back, making me harder. She swung her leg over me and slid me into her wetness.

I held her hands as she bounced on me, trying to get me deeper.

I pulled her down for a kiss and started jack hammering into her. We were making sloshy sounds, making us both giggle in excitement.

I rolled us over and slowed down. "Mark, you're driving me crazy. Push in deeper. Oh, god, right there, oh, gonna cum, push in. Oh, oh, love you, my Mark."

I sped up, getting close. She could see it on my face. "Mark, push in deep and cum in me." That did it. I pushed in hard, staying there as my cum filled her up.

Lowering myself to her, we kissed. I pushed her damp hair off her face. Looking at her. "I am so lucky you are in my life. Dating other girls, I never thought I'd have what Billy and Jeannie have together. With you, I am giddy with happiness all the time. Mac, you are my world. I love you so much." I kissed her, growing hard again and started a slow love making.

I pushed in and kissed her. I pulled out and she pulled me back in. She pulled me down for a kiss. "Mark, I look forward to growing old with you."

I came on hearing her say those words, pushing in a squirting inside her. I lay myself on top of her, rolling onto our sides and pulling her closer. "I love you, Mac. Close your eyes for a bit longer. Today we explore."

We woke, showered, had a quick breakfast and returned to the boardwalk. We checked out every store and game room. Happily walking hand in hand, stopping to watch the people. We swam, lay on the beach, had dinner and enjoyed the music.

We hit the bathrooms on the way out. Mac came to me, "my period started."

"Mac, the sex with you is great, but I like all of you, not just your pussy. I know I tell you this each time. I assure you, this won't chase me away." I looked at her, tilting her chin up for a little kiss.

She looked at me, her hands on my cheeks. "I know. I guess I was just feeling insecure. Past boyfriends just stayed away from me until it was over."

"I'm not a past boyfriend. I'm your Mark and want to be with you always. You tell me what I can do to make you feel better. You can't scare me away."

She hugged my arm as we walked and found the car.

Back in the tent. "Can you just spoon me? Put your hand right here on my belly. Mmmm, perfect."

The next day we drove up to Hampton Beach and spent the day exploring. We toured the aquarium, shops and games, went swimming, ate more seafood and had a great time. The next day it was raining so I took her shopping at the Kittery outlets. We both bought clothes for school and had fun looking through everything at the Kittery Trading Post.

I put a sherpa fleece on her, whispering, "I can imagine this over your bare skin, softness against softness looking so fucking sexy."

She smiled at me. "Where did that come from?"

"I don't know. But, we'll have you try on some of my winter shirts when it gets cold. I think you'd look incredibly sexy in them.

It looks like it will rain again tomorrow. Would you like to take a ride to the main LL Bean store? It's a few hours north of here. Shopping there and around the town is always fun."

"Yes, let's do that. Is there always so much to see in New England?"

"This is barely the tip of the iceberg Mac. There is so much history, cool and interesting places to visit and tour. If we started now and went for a few months, I doubt we'd see everything. But, lots of overnight, camping or hotel opportunities to explore with your favorite guy in the future."

She looked at me, "I bet my dad would be interested."

I raised my eyebrows at her, making her laugh. "I mean you. My silly, handsome, snuggly guy. You're my only favorite guy. Let's eat and return to the tent."

The next morning, we woke up together. I was on my back and she was half on me. Whispering in my ear, "You're so hard, I can do something about that."

She licked her hand and started stroking me. When she felt me getting close, she slowed down.

"Mac, don't make me wait."

"But it's so fun watching you when I do." She licked her hand again and stroked me more. She then moved down, whispering again, "I know you like it right here."

She kissed and licked my sensitive area. Licking and sucking. She then slowed down.

"Nooo, don't stop. Please." I said. All the blood was down in my dick and I felt paralyzed.

She licked me more. Stroked me more, watching me. Making it build. "Does my lover want to cum?"

"Yessss, please." She licked her hand again, rubbing then, with her thumb. That did it. "Oh fuck." I grabbed the sheets and felt an explosion. Mac had put me into her mouth and was sucking the life out of me. She then licked me clean and came up to me.

I was breathing hard. "What was that?"

"You like, I take it? You are yummy."

"I need to close my eyes for a few minutes. I feel like the life has been sucked out of me. It felt incredible." I pulled her closer and fell asleep.

I woke up and she was holding me again, licking her hand and stroking me.

"I doubt I have anything left in me at the moment." I said.

"I think you would be surprised at yourself. See, he's already hard." She made the licking motion. I put my head back and shook it as she slid down my body again. Still stroking me with her wet hand, and putting me into her mouth.

"Oh, god, Mac. Not going to last. Fuck." As I came again. She sucked me dry again. Came back up, lying on my chest.

"A nice appetizer. Yum."

"Maybe we'll go out for breakfast today?" I rolled her over, slid down and gently sucked on her boobs. Sucking and giving her a hickey on one, then returning to her lips.

Her stomach growled. I gently poked her belly. "The beast is hungry."

"The beast?"

I placed my head on her belly, listening to it growl. "Yes, it sounds like a beast trying to get out." I blew a raspberry on her belly, making her laugh and giggle.

She pulled me up, holding me tight. "Are you okay, Mac?"

"Yes. Just hold me for a few, then we'll go shower."

I held her tight in my arms. "Love you, girl. So very, very, much."

"Mmmm." She squeezed me tighter.

We had a great day exploring Bean and the town. She called her parents from the truck on the way back to the tent.

"Hi mom, hi dad. Mark and I are tent camping for one more night near the New Hampshire border. How is the rain?"

"Hi Mac, hi Mark. We're glad you're having good weather because the lower hill towns are dealing with major flooding. They're calling it a thousand year flood. Whole towns are gone. Thankfully the people living there had enough notice and hopefully left." Steve said.

"We're fine here. The lake overflowed into the spillway. Your dad and I have plenty of food and have been having fun together. Probably like you both are." Rosie said.

I laughed. "Too much information, Mom!" Mac said.

"We're not dead, you know." Her mom said.

"I know. We're both glad you are okay." Mac said.

"You should stay out there for another 5 days and then check in with us again." Steve said.

"I can keep her busy for then and longer." I said. "You know, we have room in the house if you want to get away from the rain."

"Thank you, Mark. We'll see. If the rain doesn't let up soon, we may take you up on that offer."

"Hmmm. I have an idea, Mac. Do you want to do more camping? Let me make a few calls to see if I can find a campground we can camp at."

"Bye mom and dad. Love you. Stay safe."

"Me too. What she said." I said.

"Have fun, it's still 3 weeks before school. Enjoy the time. Love you both." Rosie said. "Bye."

"When we get back to camp, we'll do a little packing. Get you home so you can go out with the girls tomorrow. I can cut the lawn and some other house stuff. We can do laundry and get more food.

I'll do some looking for a tent site on Cape Cod."

"I've never been. That sounds exciting."

We drove and sang, pulling in just before sunset. I did a search on my phone and started making calls.

"Okay, we have a campground in Falmouth for five nights with water and electric starting Monday. We can charge our phones and have fresh water at the site. And at a reasonable price considering it's still high season.

We can check in at 1 pm. I think the drive is around two to two and a half hours. The fun continues Monday."

I plugged our phones in, we stripped down and snuggled in.

"We have a long, long time until retirement. But, I can imagine traveling around the country with you exploring new places. Even during work vacations, we can do this."

We were nose to nose, on our sides. "Love you, Mark. This week has been magical."

"Maybe, depending on things, next summer when we graduate, we can take some time off and travel a bit with my parents' camper or even just our tent."

"I think we can convince our parents of that. A nice gradation present for us both. I like that idea. Kiss me. Mmm, sleep."

We were up by 8 am. She was on top of me, grinding her dampening pussy on me, making me harder. We both watched her slide up and back. Her hands in mine, her wetness joining mine.

"Mac, I'm going to cum." She slowed down, then sped up again, then slowed down, making me crazy.

I flipped us over, entering her, pounding in and out. "Mark, oh right there."

I pushed in and came hard inside her. Lowering myself to her. "Good morning, sweetheart."

"Mmmm, that was so nice. More later. You need to get me to Gracie's for 10."

I kissed her. "I'll get you there."

"Love you, Mark. I can never get enough of you."

"Love you, Mac. So, so much. I would fail to exist without you."

She pulled my arm up looking at my watch. "Come on, shower. More later when I return."

We got up, showered and had some yogurt for breakfast. I gassed up the truck and we headed west, pulling into the driveway for 9:55. "See, you're here on time."

She leaned over and kissed me. "Love you. Have fun today. I'll text you when I need to be picked up. Mark?"

"I'm good with that."

"No, Mark, thank you. I don't have any girl friends. Thank you for making this happen."

"As long as you don't have any other boy friends, we can do this again anytime. School is just 30 minutes north of here."

"You're my only boyfriend. Love you." She kissed me and I watched her go in. Waving as I backed out and returned home.

I cut the lawn, did laundry, shopped for more food for the trip, and cleaned the house. I visited Jeannie and Billy, having a late lunch and some ice cream with them. I received a text that Mac would be dropped off around 7 pm, after dinner.

I ended up having dinner at Billy's with his parents and Jeannie. I made it home a little before 7 pm. Five minutes later a Range Rover pulled into the driveway and 7 women got out. Mac being one of them.

I recognized Gracie and Maria. The others looked slightly familiar from the wedding party.

Mac had a few bags. She ran up to me, giving me a big kiss. "A good day?" I asked.

"A wonderful day." She said.

"Hi Mark." Gracie said.

"Hi Gracie and Maria. Sorry, I don't know the rest of you. I'm Mark as you probably know."

"This is Em, Molly, Maddy, and Sam."

"Ladies, it's very nice to meet you. Thank you for taking Mac out today."

"What did you do today?" Mac asked me.

"I cut the lawn, did our laundry, went food shopping for our trip, spent some time and had lunch and dinner with Billy and Jeannie. I think I forgot something too. Oh, I cleaned and rearranged the truck, packing it."

"You were busy." Maria said.

"I kept busy."

"It's too bad you're not coming to the Cape with us the last two weeks of August. We'll be in Brewster. All of us." Maria said.

"Well, not all of us. We'll be there the first two weeks of August with Mike, Evie and the boys and possibly Sarah."

"Who is Sarah?" I asked.

"Did you see the boys dancing with some girls their age?" Gracie said.

"I vaguely remember that."

"One is Noah's girlfriend. She lives in East Longmeadow. The other two are friends with Dakota and Levi and are from Chicopee. Sarah is Bruce and Molly's daughter."

"Molly has a teenage daughter? I thought you were in your 20's?"

"No, the other Molly. I know it's confusing. I've only been married a few years."

"Mark, thank you for bringing Mac out to us. I hope we can all get together again. We had a great day." Maria said.

They all hugged Mac and then, to my surprise, me too. Then Gracie returned.

"Mark, do you remember our conversation at the wedding?"

"I certainly do. Why?"

"I told you, you guys love each other. We know you both have told each other and we all are so happy for you both." She hugged us again and left. Em was driving."

We were sitting on the front steps. She had her arms wrapped around mine, her head on my shoulder.

"What did you buy?" I asked.

"Two new bikini's and some things for our trip."

"What kind of things?"

"It's a surprise. I had such a good day. Let's pack."

"Your laundry is clean and your clothes are repacked and already in the truck. Why don't you model your new bathing suits for me?"

"Keys." She held out her hand. "Everything is a surprise."

"The keys are where they always are, on the hook by the door."

"Let me go pack my new stuff too. Don't go anywhere, I'll be right back."

She was gone 30 seconds and came bounding back in, straddling my lap. "Hi, Miss happy."

"Hi, my handsome stud."

"Stud? What did you talk about with those girls?"

"Just girly stuff. They said I can bring Jeannie next time too. I know she'd have fun."

"Anything that makes you happy, makes me happy." I leaned in for a kiss.

"I can tell you they all told me how they ended up with their guys. There are some wild stories, but they're with the guys they love dearly and that's all that matters."

"Are you with the guy you love dearly?"

She pulled back looking at me. "Yes. Most certainly. You know we fit together like puzzle pieces."

I smiled. "Love you like crazy, girl." I kissed her. "Bed, so we can leave early tomorrow?"

"Welcome to the upper part of Cape Cod. We're in Falmouth, Mass. We're at a commercial campground that has a pool and hot tub and we'll see what else."

"I'm so excited." Mac said.

"Let's see, Thomas Landers road. Here's the campground. Let's go register."

Then minutes later, we were on our way to our site.

I pulled in. "Wow! This is ours?" Mac asked.

"Yes. Not exactly a tent site, but it's all they had. I like it."

We set up camp. "What would you like to do now?" Mac asked.

"Beach? Lake? Sight seeing? Do nothing? Go eat? Something else? I wonder if there is a place to rent bicycles nearby?"

"Why bikes?"

"Two very nice bike trails nearby. Another not too far away."

"Show me around a little?"

"I'd love to. Your tour guide Mark at your service, ma'am." Bowing before her.

I opened the door for her. I took her down to Woods Hole, the lighthouse and a few beaches. We stopped in town and got a pizza, then stopped for soft serve ice cream.

We returned to camp, grabbed a flashlight and walked around camp. "It looks like we can rent a kayak if we want. I'd rather rent a bike though since the kayaking at your lake can't be beat."

"Let's go sit at the tent and look at the sky."

"Better yet, let's go to the beach and look at the sky." I said.

We drove to a nearby beach, lying in the sand, looking at the stars.

"Mark, this is so nice." Mac said.

"Mmmm, yes. When you graduate, where were you hoping to find a job? What area?"

"I'd like to find one here in Western Mass or wherever you go. I like this area a lot. The more I see of it with you, the more I want to live here. Do you want to stay or move somewhere else? I'll go wherever you want as long as I am with you."

"Here is fine. Definitely in New England. Definitely with you. We should return to camp. Is there anything special you want to do tomorrow?"

"I'm game for anything."

"Okay, lots of choices, let's go to the beach tomorrow."

"That's got my vote."

"Tomorrow we'll look at the weather and buy tickets for a whale watch from Barnstable."

"That's got my vote too."

Laying in the tent, Mac was in the crook of my arm. "I wish this summer would never end, Mark. I wish we could just continue exploring places, a week at a time together."

We were lying on our sides in the tent, barely able to see one another.

"I wish we could do that too, Mac. There is so much of this country that I want to see. With you, a little at a time in the future, we can work on doing that."

"All these years in school, we have one more to go, then we are out in the working world. Like birds leaving the nest, finding a job, a place to live away from our parents. Finding a life partner, making a family, watching it grow, growing old together. I want that with you."

"I want that with you too, Mac. The future has clarity with you in it. My grades and everything have more meaning with you in it with me. Together we can do a lot.

I heard that yawn. Come closer. Close your eyes. Snuggle in. Good night, love you."

"Night Mark, love you too."

Four days later we were packing the truck to go back to my house. Then Mac would head home since the rain stopped and the area was back open again. At least in her home area. The towns between the mountains there's not much left of many of them.

We did the laundry, went shopping for some food, and cleaned the truck. Beach sand seemed to be everywhere. Friday night I drove her home, spent the night and returned to my house for yard work and more. I was to return to the Campground at 1600 Monday afternoon for a few days. The trailer was almost packed and I got the fridge repaired and working.

Monday

"Lots of traffic today. I'm so tired from the drive and the traffic." I said. "I missed you." I kissed her, hugged her, feeling that driving stress left my body. I was with my girl.

"Mark, this sure has been a fantastic summer. Meeting you certainly made it better." Mac said.

"Meeting you has been the highlight of my life."

"School is coming up in two weeks. Next week, I want to get ready for our final year."

"I'm ready. Being with you now gives life a purpose, a goal for our future together.

I talked with your dad last month. He helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it makes sense. Mac, being with you gives me purpose. I can't wait for the year to start. It's going to be great."

"Mark, no. I'm worried that my grades are going to suffer."

"Why, Mac?"

"I think we should not see each other for a while."

I looked at her. "What?"

"I've been thinking that us being together might be a distraction for us and will hurt our grades. I think we should separate to concentrate on our final year of college."

"But you were moving in with me. I love you, Mac."

"I'll go back to my original plans to move into a dorm room. I love you too, Mark "

"You're breaking up with me? You don't want to see me anymore? Ever?"

"Yes, temporary, just for the school year. For now, I think I need to concentrate on school without a distraction."

"I'm a distraction?"

She put her hands on my face. "Mark, listen to me."

"I thought I found my soulmate, my forever mate," I said. "What about our love for each other? Is that nothing?"

"No. I love you dearly, Mark. I'm just afraid that you'll distract me too much and my grades will suffer."

I looked at her. My heart was just ripped out. I was having trouble breathing. "I think I'm going to be sick. I need to sit down." I sat right there at the campsite. Then I lay on my back, breathing hard.

"Mark, you'll be fine. Thank you for this summer." Mac said.

She stood and walked away. I stayed on the ground. I couldn't breathe and was dizzy. Thinking, is this what a heart attack is?

Mac

"Hi Mom, hi Dad, what's for dinner tonight?"

"Where's Mark?" My mom asked.

"I broke up with him a little while ago."

"You what? Mackenzie, you love that boy. Why?"

"I thought he would be a distraction during my last year in school."

"Don't you love him?"

"I do, but school."

"Honey, love doesn't just happen. It's something very special.

Your dad and I met in college during our junior year. Being with him made my final year so much better.

We both found very good jobs, which brought us to this point. You have that same love for Mark."

"You think I made a mistake?"

"I do, honey. Go talk to your dad and see what he says."

"I will."

Knock knock,

"Come in." My dad said. "Hi Mac, where's Mark?"

"Hi Dad, what are you working on?"

"Drafting plans for a new client."

"You're busy. I'll catch you later."

He turned around. "No, Mac. I always have time for you. What's up?"

"Mom told me that when she met you, being together made you each stronger, and you both did better in college."

"It sure did. We found we loved each other, and knew we'd be together forever. Suddenly school had a purpose: better grades for a better future together. We still feel that way about each other.

Why do you ask?"

"I broke up with Mark today. I thought he'd be a distraction at school. He said something like what you just said. Then said he spoke to you."

He looked at me, surprise in his eyes.

"We did talk back in July. Do you love Mark?"

"You know I do. Deep down inside. But..."

"It's your life, your decision. I won't give you my opinion."

"You think I made a mistake?"

"It's not for me to say. It's your life. Not mine.

If your mother made that decision, then you wouldn't be here.

How did he take it?"

"I don't know if he did. He was breathing hard and laid down on the ground."

My dad nodded.

"Why did he do that?" Dad asked.

"I don't know," Mac said.

"You ripped his heart out. You didn't just break it. I feel sorry for that boy.

Your mom and I will support you no matter what. You know that."

I went over and hugged him.

"Your mom just texted me that dinner is ready. Come on, let's go eat."

Mom and Dad talked at dinner. I was lost in my thoughts. Suddenly, I doubted my decision.

"Mac, are you still moving in with Mark, Jeannie, and Billy? Oh, sorry, I forgot already." My mom said.

I looked up. Tears in my eyes. Suddenly feeling sick. I got up and ran into the bathroom and threw up.

I was on my knees, throwing up, crying. My parents, both in the doorway, watching me.

I got up, washed my face, and rinsed my mouth. I looked at myself in the mirror. Knowing I hurt Mark so badly. Wondering if he would take me back.

I wiped my face. Went to my parents for a hug. Holding them tightly.

"Do you think he'll take me back?" Crying.

"He's a sensible person, Mac. But you hurt him so badly. I don't know." My dad said.

I burst out crying again. Hugging my mom, then my dad. I knew what I had to do.

"I'm going to the campground. I don't know if I'll be back tonight."

"You do what you have to do." My dad said.

I grabbed my purse and ran out the door.

I drove to the campground and went to his site. It was empty.

I stood in the middle. "Oh, Mark. I'm so sorry." I said to no one.

I called my dad. "Daddy, he left." Now sobbing. "I'm going to his house."

"Mac, don't speed; drive responsibly. Good luck."

I got in my car, left, and filled up at the gas station. Then I drove to his house.

Three hours later, I pulled into his driveway. I noticed the truck wasn't there.

I rang the doorbell. The house was dark. There was no answer.

"Did I pass him? Maybe he went to Billy or Jeannie's house?" I said to no one.

I drove to Billy's and rang the doorbell.

"Hi, Mac."

"Hi, Mrs. Markson. Is Billy here?"

"No, he's at Jeannie's tonight. Dear, are you okay? Where is Mark?"

"I'm looking for Mark. I'll go to Jeannie's, thank you."

I turned and went to Jeannie's. I rang the doorbell.

"Jeannie's Dad answered. "Hi Mac, the kids went out for ice cream. They should be back soon. Where is Mark?"

I looked at him and burst out crying, turned, and ran to my car.

If he wasn't with them, where was he? I went back to his house and parked in my usual spot. I could have used my key. But I decided to wait outside.

Billy and Jeannie showed up 20 minutes later. They knocked on the car window, and I jumped.

I got out. Jeannie took one look at me and hugged me. "What happened, Mac?"

Quickly, I spurted out. "I thought I was doing the right thing. I broke up with him. I thought I needed to concentrate on my final year. I thought he'd be a distraction. I hurt him so badly. I made a mistake. A big mistake. I don't want to break up. I drove here. But he's not here. I fucked up. Will he take me back? I hurt him so badly, Jeannie. So badly." Then started bawling.

Billy said, "Did you check his position on your phone?"

Shaking my head no, "I forgot about that."

I grabbed my phone and brought up his position. He didn't cancel that yet.

"He's just got off the pike. He should be here in 10 minutes. I'm so sorry, I fucked up so badly. I'm so sorry. I hurt him; I love him so much." And started crying again. Jeannie hugged me again.

"Do you think he'll take me back?"

"He's a very reasonable person. I think he will. But if he's in shock, he'll be unpredictable."

The three of us stood near my car. Me crying, Jeannie hugging me.

Then Mark pulled up with the camper and backed it into its spot. He didn't even unhook it, just got out, locked it, and went in the side entrance.

"I don't think he even saw us in the dark," I said.

"Come on. Front door. Ring the doorbell." Jeannie said.

They stood a few feet behind me. I rang the doorbell.

No answer. I pushed it again. No answer.

I looked at them. "Do you have your key?" Billy asked.

I shook my head yes. Fumbling with my keys, I opened the front door and walked in. They followed me. The house was dark.

"Mark?" I said.

I went up to his room. They continued to follow me. We all heard a noise. Crying.

Mark was on his bed. Fully dressed. Lying on his side, crying.

Jeannie whispered in my ear. "Go to him." She pushed me forward.

I kicked off my shoes and got in next to him. I was crying now too.

I hugged him close. "Mark, I'm so sorry. So, so, sorry. I made a mistake." I pulled him closer, and we both cried.

"Mark, say something, please. I'm so sorry. I was wrong."

His arms went around me, pulling me closer.

We lay like that all night. I got up to pee and saw Billy and Jeannie in a spare bedroom sleeping.

I returned to Mark. I joined him again, and he started crying again. I broke him. I cried too.

I think we fell asleep for a few hours. I woke first, inches from his face, watching him.

His eyes slowly opened. He was looking at me, not moving. But still holding me.

"Mark, I'm so sorry. I made a huge mistake. I love you. I want to be with you forever. I'm so sorry." I said.

He pulled me closer. Holding me tight.

I listened to his breathing. He was asleep.

The next morning.

He let go and got up. I heard the flush, and he came back. He sat on the bed. I climbed into his lap.

"Mark, please say something. Do you hate me?"

He shook his head. No. He hugged me again.

"I could never hate you. I love you." He said. Holding me tight against him.

"I love you, Mark. I was so wrong. I am so sorry."

My stomach growled. He pulled back, poking me in the stomach like he always does when it growls.

I took his cheeks into my hands and kissed him on the lips. He didn't kiss me back.

"Mark, feed me?" I looked into his eyes. He looked back at me.

"I love you, Mac." He said again, and I started crying again. He hugged me right against him. "I love you so, so much."

He pulled back and kissed me. "So, so much. I almost did something so bad."

I heard a noise. Turning to see Billy and Jeannie in the doorway.

"What do you mean, you almost did something bad?" I said.

He looked at me. "Thankfully, I'm a coward. I stopped on the bridge over the Hudson River. Cars were honking at me. Driving by really fast. I was too afraid to get hit by a car to get out of the truck. I was going to jump. So I came home instead. You were here. I'm glad I didn't jump."

My eyes were big. "Oh, Mark, I'm so sorry I hurt you." I hugged him tighter and started crying. "I'm so glad you're here."

I felt movement. "We are too." Billy and Jeannie said together as they joined our hug.

Finally, we all stopped crying. I stood and pulled him up. Billy and Jeannie followed us to the kitchen.

I pulled out his favorite yogurt, gave one to all of us, and sat at the table. I watched the three of them eat. I suddenly couldn't.

"Eat, Mac. Your stomach won't stop growling otherwise," Mark said.

I was frozen, hearing his words over and over in my head. My words and actions nearly made him jump off the bridge.

"I know what you're thinking. I'm here. You're here. It's all good." He said.

I looked at our friends. They were frozen too. We all just looked at each other. Pushed into the unknown of what could have been.

Mark finished and announced he was going to take a shower. I put my yogurt back in the fridge, got up, and followed him into the bathroom.

I showered with him. We washed each other. I knew this still wasn't right. He wasn't hard and didn't get hard when I touched him.

We got out, wrapped in towels. We dressed in shorts. I had summer clothes I kept here.

Jeannie came to me. "We're going home to shower, grab a few days of clothes, and will return. We think he's still in shock, Mac. Don't leave his side for anything until we return. We'll all stay with him.

Thankfully, there are two weeks before school starts. We'll be back in an hour."

"Thank you," I whispered, hugging them both.

"Mark, let's go sit and watch a movie," I said.

He didn't say anything, just held out his hand. I pulled him to the couch. He lay down on his side like always. I lay in front of him, being the little spoon. He held me close.

I found a movie he liked, and we watched it. His arms held me tight. I held them.

Jeannie and Billy returned. "I have to pee and call my parents; I'll be right back."

I peed, then went outside to call my parents.

"Did you find him, honey?" My mom asked.

"Mom!" I started crying and told her everything.

"Mac, you don't leave that boy's side. He's still in shock."

"I agree." My dad said. "You stick to him like glue. Lean on your friends. They'll help."

"I will. Love you both." I hung up with them and called Gracie.

"Hi, Mac."

"Gracie, I made a huge mistake. I fucked up so, so badly." Then I started crying. I told her the story. "I don't know what to do. I'm sorry for calling and bothering you."

Gracie

"Alan, pull over right now. What happened?"

She told me a mile a minute.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand. Wait, I'll be right back."

"We know what she said; we can help you to translate and understand," Noah said.

"Mac, where are you?"

"At Mark's house in Sturbridge. I'm so sorry. I hurt him so badly. I'm so stupid." More crying.

"Hold on a sec, Mac, I'll be right back." "Alan, she needs our help; we need to help them. Mark's parents are still in Europe, and hers are five hours away in New York in that bad rainstorm."

"We want to come too. We can help." Sarah said. "I promise, we'll be good. You need us; she needs us."

"We'll pack 3 or 4 days of clothes and head out there. We need to check with your parents."

"Mac, we'll be there in 3 hours."

"Gracie, don't ruin your weekend for us. I just didn't know who to call."

"Honey, we'll be there in three hours. We always support our friends."

She got out and went to Mike's car, explaining everything and that Sarah and Noah want to go too.

She returned. "You guys are with us. Alan, back to camp, quickly."

I called Em and Maria. "Guys, remember Mac. from shopping and her boyfriend, Mark. Mac needs us right now. We're three hours away. I'll text you the address for Sturbridge. We're bringing 3 days of clothes. Noah and Sarah are coming too."

"We'll be there." They both said.

Pulling into camp. Both of you, pack four days of clothes and get back here quickly.

Back in the truck heading west. "Now, tell us what she said."

Sarah started. "She said she was concerned about her grades suffering if she stayed with Mark. That she was concerned he would be a distraction. So she sort of broke up with him.

"Sort of? Either you do, or you don't." I said.

Noah continued, "She said she loved him but wanted to separate and concentrate on school. When she went home for dinner, she realized she had made a mistake and went to the campground to look for him. He must have been staying at one. And then drove to his house. But he wasn't there."

Sarah continued, "She said she went to their friends, Ginny and Billy, and Mark wasn't with them. He came home and went into his house when they were in front. Found him crying on his bed.

Then he said something about stopping at some bridge over the Hudson River with plans to jump off, but was scared to get out of the truck in the fast traffic. So he came home."

"I think her friend is Jeannie. Oh my god, Alan, these kids need our help. They were so in love at the wedding. She was so happy a few weeks ago.

Sarah said, "She was concerned about Mark being a distraction for grades. Then she realized she made a huge mistake: that she loves him and doesn't want to be away from him. This is so sad." Sarah started crying. Noah held her.

"What's our ETA, Alan?"

"Around two hours, depending on traffic. I'll go as fast as I safely can. We're in the truck and not one of the Porsche's."

I texted Maria and Em. 'We're around two hours out. How are you guys?"

'Ken and I will be there in about 15 minutes. We'll go in.'

'Jay and I are about an hour out.'

'Their friends are Jeannie and Billy. I'll text Mac that you guys will get there first. Thanks, guys. They need our help.'

Mac

"Thanks, Gracie. I didn't know who else to call." I ended the call. Trying to push my tears away.

I went back inside. I snuggled up to Mark, and he started crying again.

"Mark, Mark. I'm here to stay. I made a big, big mistake, and I am so sorry. I want to be with you. I love you." I held him close. I felt him pull me closer.

"Mark, let's get up and walk a bit." I got up, pulling him up. He looked at me, eyes wide. "Oh, baby, I'm so sorry." I leaned into him, crying. He held me close.

The doorbell rang. "Jeannie, stay with Mark." She came over and hugged him. I ran to the front door.

Maria and Ken were there. I opened the door and started crying again.

Maria held me. "I'm so sorry."

Billy came around the corner. "Who are you?"

"I'm Ken Rosenthal, and this is my wife, Maria. We met Mark and Mac at a wedding in Springfield in June and became friends."

"Mark mentioned you guys. Nice to meet you."

"Some others are due soon too. Jay and Em first in around 45 minutes and Alan and Gracie in around 90 minutes. Mark stayed at Alan and Gracie's house the night after the wedding."

"And you guys came out here?"

"It's part of our group thing. We all pay it forward, helping one another when help is needed." Ken said.

"Boy, I need friends like you guys. Thanks for coming out. We really don't know what to do, except stay with him. We were going to try to get him to take a walk and get some fresh air."

"Has he been eating?"

"Yes, better than us. Since we heard he was going to jump, the three of us haven't been able to eat. Especially Mac. Jeannie and I have eaten a little. He's our best friend. We don't know what to do. Oh fuck, sorry." He turned away, crying.

I followed the sound, finding Jeannie and Mark crying softly.

"Ken." I heard Mark say. Jeannie pulled away.

"You're from that wedding?" Jeannie said.

"Yes, we became friends with Mac and Mark. I'm Ken, and you must be Jeannie?"

"Yes, nice to meet you. Thanks for coming out." She said softly.

"Mark, let's go for a walk. Come on, you need some fresh air."

We walked out the side door. "Wait, where's Mac?"

"Here they come now." Maria, Billy, Jeannie, and Mac joined us. Mac took his hand. We all walked up the street.

My phone dinged. Em and Jay were here.

'Can you guys please go buy some pizzas? Enough for 10 of us. A mix of toppings. We're taking a walk with Mark and Mac.'

'Sure thing, I'll let you know when we're back.'

I motioned Maria to the other side of Mark and to take his hand. I took Mac's hand.

Maria got Mark talking about their camping trips. I squeezed Mac's hand, hoping she would just let Mark talk, and she did. We walked around the block, returning to the house just as Jay and Em returned with pizza.

"I hope you guys are hungry, as Jay and Em brought pizza with them." If my plan worked well, they would all eat. No one can turn down pizza.

We sat on the deck eating. Thankfully, everyone ate. 20 minutes later, Alan and Gracie arrived with Sarah and Noah.

"Sorry to crash this party," Alan said, "But the pizza smelled so good, we had to stop by."

"Guys, this is Billy and Jeannie."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Alan, Gracie, Sarah, and Noah."

"You brought kids with you?" Billy said.

"You're only five years older than them, and we're five years older than you. Age is irrelevant. Dig into the pizza. We're hungry too."

Sarah got Mac talking in that mile-a-minute way. I couldn't understand anything. Gracie looked at me, and I shrugged. I looked at the girls, and Sarah and Mac were hugging. Noah was sitting next to Mark; they were talking about something. I was just observing everyone.

I caught Gracie's eye and sort of pointed towards Noah and another towards Sarah. She smiled. She knew that Noah was so good with people and now knew Sarah was too. If they did go into psychology, they'd make a killing as they are both naturals at making people feel comfortable.

"Hey, Billy, do you guys ever toss around a football?" Jay asked.

"Yeah, we always have one with us. Mark and I toss one often, and the girls have joined us a number of times."

"Would you be interested in some touch football?"

He looked at me. "Yeah, we're game. The four of us against who?"

"Noah, Sarah, me and Em."

"How about if Gracie and I join Noah, Sarah, Jay, and Em, with Ken and Maria joining you guys?" Alan said.

"Mark, are you in?" Noah asked.

"I'm in. Mac, will you join us?" Mark asked.

"Hell yeah. But let's change the teams a bit. Noah and Sarah are on our team, and us against you all." Mac said.

"We're game. Let's finish and go play." Alan said.

We cleaned up, put the leftovers in the fridge, then went out to play ball in the front yard.

"Alright, we'll flip you for the ball. Call it Sarah."

"Tails."

"Son of a gun, your ball first," I said.

"Ken, Jay, the corners, girls down the middle," I said.

Billy started, got the ball to Mark, who threw a long pass to Noah, who handed it to Sarah, who scored.

"Alright, we're just getting started," I said, giving directions.

Ken got me the ball, and I passed to Jay, who lost it. Mark recovered it and passed to Noah to score.

I then noticed neighbors out watching us and cheering Mark and Mac on.

It didn't take long. We got crushed 28 to 7.

"You guys are good." Ken said. "Even with Alan and Gracie we couldn't beat you Noah."

"What do you want to do now?" Mark said.

"Ice cream?" Maria said.

"That's got my vote!" Sarah said.

"Ours too." Everyone said.

"What's around here, Mark?"

He looked at Billy, and they both said, "Wicked Licks."

"I can seat eight," Jay said.

"I can seat six in my truck," I said.

"Which car, Mac?" I heard Mark say.

"Let's ride with Jay and Em."

"Noah and I will ride with Uncle Jay and Aunt Emma, too," Sarah said.

"Everyone else, into my truck," I said. "We'll follow you, Jay."

We found parking; Jay treated us all.

"Maria, how can you eat such a large ice cream?" Jeannie asked.

"Her middle name is Ice Cream!" Em said, getting us all laughing.

"Hey, Mark, do you have enough beds for all of us to stay over tonight?"

"Yeah, there are two rooms with two double bunks. The rest have queens."

"Ken, Jay, Noah, and I are in the 2 double bunks," I said.

"Sarah and I are in the other bunks with Maria and Em. A girls' pajama party. Woo hoo." Gracie said.

"Mac and I are in my bedroom. Jeannie and Billy are in the room you're already in."

"Sounds like a working plan," Jay said. "Guys, ghost stories tonight."

"Ooh, I may want to hear some of those," Mark said.

"You know, we can sit out back and tell ghost stories in the dark. Maybe with candlelight. Have you heard about the toilet pit monster?"

"Oh, my god," Ken said. "When I first joined the Boy Scouts, that story was told to us on our first camp out. I was petrified to go to the toilets at night. It's a good one."

"Oh, man, memories of my first scouting camping trip. I had long forgotten those." I said.

We finished the ice cream and sat on the lawn in Mark's backyard telling ghost stories from Boy Scout campouts. We even got the girls to scream a few times.

"It's nearly 11 pm., and I'm tired. I'm going to sleep. Who wants breakfast duty tomorrow?"

"I'll take it," Jay said.

"So will I," Mark said.

"What time?"

"8:30 am," Jay said.

"All good for everyone?"

"Yeahs were heard."

Ken and Jay stayed back with me. "Whatever we're doing, it's working. We'll see how he is tomorrow. Let me find one of the girls and get an opinion on Mac. She's been pretty quiet tonight."

We went in; I found the other bunk room, knocking and being let in.

"Ooh, a boy in the girls' room," Sarah said, laughing.

Whispering, "Ladies, Mark tonight seemed to be doing pretty good. Mac seemed very quiet."

"Yeah, we need to work with her tomorrow. What are we going to do?" Gracie asked.

"Hmmm, Sturbridge Village? Walk around? I don't think I've been there since 6th grade. City girl will find it interesting."

"That's got my vote. I think that will get everyone talking, including Mac." Sarah said.

"I'll tell the guys, and we'll push it on the others in the morning. Mac probably has never been too. Hey, ladies, thanks for being here. They needed our help."

I gave Gracie a little kiss. "Good night. Don't let the toilet monster bite." I laughed as I walked away.

Mac and Mark

"Hi," Mac said

"Hi," I said.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. I think I was scared. I didn't know."

"Mac, do you really want to be with me?"

"Mark, yes, very much so. I want to be with you now and always. I love you. I'm so, so sorry I hurt you. So, so sorry." She said with tears making her face wet.

"Mac, I love you with all my being to my everything. If you don't want to be with me, just tell me."

"Mark. I made a mistake, I'm so sorry. I want to be with you. I really do. Please understand that." Full out crying now.

I pulled her closer to me, tucking her into my body.

"Shhh, shhh. I got you.

Do you still want to live with me, Billy and Jeannie?"

"Yes, if you'll let me."

"Next week, we'll visit tag sales and hopefully buy some needed furniture. Then we'll take the truck and go get your stuff at your house, then my stuff and bring it to the apartment. Then bring one car over.

Hold me. Just hold me."

We fell asleep. Sarah came in and woke us up.

"Hey, you guys. We have a planned day ahead of us. Get up and join us."

"Good morning, Sarah. How come you're the wake up ambassador?"

"I think everyone thinks I'm the least likely to get yelled at for waking you guys up." She said with a big smile.

"Good morning, Sarah." Mac said. "What are we doing today?"

"We're all touring Sturbridge Village. Come on, it will be fun and interesting. You, Maria and Gracie have never been. The rest haven't been in a long time.

Sniff. Smell that? Noah and Jay are making breakfast. Come down and join us. Then you can come back and shower after."

"We need to put some clothes in, then we'll be down. I promise."

"You better or I'll send Alan up to pull you out of bed. Here's big and strong."

"Close the door, give us five minutes." Mac said.

Sarah closed the door behind her. We got up. Kissed and put on yesterday's clothes. Going down stairs.

"Good morning everyone." I said.

"Guys morning, Mark and Mac," was heard.

"What smells so good?" Mark asked.

"Boy Scout omelet made by two boy scouts and one soon to be Eagle Scout." Ken said.

"I was never in scouting, so I have no idea what to expect."

"You're in for a treat." Alan said.

"This is good." Mac said.

"I agree." I said.

"Us too." Billy and Jeannie said. "Can you teach us how to make this? The 4 of us will be in an apartment for our last year of college, which starts in a few weeks."

"Noah, when does school start this year?" Alan asked.

"For some reason, a week later than usual. You'll stay with us a little longer, Alan and Gracie."

"When is your first day as a senior, Sarah?"

"The day after Labor Day. I'm excited. I've already been accepted at Amherst College."

"Will you get your driver's license?"

"I'll do that this fall. I don't have a car to drive and I'm not driving my mom's mini van and my dad already said I can't drive his SUV."

"I can't blame him. I don't think I'd let my teenager drive my Porsche." Alan said

"What? I thought you'd let me drive it, Alan."

"I seem to remember a conversation on the way to New Jersey, back in May where once you cut 3500 lawns and earned what his car cost. He'd let you drive it." Ken said.

"How much does it cost?" I asked.

"If you don't know, I'm not telling you."Alan said.

"Would you buy another one?" Ken asked.

"In a heartbeat. The beast is awesome, especially on those drives to Delaware. You saw how fast it was last September and when you drove it."

"Which model?" Billy asked

"Panamera GTS." Gracie said.

Billy looked it up on his phone. His eyes went wide. "Wow."

"How much?" I asked. "Holy cow. What did you drive before?"

"An enhanced Toyota GR86."

"Enhanced?"

"Ken made it much faster, with better breaks, suspension. But it only had 2 seats."

"You have kids?"

"Uh, no, uhm..."

"Go ahead and tell them." Noah said. "Remember, we lived it."

"Okay. For a while it was me, Gracie and another girl."

"Tell them the whole thing." Sarah said.

"You guys. For a short while, it was me, Gracie, Amy and another girl."

The four had their mouths open. It was quiet.

Gracie was grinning. Then we were all laughing.

"This is a joke, right?" Billy said.

"No, it's real. We are laughing at your reactions."

"Wait, before we continue, Noah and Sarah go to the back deck and close the door."

"Oh, come on, you four were at my house. I lived it while they were four." Noah said.

"Take your breakfasts and go outside for a few minutes. Go. The two of you." Alan said.

They went into the deck where we could see them.

"One guy and 3 women? Holy shit." Billy said.

"Three girls for a short time? Then two girls for longer? You and another girl and Alan?" Billy asked.

"Gracie nodded yes."

"Oh man, that's hot," Jeannie said.

Billy looked at her. "You would do that?" He said in a shocked voice.

"I might try it."

"Am I dreaming this?"

"It won't be with me." Mac said.

"Don't be surprised, Mac. Amy is my best friend and we've had a lot of threesomes with Alan. It's smoking hot."

"If Mike or Evie found out they were part of this conversation. I'd be history."

"They're mature, Alan. Both promised they'd wait until they were 21 too." Gracie said.

"Boy will they miss some fun." Em said. Getting us all laughing.

"No more talk of threesomes around the kids please. They're only 16 and 17."

"Is there just you and Gracie or is there more?" Mark asked.

"Just Gracie and I. Which is enough for me. I thought for sure the two would kill me before I turned 30. The two together were insatiable."

"How did you pick the second girl?" Billy asked.

"It's a long story. We'll tell you over a beer someday when the kids aren't around. It was a very wild two years leading up to the wedding. I'll tell you that."

"You think?" Ken said laughing.

"Okay, when the boys return to Delaware, we'll have the four of you to the house for dinner and maybe a hot tub soak and story telling. You won't believe it." Alan said

"We want in too." Maria said.

"Us too." Em said.

"You're not going to do that hot tub sex thing with them, right, Em and Maria.?" Jay said.

Both girls smiled as did Gracie.

"Now I really want to hear this story." I said.

Mac pulled me to her lips. "Do we have time for a quickie?" She said a little loudly.

"Go, we'll give you 15 minutes before we all come up to shower." Gracie said.

Ken, go let the kids back in.

"You know, we could read your lips through the window." Noah said.

"You didn't!" Em said.

Laughing, "no we didn't. Gotcha."

"Sit for a few minutes. So, Billy and Jeannie, you know them both better than us. What do you think?"

"Mark seems almost to himself. Mac not yet. I'm actually more worried about her right now." Jeannie said.

"She was pretty broken up when she called us. So much so we were concerned about them both."

"We need to stay close to them for another 24 hours. Walking and talking will help both greatly. We need to keep them busy." Maria said.

"It's too bad that Shannon wasn't in town." Maria said.

"I think we're all doing pretty good." Noah said.

"How did you two get to be so wise?" Billy asked.

"That's part of our story. Noah is one of identical triplets." Alan said

"You have two brothers just like you?"

"Yes, he does. But there is only one Noah." Sarah said

"Noah is more kind and considerate of the three." Gracie said. The others are too, but Noah more so. That's part of our story too."

"Wait, what are you referring to Alan?"

"You might as well tell him." Gracie said.

"Do you remember last March with Amy?"

"Yeah. She was so sad. It broke my heart to see her that way."

"Well, I sort of recorded it."

"Isn't that an invasion of privacy or something?" Noah asked.

"It's the tenderest moment I've ever seen. I did share it with your parents and with Sarah and her parents. My running friends have also seen it. I don't think Amy knows about it." Alan said. "You had Gracie crying while watching it happen."

"Noah, I love that video. I watch it all the time when you're not with me. It makes me cry, but it shows the real you. I love it. It's a good thing." Sarah said near tears. "I'll delete it if you want me to, but I don't want to."

Noah put his arm around Sarah. She climbed into his lap, crying.

"You can all keep it. Sarah likes it, it's okay."

"Good, because Gracie and I watch it often too, and it brings us to tears too."

"We saw it too. Ken and I. It's a tear jerker." Jay said.

"Noah, can we watch it?" Maria asked.

He looked at Sarah. She nodded yes, while hugging Noah tighter.

I pulled out my phone and showed them. Ken and Jay went outside for a few minutes. The four watching it soon had tears."

"Oh, Noah. You're such a good kid." Em said between tears.

"It's much more emotional watching it. Amy was so sad. She needed a hug and someone to hold. She seemed so much better after, too.' Noah said.

"She was. You helped break her sadness."

"Come on, let's get the guys and get showered, dressed and going." Alan said.

We went up, Mac and Mark were all dressed and ready.

"Are you guys good?"

"Yeah, why does it sound like you were crying? Because of us?"

"No. Can I show them, Noah?"

"Yes."

I showed them the video. They were both crying at the end.

"Who is Amy?" Mac asked

"She's our girlfriend. It's a long story. A beer and times in the hot tub and we'll tell you about it. But not now."

"How many showers, Mark?" Alan asked.

"Three." We'll be downstairs on the couch.

About a half hour later, we were all down stairs and ready to go.

"Same carpooling or do you want to mix it up?" Jay said

"Same," Noah said.

"Okay. Let's go. I need directions."

"Me too." Alan said.

We parked and paid. Or rather Alan paid.

"You know, we can pay for ourselves." Maria said.

"Sorry, it was just easier this way. You guys buy dinner today."

"We will. What is this place?"

"Welcome to Sturbridge Village. I think those that have never been here will like it."

We walked around, stopping at the cows.

I looked at Gracie. She came to me crying.

"Why are cows making you cry, Gracie?" Maria asked.

"It's part of what happened before we met you all. A fragment of something funny and good with Alex. Before."

"Oh, I'm sorry." She hugged Gracie. Em got in on it.

"Is Gracie okay?" Mac asked.

"She'll be okay in a moment."

Pulling back. "Sorry. Who thought a cow would make me cry?" Gracie said.

She took my hand and we walked with the group. I gave her my hanky and she wiped her face and blew her nose, handing it back to me.

"Gross. Why didn't you hold onto it?" Alan said, sending us all into fits of laughter.

"Come on husband." She took my hand and we continued.

"I'm hungry. Is anyone else hungry?" Jay asked.

"I am." Alan said. "Girls? Kids?"

"Hungry." Noah said.

"Me too." Sarah said.

"Us too." Everyone said.

"Let me call the place on Cedar Street. It's really good, and sit down." Mark said. "Okay, reservation made for 12 of us in 30 minutes."

We parked, went in for a big table for us all. We ordered some apps. "Hey, Mark, how many brothers and sisters do you have?"

"It's just me, why?"

"Then why the big house?"

"My parents wanted more kids. But there was a complication with my mom when I was born and I became their only child. They loved the house and just kept it. There was always room when I had friends over."

"Mac?" Gracie said.

"Mac, what's the matter?" Maria said. We watched Mac get up and run out with Gracie, Maria and Em following.

"What is that about?" Billy said.

"I have an idea." Alan said. We'll see what happens when the girls return.

Gracie

"Mac, what's the matter?"

Mac was crying now. "I almost caused them to lose their only child. I am so fucked up. What kind of person am I."

Maria and Em were listening too. "Mac, it's okay. Look forward not back. Mark is back, you're with him. Don't look at the past, concentrate on now and the future. That's all you can change."

"Mac, we all have things we wish we could change in the past. Some big, others little. Things we regret. But we can't do anything about them except move forward." Maria said.

"Mac, you have the best guy in the world waiting for you. He loves you like crazy. We all see that. Work towards your future. Stop dwelling on what might have been. Make things happen now." Em said.

"Mac, we're always here for you if you want to talk. Come on, wash your face and let's go join the guys."

Sarah and Jeannie walked in.

"Mark is asking about you, Mac. He's close to entering the women's room too. I hope no one else is in here." Sarah said.

The door opened and Mark walked in. "Mac, are you okay?" Mark said.

She went to him, hugging. "It's okay, Mac. Alan explained what you're upset about. You can't fix the past, we can just make the future better. You and me together." He tilted her head up and kissed her. A soft kiss.

Mark poked her in the belly. "Your stomach is growling, come on sweetheart. Let's go eat. Thank you all."

Holding hands they exited with all of us following. We all sat.

"Thank you all." Mac said.

The apps arrived and everyone started munching. The guys started talking about the Patriots. The girls started talking about another shopping date, this time including Jeannie.

The meals arrived. "I'd like to make a small toast. To new and old friends, thank you all for being in our lives and most of all for being here when we need you. Thank you." Mark said.

"Can we taste the wine?" Noah said.

"No!" We all answered.

"Okay, geeze." Noah said, getting us all laughing.

"Listen, if you guys ever need to talk. You have our numbers. Call anytime. I think Gracie, I, Noah and Sarah are returning to the Cape tomorrow after lunch."

"We took you away from vacation?" Mac asked.

"Mac, we're fine. Friends come first." Sarah said. All of us were nodding. "All of us except Noah are local to the Springfield area. How far are we from UMASS?"

"40 minutes in person, 10 seconds by phone." Em said.

"You call us." Maria said. "Anytime. Really."

Mac was nodding.

"Can we do dessert?" Noah asked.

"Go ahead." Ken said. "But we might want a taste."

He ordered 4 cheese cakes and 10 forks.

We returned to Mark's house, deciding to sit and watch a movie.

We were watching The Fly movie with Jeff Goldblum.

"This is gross." Maria said. The guys laughed.

"Can you imagine if he had a poodle instead of a fly? We'd have a hairy man with body hair curls." Mark said.

That got us all laughing hysterically.

We all went to bed. Lying in bed, nose to nose. "I forgive you, Mac. I can't imagine a future without you in it."

I rolled on top of him. "Mark, I can't imagine a future without you with me. Together we'll do wonderful things. I never want to be without you. I love you, Mark. You have all of me. I'm yours."

"Mac, I'm yours too. Always."

"Kiss me." Mac said. I kissed her and rolled her over, rubbing myself on her. "I want you. But we have to be quiet. Alan would be pissed if Sarah and Noah heard us."

"I'll be quiet. Take my panties off."

I pulled her panties off, returning to kiss and lick my way to her pussy. Her legs opened. I pulled her closer to me, my tongue massaging her wetness. She was wiggling. I had to hold her tighter to keep her still.

'Oh, god, Mark!" She whispered loudly as her legs clamped on my head and she came hard.

Her legs opened and I continued, "Oh, Mark!" She came again.

I was up on my knees, pulling my boxers off, rubbing my hardness on her wetness. Sliding in, looking at her. Our eyes locked on one another. She mouthed, I love you. I smiled and started pounding into her. "Love you, Mac," as I pushed in and came hard.

I lowered my sweaty body to hers. Kissing her hard. "Sleep." She said

I kissed her more, growing inside her again. I started slowly, getting faster and faster. Her head went back, mouth open as a low moan escaped her lips and I exploded inside her again.

"Mmmm, now sleep." I whispered in her ear.

I pulled up the sheets, pulling her closer, falling asleep.

Something woke me up. Then Mac was up, holding my hardness. She was up and impaled my hardness. I held her hands as she went up and down. "Not gonna last." I said.

"Cum in me, Mark." She said. I lifted myself up as she lowered and I came inside her. She let out a moan, "Cumming. Oh, god!" She lowered herself to me and we made out.

"Shower, we can't go down smelling like sex. Come on." She pouted, but got up and turned on the water. I joined her, we soaped down, making out in the shower.

"Love you, my man."

We rinsed, dried off and threw on some basic shorts and matching T's and went down stairs hand in hand.

"Good morning." We both said, laughing.

"She has that look." Em said. "The kids are still sleeping."

"She definitely has that look." Maria said.

"I won't even try asking them not to go there." Ken said.

"What look is that?" Mac asked.

"The freshly fucked look." Gracie said.

"She definitely has it." Jeannie said.

"Are they always like this?" Mark asked.

"You have no idea." Ken said.

"No idea at all." Jay said.

I turned around, turning on the stereo and turning on some music. Someday by Rob Thomas started playing. I pulled Mac to me, dancing in the living room. Everyone joined us and we saw Sarah and Noah coming down the stairs joining us.

Music, the way to make everyone feel good.

"Who's hungry?" Jay asked. "Breakfast is served. Good morning everyone, a new day is upon us! Sit and eat!"

Breakfast chatter with everyone feeling good. Gracie gave me that smile that all was okay in the world. I blew her a kiss.

"What was that?" Sarah asked.

"What?" Em said.

"Alan?"

"No more Uncle Alan?"

"I think I've outgrown that."

Alan pouted at her, making us all laugh. "Is Jay still Uncle James?"

"Well, maybe I have to try it longer, Uncle Alan." She made me smile and everyone laughed.

"Mark, is there a place nearby that does karaoke?"

"Yeah, there is a local pub. Whatcha thinking?"

"Is it okay if we stay another night?"

"Yeah. Karaoke tonight?"

"Yeah. Are you staying or leaving, Alan.?"

"Noah, Sarah?"

"Karaoke!" Noah said.

"Me too, let's have some fun." Sarah said.

"We'll stay too."

"What to do during the day? Let's see what the maps show... A winery in Brimfield for tastings for us old enough to drink. How about escape rooms? Two teams of 6 for two different rooms. Has anyone played one of these?" Alan asked.

"I've heard about them and always wanted to play. Call them and see if they can take us all." Noah asked.

Ken called and reserved two rooms. "We're set for 1 pm. Two rooms. One is Podunk and the other is North Pole Meltdown. That has to do with Christmas. Four of us are Jewish, we'll do the Podunk with another pair, the rest do Meltdown."

"We'll join you guys." Mark said. "What to do until then?"

"Jay, do you have your speaker?" Ken asked.

"Yup, always. Front yard?"

"Yup, everyone shower first and front yard dancing. Let's see if we can wake up the neighborhood this morning."

"Maria and I will do the dishes, you all shower then we will."

"Mark, do you have a good playlist?" Jay asked.

"I sure do. I think I have something perfect."

Showered, we all went around front. Mark paired his phone to Jay's speaker and started his playlist. He cranked the tunes as we started out slow and got faster.

Neighborhood teens came out and joined us, dragging some parents with them.

"Are you having fun, Mac?"

"This is great. We need to hang with our new friends more often. But school first. Kiss me."

Someone was taking pictures. We were on some of them. 11:30 arrived and we stopped, had lunch and headed to the escape rooms. We all contributed and split into our rooms.

70 minutes later, the Podunk room had escaped and the Meltdown room was stuck. They had to be let out at the 90 minute mark. We went wine tasting, with Sarah and Noah observing. Then we went out for dinner and karaoke.

They asked for volunteers and Mark stepped up as did Noah, and the rest of us guys. Ken was called up first.

"What are you doing, goofball?" We heard Maria say.

Ken sang their song with Maria singing the women's vocals. We were all screaming, they made it better than ever before. We heard him say, "I'm your goofball." Kissing her, making her blush.

Noah and Sarah went next and sang Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. They brought the house down. We all recorded it. They were amazing and the crowd thought so too, the clapping and yelling was thunderous.

"You two, that was amazing. Have you sung together before?" Ken asked them.

"We watched the movie together and commented on the phone to each other, singing the song together to each other on the phone. This was our first time together. This is fun! We have to do this again!" Noah said.

"We'll find a place down south and do this when we come to visit. Although Sarah won't be there. Hmmm. We'll figure something out. Maybe get them down there for Thanksgiving or the Holidays."

Jay next with his Sugar song, singing to Em, and getting claps from the crowd.

Mark was called and dragged Mac up. She was shaking her head no. Mark wasn't having it as he sang Lonely No More by Rob Thomas. Mac had her hands over her face. He gave her a smoking hot kiss when he finished singing, getting more claps and yells.

Billy got up and sang Shut Up and Dance by Walk The Moon. He had everyone up singing with him. He energized the room.

A bunch of other people got up to sing then Alan was called. He sang Something Like this to Gracie. She sang part to him, they were both blushing at the end. He gave her a smoldering hot kiss after to whistles and cat calls.

We didn't realize it, but there was a prize at the end for the best performance. Sarah and Noah won to thunderous clapping and yelling.

"Who are you two?" The announcer asked.

Sarah. "I'm Sarah from East Longmeadow and this is my boyfriend, Noah from Dover, Delaware. This is the first time we sang it together in person. We sang it together on the phone a few times."

"How old are you both?"

"I'm 17 and Noah is 16."

"Wait, Delaware. Young man, were you part of the capture of that very bad guy?"

"Not directly, but my friends over there were." Noah said pointing to us.

"Folks, a round of applause for normal people doing something good for everyone else." Lots of clapping.

"Well, Noah and Sarah, you both are amazing and I hope we hear you both singing again. The prize for tonight is $3,634. Congratulations."

"May I say something?" Noah asked.

"Go right ahead."

"I heard from our friends Jay and Em, that they won karaoke down in Virginia when they were on their honeymoon a few years ago, and donated their winnings.

We'd like to follow in their footsteps and donate the winnings to the local food shelter. They need this much more than we do." Noah said.

Sarah grabbed the mic, "We also ask that a big jar be placed up here and money be donated that will be added to this for the food shelter. Thank you. This was so much fun!"

"Thank you, Sarah and Noah. This is the most generous thing that any winner has ever done. We hope you will return again some day?"

"We're here with our friends." She pointed to us. We were all recording them.

They returned to us. Sarah got a bear hug from Jay. "Sarah, I am so proud of you, of both of you." Jay said.

"We all are." Ken said. They all got hugs.

We hung around until closing, making a donation to the jar. Six versions of them singing and being on the stage were uploaded to the group.

10 minutes later our phones started pinging with reactions to Sarah and Noah singing. We knew this video would be watched over and over again.

We returned to the house a little past 11, tired and happy.

We were up at 9 am, meeting everyone in the kitchen for breakfast.

Alan said, "Marc, Mac, Billie and Jeannie. We are leaving this morning. Thank you for hosting us these past few days. If you ever need anything, please reach out to us. We're always available for our friends."

"When do you move into your apartment, Mark?" Ken asked.

"On the 30th."

"Is it furnished?" Jay asked.

"No, that's why we need a week to do tag sales. We'll use my dad's truck and Billy's truck to move all the furniture."

"We might be able to help with that." Jay said. "We're in the midst of shopping for new beds and furniture for some rooms in our house. Would you be interested in beds, night stands and more?"

"Yeah!"

"Send me a list of what furniture you need. I bet we can make your search much easier."

"That would be amazing. The four of us will sit down and make a list later today."

"We also have friends with pickup trucks that can make your move easier too."

"That would be amazing too. Thank you so much. I don't know how we could ever repay you all for everything?"

"Pay it forward. Do something good for someone else. That's what we live by. Pay it forward." Maria said. All of us nodded in agreement.

Alan and everyone left. The four of us were left.

"Hey, you guys, I'm so sorry I scared you with my actions. I wasn't in the right frame of mind." I said.

"It's me that should be apologizing. If anyone wasn't in their right frame of mind it was me." Mac said.

"Listen, both of you. One thing they all taught us is we can't go back and change the past. We can only work on now and the future. Mark, we are so glad you are still with us. Mac we still love you. We love you both.

Now, let's make a list of what we need and text it to them." Jeannie said.

We made the list and texted it to Ken, Alan and Jay.

Jay sent back pics of two beds, dressers and night stands. 'We'll take them, Jay. We can get into the apartment on the 27th. We have two pickups but will need help getting the furniture into them. We'll find help getting them into the apartment when we get there. Thank you again.' Billy wrote in his text.

The 23rd arrived and we took the truck to Mac's house to get her school things.

"Mom, Dad, Mark and I are here. Where are you?"

"Hi kids. Welcome back. Mark, so good to see you."

"It's good to be here. Nice to see you again." We shook and I got pulled into a hug.

"Hi Rosie," I said, oh, another hug.

"Mark, so good to see you. How long are you both here?"

"Mom, we're here to pack for school, clothes, laptop and whatever else. Can we take the kayaks out before dinner?"

"Of course. Can your dad and I join you both?"

"Yeah, that would be nice." Mac said.

We took our shoes off, put on PFD's, took the two tandems out and went paddling. Mac kept looking back at me. I smiled at her each time, blowing her a kiss occasionally. Making her blush.

She looked back again, deciding to turn around in the kayak. "No, Mac, don't do that." I said. The kayak started to tip. Her parents watched us laughing.

She fell one way and I leaned the other way, trying to offset her fall, but we both fell in anyways. She swam over to me. Both of us bobbing in the water, our PFD's keeping us afloat.

"What are you doing, silly girl?" I said.

She grabbed me by the vest, pulling me closer, kissing me. Looking at me.

"I know, Mac. Me too." She kissed me while we floated beside the kayak. "Love you girl. Can we get back into the kayak now?"

She nodded. We righted the boat. She pulled herself up on one end and I did from the other. Somehow we didn't tip again and returned to their house. We put everything away.

"How much time until dinner, Mom?"

"About 25 minutes, Mac. Please bring your wet clothes out. All of them."

"We will Rosie." I said.

Mac grabbed my hand and led me into the house, closing and locking the door to her room. She grabbed a few towels.

She pulled my shirt off me, I pulled hers off, then touched her. My lips found hers.

She unbuttoned my shorts and they fell with a plop to the floor. She pushed my boxers down. My hardness hit her belly. I took her shorts and panties off her. We piled the wet clothes in the sink and started the shower.

Our eyes never left each other. The hot water felt good.

Her eyes got big. "I love you, Mark."

"I know. I love you too, Mac. We'll make this school year exceptional and work towards our future together."

She nodded, reaching down to hold my hardness. "I have a hot, wet place for this right now. Put it in me."

She bent over and I entered her, holding her hips and pounding into her. Her moans are getting louder and louder. "Oh, Mac!" I pushed in, holding myself in her as I came. I lowered myself onto her back, holding her boobs in my hands.

She stood up. We had this smoldering kiss. "Let's wash and go eat. You're mine tonight." She said.

"Mac, I'm yours every night and every day."

We soaped each other up, rinsed, got out and dried off, putting on light matching shorts and shirts from Cape Cod. Her parents smiled when they saw us.

"I love the matching outfits. Your mom and I do that a lot too." Steve said.

We returned to my house on the 26th, rearranging the truck, putting my stuff in too. We texted Jay to say we'd be over at 1 pm tomorrow. The four of us met at the apartment on the morning of the 27th, bringing clothes over, then heading to the address Jay gave me for his house.

We arrived at 12:50 pm to find a bunch of pickups and SUV's there. We pulled all the way in, blocking some of the vehicles. Billy looked at me and I shrugged. We knocked at the door.

"Welcome, we had some friends join us too." Jay said. "Come in. You already know Ken and Alan. This is Jon, Kev, Sam, Abe, Mack, Martin, Mike and their wives. This is Mark, Mac, Billy and Jeannie.

Some of this furniture is very heavy, hence the extra help. I have some tools too, just in case."

With a lot of grunting, we got the furniture moved into multiple trucks.

"What is your apartment address?" Em asked.

I provided the address.

"Everything is strapped down, but don't go too fast. It wouldn't take much for everything to shift. Let's go, we'll meet everyone out front. No one attempts to carry any by yourselves. You saw what it took to get it into the trucks. Let's go." Ken said.

40 minutes later we were at the apartment. "Show us the apartment first." Alan said.

Up three flights to a big apartment. "Alright gang, the big stuff first. Jon, you're the strongest of us, front or back?"

"Front is hardest, but back carries most of the weight. I think Me, Kev, and Ken in back, Jay and Mark up front. Let's try that with the first one and adjust as needed. Jay and Sam with us too, just in case. Let's do this."

We hefted and drew a crowd, watching us carry this heavy furniture to the top apartment. The girls watched the trucks with the remaining furniture and fended off flirting college guys.

At the top. "Geezus, this is fucking heavy." Jay said, making us all laugh. We were all sweating like crazy. We went down and brought the other bed up.

"I highly suggest when you guys move, you hire a moving crew." Sam said, making us all laugh.

"Guys, we can't thank you enough." Billy said.

"You're buying pizza and beer for dinner." Ken said. "Come on, let's bring the rest up and have the girls arrange it all.

The trucks were locked and the rest of the furniture came up. Some were reassembled by the girls.

"Okay, what do you need? It looks like a kitchen table, chairs, couch, TV stand. Girls, what else?" Sam said.

"Sheets?" Sue said.

"Em, the box on the back seat, can you bring that up please?" Jay said. "You don't need sheets. Someone might want to go with her to make sure she doesn't hurt any college boys." We all laughed at that.

Maria said, "Miss Defender."

Sam went down. Seeing a crowd of boys around Em.

"Boys, Em is one girl you don't want to tangle with. She's put three guys I know of in the hospital with multiple broken bones. The ones she wouldn't break, I would. Leave her alone and back up." Sam said. ""Did you guys hear of the mass murderer captured down in Delaware a year ago?"

"Yeah, so?" Someone said.

"She's the one who broke him. Two broken shoulders, arms, and hands. I think 13 broken bones in all."

We watched from the balcony. The crowd stepped back.

"Boys, if she or I couldn't take you all, which I'm pretty sure we can easily. If you look up, they can. Back up more."

"Thanks, Sam. I wouldn't want to hurt any of these cute boys. Their girlfriends, if they have any, would be upset." She said, laughing.

The box was brought up. "Here you go, sheets for both beds." Em said. "Now you need more furniture and we do too, let's go to the next stop."

"Where is that?" Jeannie said.

We all smiled. "Follow us. Here is the address."

We parked and Ben welcomed us.

"Ben, this is Mark, Billy, Jeannie and Mac. This is what they need." Martin said, handing him a list.

"We want scratch and dent, or older furniture. We don't have a lot of money, but do have some." I said.

I watched Ben. He looked at us and then behind us.

"Oh, no, I know what's going on. They're not filling the gap from what money we don't have."

"He is as quick as Ken." Maria said.

"Here's what we can offer you without their money. Us four are seniors at UMASS. While we don't have our schedules yet, we're offering ourselves every Saturday and Sunday as free labor, at minimum wage until the balance is paid off.

We can sweep floors, assemble furniture, do some lifting, cleaning, dusting, nearly anything. We're all business majors. We'll work to pay this off, as long as it takes and whatever you need done.

Do you accept these terms?" I said.

"What if you don't show up?" Ben said.

"Then these guys will find us and kick our asses. We'll work. You have my word."

"Truth." Jay said.

"Deal, shake." Ben shook all our hands. "Let me show you some things."

"Ben," Em said. "We need some new furniture too. Bedroom sets, maybe more."

A few hours later, all furniture was found, payments arranged, work arranged, and the furniture was loaded onto the trucks. We all returned to the apartment. Em and Jay's furniture would be delivered in a few days.

Everything was brought upstairs. We now had a couch, a place to eat, stand for the TV and more.

"I know I am hungry. How about everyone else?" Ken said.

"Time to eat some pizza boys and girls." Jon said.

"Let's go to this place on Main Street." We all went and I put it on my credit card.

Everyone got up to leave. "Wait." I said. "Thank you all for everything. From a few weeks ago and today. Thank you." I said.

"Mark, Mac, Jeannie and Billy. Don't be strangers. Keep in touch and reach out when you can. We're here for you all." Jon said.

"Girls, please join us again for another girls day out shopping. The last one was fun. You have our numbers. Once Ben is paid off, let us know when you're free." Gracie said.

"Everyone, thank you again." Billy said.

They all left and we returned to the apartment. "Tomorrow, we'll be back to stay with my car, the truck back home waiting for my dad or the next time I need it. Billy, Jeannie, we'll see you tomorrow as we start our last year of college. Mac, let's go back to my house for one more night."

Back at the house.

"Our last night before moving to the apartment and school starting. What would you like to do?"

"Snuggle in your bed?"

"Sounds perfect." I watched her undress. Shaking my head. "Too much clothing. Off with it all." I said.

I pulled her to me. Our two nude bodies pressed together, my hands ran down her back to her tush. Then wrapping around her. Hers around me. We just held each other.

Softly, "Come on, under the covers. We lay on our sides, Her leg between mine, our arms around each other.

Lying in bed, the day before moving into the apartment for school.

"Mac." I said to her softly. "Promise me. If you're ever insecure or say something and I don't pay attention, you'll put your hand right here on my chest and tell me we need to talk.

Don't let me take you for granted. We are an us. Both make decisions, both talk through issues. I may need reminding of that occasionally.

But you are in here, " putting her hand on my heart, "forever. We are working for us. I want to go to sleep and wake up with you. You're the one I think about all the time."

"I will Mark. Always. I think about you too.

You saw how our new friends interact with their partners and their friends. If one needs help, the others are always there for them.

We need to remember that and keep in touch with them. We can learn a lot and I think they can help us more than our parents at this point in our lives.

I bet, if we keep in touch with them, they can help us to get jobs if we need help. Their network of friends is strong."

"Most certainly. Sleep?"

"Yes, deep snuggle."

We moved even closer to each other and fell asleep.

We woke around 9am. I was looking at this beautiful girl before me, wondering what on earth she saw in me.

My hands were in her hair. It was soft and wavy, shoulder length. I loved it. I love every inch of her.

Her little nose, small ears, puffy eye brows, big, beautiful eyes. Those soft and so kissable lips.

I kissed her.

"Mmmm. You kissed me."

"I couldn't help myself. You're so beautiful."

"Thank you." She said softly.

My hand was back in her hair. "I love your wavy hair. I love every inch of you."

She smiled. Her hand went to my face. I needed to shave. Her hand moved along the stubble.

"Will you let your facial hair grow for me? I want to see you with a short beard."

"I'll do anything for you Mac. Anything."

"I know, my handsome warrior. My protector, my lover, my love, my friend, my Mark.

Gracie told me that Alan is her Superman. They joke about it. They sing about it. That song they sang together at karaoke, they sang it at their wedding. Their song. The start of their ceremony.

I feel like them. Like all their friends. A love so deep, I can't put it into words. I feel it all the time. Especially when we're tangled together, like now. I know you do too."

I nodded. My hand rested on her cheek. Hers on mine. We looked at each other. I knew we both felt it. Smiling at each other.

"Your parents are like this too. I think once you get to know mine better, you'll see they are too. Both are still crazy in love with each other. It started like this, like us." I said.

She nodded. "I'm ready for school. I'm ready to work for us both. I know this is going to be a remarkable year for us both. For the four of us. I'm ready."

"Once we get our schedules, we need to tell Ben when we can come in and work.

If we fail this, we fail and lose our friends and damage our future.

I think we're going to do very well with Ben and this will lead to future job contacts.

Ken told me to never burn any bridges. That no matter how stupid or angry people get us, always treat them politely and with respect and dignity. Not only will we feel good about it, but it helps build our future contracts. He told me networking is the key to the future. To always remember that and share it with the four of us."

"We got lucky going to that wedding. You know that?"

"I do. Kiss me."

We kissed, softly at first. Then with more desire. Our hands went all over each other's bodies.

My hands landed on her breasts. I loved watching her expressions as I touched her in the right places.

I was on top of her, sucking on a breast. It made her crazy as I dragged my tongue over her nipple, sucking and sucking, giving her a nipple hickey.

I kissed lower, licking between her breasts, kissing and licking. My tongue wiggled inside her belly button, making her giggle. I love the sound of her giggle. I licked again, hearing that wonderful sound.

I kissed lower, she started to moan. Her legs opened. I kissed my way lower. A lick across her clit.

"Oh, oh, Mark." Her hands were in my hair. I love that feeling.

I moved lower, smelling her excitement. A lick from bottom to top.

"Ohhhhhh."

Kissing her lips on opening her up, my tongue reaching deep, feeling her shudder as she came. I licked at her wetness.

I put two fingers in her and increased my licking speed. Her moaning increased in volume.

I sucked her clit into my mouth and kept my tongue moving on it.

"Ohhhhhh, Mark, oh god, Ohhhhhh. Her hand grabbed my hair as a huge orgasm hit her.

She released my hair, her legs relaxed, she gulped in air.

I went and blew on her face. She has a big smile on her face. Her eyes were glazed and sparkling.

I put a leg between hers and an arm over her. Pulling her closer. "I love you, Mac."

Her hand went back into my hair, just playing with it.

I closed my eyes, dozing.

I felt her push me over as she got on top of me.

"Hi." I said.

"My brain and body exploded. I couldn't move. I've never experienced something like that before."

She started grinding on me. Feeling my hardness. Sliding her wet pussy over and over on me, watching my face.

She leaned up and slid me into her. She used her legs to push up and down, sinking me deeper each time.

"Mac!" My hands went to her legs, holding her, and I came hard inside her. It was my turn to breathe hard. I pulled her to me. Just holding her sweaty body on mine."

I closed my eyes again. Waking with her blowing on my face.

"The room smells like sex. We need to wash the sheets, open the windows to air it out and close them when we leave.

We did just that, ate and left. Finding parking for my little car and joining Billy and Jeannie.

"Hi guys. We're ready for this year." Mac and I said together.

"We are too." They both said together.

We joined them on the couch.

The end. Thank you for reading.

As I have tied this into part of The Group. I may grow the characters more in another story. We'll see what pops into my head.