Saint soared miles above the ground. His Cessna in perfect shape. This was where he felt like himself, confident in his abilities. Everyone had that one thing that they excelled at, and this was his. When he flew, it was normally just him and the open sky in all directions. Ernie understood that was his freedom. The one place he had control.

“Saint, you copy?”

“Go ahead, Ernie.”

“I’m patching a call through.”

“Thanks, Ernie.” He heard the crackle in his ears before a voice that made him smile filled his head.

“Hey, baby, how’s my Ellison?”

“Doing good, Mama. I thought you were out of radio range.” The last time he’d talked to his mama she was headed into the mountains for a two-week survivalist trip. She loved her job, and as much as they wanted her around more often, it was understood she didn’t want to settle down. When she’d lost their dad, he believed she lost her soulmate, and no other man would do. Outside of sex, he didn’t think his mother really liked men.

“Stupid egos and a broken leg.”

“Did he break it or did you break it for him?”

He listened to her snort as he turned to head back to the airfield. His lunch break was almost up.

“He broke it, but it was a close one to me taking out his kneecaps. Ernie said you went up by yourself, so what’s up? You and Eric are always together, you fly, and he jumps.”

“I just needed quiet.”

“Why? Is this about your man? Ernie was telling me you were seeing that Sheriff you and your brother have been panting over.”

“I don’t know, it’s odd. I didn’t think it would work out and it seems to be.” Years of wanting someone, it overwhelmed him that Camden finally agreed to be theirs. He held their hands in public. He showed them affection with others around. They weren’t kept a secret, and they’d stayed out at his house the past few weeks. Camden made sure he spent time alone with either him or Sin. It was blowjobs and hand jobs, but beyond that Camden hadn’t pushed for anything else. As much as he appreciated Camden taking it slow, the longer he was with the man, the more he wanted to know what Camden felt like inside him. Yes, he was terrified, but Camden would never hurt him or Sin.

“That’s good, you and Eric deserve this. Someone who will love you both. You know I told you and your brother when you said you’d find a man to share that the perfect one would come along.”

“I know, Mama.”

“Since I’m grounded for a bit, and I don’t have any trips planned, I thought I’d come for a visit.”

“That would be great.”

“And I can meet Camden. Check out this boy y’all are dating.”

“Mama, please don’t call him a boy, he’s the same age as you.”

“Then I’ll be able to meet your old man then.”

“Mama, please don’t call him an old man when you meet him.”

“What can I say to him? This man is dating my precious sons. The least you’ll allow me is the opportunity to interrogate him and ask his intentions. I’ll try to be all nice and polite if that will make you and Eric happy.”

He laughed at her disgusted tone when she said she’d try to be nice and polite. “It’s the best I can hope for.”

“Don’t be so pessimistic, Ellison.”

“I’ll try. I’m about to land.”

“Okay, sweetie, tell your brother I said I love him. I love you too, Ellison. Everything will work out.”

The call was ended, and he circled as he prepared to land. He descended as he aimed for the short runway. He pulled back as he slowed and smoothly went wheels down, then he taxied closer to one of the two hangers. Killing the engine, he removed his headset and hopped out of his plane.

“How was it?” Ernie asked.

“Perfect.”

He turned to study Ernie. He’d wondered what his mother saw in the man. Ernie and his mama weren’t compatible. They’d shared a bed for a few years, but the sex seemed all that the two people shared in common. Ernie was decked out in his usual oil-stained coveralls. A chewed cigar between his lips. Ernie never seemed to light the ever-present item. It was as a part of Ernie as the coveralls.

“You love to fly, I know that, but you don’t normally come without Sin.”

“Were you talking to Mama?”

“Anyone who knows you, knows you two boys are attached. So, what’s bothering you?”

“I don’t know. Everything seems to be going good, ya know, I’m just waiting for the punch.”

“Ellison, not everything falls through. Sometimes people just get their happy ending without going through all the bullshit. You been checking out that Pelter guy since he came to town. Waiting around that long, maybe that’s the punch, and now all the good shit comes now.”

“Thanks, Ernie.”

“I know shit didn’t go right with your mom and me, but that wasn’t destined to last. Layla and me had our moment, and we both moved on. But I loved you boys. You were the best thing I got out of that relationship. Now, get your ass to work. Sin will be wondering where you at.”

He gave Ernie a quick hug and strode toward the car. He felt lighter now that he’d had his time alone. It had always been him and Sin. Always a package. Sin had had his dates, but him, he didn’t have anything of his own. He hadn’t realized it. Yes, he couldn’t be separated from Sin, and he wouldn’t want to be. Things were different since Camden claimed them. Camden treated them as separate people. He made them feel special with his time and attention, even when it was the three of them together.

He sighed as he drove toward the main road and back toward town. Camden understood and gave them what they needed. He wished Camden would let them in more. Where he was attentive with them, it was as if Camden didn’t require or even think he deserved the same in return.

He and Sin wanted to give those things to Camden. Be there when he got home from work or a middle of the night talk when he gets called away. They wanted it all, but they had to get Camden to realize that they loved and wanted him—to take care of him just like he did them.

He put aside the thoughts as he pulled into town and turned off the main drag to Pleasure. After work, they’d go to Camden’s place and spend time with their man. Everything would work out like it should; he just had to keep believing that.