Chapter 1

 

“I'd say that was productive,” Casen said, with a happy sigh, as he walked at Tam's side with a multitude of shopping bags in one hand and his other clasped tightly in Tam's.

Seeing him so happy, just to be out and about with him on a rare, quiet Thursday afternoon, always made his heart skip a beat. With the new hires for the farm, Tam had more time to focus on his husband and the more academic demands of running the farm. So far, it was paying off because Casen was no longer working every hour at the museum that he could get, just to have something to do with himself.

It was a comment from Cormag, just two weeks ago, that sealed the deal.

“He's unusually quiet. Is everything alright at home?”

And when he thought about it, Tam realised that he'd noticed it too. Casen was quiet and withdrawn any time he was out in public or outside of the cottage. But, the minute they were alone in their house together, he lit up like a Christmas tree. And that was when Tam realised he'd been neglecting his husband for the farm. Something he swore he would never do.

The day he realised that, he went out and hired another five people off his list of college students, waiting for a chance to work hands-on on the farm. They gained extra credit for an agriculture course and he got time with his husband.

The result had been instant and beautiful.

“Where to now?” he asked, watching Casen's gaze flit over the small town shops with eager interest.

Though they both had cars; his truck and a little Smart car that Casen used to get to work; Tam knew that Casen didn't venture into town without him. He still felt like a city boy in amongst village folk.

He really should have seen how badly Casen wanted him around more often. He should have noticed how much he'd isolated himself to their little cottage, the farm and the museum. He barely went anywhere by himself, unless Mack or Levi dragged him there. Even when he was at the farm, he always ended up helping Tam's parents with their tasks, though it usually wasn't necessary.

Tam wanted to smack some sense into his own head, but there was little point. He'd noticed now and was trying to fix it.

“Hmm, how about lunch?” Casen suggested, gesturing to a burger van nearby. It wasn't exactly a romantic dinner or picnic, but he would never say no.

“Sounds like a plan,” he agreed, leading the way.

After ten minutes, they returned to their walk through the village, each eating a burger and talking about what they were planning on doing for the rest of the day. Tam was mulling over the possibility of driving down to the beach, when a large Golden Retriever came bounding over and jumped up at Casen.

“What are you doing here?” Tam asked, reaching out to pat the dog's head.

“Who is this?” Casen laughed as he automatically moved his burger out of reach and began rubbing behind the dog’s ear.

“Badger. He belongs to our neighbour, Mr Leander. He owns the land beside the field the cottage lies on. He never lets him out on his own,” Tam explained with a frown, only to notice that Badger wasn't wearing his collar or a lead. He was running free in the village and that was likely to get him into a lot of trouble.

He'd never once seen Badger off the lead.

“Do you think we could get him to the truck, without his collar?” Casen wondered.

He had to think about it. He'd known Badger for years, so he was pretty sure that was the reason he'd approached them so openly. “Yeah, he should come with me. He seems to like you a lot,” he mentioned casually, smiling up at Casen as he gave all his attention to the dog. Badger's tail was wagging like a helicopter and his tongue lolled out of one side of his mouth.

“That's because I have food.” Casen laughed, when those words earned his hand a lick from Badger.

“Nope. Not a dog for scraps. He just likes you,” Tam admitted, appreciating that unsure look Casen gave him, wondering whether he was joking or lying. But he meant it. Badger wasn't just a typical dog sucking up to the nearest person who could feed him.

“Well, give me the bags and you get the doors open,” Carsen suggested, leaving the handling of Badger to Tam, since they knew each other better.

He handed over the two bags of shopping he'd been carrying, and threw the leftovers of his burger into the nearest bin. “Alright, Badger…come on, boy,” Tam encouraged him to follow, patting his thigh, as he backed over to the truck that was parked just two cars down from where they were.

Badger turned away from Casen and bounded over with big floppy ears towards Tam.

“Good boy. Let's get you home,” he cooed as he unlocked and opened the passenger door to let Badger jump inside. To his amazement, the dog sat down and turned to face him, with a wagging tail, as if he knew that they were leaving and he didn't mind.