Page 44 of Personal Foul (The San Diego Storm #3)

Colin

I n the three weeks leading up to the wedding, we had a pre-wedding honeymoon, traveling all over Australia. When we couldn’t take Bella along, we entrusted Carrie and Owen to look after her and Allister.

We saw things I’d never seen, like all the sea life while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef.

The coral formations were a rainbow of colors, although some had turned white during coral death.

We marveled over giant clams, sea turtles, stingrays, and more tropical fish than I could count.

We opted not to do the nighttime dive because the sharks were real. And big as fuck.

We spent a few days in Melbourne, exploring the city, then drove the Great Ocean Road, stopping to see waterfalls and even kangaroos on the beach.

“I’m taking pictures of them to send to Drew. He’ll be so jealous,” Carson said.

I took him everywhere he wanted to go—a river cruise down the Kimberlie and hidden gems in the city.

The only thing we didn’t do was the Great Train tour into the outback.

I would have loved to take him on the romantic train ride and stay in a sleeper car for a couple of days.

We didn’t want to leave the kids that long.

A week before the wedding, we went to the airport to pick up our guests. Elizabeth and George had flown in the night before, and were at our apartment setting up the food.

The plane from San Diego touched down and taxied to the tarmac. We walked out to meet everyone as they descended. Lennox and Dane were the first to exit, followed by Drew and Mason. Evan, Hudson, Erin, and Jack were the last to deplane.

“How was the flight?” Carson asked.

“Really comfortable,” Evan answered. “I can see why you chose it.”

“I wouldn’t mind flying one,” Dane added. “Sweet little ride.”

Lennox’s eyes lit up. “I’ll buy you your own company so you can retire from the Navy.”

Dane sighed, but laughed him off.

“I hope you’re hungry. We’ve catered a big meal at our apartment.”

Everyone perked up at that idea as we collected luggage and proceeded to the cars we’d hired to take them to the hotel. It was only a couple of blocks from my apartment, making the walk very easy.

After they’d checked in, everyone came to my apartment for dinner. We’d ordered a lot of food, including some authentic Australian cuisine they could try, but mostly things they’d be used to. They could be adventurous later.

“No kangaroo? I read it tastes like chicken,” Drew said.

“Doesn’t everything taste like chicken?” Mason asked.

I laughed. “You can try that on your own. I just kept it simple.”

After dinner and a chance to catch up, they all made their way back to the hotel to get some rest, with plans to meet up again for breakfast the following morning.

Over the days leading up to the wedding, we revisited some of our favorite spots with our friends. Jack and Evan wanted to surf at Bondi Beach, just to say they did it, and Erin fancied the sea life. Hudson had mentioned she wanted to become a marine biologist, so wildlife was her thing.

The day before the wedding, we booked an incredible experience for everyone. Climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Everyone was excited, except for the quarterback.

“I’m not going up there,” Lennox said. “You’re nuts. All of you. Except you, Mr. and Mrs. St. James.”

“Babe,” Dane said, “it’s just a bridge. You went up in my jet.”

He looked horrified. “And you turned me upside down and tried to make me pee in my pants.”

Everyone laughed uproariously, much to Lennox’s amusement. He loved being the center of attention.

Evan had words of encouragement for his best friend. “You can’t do that up there, Sanders. Suck it up. You can do this. Even Jack and Erin are going. You’re not afraid of heights, are you?”

Hudson’s teenagers were hyped and ready to go. But Lennox huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. “No.”

“You don’t have to go if you don't want to,” Carson said. “It’s okay. When we frame the photos, we’ll photoshop you in. Maybe draw a stick figure.”

I put my hand on his shoulder. “Don’t listen to him. Or any of them. If you don’t wanna go, you don’t go. It’ll be fine.”

I could understand his apprehension after Dane’s accident. But his boyfriend didn’t see it that way.

“Whatever you want is fine, babe. But I’m going. When will you ever get this experience again? We gotta live every moment.”

“Of course you are,” Lennox grumbled at him. “You drive death machines for a living.”

Mason had a solution for Lennox. “I’ll walk in front of you, and you can hold on to my shirt. I’m used to protecting you.”

Elizabeth leaned in, and I put my arm around her. “What exactly does Dane do?”

“Fighter pilot,” I whispered. “Badass.”

She laughed and nodded. “Very much so.”

The guide approached us, waiting to go over all the safety instructions. When we were all harnessed and connected to safety equipment, we started the climb.

When we reached the top, it was breathtaking. Even Lennox could admit it.

Carson slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me back to him. “We’re on top of the world.”

We were, and it had nothing to do with the bridge.

After a slow descent, we opted to go to the Cranky Kangaroo. Owen and Carrie were waiting, as were some of my old friends. I greeted them with hugs and slaps on the back. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed them until I saw them again.

“Okay,” I said. “Let’s see how best to do this.”

As I introduced them around, it occurred to me I’d taken up with the same lot in San Diego.

“San Diego team, meet the Sydney team.”

I put my hand on each of their shoulders. “Brandon here is a fly-half with game duties very similar to Lennox. Warren is an inside center, like Drew. And Zeke is the hooker, like Mason.”

Of course, Mason blushed, making everyone laugh. I felt sorry for the big guy.

“And last but not least, my best mate, Owen, and his lovely bride-to-be, Carrie.”

I went back around and introduced everyone to our friends, then stopped on Carson. Holding out my hand, he took it and stepped closer until his arm draped over my shoulders and mine circled his waist.

“Guys, this is Carson. My teammate and soon-to-be-husband as of tomorrow.”

By the end of the night, they’d all huddled around some tables to talk. The mention of a pick-up rugby game came up, making me laugh. There were stories and uproarious laughter as the beer did its job of loosening everyone up.

“Did ya ever think these two lots would get along?”

Carson shrugged as he sipped his beer. “I’m not surprised. We all do the same thing, really.”

I loved all these guys, and I’d miss them when we left. But there was nothing that would keep me away from Carson and our life together.