They collapsed in each other’s arms as the afterglow wrapped around them.

A few minutes later, Rod rolled off Wyl and glided his fingers through Wyl’s seed, caressing his stomach. “Let’s do lots of this while we’re in Ireland.”

“You got it, babe.” Wyl kissed his forehead, rolled over, and sat up. “Want a quick shower?” He started toward the bathroom.

“You bet.” Rod joined Wyl in the shower.

* * *

Clean and refreshed, they donned jeans and tees.

“I brought a bottle of wine,” Rod said. “Want a glass?”

Wyl nodded. “Sure. Is it a Zin?”

“Of course.” Rod reached for the room service menu. “We skipped lunch. Should we order dinner in?”

Wyl opened the wine and let it breathe. “Fine with me. I’m up for a club sandwich or something.”

“I'll order in.” Rod picked up the phone and ordered. “Two club sandwiches and two sparkling waters, please.” He waited for confirmation. “Nothing else, thanks. Twenty minutes? Fine.” He hung up.

Wyl poured two glasses and handed one to Rod. “To us.”

“To our successful mission,” Rod said.

They clinked glasses and took a sip.

“Mmmmmm... first rate,” Wyl said. “I’m glad you helped me understand wines. Excellent wine is a treat to the palate.”

“Fine wine is one of life's greatest pleasures,” Rod said. “And knowledge of wine may come in handy for our mission. An Irish opera buff with an artsy companion may be a wine connoisseur.”

“Do they have wineries in Ireland?”

“It’s a new industry in Ireland,” Rod said. “But yes, a few wineries popped up recently. I’ve not sampled Irish wine, though.”

“We’ll have to try the Irish wines,” Wyl said.

Dinner arrived, and the waiter wheeled in the cart, setting the chairs for them and uncovering the meals.

Wyl tipped him.

“Enjoy your meal, gentlemen.” The door closed behind him.

They dug into the tasty sandwiches.

“We’re not to talk with anyone about this mission. I need to be careful not to let something slip,” Rod said.

Wyl grinned. “We won’t be around anyone much. We have less than two weeks before we report for training. If we stay on the ranch, we won’t interact with anyone except perhaps the hands. Once we are in Ireland, we won’t have any personal contacts. So we should be okay. Plus, the honeymoon is a believable cover. Everyone welcomes honeymooners.”

“You’re right. I’m being too cautious.”

“Rod, being too cautious for this mission is okay. We need to be on high alert every minute. Remember, we promised each other we would be on our ranch for our second Christmas together. I'm holding you to our promise.”

“As long as you hold me, I’ll be fine,” Rod said.

They spent the evening watching a movie and cuddling on the loveseat before bed.

* * *

Early the following day, Rod woke to find Wyl watching him.

“Morning,” Rod said in a deep, gravelly voice. A tear wet his thumb as he reached to stroke Wyl’s face. “What’s the matter, babe?”

“I’m scared I’ll lose you.”

“C’mere,” Rod pulled Wyl into his arms.

“I can handle the mission.” Wyl’s voice shook. “But you are all I have left. I have no other family.” His voice broke.

“Hey, now. Nothing is going to happen to me.” Rod cooed in Wyl’s ear.

“How can you be sure?” Wyl’s words turned into a whine, sobs shaking his shoulders as he hugged Rod with all his might.

“Wyl. You’ll be with me. And I’ll be trained by the best before we go. I have no experience in espionage, but neither do you. We’re in this together, remember?”

Wyl took a deep breath, struggling to control his emotions. “Yeah…”

“Guarantees don't exist, whether we’re on this mission or not. Take Walt’s accident, for example.”

“You’re right,” Wyl pulled back and gazed into Rod’s eyes.

Rod reached up, wiped the tears from his cheeks, and tugged his chin into a brief, loving kiss. “We’re going to be fine, babe. Now stop worrying.”

“Okay. Keep soothing my fears, and hugging me.”

“Always.” Rod leaned in for another quick kiss. “Now, let’s grab a shower and have breakfast. If we don’t hop out of bed now, we’ll spend the morning here.”

“I like spending time with you in bed, but we have a plane to catch this afternoon.”

“Yes, and almost two weeks at the ranch by ourselves.”

“Sounds heavenly.”

The two followed their usual morning routine. After breakfast, they packed and prepared to leave for the airport. The room phone rang.

Wyl picked up the phone. “Sterling.”

“Colonel Sterling, Agent Travers here. I’m taking you both to the airport. What time is your flight?”