“It does look good on her, doesn’t it?” I say before I ask the bartender for two Prickly Pairs. It’s a surprise that we’re able to drink on the first night at camp, but then again, Sanders said we are celebrating our engagement, so we are going to take full advantage of it…as well as the sex palace.

Yup, we asked for the same cabin, because this time, I want to make sure we use every last thing offered in the sex palace, suction-cup dildo included. I have plans. Lofty plans, but I have them.

“It does, and that smile on her face, it’s grown and grown with every passing month I’ve seen you two.” Sanders pats me on the shoulder. “You’ve done well, Wilder. You helped her find confidence, and you offered her understanding and patience. But most importantly, you’ve made her feel seen again.”

I stare off at Scottie, who is lightly stroking the canvas with her paintbrush drenched in pink. “I can’t unsee her. She…she captures my full attention. I can’t imagine anyone else ever passing up on the opportunity to talk to her, to joke with her, to spend time with her. She’s such a bright light that I never want to lose.”

Sanders smirks. “I’m glad to hear it.”

Our drinks are set on the bar, and I grab them and offer Sanders a nod of appreciation before walking back over to my girl and taking a seat next to her. I set her drink in front of her and then lean in and kiss her cheek.

“The canvas is looking great, Pips.”

She scoffs as she turns toward me, her knees knocking against my thigh. “You’re being nice. It looks like trash.”

“Nah, everything you touch is gold, babe.”

She snorts and then sips her drink. “You can butter me up all you want. I will not be using the suction-cup dildo in the shower.”

I let out a roar of a laugh. “What little faith you have in my convincing skills. Trust me, by the end of these eight days, you’re going to want to take it home.”

“Keep dreaming.”

“Hey,” Chad says with a wave as he walks up to us with his arm around his wife, Danielle. “We miss you over at Butter Putter.”

A few months ago, Scottie left Butter Putter and started editing freelance. It started when Sanders was telling her about an article he had to write about his practice and his “unusual” style of couple’s therapy. The piece highlighted his office, his techniques, and his values. He asked Scottie if she would take a look at it, and she offered him some very valuable insight, so much so that he recommended her to a few other people, and it trickled down from there.