When Dennis Irvine finally arrives at the pearly gates, St. Peter tells him he's late. This is nothing new for Dennis, who's always had a poor sense of timekeeping. On being admitted into Heaven, Dennis is assigned to Brett, a handsome college football player, who will be his guide. Heaven is not what Dennis expects. It's a college campus, Dennis sleeps in a dorm room with Brett, it's always football season, and why are there so many corners? Dennis and Brett forge a close platonic father and son friendship as they both wait for their lovers to pass over. Each time the Archangel Gabriel comes to tell them of new arrivals, Dennis hopes he'll have news of Colton, his beloved firefighter. But the wait is a long one.

Waiting for Colton

Colton held Dennis at arm’s length and examined him critically.“You haven’t changed at all.You’re still the Dennis I remember,but I’m old,sick…I….”


Dennis pulled Colton into another hug and kissed him in front of God,the angels,and everyone.“It’s okay.I’ve got a lot to tell you,but I promise,Colt,it’ll all be okay now you’re finally here.”


“I love you,Dennis,”Colton was crying just as hard as Dennis.“I never stopped believing in our love.”


“Me,either.”Dennis heard a polite cough from his right.“Oh,Colt,this is Brett,he’s,uh—”


“No,Colt,no.”Dennis held Colton more tightly.“Brett is my son.”


“Pleased to finally meet you,sir.”Brett held out a hand and Dennis loosened his grip enough for Colton to free an arm.“I’ve heard so much about you,I feel as though I already know you.”


Colton chuckled.“Dennis could always talk at length about anything,no matter how trivial.”


Chapter 8