“I think around eight or nine. That was around the time I stopped fitting in,” I respond, looking at the picture.
“I can tell almost when things changed for you,” Alyse says.
“What do you mean?”
“Your eyes. You can see the older you get, the smile is there, but it doesn’t quite reach your eyes. They seem to get darker as the years progress, too. I wonder if K.C.’s will turn brown,” she responds, looking up at me.
“I hope not. I love the color of his eyes. They are a combination of us,” I say, putting my arm around her and giving her shoulder a squeeze.
♦♦♦
The next day we head back home. My mom is in tears and Alyse is a little glassy eyed as well. We promised to all keep in touch. Alyse whispers something in my mom’s ear and I see her nod and smile.
My family. My girl. I couldn’t be happier.
Chapter Fourteen
Alyse
Ican’t believe how fast the week went. Meeting Kaden’s parents went better than I thought. His mom is amazing. I told her that I wanted to have a birthday party for K.C. before Kaden was deployed and she said she would make sure they were there. I haven’t told Kaden about it yet, but I will. It was just a thought I came up with while we were visiting.
The last few days we continue to build this harmony together. I don’t know what I’m going to do when he’s gone every week. I’ve gotten a little spoiled with all his help. I love the teamwork we’ve established. We are like a family already.
I’m going to miss having him to snuggle up against at night, too. Even when he had a few too many beers and snored in my ear, I’m still going to miss it.
I got to meet Bryce, Emma, and Jessica. I know Emma and I are going to be good friends. Her daughter is a complete joy and loved K.C. to death. It was nice having a little baby sitter.
I saw a whole other side of Kaden when he was with Bryce. It’s hard to believe that he is so unaware of how incredibly beautiful he is. Not just on the outside but his whole being. The way he gets silly with K.C. or triples the ingredients of a recipe for me in seconds. That magnificent brain of his is incredible.
There’s not one single thing about him that I don’t like, that I don’t love. When he stops himself from giving out a random fact, making a face, I encourage him to continue. The way his face changes when I tell him I genuinely want to know what he was going to say. The way he makes my body hum. The tender way he places a kiss on my head. The look in his eyes when he’s turned on.
Now he’s getting ready to head back to base. Three hours away from us. I’m trying to stay strong and not cry. I know I’ll see him on Friday, but that’s a whole week away. We’ve been inseparable the entire time he has been here. Maybe we need the break, though. Time to re-group and make sure these feelings are real and not just because of the baby.
In my heart, I know how I feel. I love him. It’s real.
We are standing outside his vehicle facing each other. K.C. is wrapped completely around Kaden. Just like the first time they met, K.C.’s face is in his neck.
“I’m going to miss you, little man,” Kaden says, rocking him back and forth.
“I’m going to miss your mom, too,” he says, looking down at me with a soft smile.
I can feel the tears start to form no matter how hard I try to keep them away. “I’ll miss you, too.”
“Don’t cry, honey. You’ll make me cry. Besides, you only have to say goodbye to me. I have to say goodbye to both of you. This week has been amazing, Alyse. I really wish I didn’t have to go. This sucks,” he says, using his thumb to brush away the falling tears.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t help it. I tried to will them away, but they didn’t listen very well,” I say, blowing a puff of air out of my mouth.
“I’ll be back Friday night. That is if you still want me to come back,” he jokingly responds.
“Yeah, I guess that’ll be alright,” I tease.
He shifts K.C. to one hip and pulls me into his other side. I get the sweet teasing Kaden kiss. A soft brush of his lips back and forth over mine before he presses them harder.
K.C. starts making kissing noises that causes us both to laugh. He releases my lips and looks at K.C. who has the cutest set of fish lips. Mimicking him, Kaden give him a peck that makes K.C. giggle and clap.
“I love you, little man,” Kaden says, kissing his forehead.
“Lub da da,” K.C. responds.
I can’t stop the tears after that exchange, although I’m smiling through the whole time as well.
Kaden squeezed me and looks down into my eyes. We just stand there holding each other with our son and exchange glances.
Finally, Kaden clears his throat. “I love you, too, Alyse,” he says while looking straight into my eyes.
My heart skips a beat as a wide smile spreads across my face. “I love you, Kaden.”
“Lub, lub, lub,” K.C says as he claps.
We break out in laughter again, and I can’t think of a better moment. A moment shared as a family through love, laughter, and a few tears.
Kaden promises to video call me as soon as he gets settled in. He wants to continue to be a part of the nightly bath time and bed time ritual. I couldn’t imagine him not.
With K.C. now on my hip, we both wave as we watch him drive away. With a little hiccup, I try to get my emotions and tears under control.
“Just you and me again, squirt,” I say as I climb the apartment steps.
Chapter Fifteen
Kaden
I’m daydreaming the whole right back to base. She told me that she loved me. Me. I’ve never felt so grateful and blessed before.
I was able to reconnect with Bryce, too. I’m still kind of spinning on that one. Rigs kept referring to fate and I believe that whole heartedly. There’s really no other way to explain it.
When I told Bryce about seeing Sporto and the reaction I received from him, Bryce looked like his head was going to explode. He demanded Sporto’s contact information so he could set the record straight and talk some sense into him.
I explained that I tried and hoped that it worked, but to put himself in his shoes. We all carry our own demons from that night. Bryce of all people should understand. It took him a few minutes, but he snapped out of it and agreed.
He then blew me away. He pulled me aside and told me he was going to sell me some of his land. We agreed to two acres but didn’t agree on a price. He low balled it, I know. I don’t think I’m going to win that one. I shouldn’t complain. I mean, I’m getting a sweet piece of land for next to nothing. I just don’t like handouts. Bryce said it wasn’t a handout since I was family.
He also told me that he and Emma have friends whose uncle is a contractor. Fate. That’s all there is to it.
I don’t know if I want it to be a surprise or not. I’m not good with keeping secrets. Plus, if I want if done right, I want Alyse to be a part of it. I want her to be excited. Hell, I don’t even know if she’ll agree to move. Having her be excited and part of it may help convince her, though. I know that she likes the convenience of being right above the diner, though.
One day at a time. Isn’t that what we agreed?
Spending time with my parents was great, too. Alyse and my mom hit it off immediately. I knew they would.
Before I know it, I’m pulling back onto base. Handing my ID to the MP on duty, I’m informed that my living arrangements have been changed. Seems that I’ve been re-assigned to the O Hall. Technically my rank should allow me to have a house within the community, but since my time is almost up, I elected to just continue with a dorm. They like to keep the guys in the same unit near each other, but I was the only one from the unit in the dorms.
Thankfully, I don’t really have much personal stuff. My TV and pictures are the only thing I can think of that would need moved.
I like O hall. The rooms are spacious and private.
Laying down on my single bed, I send off a quick text letting Alyse k
now that I’m settled in.
A call immediately comes in and I answer. “Dada!” I hear first and then see my little man smiling into the phone.
“Hey, little man. How are you doing?” I say, waving.
His face takes on a sad look as he touches the phone. It’s like he thought I was there at first.
“It’s okay. Don’t be sad,” I say, feeling a lump form in my throat.
“Hey,” I hear Alyse say as her face comes into view behind K.C.
“Hey, baby girl,” I respond. “I’m here. They moved me, but I’m settled in. Want a tour? It’ll take all but five seconds.”
“We’d love a tour,” she says, smiling and kissing K.C.’s temple.
I stand and rotate in a circle. “This is my room. Bed here. Dresser there. Desk. Night stand. Over here is my wall locker. Here’s my microwave and mini fridge. And last is my sink.”
“Where’s the bathroom?” Alyse asks.
“Oh, that’s behind that door. I share it with the room next door. Just one inconvenience of living in the dorms. Otherwise, it’s not that bad,” I say, turning the camera back around.
I crawl back onto the bed and lean against the wall. “We can at least have phone sex,” I say with a smirk.
“Bonus,” she says, giggling.
It’s time for K.C.’s bath, so she gets everything ready and props her phone up on the sink so I can see the whole tub.
I hate that I’m not there. This was one of my favorite times of the day. Snuggle time with K.C. as I read him a story won’t be the same without having him actually in my arms. I shouldn’t complain, though. At least I get to watch and interact the best I can through the phone.
I completely memorized the Fat Turkey book, so I was able to read it while Alyse flipped through the pages. K.C. would try to form the words along with me. He’s got the gobble part down. I just know he’s going to be reading it soon. Even if it’s just from memory.
I watch as his eyes slowly close and the bottle slips from his mouth. I run my finger down the screen and smile.
I whisper, “G’nite, little man,” as I watch Alyse lay him in his crib.
Once she closed his door and walks across the hall, I ask, “Sexy time?”
With a slight purr to her voice, she says, “Take off your shirt.”
Like a teenager about to get his first feel, I whip my shirt off in one swoop. I end up getting my one arm stuck and have to shake it off like it’s offensive.
“Smooth,” Alyse says with a laugh.
“That’s my middle name,” I joke.
Alyse sets her phone on the nightstand beside the bed. It’s at an angle that I can see it and most of the room. I hear soft music start playing.
I don’t see her, but I can hear her moving around. The anticipation alone makes me hard. I palm myself though my pants and growl.
I see her hand and arm come into view. Her fingers do a little wiggle. She’s standing so close that when her side appears, it’s all I see. Running her hand up her side, she grabs the hem of her tank top and slowly pulls it up. I see the skin of her waist and the little stretch marks on her belly. The beautiful reminders that she carried my child.
I see the soft underside of her breast as her fingers brush up against it.
“Babe, stop being a tease,” I growl as I start to feel my pulse throb in my cock.
I grab a pillow and set my phone against it at my feet. I strip down out of my pants and boxers. I pull the pillow up between my legs so that Alyse can see from my balls up to my face.
I fist my erection as I continue to watch her little strip tease. She backs up so that she’s fully in the screen.
“That angle is so hot, Kaden,” Alyse purrs.
“Like that?” I say as I continue to stroke up and down.
I watch as she mimics her phone onto a pillow and gives me the same angle. I can see her wetness as she runs her fingers through her folds. Pulling on her nipples with her other hand, she lets out a little moan.
Pre-cum drips down my shaft as my strokes become faster. There are no more words between us as we just watch each other. I’m lost in watching how she slides two fingers inside and uses the wetness to rub her clit. I can see how engorged it is as she presses down harder.
“Fuck. I’m coming baby,” I growl as I feel the tingle start at the base of my spine. I keep my eyes open as I watch her legs start to shake. My orgasm erupts shooting stream after stream onto my chest.
I see Alyse’s mouth open as her climax rolls through her. She lets out a little gasp. It sends another roll of pleasure through me as I find myself come one more time.
“Holy shit!” I exclaim.
“That was the sexiest thing ever,” Alyse says.
“Yes, darling. It certainly was,” I agree.
Chapter Sixteen
Alyse
Every night Kaden and I go through the same routine of him watching and talking to us through video chat. We don’t always end the night like we did that first night. It was fun, but he insisted on continuing to get to know me.
He also told me about his plans on building a house on a section of land that Bryce is going to sell him. I’ve been talking to Emma a lot this week. She took me for a walk on the property, and even though I don’t want to get a head of myself, I can see the perfect little cottage being built. I say little, but I want more kids. I’m not sure if Kaden wants more or that we will even be together. That’s what I want.
Willow wants to move into the apartment above the store. I laughed because she’s making plans like it’s set in stone that I’m going to be moving in with Kaden.
He’s coming home tonight. I say home likes it’s his home. It is, though. He’s going to building a house, so it’s going to be his, right?
I’m working behind the counter, preparing a list of next week’s specials. The bell above the door lets out the familiar ring. Kaden.
I rush around the counter and jump into his outstretched arms.
“God, I’ve missed you. You smell so good,” Kaden says in my ear.
“I smell like a greasy diner,” I tease.
“Grease is good on you,” he says. “Where’s my boy?”
“He’s with Willow, but should be here any minute,” I say just as Willow and K.C. come strolling in the door.
“Da Da!” K.C. squeals, leaping from Willow to Kaden.
“Good thing I have quick reflexes, little man,” Kaden says, hugging K.C. tight.
“Wow. He’s a lot bigger in person. Damn, Alyse. No wonder K.C. is off the baby charts. Hi, I’m Willow. The bestie,” Willow says, holding out her hand.
“Nice to finally meet you. Thank you for being here for them. It’s comforting to know someone has her six when I can’t,” Kaden says, shifting K.C. and shaking her hand.
“Looks like a party in here. Hey Willow, hey there K.C. You must be Kaden. I’m Kat. The diner manager,” Kat says, holding out her hand.
“Wow, I’m meeting them all at once. Nice to meet you, Kat,” Kaden says. “Please don’t take this wrong, but can I steal her and K.C.?”
“Of course, you can. We see enough of her. Go, I have the diner,” Kat says.
“I have to head over to the hospital. K.C. has been changed and fed. We had a great time at the park today, didn’t we, buddy? I need a baby. I need a man first, but man, you should have seen all the dads there checking me out,” Willow says, laughing, but ending with a sad look.
We say our collective goodbyes as the three of us head up to the apartment. It feels so good to have him here. I knew I missed him but having him finally here feels amazing.
I can’t stop touching him. It’s like I want to make sure he’s really here. I have two days. Two days until he leaves again.
♦♦♦
Every week we go through the same routine. We get closer every day even though we spend the majority of them apart.
Kaden was right. K.C. took his first steps right into his arms the last time he came home. Kat was walki
ng around the store holding him by his hands, and as soon as Kaden walked through the door. K.C. took off. It was one of those stumbling baby walks. I was able to capture the last part as he fell into Kaden’s arms. I had full on tears, and Kaden couldn’t stop smiling. I saw the pride rolling off him.
Kaden and Bryce finalized the paper work for the land. We paid for the survey to be completed for the deed. Kaden then started asking me what I wanted. I wouldn’t answer him at first. Only telling him it was his house his choice. He immediately caressed my chin and made me look him in the eye, telling me that he wanted to build our future. It was my home and he didn’t want it if I wouldn’t be in it with him.
Broken Ties (The Broken Brother Series Book 2) Page 9
