by Anna Lee
“I love you, Uncle Kason.”
“I love you, too, Ems.” Wiping away his niece’s tears, Kason kissed her temple. “So, we’re okay now?”
“Yep. I should go say sorry to Ryen, huh? I wasn’t very nice.”
“That would mean a lot to me.” Kason smiled when she did. “Let’s go have some fun, yeah?”
Nodding, Emily put her doll away then together they went back to the party. Ryen was laughing with Kason’s mom while cooking burgers on the grill. Emily went up to him and hugged his waist.
“I’m sorry, Ryen.”
“Hey, that’s okay, sweetie.” Ryen knelt down next to her. “I get that you like spending time with your uncle.”
Emily nodded. “I do. But now we can all do stuff, Jack and Ollie too. Do you like Disney World? Uncle Kason was gonna take us there ’cause I like Brave.”
“That sounds like fun,” Ryen said with a grin. “Jack and Ollie love Cars.”
“Luke does too.”
“Maybe we can all plan a trip next month, huh?” Kason added, happy to see things going so well.
“Yay!” Emily beamed then turned as Luke and Sarah called out for her to come play in the bouncy house. “I gotta go.” She leaned in and whispered something in Ryen’s ear then dashed off.
“What did she say?” Kason asked Ryen as he stood up and grabbed the spatula.
Ryen chuckled. “That we could share our time with you as long as I was nice to you.”
His mom said, “She gets that spunk from Lexie.”
“She sure does.”
“I know Lex already gave poor Ryen the third degree so since that’s been done I just want to get to know him,” his mom whispered to Kason as she hugged him. “It’s nice to see you happy, honey. I’ve been worried.”
“Nothing to worry about now. I promise.”
“I can see that.” His mom passed Ryen the seasoning from the nearby table when he started searching for it. “So, Ryen, Kason says you like to cook. I’ve got some recipes I think you might like to try out. I actually went to cooking school before I had my kids.”
“Really?” Ryen gestured her over, and Kason knew by the end of the day, his family was going to love Ryen as much as he did.
* * * *
After lunch and cake, Ryen had gone to chase after the kids when they pleaded for him to join them in the bouncy house. Joking that he could never be too old for it, Ryen had gone with Lexie to play with the kids.
Julie sat down next to Kason, who had been watching and wishing he could join them. “Thanks for inviting us. The kids are having a blast.”
“Well, it was Lexie’s idea, but I’ll take the credit, so you’re welcome.”
She laughed. “You know, Ryen hasn’t stopped talking about you. I can see why.”
Kason tried not to blush. “I hope he didn’t tell you about the stakeout I had going on in the coffee shop.”
“Oh, he did.” She watched the kids for a moment. “You’re the first guy he’s ever had the boys meet.”
Kason wasn’t really surprised, but he was touched. “Really?”
“Mm, the first I’ve ever heard him mention more than in passing too.” Julie paused and took a deep breath. “I met Logan and Ryen right before they did their first tour. With that whole ridiculous ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’, Ryen wasn’t involved with anyone, and then after the second tour… He was injured, but he came home and helped me put the pieces back together.” Her voice hitched. “I don’t know what the boys and I would’ve done without him.”
“I’m sorry about what happened. Ryen told me about Logan that first night he invited me over. He really loves you guys and I’ll never take him away from that,” Kason told her. That would be the last thing he’d ever do, knowing how much Ryen loved them. “My family is special to me too, like I was telling my niece earlier.”
“That’s really great.” Julie’s eyes were filled with sadness. “It’s nice to see Ryen with you. He’s put his life on hold for so long for us and Logan wouldn’t want that. I don’t want that either.”
“I want to try and get him in cooking school. But he doesn’t want to lose the coffee shop.”
“His dad would understand if he sold it, but I think he’s holding onto memories.” Julie sighed and brushed her hair back behind her ear. “I think he should though. He has a real talent and Logan would want him to go after his dream.”
“I’ll have to figure out a way for it to happen then.”
Julie regarded him for a long moment. “You really care for him, don’t you?”
“I do.” Kason felt nervous as he admitted, “I’ve never felt like this before.”
“Yeah, I’ve been there.” Julie was on the verge of tears and Kason could see that she was not over the loss of Logan and probably never would be. “I know what you’re going to say. But I can’t move on. He left me without telling me how to live without him.”
Kason put his hand over hers. “I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through… Logan would want you to be happy though.”
“I am.” Julie gave him a watery smile. “I have my boys and my family.”
“And mine now too. They’re a crazy bunch, but they’re always there when I need them.”
“Thanks, Kason.” Julie hugged him. “You’re not going anywhere, are you?”
Kason shook his head. Maybe it was crazy after so little time had passed, but he knew in his heart he belonged with Ryen. Something had simply clicked when they met and now he needed Ryen in his life.
“I know it’s only been a few weeks, but I’m afraid Ryen is stuck with me now.”
She laughed as Ryen climbed out of the bouncy house. He gestured for Kason. “Hey, Hot Wheels, get over here and have some fun.”
“I can’t get in there,” Kason said even as he wheeled toward him.
“Can’t and won’t are two different things, baby.” Ryen held out his hands. “Like I said, you’re never too old to have fun with kids.”
Taking Ryen’s hands, Kason nodded, trusting him enough to go with it and have fun.
Chapter Five
Kason was having a good time with Ryen until he happened to glance around the restaurant for a waiter only to be shocked by the couple he saw being seated a few seats away. Of all the luck.
He stiffened as anger rolled through him when he saw who Blake was with. “That son of a bitch,” he muttered and Ryen gave him a puzzled look.
“Kas, what’s wrong?”
“Blake’s here with Milo.”
Ryen whipped his head around. He practically growled, “Where is he?” He paused. “Wait, did you say Milo? As in the friend you went to pick up that night?”
“Ex-friend as of now, but yeah.” Kason put his napkin next to his plate and pushed it away, his appetite gone. “Babe, I’m sorry, but can we go?”
“I’ll pay.” Ryen dug his keys out of his pocket. “You wanna go wait for me?”
Kason was grateful he understood. He squeezed Ryen’s hand as he took the keys. He saw Ryen casting glances at Blake—if looks could kill his ex would be dead. Hell, Kason wanted to strangle Milo and Blake. How could Milo do this to him? He was nearly sick when he wondered how long they’d been together. He didn’t put it past Blake to be a cheater, it’d be just another thing on his list of lies. “Just…he’s not worth any trouble, Ry.”
“You’re worth it. I’d like to give him a piece of my mind.” Ryen signaled to the waiter and asked for the check. “Don’t worry, I don’t like causing a scene.”
“Me either.” Kason leaned over for a quick peck then wheeled past the tables to the front entrance. A hostess opened the door for him, but he heard Milo’s voice. “I thought that was you, Kason.”
“I don’t have anything to say to you, Milo,” he said between gritted teeth.
“I didn’t want you to find out this way.” Milo twisted his small hands together. He was shorter than Kason, thinner too. He had an elfin beauty with bright green eyes and copper red ha
ir. “I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry. You’re an idiot. Blake’s a bastard and he’s only going to hurt you.” Kason shook his head. “You saw what he did. And yet you’re with him? For how long?”
“It just happened,” Milo whispered. “Blake and I both felt so guilty about your accident and that we couldn’t—”
A bitter laugh escaped. “Oh that’s rich! You hooked up while I was struggling to heal. Real nice, Mil. You know all he wanted was a piece of ass. He didn’t feel guilty!”
“He did,” Milo argued. “You pushed him away.”
“After I heard him tell my sister he was glad he hadn’t decided to go with me in the car that night. And PS, he didn’t give a damn that you were stranded and scared then. He wanted me to just leave you.”
Milo practically gaped at him. “He told me you didn’t wake him up.”
“Yeah, pathological liar. Good luck with that.” Kason pushed open the door himself and wheeled outside. He rolled his eyes when Milo followed. He spun around. “Leave me alone!”
“Is it really true?”
Kason threw his hands up. “Why would I lie? He put me through hell, Mil. Tossed me aside like our years meant nothing. Now I find out he was cheating on me to boot. But yeah, ignore me, your friend since high school, who’s never lied to you.”
Milo bit his lip then said, “You’re right, I should’ve talked to you.”
“Instead you stabbed me in the back.” Kason felt shaky, ill. He thought he might be having a panic attack until Ryen appeared, rushing over to his side. He knelt next to him and put an arm around Kason. The world slotted back into place. Yes, he was hurt and rocked by the betrayal, but he’d been through worse and come out stronger. He wouldn’t let this ruin the good thing he was building with Ryen.
“I’m okay,” he assured Ryen then he glanced at Milo. “Go, please. I don’t want to see you or Blake and he’ll be wondering where you went.”
Blake sauntered out of the restaurant as if Milo had summoned a demon. His hazel eyes were unreadable, his blond hair gelled back, and he was dressed as he always had been, board shorts and an athletic T-shirt with sneakers. “There you are, stud.” His eyes widened as he saw Kason. “Oh, I see. It’s trouble on wheels. You putting lies in my boy’s head?”
“Truths,” Kason countered. “What did you say that night about Milo? ‘His pathetic, whiny ass needs to get a clue and stop having others come to his rescue’?”
Milo looked like he’d been slapped. Kason felt a little bad about it, but his once friend needed to know what Blake was really after and how he saw him.
Blake pointed a finger at him. “Shut up!”
Ryen stood but kept an arm around him. “Watch yourself.”
“Who the hell are you?”
“Ryen. Kason’s boyfriend,” Ryen answered Blake.
Kason’s heart did a flip at those words.
“You gotta be kidding,” Blake scoffed. “You paying him?”
Kason had to grab Ryen as he tried to lunge forward. “You son of a bitch!” Ryen snarled.
Kason held onto Ryen’s arm. “You see, Milo?” He glared at Blake. “You stay away from us. I regret ever knowing you. I only hope Milo figures it out before he wastes anymore time.”
“I think I have, I’m done,” Milo whispered, tears in his eyes as he ran off.
“Wait!” Blake called out. He pointed at Kason again. “This isn’t over.”
Kason couldn’t keep his hand on Ryen as he grabbed Blake by his shirt. “You threaten him again, you won’t see me coming.”
Blake tried to push him off but when he couldn’t, he held up his hands. “Fine, I got it. You want the cripple, he’s all yours. Let me go.”
Ryen shoved him away. He made as if he was going to hit Blake for the comment, but he ducked then ran off after Milo.
Kason just nodded when Ryen pulled him into a hug and said, “Let’s go home.”
* * * *
The ride back to Ryen’s was quiet, though Kason was relieved that was where they ended up as he was uncertain once again. His confidence had been built up because of Ryen this past week but with a few cruel words, his insecurities and fears were resurfacing. It was like a poison, he realized. Blake was a manipulative bastard and he was finally seeing what he had been blind to before. Though it hurt and didn’t stop the doubt. Why was Ryen with him? He reminded himself of how sweet Ryen was and how he truly didn’t care about the wheelchair. But still, Ryen was amazing. Maybe he deserved better than the damaged man he was.
Kason followed Ryen inside. He could feel the tears threatening to fall. What was Ryen going to say to him? Secretly, he wanted Ryen to just lift him up and hold him tight, give him the comfort he desperately needed. He rolled over to the couch, stopping when Ryen cupped his cheek and tilted his face up.
“Gorgeous, I can see those gears spinning in your head. You wanna talk?”
Kason bit his lip. Before he could respond, he gasped as Ryen leaned in for a soft kiss. Kason was surprised when Ryen picked him up and sat with him on the couch. Kason curled into the embrace, burying his face in Ryen’s neck.
“How did you know?”
There was a kiss to the top of his head and then Ryen said, “I can just tell. You’ve always been real easy to read to me.” He held Kason a little tighter. “Now, you know everything he said was utter BS.”
“I know”—Kason tapped the side of his head—“that he said those things because if Milo has any damn sense he’ll leave his ass so he was retaliating but…” He sighed. “Damn, why am I letting it affect me? I swore to myself I was done wasting any time on him.”
“So let it go,” Ryen whispered. “You deserved better and now you know the truth. It was him, not you.”
“He cheated on me.” Kason shook his head. “He messed with my head and he did it again.”
“I could see it as I was driving,” Ryen admitted.
“I thought you deserved better. I’m damaged goods,” Kason whispered.
“Like hell you are!” Ryen grabbed his chin and had Kason look at him. “You made me a promise the other night and in case you didn’t get it, that was a two way deal. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.”
Kason swallowed hard. He could see the truth there in Ryen’s eyes and he realized he really was head over heels for this man who cared for him—maybe even loved him—wheelchair and all. He found that inner strength, confidence returning as he let it all go. It was time to turn a new page. Start fresh and embrace this gift. “I’m not a cripple, I’m a survivor,” he said out loud. “A damn lucky one.” He put his hand over Ryen’s, hoping he understood what he meant.
“Now that’s my Kason.” Ryen gave him a crooked grin. “Just so you know, if I ever see him again, I’m knocking him on his ass before he can blink.”
“You’ll have to get in line.” Kason rested his head on Ryen’s chest. “Right behind me.”
“Or we could just sic Lexie on him. After you tell her about it she may send a team of SEALs after him.”
Kason chuckled. “I’ll give her a call.”
“You think Milo will leave him?”
“I sure hope so.” Kason shrugged. “But then, I was an idiot so…”
“Well at least you wised up,” Ryen said quietly.
“After a near death incident. I wouldn’t wish that on Milo. Hopefully he gets a clue.”
Ryen rubbed his back. “Maybe you should call him tomorrow?”
“Yeah, I am pissed though. He’s not blameless in this.”
“No, he’s not,” Ryen agreed. “It’s up to you, baby.”
“I’ll sleep on it,” Kason decided. He reached for Ryen’s hand and intertwined their fingers together. “Ry?”
“Yeah?”
Kason almost blurted out he loved him, but it was too soon, wasn’t it? “I’m really glad you were there when I ran into them. I couldn’t have gotten through it without you.”
Ryen brushed their lips together. “Like I sai
d, I’m not going anywhere.”
“I wish I could take all those years wasted and give them to you instead.”
Seeming to understand, Ryen nodded. “I know, but it all led to us finding each other.”
A grander plan. “You’re right.” Kason believed him and once again thought about how lucky he was to have Ryen. He pulled Ryen in for a deeper kiss, pouring the love he felt into it, happy when Ryen reciprocated. Then another thought hit him and he smiled against Ryen’s lips. In all the jumble of emotions and words traded he had heard, but it hadn’t registered until now.
“You called me your boyfriend.”
“Of course I did.” Ryen kissed along his jaw. “You are, aren’t you?”
“Hell yeah,” Kason agreed, joy bubbling up. Somehow that word cemented things. They were in a relationship, had made promises. And yeah, it hadn’t been long, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was what he was feeling and what he believed Ryen was too. And that gave him hope.
Chapter Six
“So, are you going to tell me what’s going or not?” Kason was blindfolded and wondering where they were. They’d driven somewhere, Ryen had helped him out of his Chevy truck and into his chair and now his lover was wheeling him around wherever they were.
“Almost there, baby.” Ryen kissed the top of his head.
It was a minute or so before Ryen stopped and removed the blindfold. They were on home plate in a baseball field. Over at the pitcher’s mound was another wheelchair. Now he understood why Ryen insisted they wear their baseball jerseys.
“Ryen?”
“Well, see, you told me how much you used to love to play and so I did some research, y’know? There’s a wheelchair league here. They already want you to join, but I thought maybe we could have some fun first and let you decide if it’s something you want to do.” Ryen picked up a bat and held it out nervously.
It was hard to speak. Rather than think of his chair as a hindrance, Ryen had instead come up with a way for him to once again enjoy the sport he loved. That was why he was in love with Ryen—he never saw things negatively, never made him feel like a burden. He felt loved. Ryen had helped him see that life might have changed, but in most ways it was now for the better. And for that he owed him everything. Kason was certain if Ryen wasn’t the one then he didn’t want anyone else. He tugged Ryen down so he could kiss him.
