Waves Break My Fall by Kendall McKenna

Author:Kendall McKenna [McKenna, Kendall]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: fiction, romance, gay, gay romance, military romance, m/m, m/m romance
Publisher: LNA Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Kage opened the door to his parents’ house, stepping aside for Zach to enter. Carol had insisted they not bring anything, but Zach had ignored her. He carried a pretty decent bottle of wine and a case of damn good beer. Kage led the way into the kitchen. As they put the beer in the refrigerator, happy party sounds drifted in through the sliding screen door. His nieces and nephews screamed and squealed, despite Kim’s cautions to behave.

Closing the fridge door, Kage took a deep breath. “Ready?” He rolled his shoulders, trying to ease the tension.

“Yeah,” Zach answered with a hesitant smile. “Your mom told you they’re all okay with this, right? It’ll be okay, Kage. Try to relax.”

He couldn’t see Zach’s eyes behind his sunglasses. Kage had no idea why Zach thought he was nervous about this. One of the kids let loose a blood-curdling scream. Kage jumped, taking a step back from Zach. His heart slammed against his ribs, his skin prickling with the rush of adrenaline.

Fuck.

“Okay, this isn’t about your family,” Zach said quietly. “Would it help to hold my hand? Or do you need space?”

Kage ran his hands over his short hair. He’d taken his clippers to it last night when he no longer recognized his own reflection. Children in Iraq didn’t scream out of joy.

“Hand,” he said brusquely, holding his own out for Zach to take. “I’ll tell you if I need space. I hope being outside will help.”

Without a word, Zach grasped Kage’s outstretched hand and held on.

Heading for the sliding screen, Kage pulled Zach along behind him. They stepped out into the bright, warm sunshine. A strong breeze kept the heat from being oppressive to Kage’s relief.

“Uncle Kage!” Kerry’s daughter, Jodie, splashed her way up the steps of the pool. She ignored everyone’s shouts not to run, her small feet slapping wetly on the pool deck. She held her arms out as she ran, brilliantly colored water wings staying snuggly in place.

Jesus, she’d grown. It always amazed him how much kids changed in six months, let alone a year. Despite how much she’d grown since Kage had last seen her, she was still so tiny.

He caught her on the run, grasping her beneath her arms and sweeping her up. He clasped her to his chest as her little arms wrapped tight around his neck, her water wings pressing against his face. Water from her wet swimsuit soaked through his muscle shirt, but Kage didn’t care, he’d dry quickly in this heat.

“Welcome home, Uncle Kage.” Jodie’s words were muffled by her water wing and Kage’s neck.

“Thank you, Jodie,” Kage whispered, pressing a kiss to her little, blonde head.

He shifted his niece to his hip to make way for Kim’s embrace. Kage wrapped his free arm around her waist as Kim’s arms went around his neck.

With her head on his shoulder, Kim said, “I missed you. I’m so glad you made it back okay.”

Kage pressed a quick kiss to her temple as she pulled back to let Kerry step up.

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