Valor by K. Laché

Author:K. Laché
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cat, covert, ptsd, abuse, loyalty, deaf, kitten, daisy, operative, hurt comfort
Publisher: Torquere Press

Chapter Twenty

“I have to warn you, my family is a little bit crazy,” said Blare, smiling and giving the bigger hand in his a squeeze. “But they’ll absolutely love you. Almost as much as I do.” He kissed Rivet full on the lips. He pulled back and stared into Rivet’s deep brown eyes, relishing in the flutter in his chest. He never thought his near-brush with a concussion would lead him to meeting the man of his dreams. No, that’s not right. He couldn’t possibly love the man of his dreams as much as he loved Rivet.

“What are you thinking about?” asked Rivet, his lips lifting into a half smile.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He smiled and then shivered, the cold weather making itself known. “Let’s go inside.” He opened the door, calling out from the entryway. “Mom?”

“How come you always call her first?” asked his dad, his beer belly covered by a cable-knit sweater.

“She carried me for nine months, so I think she deserves the right,” he said and winked. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

His dad growled, pulling him into a firm hug. Blare kissed the top of his grayed hair. He pulled away, allowing Rivet to greet his dad.

“Happy Thanksgiving, sir.”

His dad chuckled and roughly shook his hand, patting him on the back. “Name’s Dale, kid.”

“Did I hear my son?” asked Kathy as she walked down the hall with a dish towel in her hands.

He hugged his mom. “Mom, Happy Thanksgiving.” As he let go, she moved over to Rivet.

“Hello, darling,” she said, carefully drawing Rivet into a firm hug.

Rivet froze only for a moment before he gently closed his arms around her. “Hello, ma’am.”

She pulled away and frowned. “Come now, dear. Call me Kathy or Mom.” She sent a quick wink in Blare’s direction. “There are snacks in the kitchen. Dinner shouldn’t be too much longer.”

Blare grabbed Rivet’s hand and led him to the kitchen. “Who else is here?”

“The only people who aren’t are the grandparents and the Harpers.” Kathy went back to the stove.

“Cool,” said Blare. He picked a few cubes of cheese and grapes from a plate. He fed a few to Rivet, ignoring his mom’s giggling and eating some himself. He turned to peek under tinfoil-covered dishes and a stocky body collided with his.

“Uncle Ashley,” said Blare grabbing onto the shorter man to steady himself.

“Sorry, bud,” said Ash, shaking an empty beer can at him. “One-track mind when it comes to me and a cold brew.” His eyes snapped to Rivet. “Is this the boyfriend?”

“Yes,” said Blare, smiling. “Rivet this is my uncle, Ashley or Ash.”

“Put ’er there, kid,” said Ash, sticking out his hand.

Rivet shook his hand. “Pleasure, sir.”

Ash laughed, thumping Rivet on the back. “That formality isn’t going to last long when you’re here. We’re a crazy bunch and, if nothing else, we’ll smother that politeness right out of you.”

Blare grabbed Rivet’s hand and led him toward the living room, where he could hear his cousins. “Yes, great. What about that beer, Uncle Ash?” He stepped into the living room, leaning into Rivet and whispered, “He’s a nut.

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