They Didn't Have To Be
Sure, Riley Jennings had a father. But their relationship had always been complicated. And that was entirely because he had such a loathing for Syd, Riley's mom and her father's ex-wife. He hated Riley doing anything athletic or jock-like because it reminded him of Syd. Thus, when her mom was deployed with the military (something she was happily done with now) Riley didn't have any cheering section at any of her events.
This all changed when she met Drew Alister after her mom's final deployment had been extended. Drew Alister and Syd had become close friends during the time they were both in Afghanistan. Drew and his husband Rick had become fast friends and surrogate fathers to her since they met. The bond had blossomed to where it was today. The couple had their own two children, toddlers who were three-years-old. This hadn't changed the fact that Riley (and Syd) were part of the family in their eyes. In fact, Syd was Davey and Shaye's godmother. The teen didn't know whether her father was upset Riley was close to a gay couple or the fact she now had two male figures in her life that accepted her interests. Moreover, she didn't care. A judge said she didn't have to see her in person until he changed his attitude; although she did have to video chat with him a few times a week. The same judge admonished her father about taking out his feelings about his ex-wife on their daughter. If he continued to try to project his own bitterness on Riley, the girl would not have to contact him at all-but he would still have to pay child support. He also praised "whoever these two men were" for stepping up to be there for Riley "because every child deserved a father, in this case, two."
The Friday before Father's Day Syd and Riley took Davey and Shaye out for lunch and to buy their dads presents and decorations for Sunday's party. Riley also bought each man a card that read You're Like a Dad to Me. This gesture was touching to both.
"Thank you, Riley," Drew said giving her a tight hug. "We love you, too,"
The Father's Day barbeque doubled as Drew's party to celebrate Drew's army discharge. He had opted out of an exit ceremony wanting to be surrounded by friends and family instead where he and Rick could be themselves and not get dirty looks or whispers. More important than that (because even though they were in Texas, people who didn't like that could take a flying leap) Shaye and Davey could be themselves; run around and not have to be quiet Drew wanted them included as much the adults. The family returned from Galveston only three days before and Davey and Shaye were still hyper, telling everyone stories about the beach and all the turtles they saw the aquarium. A backyard party was perfect because it was home, exactly where he wanted to celebrate being.
Their two children were sound asleep in the living room as the couple bid their last guests, Syd and Riley goodbye. Riley was going to come over for a sleepover later this week.
"Tonight was amazing," Drew said, kissing Rick.
"it was. And I can think of more ways to celebrate once we get those two to bed." Rick said.
Drew grinned. "You read my mind."