Chapter Four
Every child loved a birthday party. Davey and Shaye Alister-Lincoln were no exception. Their 'official' birthday parties this year had been happy but not quite as so without daddy Drew there. The family's Galveston vacation had been fun, now it was time hang out with friends.
Drew was happy to trade a formal army exit ceremony for this. He had missed everyone, Riley Jennings had become like a daughter to him and Rick. She and Drew had managed to take some time before the party, her helping him set up the balloons, to catch up on everything that had gone on in her life in the six months he was deployed. None of it included her father, Syd's ex-husband.
"I wish my dad was like you guys. I love you, Drew," the girl said, giving him a longer, tighter hug than she had before. "I was really afraid you wouldn't come home. I'm happy you did, well, 'cause you're kinda like a real dad to me."
Drew swallowed a lump in his throat and hugged Riley in return just as tight. He knew better than to degrade, or defend the man. "I love you, too, Riley. I really do. I can't tell how glad I am that we all met."
"Oh, I do love Rick, too," the girl said sheepishly. "He's such a goofball."
Drew laughed. "I can't argue with you there."
Today the children enjoyed the smaller gifts and trinkets plus cake and balloons. But they enjoyed more get to share that fun with Drew. After food, cake and presents everybody enjoyed time in the backyard. The kids, even Riley played with bubbles and jumped around in the bouncy castle. The adults sat around and chatted. When the evening rolled around and the sun started to set their guests left. The family of four sat on the patio sofa, Davey and Shaye sat on either side of Drew's lap, half-asleep. Rick rested his head on his husband's shoulder.
He sighed happily. "I really missed this. I missed you so much," he said.
Drew leaned down and kissed his husband. "I missed you, too."
With the children tucked into bed the men took a long shower together. There was nothing like shower sex to bring back to the thrilling memories for the couple's first time. Tomorrow they would really try to settle the Shaye and Davey back into their normal routine. Bedtime was 'flexible' since Drew came home, and well, on their vacation, it was very flexible. Drew wouldn't back at work, now as an attending physician at San Antonio Memorial for a week but it was time for things to calm down now.
Rick smiled when Drew told him he was looking forward to ordinary life again. Rick was looking forward to the same, with Drew at his side once again.
