Sandy, Mark and Kenneth were antsy about thewhole deal. It was hard for them to watch their buddies and loversleave. But they could do it.
“Dude! I'll be okay. I haven't had an episode ina while,” Kenneth said, holding up his hand. “Besides, I have Sandyand Mark to keep me grounded.”
“Still…” Ryan complained. “Promise you'll keepgoing to the meetings.”
“Promise,” Kenneth said, sighing. “Brendonwanted to come see y'all off but he can't get away.”
“Yeah; figured,” Phillip said. He was sitting ina booth with Ryan tight against him.
Sandy sat on Kenneth's lap and watched two ofher three favorite men in the world talk. “I expect letters,” shesaid. “And don't worry. Katie and I will keep Kenneth too busy toworry.” She smiled at her daughter.
“Daddy, will you send me letters so I can putthem in my scrapbook?” Katie asked.
“Of course, sweetness,” Phillip saidreassuringly.
“You too, Ryan,” Katie said. She had acceptedRyan before anyone told her that her dad was dating the other man.It was perfect for her. She adored both Kenneth and Ryan so. Addingthem to her odd little family was easy.
“Of course, Miss Katie,” Ryan said with agrin.
Patrick came over and pulled a chair up. “I'mleaving in two days,” he said bluntly.
“Two days? When did you hear?”
“This morning.” Patrick was grim. Mark came inbehind him. The older man was used to deployments but that didn'tmake it any easier to say good-bye.
“You two have everything packed?” Markasked.
“Yeah. We went over it the other day. It rockshaving a former Drill Sergeant as a boyfriend.”
Phillip laughed and nipped at Ryan's neck.
“OH MY GOD!! Daddddddddyyyyy you're soooogross!” Katie made sounds that sounded like gagging.
“Stow it, brat,” Phillip said, laughing. Theyall sat in silence for a long time - each contemplating their upand coming deployments.
Three days later Patrick was in Kuwait. A weekafter that Phillip, Ryan and Alexander had their boots on theground.
Chapter Twelve
22 Aug 2006
Mark,
We'll I'm in country. I heard Ryan and theothers have gotten to Kuwait. I think this place has gotten worsefrom my last deployment. Damn, I miss you like hell. Being awaymakes me realize how much I love you. I think you're right. Weshould get married.
Patrick.
***
22 Aug 2006
Patrick,
You decide this while you’re over in thesandbox? You have piss poor timing, asshole. And you're prettyfucking lucky I love you as much as I do.
Mark
PS. How about R & R?
