Bud

Sarge and Will

Sarge and Will“So, whaddaya think?” Sarge asked Will.

Will lay against Sarge’s chest, inhaling the scent of this man he fell in love with at first sight.

“Think?” Will spoke gently, caressingly. “I think you came on a bit strong. The boy just lost his mother. He needs time.”

“I know. Had all the confidence in the world, was fearless, when I was with my platoon. But this? Totally out of m’ comfort zone. Came on like a bull chargin’ at him, didn’t I?”

“Babe, don’t beat yourself up. Just, maybe, you could have come up to breathe sometimes, you know? The poor kid couldn’t get a word in edgewise if he’d wanted to. And what’s with all the bud this, bud that? He has a name.”

“Oh God, I was so nervous. It’s hard. If I believe Stern, the kid never even knew I existed until three days ago. Amy and I were once close. But it’s m’ own fault. When I left home, I never looked back.”

“I know your story, Sarge, and I know how hard it will be to tell it to Shelly. But he has to know. You were right to leave then. Maybe you could have gotten in contact with your sister at some point, but I understand.”

“Right. Hit me like a ton of bricks when Stern said m’ parents had been dead for like, forever. I never wanted to have another thing to do with ‘em, but I somehow felt somethin’ when I found out they were dead—and how they died. Nobody deserves that kinda endin’. And Amy sure took it in stride, it seems. Havin’ a baby, buildin’ a business. And a fortune. Wow, I’m so proud of her, and I only wish I’d known the grown-up Amy. How c’n I explain all that to a little boy, one who only has me left in his family? Oh, I’ll tell him, Willie. But gimme some time to work it all out, okay?”

“Babe, you take your time. It’s gonna be hard, and I’ll be right here beside you. But remember—secrets have a way of coming out.”

Will leaned up and kissed Sarge. A gentle, loving, knowing kiss. “Night, babe.”