Protecting His Forever(13)

“Meredith?” He finally looks up when it dawns on him.

“Yes!” she yells and leans forward to wrap her arms round his neck. He hesitates for a second before wrapping his arms around her. Her eyes follow his movement before closing them. The pure pain written on her face as she sobs onto his shoulder.

Putting my hand on Kane’s back to offer comfort. I don’t understand how he could have known this woman? I didn’t even know he used to live in this town. Sucking my lips into my mouth to stop the urge from asking questions. Questions that I’m dying to ask.

“Your mother worked here for years, and I watched you every single day while she worked. Then she never came back. I hunted for you, Kane, and never could track you guys down.” She starts crying again.

“I remember you now.” “His voice deep and ragged.

My mouth drops open, confused.

“You used to give me cookies,” he tells her and a smile tugs at the corner of his lips but slips instantly. His eyes are full of pain. He looks down at the table trying to hide it. The pain I saw in his eyes for that split second is the kind of pain that eats away at you, and suddenly I feel sadness for Kane, wondering what he felt in that moment. I place my hand on his and lace our fingers together, then lay our joined hands in my lap. Butterflies swarm my belly just at the small interaction.

“I’m going to get your drinks,” Meredith says while looking between us. As she rolls away she looks back at Kane like she’s expecting him to bolt. Kane’s mother took Kane and left without a word. It’s understandable why she’s scared.

Kane watches her walk away, and I watch him closely. Opening my mouth to speak, I think better of it as my mind draws a blank and close it instantly. What do I say to this?

He tugs our entwined hands into his lap and clears his throat. He looks at me briefly then down at our entwined hand and lets out a deep breath. I don’t look away from him. I can’t, I’m entranced by the sorrow that swims in his baby blues.

“When I was a kid, my mom got mixed up with the wrong man. He was a drug dealer and got her addicted. We never stayed in one place for too long. The hell they put me through dragging me from one place to another, the fighting, drinking…it was too much for a kid. She overdosed when I was fifteen and since I didn’t have any other family, I lived on the streets until I joined the Marines. I wanted better for my life than what she had given me.”

“When I was young my mom used to work here. Meredith watched me during my mom’s shift. She would sit me down on the counter in the kitchen and sneak me cookies. This was before my mom was addicted to drugs. My mom used to a great mom. That was before…”

My heart aches for Kane. What little I know of him, I’d never imagined he was brought up in such a cruel world. Kane was dealt a dirty hand at life, but he didn’t let that affect the man he’s carved himself into today. He wanted more in life, so he made something of himself. That shows his true character. I know that there is a lot more to the story, but it’s not my place to ask. If he wants me to know, he will tell me if and when he’s ready. My heart hurts for this man. A tear trickles down my cheek, and Kane’s face softens. His hand comes up and with the pad of his thumb he delicately wipes away my tears.

“Don’t cry for me, Sydney. The Marines is where I found myself. I’ve seen a lot of terrible things in this world, but seeing small children living in shacks with no food, living amid violence and hate…it gave me something to live for. My life may not have been the best, but I knew I could make it better. Something most people don’t even consider after having a hard upbringing. The Marines is where I found my family, my brothers. Ethan, Chase, and Isaac. The Marines taught me respect, honor and so much more. Most of all I found something worth living for. Protecting those I love.” He looks over at me as he finished, his eyes showing his emotion that he won’t voice.

Wow... This man? No words. What I thought I knew about him is changed drastically.

“I understand, but if you ever need to talk. I’m here.” I put my other hand on his forearm. Sliding closer to him on the seat, I wrap my arms around Kane’s belly. My face hits his chest. One of his hands holds the back of my head holding me to him and the other wraps around me tightly.

My eyes flutter, closed and I bask in the feeling of his arms. His scent comforts me. I feel protected. Those arms are something I always want around me. Kane has something about him that puts me completely at ease. He makes me feel protected and that nothing can touch me.

The moment is interrupted when Meredith comes back to take our order. Kane’s arms ease off me, and I sit up in my seat. She looks between Kane and me with her eyebrows raised before a smile creeps over her face.