For Her, He Will

Chapter Thirty-Two - All this time, I never knew.

Oakley glanced out the window at the trees flying past them. She was barely listening to the music coming from the truck, her mind swirling with different things. They had picked Tate up from school and dropped him off with John, lying and saying they wanted a date night.

When Oakley had said she wanted to go to Jamie's son's birthday party, Kayce reluctantly agreed. It was on a Thursday, so they knew it would be a late night for them, but Oakley felt that Jamie deserved this. Secretly, she wanted Jamie and Kayce to talk without the fear of John or Beth stepping in and causing problems.

"What did you end up getting?" Kayce asked Oakley as they drove up to Helena.

"I found this cute jumper that'll be a little big on him, maybe...I don't know his size technically, but it'll last into the fall," Oakley sighed. "And I got him a stuffed wolf...most little boys like wolves."

Kayce nodded his eyes on the road.

"Thank you for coming with me," Oakley glanced over at him. "I know this isn't and probably won't be easy on you."

"I didn't want you to go by yourself," Kayce said. "And now you owe me, so," 

"Owe you?" Oakley laughed. 

"Don't worry, I'll collect one day," Kayce winked at her. 

Oakley shook her head, looking forward. She could see the city in the distance with the lights coming on. 

"Do you think there will be a lot of people?" Oakley asked.

"Baby, I have no idea," Kayce sighed. "I don't know Jamie's life...last I saw of him was when he told me about those reporters on the ranch, for like five seconds...before that, it was when you testified. So, we really haven't had a whole lot of good conversations."

"Seems like a long time ago," Oakley thought back.

Kayce drove up to the house they had stopped at the one time they had visited Jamie last year. Oakley joined Kayce at the front of his truck with the baby gift in her hand. There were a few cars down the block, but this was by no means a large party. Kayce placed his hand on Oakley's back and led her up to the front door.

A few seconds after Oakley pressed the doorbell, May appeared looking confused at first and then shocked.

"Oakley Dobson?" May blinked.

"Hi May," Oakley smiled.

"Um...hi?" May opened the door fully, her eyes glanced at Kayce for a second. "Sorry, I just...I knew he had invited you but honestly didn't think I'd see you."

"I don't think you've ever met Kayce, have you?" Oakley reached around to pull Kayce forward more.

"Kayce...Jamie's...little brother," May nodded. "Thanks for coming."

"Thanks for," Kayce glanced at Oakley. "having us."

"Come in," May stepped aside. "You can put the gift on the table there and there's food and drinks through the kitchen and out in the backyard."

Someone else was walking up the driveway, giving May an out to turn away from Oakley and Kayce. After placing the gift on the table with the others, Oakley grabbed Kayce's hand and walked into the house.

There were a few people in the kitchen who Oakley smiled and nodded at as she pulled Kayce into the backyard where a few more had gathered.

Oakley's eyes scanned the yard until she spotted Jamie standing under the large tree, talking to another man. In his arms was his son. Oakley felt Kayce's fingers tighten against hers. She looked up at him.