Oneshots - Kayce Dutton Book 2

I'm going again.

Request - Can we maybe get a one-shot of Kayce having to be deployed again but he doesn't know how to tell you and so he keeps buying you and Tate (and maybe his siblings, idk) gifts that are supposed to remind you of him. 

You stood there in the kitchen as you. watched Kayce and Tate look over the new knife Kayce had just given Tate. No, it wasn't Tate's birthday. Nor did the kid do well on a test or any other significant event. Kayce had walked through the kitchen while. you were making breakfast with Tate and handed it to him. Tate was ecstatic, and you didn't want to dim his excitement, but there was something off here.

The more you thought about it, the more things in the past two weeks seemed to jump out at you too. The longer you thought about it, the more concerned you grew. 

Kayce was a good husband. You didn't doubt his love, nor did you doubt him protecting you. But your husband only gave you flowers on your birthday and Valentine's Day. But within the past two weeks, Kayce had brought you home wildflower almost every single day. You still have three vases on the window seal right now. 

Crossing your arms, your fingers brushed against the leather bracelet on your wrists. Three days ago, Kayce. came home with it for you. He had to. get rid of his old cowboy hat. It. had finally fallen apart. Wit the strip from around it, Kayce had made a bracelet for you. You had been. touched by it, but now that you thought about it, you hadn't seen Kayce's new hat. 

"This is so cool, Dad," Tate said holding the knife. 

"Remember, son," Kayce patted Tate's back. "We only use it. when we need to. It's not a toy." 

"Yes, sir," Tate nodded. 

"But you can think of me when you do," Kayce smiled. 

"I want to show Colt," Tate stood up from his seat. "Y/N? Do I have time?"

"Be quick," You nodded. "I'll pick you up at Colt's house in twenty minutes and we'll head to school. Tell his mom that I'll drive today." 

Tate ran off as Kayce stood up from his seat. A small smile was on his lips and you almost didn't say anything because it was rare for Kayce to be flat-out happy these days. Work had been little because Kayce refused to work for his father. You knew pennies were tight and were thankful for the job you had at the library in town. But you knew Kayce was beating himself up at night. 

"You look sad," Kayce's voice caused you to snap out of your thoughts. 

"Sorry," You shook your head. 

"I know it's a knife," Kayce smirked. "But he's ten...he can handle it."

"It's not the knife, Kayce," You sighed and walked over to him. "It's a lovely gift for Tate from you."

"Then what?" Kayce asked you. 

"Um..." You took a deep breath. "Where's your hat, Kayce?" 

"My hat?" Kayce looked confused. "I got rid of it. Remember? It damn near unraveled itself."

"I know that," You said softly. "I meant the new one? The one you replaced your old one with?"

"Oh," Kayce cleared his throat. "I uh...didn't see one I liked so I figured I'd just get one when I found one." 

You tilted your head up at him. 

"Mr. Jacobs can make any hat in the world," You told him. "Why not make a new one?" 

Kayce didn't answer and you knew that he knew, you were on to something with him. Kayce leaned back against the island and crossed his arms. You watched his expression get almost fearful, making your nerves skyrocket.