Trial And Error

Chapter Sixty-Five

Kian's POV

At the tender age of five, Kian began to realize that she would never live up to her father's expectations. It marked the beginning of an ongoing reminder that she was not the child he had hoped for, not the son he had longed to have. As time passed, his disappointment and resentment only grew stronger. The situation reached its peak when her parents discovered they could not have more children. She was eight.

Throughout her entire childhood, Kian tried desperately to compensate for her perceived inadequacy by excelling in whatever activity her father showed interest in. She became deeply engrossed in sports, hoping to earn his approval. At the end of the day it didn't mattered, because he simply didn't care. It was a painful reality she had to come to terms with.

Upon learning that she was commissioning after college, he reacted strongly, drowning his emotions in alcohol. He lashed out and told her to stop trying to be a man, that it wouldn't matter because he'd never be proud of her. That was her final straw, and since then she hadn't gone home.

Now here she was, standing in front of her childhood home. Last time she saw it was in her medically induced coma. It felt strange standing there, staring at a place she once called home. Now she couldn't stand the sight of it, not without feeling disappointment and failure. The comforting hand in hers was the only thing keeping her here. If it were up to Kian she would've left by now.

The thought of facing her father after so many years felt like a weight in the pit of her stomach, her brain told her to run. She had no idea how he'd react to Madison being here either, especially with them being together. Granted he loved the brunette, their friendship was one of the few things he approved of. Kian knew she needed to do this, if not for herself, for her mother. She owed her that much.

"Would you like me to knock?" Madison whispered, her thumb caressing the back of Kian's hand.

The Marine's hand hovered over the weathered oak door, tracing the familiar patterns she'd memorized in childhood. Drawing a steady breath that tasted of her mother's autumn roses, she knocked three times. As footsteps approached – the same quick, light steps she'd recognize anywhere – Kian straightened, shoulders squaring with ingrained military precision. The door opened to reveal Diana, and the months seemed to fade away as Kian took in her mother's smile, still as warm and welcoming as summer sunshine.

Without hesitation, she abandoned the suitcase on the worn welcome mat and enveloped her mother's petite frame in a tight embrace, breathing in the familiar scent of vanilla and home-baked cookies that had always meant safety.

"Hey, mom."

"Oh, I missed you so much, honey." Diana's voice wavered with emotion, her arms tightening around her daughter.

"Well, I'm here," Kian's voice softened, vulnerable in a way she only allowed with family. "And I brought someone special."

They pulled apart, and Mrs. Shepard cradled her daughter's face between gentle hands, thumbs brushing over cheekbones as she studied her features. The last time they'd seen each other, Kian had been haunted, her mental wounds still raw and bleeding. Phone calls never quite bridged the distance, never fully captured the healing in her daughter's eyes or the quiet strength that had replaced the shadows. Seeing her now, standing tall and whole, Diana felt tears threatening. With a knowing smile, she released Kian and turned to Madison, wrapping her in an embrace that carried all the warmth of a mother's blessing.

"It's so good to see you, Madison." Diana's voice carried years of hope and gentle knowing. "And seeing you both together?" Her eyes sparkled with joy as she looked between them. "Well, it's about time."