Filling your Daddy's Shoes

Chapter 31: Graduation Day

Jay stood in front of the grave with his black tux. He was visiting his best friend. He smiled as he wiped the tear from his face.

"Well Kyle,I found out Grayson is your daughter,not mine. Kyle we were both drunk that night and I know we were. It was a misjudgement and Kyle,I'm sorry you didn't get to know your daughter and I did. I'm sorry you'll never get to see her walk down the aisle. I'll take good care of her for you. I'll always take care of both of them. They are going to change the world someday and you should be proud Kyle. You never got to meet your baby girl and Kyle is a little troublemaker just like you. He talks way too much for a 3 year old. I have to go Kyle. It's their graduation day and Shane would love for you to be there. Shane misses you and I miss you buddy. Take care." Jay wiped the tear from his face then started to walk to his truck. He saw something catch his eye. Kyle's 2002 Chevy Silverado that he cherished greatly. Shane walked out of it with Morgan by his side.

"How did I know you'd be here?" Shane asked.

"I haven't visited this place in over 5 years..."

Shane smiled as he pulled out the dogtags and cross from his tux.

"Why are you pulling those out?"

"I don't think I'll be needing his dog tags anymore. I have my own. I leave in July." Shane walked to the grave and put the dog tags on it.

Jay smiled then started crying. "Shane,I am so damn proud of you."

"I can't believe it's been 6 years since He passed away. I miss him.."

"I do too kid. Shane, remember I love you and I'll love you til the day I die. I'll see you at the school."

"Alright." Jay left the cemetery and drove to the school.

"Dad,Uncle Jay he tried. He tried filling your shoes as best as he could and I think he did a damn good job too. I miss you a lot and I'm glad I got to spend that time with you. Keep me safe over there. I love you Daddy." Morgan and Shane walked back to the car and got in.

"Shane,I don't want you to go."

"Morgan,I promise I'm coming home."

"I know you will it's just I will be worried too much."

Flashback
Jay smiled as he sat next to Kyle in the gym. It was their graduation day.

"Jay Halstead! After high school he plans on enlisting in the United States Army." The principal called out.

Jay got up from his chair fixed his tasel as he walked up to the stage.
"Thank you for this." Jay smiled as he was handed his diploma.

"Kyle James. After high school Mr. James plans on enlisting in the Army." Kyle got up from his seat and walked up to the stage. He had a standing ovation since he was going to serve.

"Thank you." Kyle smiled then walked off the stage.

July 4th 2002
Kyle and Jay stood in front of the window looking at Shane. They both smiled.
"Kyle,you'll be a great dad."

"A single one. I'll never see Shane. I'll always be gone."

"I will raise him for you Kyle. While you are still in the Army."

"You'd do that for me?" Jay smiled

"Yeah. I would. He's my nephew. I gotta spoil him and teach him how to shoot."

"Okay. That means a lot Jay."

"I know you'd do it if I were in this position."
End of Flashback