Patience

Tension

A month or so had gone by, Kaylee and Patience had gotten a lot closer, making their parents extremely happy and hopeful for the future. Kelly and Jack had also been spending more time with Adam, just hanging out at bars and having a good time. It was the fourth of July and everyone would be over at Jack's to celebrate, Adam included. In fact, it would be the first time Adam would meet Patience.
Jack had a lovely house by a lake, the yard was large and he had multiple boats. Jack came from a wealthy family and it had its perks but Kelly loved him for him, not what he had or could buy.
Kaylee and Patience were playing in the lake while Jack was busy at the grill, flipping burgers and hot dogs. Kelly was setting out some snacks and desserts for everyone to enjoy. Jack's black lab Izzy, began barking letting the group know that someone was here. Kelly went to go meet Adam, as she rounded the house he was walking up the gravel driveway. He wore a gray T-shirt with an American flag on it, a dark red, worn out ball cap, ripped blue jeans, sunglasses, and some dark boots. He carried two six packs of beer and smiled as he saw Kelly.

"Hey, we're in the back." Kelly said as he met her.

"You look great." He responded. Kelly had her hair pulled back into a ponytail with a red ribbon. She wore a white and navy blue stripped dress that flowed elegantly and complemented her features, she wore tan sandals.

"Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself." She said with a laugh. Adam smiled, they walked into the backyard and Adam set the beer on a table on the deck.

Adam went over to Jack, offering him a beer. The two men started talking about sports and then Jack's grilling skills. Kelly finished setting out the food, plates, cups, and silverware. She put Izzy inside the house, knowing the big fireworks would be starting soon and then walked over to the lake's edge.

"Girls, why don't you get changed, supper is almost ready." She said loudly so they would hear her.

Without arguing, the girls got out of the water and grabbed their towels. They ran towards the house, running inside to get changed. Adam watched as the children ran past, a look of confusion on his face as he looked at Kelly. She pretended not to notice as she approached the two men.

"How are things coming?" She asked as she leaned on the decks railing.

"Perfect." Jack said as he put the last hot dog on a large plate with the rest of the hot dogs and hamburgers.

"You two can dish yourselves up some food while I check on the girls." Kelly pushed herself off from the railing and walked into the house.

She walked up the stairs to Kaylee's room and knocked on the door. Kaylee was wearing a red dress and struggling to pit her wet hair up. Patience wore a gray shirt with red, white, and blue fireworks on it and a pair of jean shorts, she was also struggling to put her hair up. Kelly got to work, brushing Kaylee's hair and then putting it into a high pony tail. Then she brushed Patience's hair, putting it into two buns a top her head, she then tied a white bandana around her head. The girls thanked Kelly and the three of them went back downstairs and outside to join the men.
Kelly had set out a blanket for the girls to sit on while they ate and three folding chairs for herself, Adam, and Jack. They all sat and ate, watching as the sun slowly began to set.

"So are both of them yours?" Adam asked Jack, referring to Kaylee and Patience. They had finished eating and Kelly was helping the girls with their sparklers.

"Oh no, Kaylee, the brunette is mine." Jack pointed to his daughter, "I was married but...my wife passed away a couple years ago." He explained.

"I'm sorry for your loss." Adam responded, feeling a little awkward.

"It's fine. I mean I miss her like hell but I found Kelly in the end." Jack smiled as he watched the three girls make shapes in the night air with their sparklers.