Semper Fidelis by Morticia Knight Kendall McKenna Sara York LE Franks Devon Rhodes T.A. Chase S.A. McAuley

Phil always seemed so happy when he came back from his trips, and I know he talks to you every night.” She patted Phil’s cheek. “Maybe you should consider getting your own place now, since Dean will be coming to Dutch to visit.”
    Phil’s chuckle sounded tired, and Dean could see that his lover’s energy was beginning to wane.
    “I see what all this is about. You and Pops want the house to yourselves. Meeting Dean gives you the opportunity to push me out of the nest.”
    “Well, Phil, you are twenty-eight. Don’t you think you should have your own place by now?” Cap pointed out.
    “Why aren’t you upset?” Dean couldn’t help breaking in and asking. Their reactions surprised him by the way they seemed so unconcerned about Phil’s being gay.
    Cap glanced over at him. “Why would we be upset about something Phil can’t help?”
    “We’ve known Phil was gay since he was about eighteen. At first I always wondered why he never brought any girls home, then his cousin spotted him out with a boyfriend in Fairbanks, and told us.”
    Phil winced. “That had to be a shock.”
    Shaking his head, Cap said, “No. Like Kayla said, we’d known before that you were gay. We were just waiting for you to find a reason to tell us, and it appears you finally have.”
    Dean couldn’t believe how calm they were about Phil’s announcement. Yet he was thrilled that Phil wouldn’t be cut off from his family like he had been. Everyone needed a family to support them, so Dean had created his own, but if Cap and Kayla were willing, maybe he could adopt them as his parents.
    Phil yawned, and the Rhodeses immediately got ready to leave.
    “We’ll let you rest, Phil. The doctors said you’ll be able to go home tomorrow. They just wanted to keep you overnight to make sure there aren’t any complications from being in the water for that long.” Cap touched Phil’s shoulder before shaking Dean’s hand again. “I’m betting we’ll be seeing you tomorrow, son.”
    “Yes, sir. I got leave to hang out here until Phil is settled at home, then I have to get back to Kodiak.” Dean shrugged. “We have some PJs at Dutch Harbor for training, and they’ll take up the slack if there are any calls while I’m here.”
    “You’re a rescue swimmer, right?” Cap seemed impressed.
    Dean nodded. “Yes. I’ve been one for eighteen years. Have a few more to go before I retire.”
    “Don’t we all?” Cap laughed. “We’ll talk some more tomorrow.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Phil’s mother hugged him tight before they left. Once they were gone, Dean sat on the edge of the bed before leaning down to press a hard kiss to Phil’s lips. He slid his hand around the back of Phil’s head to cup him and hold him still while he deepened the kiss.
    Dean poured all of his love and fear into the embrace, hoping Phil could feel how much Dean cared for him. Phil let go of him, then fisted his hand in Dean’s sweater, keeping him from moving away. It wasn’t like Dean was going to break their connection any time soon. Keeping Phil in his arms and his life was the most important thing for him.
    Finally, they needed to get air, so Dean eased a few inches away, letting Phil’s pants wash over his mouth. He rested their foreheads together, and he closed his eyes.
    “I was so afraid when I heard that the Angela Kayla had capsized. I froze for a moment because I couldn’t help thinking about what would I do if you didn’t come back,” he whispered.
    “I know, Dean. That’s how I feel every time I hear there’s a search and rescue going on. I’m on edge until I know whether it’s your unit that goes out or not. If it is you, I can’t think of anything else until I get a call from you telling me you’re okay.” Phil licked his lips. “I hate saying this, but I’m tired of not coming home to you. Maybe my parents are right. I need to get my own house.”
    “Get a place in Dutch Harbor, and I’ll come live with you.”
    Dean grinned as Phil