Avery scoffed at Kane's concern over the legality of their marriage. When he wouldn't let it go, Avery grew intense, determined, and refused to hear another word, saying they were bound together by God. The campaign team lining the living room ate that up, loving Avery's stance.
As uncertain as Kane stayed, Avery's resolve grew stronger. After three hours of meetings, Kane was no closer to wanting the run, but Avery's enthusiasm kept him quiet, until he finally relented. Dread filled his heart, but he hid it. Avery had stood by him through all his quirky attitudes; he'd do the same for Avery and pray things would work out for the best.
As the day wore on, Autumn and Robert became the only concern Kane wouldn't give on. Personal decisions between Avery and Kane would have to be made as to how involved the family unit would be in this run. For Kane, he wanted to plan the best ways to protect them from the backlash. The children had been taught from the beginning that families came in all different shapes and sizes. They'd been questioned about their fathers since they were old enough to communicate, but they were sheltered. They had never been exposed to the brutality and hate aimed at the homosexual community. Kane and Avery were also very hands-on parents. Avery would be on the road, Kane would be left to hold down the fort until he returned. How could he keep the restaurant going and the children in their normal routine?
After several long meetings and watching Avery's energy and excitement grow, Kane slowly relented, deciding to leave the decision to their children. If they thought they could handle the possible backlash, then Kane would agree to give the run a try. The campaign team departed within six hours of their arrival, and Avery didn't miss a minute before he called the kids downstairs.
"Family meeting!" Avery called from the bottom of the stairs up toward Autumn's and Robert's bedrooms. Autumn was first out her door. At almost ten years old, she was the image of Avery—tall, slender, naturally graceful with beautiful long blonde hair flowing as she bounded down the stairs. Robert easily overtook her as he ran full throttle. This year, he'd hit a growth spurt, reaching five foot three, and could easily navigate the stairs two at a time.
"Beat you," Robert said as Autumn stepped off the last step. His voiced echoed as he said the words and pushed the forever aggravating piece of thick blond hair off his forehead just as he spotted Kane already in the living room. "What's going on?"
"Nothing, we just wanted to talk to you two." Kane tried to appear relaxed. His children were smart, well-adjusted, and incredibly perceptive. They would pick up any discord he might be feeling.
Kane watched both their expressions change as they took in the scene around them. He quickly looked up at Avery, but he was already off to the bar, pouring himself a drink. He rarely drank in front to the children, but with his back turned, he hadn't noticed the change in them. Kane patted the sofa next to him. The natural choice would have Robert sitting by him and Autumn by Avery, but tonight they both came to sit by him. So he clearly looked worried enough to spark their concern.
"Why are you both home? Daddy, you said Granddaddy Paulie needed your help to run the restaurant," Autumn started, but Kane quickly interrupted her.
"There's no need to look so concerned. This is not the end of the world. Get those looks off your faces." Avery came and sat directly across from them on the coffee table.
"Babe, you ask them," Avery said, watching them intently with elbows on his knees, the glass resting between the palms of his hands.
"Your dad's been approached by the Democratic Party to run for the United States Senate. We haven't made a decision yet, we wanted to talk to you two first and see how you feel about it," Kane said, sliding an arm around each child.
"But you're a Republican, Daddy. Are you going to vote for Dad?" Autumn asked Kane. That made him smile, and he looked over at Avery who actually laughed. It had been years and years of heated arguments about their difference in political views that caused the worry from his daughter.
"If we agree to do this, I'll vote for your dad," Kane promised reassuringly.
"So you're gonna change your vote?" Robert asked, clearly not believing it for even a minute.
"I will for him, honey, but that's not the issue. This is gonna affect each of us, and we all need to be a part of the decision whether he moves forward with this or not." Kane pulled in both arms he had around their shoulders, drawing them in for a hug. He was so proud.
"But you never vote Democrat." Autumn's upturned face looked so confused. She participated in the hug, but she hesitated, her eyes were squarely focused on his, waiting for his answer.
"Autumn, this decision isn't about who I vote for, honey. It's about whether your dad runs. If he makes it, we'll have to move to Washington with him," Kane explained and that changed everything.
"We have to move?" Robert exclaimed, sitting up, somewhat alarmed.
"That's jumping way far ahead, but yes, if I win, we'll spend time in Washington DC. It would mean you guys would have to attend school there. There's a great private—" Avery began, but Robert cut him off.
"So we have to change schools?" These weren't the issues Kane thought they would talk about right now.
"Yes, but there are great schools in Washington DC. My old alma mater is there—"
"Daddy, I don't know if it's a good idea to switch schools in the middle of the year. I wanted to try out for cheerleader next year," Autumn announced, and Kane quickly stopped them, tried to focus them in on the more important issue.
"Wait, you two. Listen to me. This is a much bigger step for all of us. It's not just moving and how to vote, we have bigger things to think about. You know we're a different family. If we enter into this, we could be targeted pretty badly. Worse than anything you've seen before. This could potentially be hard on all of us," Kane said, looking between Autumn and Robert. Avery's concern showed, too, as he reached out and placed his hands over the children's legs. As protective as Kane was, Avery was tenfold.