Page 14 of Firefighter Midlife Wolf

“That was different,” Hayden replied, feeling his chest tighten at the mere thought of leaving Jack there without anyone to help him. “That was…before. You can barely move.”

“Thanks for the reminder.” Jack had been sitting up a bit, but now he flopped back into his pillow. “I know you’ve always been disappointed that I didn’t get your shifter genes, and I’m sorry I’m such a burden.”

“Whoa. No. That’s not it at all.” Hayden yanked over the office chair that was constantly parked nearby. Jessica sat there when she came to visit Jack, and both Hayden and Ellie used it when they wanted to sit and chat with him or have a meal next to him. The chair put Hayden at eye level with his son. “Don’t apologize for that because there’s no reason to. You’re exactly who you’re meant to be, and I wouldn’t want things to be any other way.”

“You don’t have to lie to me, Dad. I know.”

“You don’t, though.” Hayden paused. How could he ever explain the love a father had for his children? “Yes, this would be much easier on you if you could just shift and heal. I don’t like seeing you in pain, but you were born the way you are for a reason. I happen to think you’re pretty damn cool, and I wouldn’t trade who you are for anything else. All right? You don’t have to be a shifter to make me happy, Jack.”

Jack watched him uncertainly for a moment as he tried to decide whether or not to believe him. “All right.”

The sound of the doorbell echoed through the room, and Hayden bounded to his feet again. His wolf would know exactly who was there, whether he’d been aware of the day’s schedule or not. He could feel Jessica just on the other side of the door. His mate, waiting for him.

Just waiting for you to open the damn door, you horny idiot. He hurried over to do so.

“Hi!” Jessica was beaming at him, but her smile faded a bit as she studied his face. “Is something wrong?”

“No.” Hayden self-consciously ran a hand through his hair, suddenly aware that he’d sent it in all directions after he’d gotten off the phone with Maura. “Why?”

“I don’t know. Something’s just…different.” She studied his face, her eyes tracing over his features. “I can’t explain it. Never mind. Is Jack available?”

“Sure. He’s right in here.” Hayden stepped aside to let her in, allowing himself to bask in the faint waft of her perfume as she passed by. He could hardly even remember what he was saying before she’d arrived. His wolf went nuts every time she came around. Since Jack was likely to be down and out for quite some time, he’d have to find some way to tolerate it.

“Hey, Jack!” Jessica said brightly as she approached his bed and glanced at the video game accessories. “Playing anything good?”

“No, not really. I’m not as quick with this stupid thing on.” He rapped his knuckles on his cast.

“It won’t be there forever, and I’m sure you’ll be at the top of the leaderboard again soon enough.” She went about her usual routine of checking his vitals and going over his chart. “Looks like you’ve got a follow-up visit with your pediatrician coming up soon.”

“Yay. I just love going into a doctor’s office decorated in baby zoo animals.” He held out his free arm when he saw her prepping the blood pressure cuff.

Jessica laughed. “I know it’s awkward. Just remember all the other kids you know are going to the exact same places for their sports physicals and immunizations. Do you like your doctor?”

Hayden lingered near the fireplace and watched the two of them interact. He was so grateful that someone as kind and caring as Jessica could be there to help with Jack. He couldn’t have picked anyone better. As far as he was concerned, Jessica had mastered talking with Jack just enough to keep the visit going without being too chatty. She was there for anything she needed, but she never overstepped. She was perfect.

Except it also meant he was cut off from her. He folded his arms, trying to wait patiently for his chance to talk with her about Jack’s healthcare. He was Jack’s father, and he had every right to be in there unless Jack asked him to leave. Still, he had to wonder if this was as difficult for Jessica as it was for him. Was her wolf bursting at the seams every time she came over? Did she get that rush of adrenaline when she was about to see Hayden? Did she lay awake in bed at night, knowing her mate was just on the other side of town?

By her cool, professional demeanor, he didn’t think so. Those beautiful gray eyes were focused solely on her patient, and she truly listened as Jack talked to her about his pain levels, how annoying his stitches were, or when he might be able to get out of the house more.

Hayden puffed his cheeks and blew out air, knowing that it was exactly that professionalism that was keeping him at arm’s length from the one he was destined to be with. How could fate be cruel enough to tease him like this when his son was so severely injured?

“Are you okay, Dad?” Jack asked.

“Yeah. Why?” He suddenly realized that both Jack and Jessica were watching him.

“If I were pacing like that, you’d tell me I was wearing a track into the carpet,” Jack reminded him.

Shit. So he had been. He’d been so focused on his thoughts that he hadn’t even realized it. “Sorry. Jessica, I just need to talk to you for a minute whenever you’re done. I’ll, um, I’ll be on the back porch.” He slid the door open and stepped out onto the deck.

Hayden crossed to the railing. Their backyard was spacious, full of trees and lush grass. Hayden had created some low-maintenance flower beds along the foundation when he’d bought the place, just enough to give it a homey feeling without having too much to take care of. Hayden leaned on the railing, remembering that when he’d moved there after his divorce from Maura, he’d stood in that very same spot. At the time, he’d thought he’d be alone for the rest of his life. He wanted only to raise his children, and though the idea of a partner had been nice, he hadn’t been concerned about it. Now that Jessica was around, his entire outlook had changed.

He heard the sliding door open and close behind him. Jessica stepped up next to him at the railing. “What did you want to talk about?”

I wanted to tell you how gorgeous you are. I want to know if you feel all the things that I do because I know you must. I want to talk about everything under the sun with you, even though I hardly know you. I want everything to change so that I can do something as simple as sit down for a meal with you.

Hayden cleared his throat, attempting to clear his thoughts at the same time. “Jack’s mother and I are struggling a bit to make sure someone is always here for him. I thought about taking more time off work, but I think Jack is getting a little irritated at having me around so much. I thought I’d check with you to see if you know of any services.”

“Absolutely. I’ve got a list of contacts. Some are through the state, and others are private businesses. I can get that emailed to you.”

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