Page 39 of Burned By Fire

18

SOL

Saturday, June 4th

I’m wearing my yellow high-vis jacket, and I’m positioned at my station for the park run. I’ve had one of the best and worst weeks. The job’s been great and I’ve raised some funds through the local bakery. It feels like I’m being paid to have fun, and it’s rewarding to see the progress people have made, even after a short time. My morning run has become a meeting point for a few local guys.

“Hello, Sol,” Clint says as he hands me a flag.

“Morning.” I fasten my gilet as the cool air sends a shiver down my neck.

“I’ll see you after the race.”

I nod, and he moves on to the next station. My role today is simple. I watch each runner go past and offer my encouragement. It’s easy to cheer everyone on. The horn sounds to start the race.

“You’re doing great.” I clap for each guy that passes. The last one is about a minute behind, and he’s a familiar face. “You’ve got this, Alan,” I shout, making my hands into a tunnel.

“That’s easy for you to say.” He pants, and I can see he’s struggling.

I jog up beside him. “What does finishing this mean to you?”

“I want to make my daughter proud,” he says. I’ve met him a few times this week, and I know his family is important.

“Let’s make this happen, then.”

I keep jogging, and together, we continue towards the end. He has to stop a few times, but I keep his spirits high. “Almost there. I can see the finish line,” I say.

It takes a lot of effort from Alan, but ten minutes after the lead runner finishes, we make it to the end, and everyone cheers. I smile for Alan, but I’m proud of myself. I helped him, and it feels good. We enjoy a group chat after the event, and I set off home feeling pretty damn good.

I make my way out of the park and get back to the car just in time. Light rain scatters over my windshield, and I use my wipers to push it out of the way. A rainbow brightens the sky as I pull into my street. Standing on my front porch is my pot of gold. Ember is looking radiant in her simple tank top and flowery shorts. Her umbrella shades her from the drizzle and my heart beats faster as I get closer.

I’ve missed her so much in the last few days and I’ve hated that she’s been distant. As her face comes into view, I’m overcome with a sense of love. This beautiful woman is the key to my happiness, and I have to convince her to give me a real chance.

I park up and switch off the engine. My heart flutters at the thought of resting my hand on her stomach where our baby is growing.

I don’t rush to her because I don’t want to scare her off with my enthusiasm. Instead, I take my time getting out of the car and slowly walk up the path. The rain coats my skin, but there’s only one thing that affects me, and that’s Ember.

“Hello,” I say, as I stand under her umbrella.

“Hi,” she says shyly.

“I’m glad you came. I’ve been so worried about you.” I cover her hand that’s holding the umbrella with mine.

She smiles faintly. “I’m sorry I’ve been distant. I needed some time to think. It’s good to see you.”

I stare at her lips, desperate to kiss her. “Do you want to come inside?”

She closes her eyes. “I need you to hear me out first.”

My nerves kick in, and for the first time, I’m scared of what she might say. Can this amazing woman truly love me? “Okay.”

She takes a few deep breaths before speaking. “I’m pregnant and you’re the father.”

“Before I get my hopes up, are you keeping it?” It might seem like a harsh question to ask, but I don’t want there to be any misunderstanding between us.

“Of course,” she says. She opens her eyes, and I capture her cheek in my hand, softly caressing it.

“Then I will support you any way I can. I love you, Ember, and our unborn child.”

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