Page 10 of Every Beat of My Heart

I enjoyed teaching kids to dream and hope for something bigger and better. I never got that encouragement to follow my passions. Instead, there was so much pressure from my brothers and my dad to do something worthwhile, whatever that meant to them. To go to college and get an education I could use. I was hesitant because I couldn’t settle on any one thing.

I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but I enjoyed helping others find their way. It was the day-to-day interaction with other people that I thrived on, whether it was teaching about fire prevention or helping a kid with a math problem.

When I went home after teaching, I saw my sister Daphne’s husband Cole’s truck in front of the main house. I hadn’t heard that anyone was getting together today, but I wanted to see my niece, so I parked beside it.

Inside, I could hear Izzy squealing. I smiled as I opened the door. “Where’s my favorite niece?”

Izzy squealed even louder and ran in my direction. I stooped to catch her and lift her in the air. I threw her over my shoulder in a fireman’s hold while she wiggled and laughed. “Uncle Jamey, put me down.”

She was the only one I let call me that anymore. “Only if you ask nicely.”

“Please, put me down, Uncle Jamey,” she said sweetly.

“Fine,” I said as I lowered her to her feet.

“You’re so good with her,” Daphne said to me as Izzy ran into the kitchen, probably to look for snacks.

“She’s one of my favorite people.” We didn’t get to see my other niece Faith very often. Her mother kept them in Virginia close to her family. That also meant we didn’t see my brother Ryder.

“We’re going out for dinner. Dad’s going to watch Izzy. Are you planning on sticking around?”

“Of course. I’ve been waiting for someone to play dolls with,” I said as we walked into the kitchen, and I nodded at Cole.

“You don’t like playing with dolls,” Izzy said.

I placed my palm on my chest in mock indignation. “What are you talking about? I love playing dolls with you.”

Izzy just gave me a look.

Cole shook his head in amusement. “She’s not going to fall for your charm.”

“All the ladies fall for my charm,” I said knowing my role in the family. I was the easy-going one, the one who was quick with a joke. I didn’t take anything too seriously.

“Have you been working a lot this week? We haven’t seen you around,” Daphne said.

I went to the fridge to grab a water. “I’ve been subbing every day I’m not at the firehouse.”

“You’re going to wear yourself out,” Daphne said.

“That’s not possible. I’m like the Energizer Bunny. I just keep going.” I ruffled Izzy’s hair while she was bent over her coloring book. “You mind if I color with you?”

Izzy handed me a red crayon.

“My favorite color,” I said as I sat next to her.

“You’re one big kid,” Dad said, and I tried not to let that sting. I’d never be like my brothers. They’d always known they’d wanted to go into law enforcement, and I’d long ago stopped trying to make Dad see me any other way.

Ever since Mom died, the family needed someone who could see the lighter side of things. I was that person for them. Everyone loved me. Whether they agreed with my career choices was another matter.

“We’re going to head out. Thanks for watching Izzy for us,” Daphne kissed Dad’s cheek, then hugged Izzy.

Dad waved her off. “Anytime. I love spending time with Izzy.”

I waved a hand in their direction. “Get out of here so we can play.”

Izzy giggled. “Uncle Jamey, you’re being silly.”

I chucked her on the chin. “I’m always silly, and you love it.”

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