Page 11 of Single Mom's Firemen

Earthy and creamy neutral tones dominate the living spaces while the kitchen features a bold, dark red backsplash against white marble countertops and a black acrylic floor. “Wyatt poured that floor in himself, ” Marie says as she gives us a quick tour of the house.

“Sammy, don’t run,” I call out but it’s too late.

He’s already far ahead of us with Luna by his side, both of them giggling while bolting left and right, checking every room in the process. Eric laughs as he shows me to my room first.

“There are five bedrooms in total,” he says. “We’ve got the three on the left side, and you and the kids get these two. Ours have ensuite bathrooms, but you can share the fourth with Luna and Sammy. Hope that’s not a problem.”

“Are you kidding? It’s sheer luxury,” I reply, in genuine awe of what I’m seeing.

My room is decorated in a neutral shade of grey. Nothing overbearing but soft and pleasing to the eye.

Sammy and Luna’s room is beige, with two twin beds sporting cream-colored bed covers and simple, linen curtains. The furniture is oak, simple but elegant. I notice the carpet right away, thick and plush enough so the kids can play on it without any concerns of them getting hurt.

“It’s going to be okay,” Eric says at one point.

I’ve been staring out the window for the better part of a minute, admiring the back garden with its neatly trimmed shrubs and flower bushes, stone-paved terrace and bistro-style seating with a hot tub and rattan lounge chairs.

“I hope so,” I reply with a heavy sigh. “It’s the quiet after the storm.”

“Don’t you mean before the storm?”

I shake my head slowly. “Well, there’s the quiet before the storm, when you know something terrible is going to happen. But then there’s the quiet after the storm, when the worst has passed, and you’re able to breathe again, wondering what you’re going to do next. The quiet of one’s thoughts, I guess. The aftermath.”

“Halle, we don’t know each other outside of the diner,” Eric begins, standing an inch too close. His cologne fills my lungs with a delightful fragrance of lemon blossoms and sea salt. I could breathe all of him in. “But from what I’ve seen so far, I can tell you one thing with certainty. You’ve got a strong spirit. You’re gonna pull through all of this. By this time next year, you’re gonna look back and laugh about it.”

“You’re giving me way too much credit,” I reply with a half-smile.

“No, I’m not. I can see it in Luna and Sammy. They’re strong and resilient kids. They had to get that from someone.”

I give him a long, curious look. “I’ve had my ups and downs, Eric. And right now, I’d say I’m at rock bottom.”

“But you’re still smiling and making the right decision for your children,” he says. “It speaks volumes.”

I’m about to thank him for the umpteenth time when Marie joins us in my room. “The kids are getting settled in their space, exploring every shelf and drawer,” she laughs.

I take a moment to really look at this woman. She’s petite and plump, with strawberry blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail and a penchant for flared jeans and hippie-style shirts. Everything about Marie screams, “the world’s greatest grandma.” The kind of matriarch who is soft but stern when she needs to be. I can tell she’s the type of woman who will make sure you keep your nose clean but won’t tell you about the crazy stuff she used to do when she was your age. I like her. She seems genuine and kind.

“Good. They’ll be sleeping like logs later tonight,” I chuckle.

“Did Eric tell you about the daycare?” she asks.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“The offer stands,” Marie says, and Eric nods in agreement.

“You should consider it, Halle.”

“I will, thank you.”

Marie gives me a warm smile. “I know you’re a tad apprehensive. We don’t know each other and I get it. But here’s my card,” she says and hands me a business card. “The daycare’s website has more details. Have a look, think about it, and when you’re ready, just let me know. I’ll make sure the kids have their slots allocated. Free of charge, mind you.”

“Oh, Marie, free of charge? That’s too much,” I protest albeit meekly again.

She shakes her head and laughs lightly. “Halle, once you can afford to pay for their daycare, I’ll gladly direct you to our payment portal. Until then, don’t worry about it.”

“I’ve never seen so much kindness in the span of… what, twenty-four hours?” I mumble, giving Eric a wondering look. “You people are amazing.”

“Like Mom said, we’re human beings. We help each other out,” he replies with a casual shrug. All I can do is smile, humbled by their good hearts.

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