Page 18 of Single Mom's Firemen

“I am sorry you had to go through that,” Marie says. To my relief, she doesn’t probe for more details. Instead, she focuses her attention back on me with the same warmth in her green eyes. “For what it’s worth, the damage he did will likely subside in the following years, provided you work extensively with Luna and Sammy. I can put you in touch with a friend of mine, an excellent child psychologist who has done wonders with some of the kids I work with.”

“Honestly, all my kids need right now is love and safety. We’re doing fine.”

Marie smiles, and it’s that kind of knowing smile that makes me feel foolish, reminding me that while it’s perfectly normal to be apprehensive of new people coming into my life, she has already proven herself as trustworthy. Besides, her daycare is one of the highest-rated across Dallas, and she is the Danson brothers’ mother. It’s time for me to take that leap of faith and soften up to her, if only slightly.

“I’m sorry. It’s a great idea,” I add. “I’ll take that number and reach out to your friend when I’m ready.”

“Good decision.”

“Also, I’m starting a new job tomorrow, so I have to take you up on your daycare offer.” Hearing that, Marie looks like she’s about to jump out of her seat with pure joy. “Hold on, I forgot one thing. Hey, Sammy, Luna?”

“Yes, Mama?” Luna replies, peeling her gaze away from the coloring book for a moment.

“What do you think about going to Marie’s daycare starting tomorrow?” I ask.

“Are there toys?” Sammy asks, his interest visibly piqued.

“All the toys you could want,” Marie says. “And we have an outdoor playground, too, with swings and seesaws and a giant jungle gym.”

“Monkey bars?” Luna asks, now downright intrigued.

“Absolutely,” Marie confirms.

“Okay,” my daughter agrees with a serious look on her face. “We’ll try it out.”

Marie laughs while I pinch the bridge of my nose.

At least I’ve got another issue crossed off my list. That diner fire wasn’t really the end, come to think about it. If anything, it has only brought me closer to a different and higher sphere. I am meeting new and wonderful people like Chief Holt and Marie Danson, and what I dare hope is going to be a bright and safe future.

But it’s her sons that keep me on my toes.

Eric, in particular.

I can’t get the kiss out of my head. Whenever I let my thoughts drift away, I end up reliving that single precious enticing moment. The taste of him still lingers on the tip of my tongue. I can still smell his cologne. I can feel his skin on mine, a ghostly warmth that refuses to leave me. My senses are overwhelmed with him and I don’t know what to do with myself.

Marie’s hand covers mine, drawing me back into the conversation. “I know it can be daunting, starting over again,” she says. “How long were you working at the diner for?”

“Two months.”

“And now, this. I’m really sorry, Halle.”

“There is a silver lining though,” I reply with a soft smile. “And I am so grateful for everything. I promise that none of you will regret helping me.”

“I’m not doubting that, not even for a second. I may not know you as well as I’d like to, but in my line of work, I can tell a lot about a person based on what their kids are like,” she says, nodding at Luna and Sammy. “And those two are veritable crown jewels. Honestly, if all of my kids were like them, my days would be a whole lot smoother.”

“They’re good kids. I think they came out like that,” I laugh lightly. “I mean, sure, I’ll take some credit, but they are wired as kind souls, I don’t know how to explain it.”

“They take after their primary caretaker,” Marie says. “It’s what we do as children. Our parents are the very first people we meet in this world. Our mothers, in particular. Therefore, it’s no surprise that your children have emulated so much of you. You rubbed off on them in the best way possible.”

God, I hope that’s true.

I hope it stays true. Because if there’s one thing that this world doesn’t need more of, it’s the by-product of monsters like Colby Nash and his mother.

5

Chase

Charlie Drucker is a former Navy SEAL friend of ours. We did a couple of tours together, but our last mission left Charlie with a knee injury that forced him to retire and come back to Dallas FD.

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