Page 21 of Single Mom's Firemen

“We can’t peel him off the swing,” Marie chimes in with a light laugh.

“Love it!” Sammy exclaims. “Mama, can we get the swing at home?”

We don’t exactly have a home yet but I can’t tell my son that. He doesn’t understand our situation fully, so all I can do is offer the next best thing. “You already have a swing at daycare, honey. We can do other fun stuff at home. I got you a new book, by the way.”

“Randy the Rhino?” his eyes light up.

“Yes! You asked, I delivered.”

His little fists come together in absolute victory while Luna gives him an amused glance. “Mama, can we have pizza for dinner?”

“I’ll grab one on the way home. Alright, I have to get back to work,” I say, hearing the fire trucks pulling into the main hall. “You two be good and listen to Marie, okay?”

“Okay, Mama!” they both reply in singing unison.

“I love you guys. Thank you, Marie!”

“Don’t worry about it, honey. I’ll have Wyatt pick them up for you later, alright?”

I nod once. “Yeah, that’s helpful. Gives me enough time to stop and grab that pizza.”

The Danson brothers’ shift ends at four today. I get out at five. It’s not usually a problem since Marie often brings the kids back to the house for me, but I do like picking them up myself sometimes.

Holding a loaded document box in my hands, I make my way down the hall and pass by the lounge area just in time to see Wyatt, Eric, Chase and their colleagues climb out of their trucks and take their heavy jackets and helmets off. I notice smudged blood on Eric and Chase’s uniforms, feeling my brows furrow with concern. The looks on their faces aren’t happy. It must’ve been a bad call.

I briefly wonder how they might comfort themselves in the face of a tragic loss.

They see me just as I reach the records room. Eric’s icy blue eyes light up and he gives me a soft nod. I respond with a vague smile, stealing a quick glance at Chase and Eric before I go in to do my filing.

Inside it’s semi-dark, quiet, and dusty. One deep breath is enough to push me into a sneezing frenzy.

“Are you okay?” Eric’s voice startles me.

I whirl around to find him in the doorway. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t hear you come in.”

“It’s not like you could’ve heard me over that sneezing fit. Are you okay?” he asks again, and I can only laugh in response.

“It’s the dust. Nothing serious. I’ll get used to it.” I pause and take a moment to just look at him. He looks so hot in those firefighter pants and that tight black tee, the suspenders stretching over his bulky, ironclad shoulders. He’s got some soot on his face and hands, and I see specks of ashes in his hair. “How is your day so far?” I decide to probe him.

“Not as good as I’d like,” Eric replies with a heavy sigh. I see a brief flicker of pain in his gaze. “I keep forgetting that we can’t save everybody.”

“I’m so sorry,” I mumble. “I can only imagine what that feels like.”

I can almost feel the heartache echoing in my chest. He smiles softly and comes closer. Suddenly, my heart decides it’s the perfect time for a gallop. Easy, girl, you’ll pass out.

“How’s your day, Halle?” Eric changes the subject along with the tone of his voice. “How are you settling in so far?”

“I like it. Chief Holt is pretty particular about a few things, but I’ve had plenty of training with Suzy, and I’m confident I can handle whatever he throws my way.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear that. This is a good place, you know? We’re like a family here. We look out for one another. I think you’ll appreciate that in the long run.”

“I already do, to be honest. I’m certainly enjoying these dinners y’all put together at the end of a shift,” I say. “And Chief Holt is an excellent cook.”

Eric stifles a hard laugh. “It’s mostly Mrs. Holt who does the cooking. I’d be surprised if the Chief knew how to boil an egg.” He takes another step toward me and my brain stops functioning altogether. “I think you’re gonna love it here, Halle. It feels like the right place for you. We’re all about fresh starts in this firehouse.”

“Oh, really?” I mumble, holding back a smile. I can’t move. I can smell the smoke mixing with his heady cologne. This man’s body is telling me one hell of a story and I’m not even touching him. Yet. All he needs is another step.

“My brothers and I came here looking for a fresh start after the Navy. Holt welcomed us with arms wide open. So did the crew. And now, you. Though I would like to know more about you, Halle.”

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