Page 25 of Return By Fire

“That’s sweet.”

“I was wrong. You’re worse. You. Went. Swimming?”

“Sure did.”

“Jed, it’s early February,” I remind him in case his trauma with the snake caused him to forget. “You could become hypothermic.”

Jed roars with laughter. “Dean, this is like bathwater where I’m from.”

“Well, crap,” I capitulate helplessly. Curious, I ask, “What’s Juneau like right now?”

“Get water on your balls and they’ll shatter cold,” he replies without missing a beat.

I grin. “And you live there by choice?”

There’s quiet on the other end of the line while Jed gathers his thoughts. “Close your eyes.”

Despite him having no way of knowing if I’m telling the truth, I do. “Okay.”

“Now, picture the most soul-stirring moment in your life—doesn’t matter what it is.”

The image of Kevin being placed in my arms mere seconds after he was born pops into my mind. “Got it.”

“That’s what living in Alaska is like. It causes your jaw to slack while simultaneously kicking you in the ass. Awe and beauty.”

I swallow with some difficulty at the emotions his words evoke. When I say as much to him, he chortles. “Not normally the kind of compliment I receive. I’m typically being razzed about my choice in swimming attire.”

“Bare ass?” I ask intrigued.

“Flamingoes.”

“Do tell.” I bend my leg and cross the ankle over the opposite knee.

He blurts out, “I bought them in bulk.”

“You did what?” I exclaim.

“I was on a website and thought they were funny as crap. I just wanted to order one pair, but then a crate arrived at my parents’ house. My father had to use his plow to drag it into the garage.”

I’m choking on my laughter at this point. “Come on.”

“Scout’s honor—and trust me, I was a Scout. Wasn’t much else to do up there.”

“Is that why you have a thing for guys in uniform?” I toss the question out like a shot in the dark.

“Must be. Anyway, turns out I didn’t order one suit, I ordered one unit of them.”

I frown in confusion. “What’s the difference?”

“That’s what I asked. So my father demands to see the website I ordered from.”

“Why do I sense an ‘uh-oh’ coming?”

“Precognitive powers? Dad showed me the site I ordered from was a Chinese wholesaler. One unit was the equivalent of 200 suits.”

I’m laughing so hard, I can’t breathe. “No way.”

“Complete truth.”

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