Page 93 of That One Heartbreak

Yeah, he was happy. Though again, that word didn’t seem strong enough. He wished he was as well read as Kate. She’d know the right words to use. Ecstatic, maybe. Blissful.

He was in love with her and she cared for him and he’d take that.

“I’m happy.”

“Good. Now go put those flowers in some water before they shrivel up.” Pres grinned.

It was impossible not to smile back. Because the sun was shining, the flowers smelled sweet, and the woman he was stupidly in love with had sent them to him.

Yeah, he was happy. And tomorrow, when they got to spend the night together, they’d be even happier.

Because just like his woman, life was sweet.

“Why can’t Marley babysit us?” Ethan said, frowning as James carried his suitcase downstairs.

“Because you’re stuck with me,” Shana said dryly, ruffling Ethan’s hair. She didn’t look at all upset that she was second choice in Ethan’s mind, which Kate was thankful for. She already felt jittery leaving her younger son and Addy with Shana overnight.

“And you’re going to be good for Aunt Shana, right?” Kate said, lifting an eyebrow at Ethan.

“Yes…” It was drawn out, like he was trying to decide whether to tell the truth or a lie.

“It’s fine. I’ve got this.” Shana winked at her. “I brought my rope with me. If he doesn’t behave I’m gonna tie him to his bed.”

“You can’t do that.” Ethan frowned. “It’s against the law.”

“Watch me, kiddo.”

“I’m gonna carry this outside,” James said, lifting his luggage. Then he glanced at Kate’s overnight bag. “Want me to take that, too?”

“Yes, please.”

She hugged Ethan tight. “I meant what I said about being good,” she whispered in his ear. Then she called for Addy, who ran out of the living room. A high voice was blasting out from the television – one of the many cartoons she was addicted to.

“Bye, sweetie. Have a good night. And do what Aunt Shana tells you.”

“I will.” Addy looked over at James. “Are you going to die when you’re at fire camp?” Her voice was light, like she was asking him if the sun was going to shine while he was away.

For a second, none of them said anything.

“Ah, no, wasn’t planning on it,” James said, his brow dipping.

“Isn’t that what firefighters do?” Addy asked. “They die, right?”

“Hoo boy,” Shana murmured. “This one’s yours, Kate.”

Yeah it was. And she had about a minute before Marley was supposed to pick them up. “Not all firefighters die, honey,” she said to Addy. From the corner of her eye she could see James carrying their bags out of the door.

She couldn’t blame him. Who wanted to hear this discussion?

“But Daddy did.”

“Yes.” Kate hunkered down to look her right in the eye. “But he didn’t die because he was a firefighter. He died because he had a brain injury, remember?”

“An aunty,” Addy said, nodding.

“Aneurism,” Kate said softly.

“Does James have an aneurism?” Addy asked. She was playing with Kate’s hair now.

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