Page 19 of Cabin Fever With My First Flame

I glance at the floor and make designs on the carpet with my toe. “Then what is it you need to say that couldn’t be said in front of the children?”

Finn sits down beside me and clasps his hands together between his knees. “My job is dangerous, and every time I go out on a call, there’s a very real possibility that I might not return. It’s the main reason I packed up and moved the boys here. If anything were to happen to me, their grandparents would be able to take care of them.”

“That makes sense,” I say. “Isaac said you moved them here because you needed help.”

He bobs his head up and down. “I do, and having my parents close by is a win-win for everyone. The boys get to spend time with their grandparents after school and have a place to stay during my 24-hour shifts. Micah knows the real reason behind our move, but Isaac and Jonah don’t.”

“Where are you going with this, Finn?”

He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. “Here’s the thing, Bailey. The twins know my job is dangerous, but that isn’t what is at the forefront of their minds when I go to work. They wouldn’t have thought twice about me shoveling snow in a storm, but because you were worried in front of them, they became worried.”

“I’m sorry, Finn. That wasn’t my intention, and I completely understand where you’re coming from. When we were caught in the snowstorm, I did my best to hide my panic so that the girlswouldn’t become scared. I should have been more considerate of you and the boys.”

Finn reaches over and grabs my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “It’s okay, Bailey. Those boys have suffered losses like you wouldn’t believe, but they’re strong, resilient, and have the most positive outlook on life. I just want to keep that intact as long as possible.”

Chapter twelve

Finn

I walk with Baileydown the hall, and my mouth drops when I see a clean kitchen and six kids munching away on their sandwiches. I turn toward Bailey, “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”

“Heaven forbid the children are eating without us!” Bailey retorts sarcastically, not comprehending the reason behind my shock or awe. Ella slides over two plates, each containinga sandwich, chips, and a pickle. One plate has a “Bailey-sized” ham sandwich, while the other has a “Finn-sized” turkey sandwich fully loaded with extra meat, cheese, and a third slice of bread.

“It’s not that. It’s that my kitchen is immaculate! Typically, when the boys are through with anything food-related, it looks like a bomb has gone off in here.”

Ella smirks. “Mom taught us to clean as we go. We even used paper plates, so no one has to run a load of dishes.”

I narrow my eyes at the three boys staring back at me with pleased expressions. “I’ve been trying to teach you to do that for months.”

“This time, we were motivated,” Micah says. So, this is part of their plan to get Bailey on board with giving me a second chance. If she loves them, then she might love me, too. It’s false advertising if you ask me, but it just might work. Micah winks for good measure.

“Oh, do you have something stuck in your eye, Micah?” Bailey asks with a motherly concern. I can’t hold in my laugh while Micah blushes and focuses on the meal in front of him. I really do have to work with him on his winking technique.

“He’s fine,” I tell her. Bailey and I thank them for preparing our late lunch and join them at the counter. Bailey picks up the pickle and examines it. “Is there something wrong?” I ask her.

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. The only jar of pickles I saw in the refrigerator ended up shattered on the floor.” She bounces the pickle spear at each of the kids in turn. “Are you guys playing a joke on me? Did this come from the trash?”

Ava giggles but shakes her head. “No, Mom. There was another jar in their pantry. The pickles from this morning were on the floor for way more than five seconds.”

Mia scrunches her nose in disgust. “The five-second rule is just a myth, Ava. Depending on the type of food, the type of flooring,and the type of bacteria, food can be contaminated instantly. That’s why Mom won’t let us eat anything that touches the floor. The risk isn’t worth the reward.”

“It is if I drop my gummy bears,” Ava argues back.

The rest of our late lunch is spent talking about our favorite foods, colors, and activities. Bailey listens intently as the boys share since she already knows what her daughters prefer, and I do the same for the girls. “Bailey, if you were stuck on an island and could only have one thing to eat, what would it be?” Isaac asks.

“Mexican food,” we say at the same time. I chuckle because Bailey will never pass up the opportunity to eat tacos. Then Bailey glances in my direction and adds, “But sushi comes in a close second. If I was stuck on an island, then I might have to become like Tom Hanks inCastaway, spearing fish and eating it raw!”

“Eww! You eat raw fish?” Jonah comments, then makes a gagging motion.

“Not all sushi contains raw fish. But yes, Jonah, I eat it. It’s quite delicious when prepared correctly. Have you ever tried it?” Bailey asks him.

Jonah shakes his head adamantly. “No, because it’s gross!”

“How do you know if you’ve never tasted it? You should always try something first before you say you don’t like it. It’s okay if you don’t, but shouldn’t that opinion be backed by experience?” Bailey asks him.

Jonah thinks about it for a moment, then nods. “I guess you’re right. My mom used to say the same thing about people. She said that we shouldn’t dislike someone because wethinkthey’re not nice or because of someone else’s opinion. We should get to know them first and then decide for ourselves.”

“Your mom was very wise,” Bailey agrees.

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