Page 22 of She’s Got that Spark

“I’ve always thought that I’d like some. Or at least one and see how that goes. But if you know you don’t want any at all…” He shrugs. “Maybe I’ll just be the very best crazy uncle to my friends’ kids or something.”

“So you don’t have any dream for your ideal home life? No preconceived notions?”

“Nope. We can do what feels good to us.” His smile lights up my heart. “Breakfast for dinner. Paint the house with polka dots. Sleep in a tent in the yard all summer. I’ve never cared about being normal.”

“A tent in the yard? You were serious about that?”

He looks a bit sheepish. “It’s weird, I know. But yeah. I like to sleep outside in the summer, at least a few nights here and there. It feels healthy to be more immersed in nature. Overnight fresh air, or whatever.”

“It sounds like fun, actually.”

“So let’s do that tonight.”

“I can’t?—”

“Yes. We can.”

Crow jumps up, pulling me with him and walking over to my uncle. “Hey, Boyle. There’s a meteor shower tonight, and I was going to sleep in my backyard tent. Emma has been a bit overworked and stressed lately. I think a night under the stars would be good for her.”

Uncle Boyle hesitates, looking toward the house, then nods. “Go grab your things and get out as fast as you can before Tish asks any questions,” he murmurs. “I’ll deal with her later.”

I can’t believe it. “Thanks!”

Flashing Crow a grin, I run into the house to pack a small bag. Then I quickly change into much cuter underwear. I know for a fact that we’re not going to be concentrating on any ol’ meteor shower tonight.

By the time I get back outside, the hubbub has died down and almost everyone is gone. Crow is talking to two big guys but stops when I approach.

“Emma, this is Liam from West Stoneburg, and Damon from Old Hemlock Valley.” They both shake my hand politely. “They both happened to be close by when the call came in, so they ended up here being bored.”

“You mean checking your work,” Liam chuckles.

Damon nods to me, then Crow. “I see why he wanted to get here so fast. You two are super cute together.”

Crow mock snarls, punching him lightly on the shoulder. “Watch it. Or I’ll make sure your next tattoo hurts like hell.”

“Hey now,” I giggle. “You’re supposed to fight the fires, not each other.”

Liam snaps his fingers. “That’s it! That’s what we’ve been doing wrong all this whole time.”

"Since I arrived first, you two can check the gear and return the truck. Thanks, boys." Crow slips an arm around me and heads for his motorcycle while the other two grumble dramatically.

"I don'twanna."

"But this issooooheavy."

"Everything's all dirty now."

"Ew – it even smells like smoke."

Emma laughs. “Your buddies seem cool, even if they're a little nuts.”

“You have no idea.” He kisses me gently before handing me the helmet. “You’ll be finding out soon enough, though. Mostof the wives and girlfriends come out to the barbecues we have every few months.”

“That’s wholesome as heck.”

“So is my girlfriend.”

I squeeze Crow extra tightly on the slow drive to his house. Where I might be living soon.

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