Page 11 of Like You Love Me

“Oh, so you know him?”

London nodded. “We’ve catered several events at the firehouse and even invited them to do a fundraiser with us. He’s an all-around good guy.”

“Excellent,” Jace looked pleased. “Well, Charlie says Ryan’s detailed to OFI.”

“What’s that?”

“The office of fire investigations.”

London swiveled around on the seat giving Jace his full attention. “No shit?”

“Charlie said Ryan wasn’t too happy about it, but the state has such a backlog of cases that some of the most decorated firemen are being rotated in. You might want to reach out to him while he’s up there and see if he can review your case.”

“Absolutely.” London grinned. That was the best news he had heard all day.

Chapter 3

Bianca walked into the kitchen to find her family seated at the island having breakfast. The distinct aroma of bacon and brewing coffee wafted over to her nostrils. She loved her husband’s cooking. He had also made scrambled eggs and grits with cheese. She watched the two talking and laughing, and her heart turned over. They were her family. That night could have gone so wrong, and she wouldn’t be here to share it with them.

Don’t go there.

As she stepped into the room, she admired her daughter’s long thick hair that Brenna pulled back in two cornrows. Her hair hung to the middle of her back and was so hard to manage; she was grateful every time her sister-in-law took the worry out of her hands.

“Hi, Mommy,” Sierra sang out before shoveling eggs in her mouth. The seven-year-old’s walnut brown eyes shined like bronze under the lighting.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Bianca walked over, then leaned forward and planted a kiss on her cheek.

London’s dimples winked at her when he smiled. “Your breakfast is in the microwave.”

“Thank you, baby.” She pressed a kiss to his bearded cheek then moved around the island. She could feel his eyes following her every step, and she grimaced when she realized her hands were trembling.

“Are you sure you’re ready to go back to work today?” London asked as if he had noticed. Thank goodness her back was turned.

“Yes, I’m ready.” She had been home two weeks. That was long enough.

She set the timer on the microwave, swung around, and rested her hands at her waist. “How do I look?” She was wearing a designer gray sweater dress that her mother had given her for Christmas with a wide black belt and flat leather knee-high boots. With all the snow outside, she had chosen safety over style.

Smiling, he nodded and said, “You look beautiful as ever.”

Sierra agreed. “Mommy, you look pretty.”

“Thank you.” Bianca expelled a long breath and mumbled under her breath, “I’m only working half the day, but I need to get my life back to normal.” The longer she stayed home, the longer it would take for everyone to be able to move on. And she was more than ready to get past it.

“Mommy, don’t forget I’m staying after school today.”

“Oh yes. My daughter, the actress.”

“Mommy!” Sierra groaned, and Bianca could tell she was embarrassing her.

“Sorry, sweetie. I’m just excited for you.”

“So am I, Honeybee,” London added. “Your mother and I can’t wait to see you on stage.”

“If I get a part.” Sierra was auditioning for The Wizard of Oz.

“You will get a part,” Bianca assured her.

She frowned. “Maddie is trying too and she’s better than me.”

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