Page 92 of Set Me On Fire

“There are no guarantees.” Knox looked bone tired, and I felt the same then. Today had been shit from the start, but it didn’t have to finish that way. “In our line of work, we see that all the time. People build homes, build lives, only for it all to go up in flames.” If he thought he was reassuring Angus, he was failing, but Knox forged on. “The only thing you can do is try.”

“They’ve got you there, Dad,” Brock said.

Angus didn’t look like he was about to concede defeat, but Hayden plucked his father’s beer bottle from his grip and then passed him a fresh one.

“We were all worried Millie would be on her own in this.” Hayden continued, “Instead, she’s got three blokes willing to step up.”

“If one dad is a good thing,” Hunter smiled slowly. “Then, surely three is better?”

“And when the little tacker is in school and other kids find out who their ‘dads’ are?” Angus spluttered. “What then?”

“Three big firefighters to call dad?” Hunter snickered. “Our niece or nephew would be the coolest kid in school.”

“There are worse things than having three fathers.” The harsh note of vulnerability in Knox’s voice had everyone goingquiet. “No father, for one, or a dad that hurts their kids.” A low growl went around the group and I blinked, realising it started with me. “Neglects them and their mother. Is only around for the fun stuff and leaves his missus drowning in domestic duties.”

“No man is doing that to my daughter,” Angus snapped.

“No.” I nodded in agreement, feeling bolder by the second. Maybe I wasn’t being deferential enough, respectful enough, but he had to see. “No, none of us would do that to Millie. I’m a bloody good cook.”

“Well, at least the kid won’t get food poisoning,” Brock muttered, “because Millie sucks at cooking.”

“I know the right end of a mop and broom.” Charlie looked at Knox. “I’ve been put on clean up duty more times than I can remember.”

“And I’ve got a four bedroom house.” Charlie and I blinked as Knox spoke. “I’ve cleared out a room for the nursery.” He shook his head, his cheeks flushing red as he made this admission, but he pushed on. “Already started doing some prep on it.” Knox was always in control, so it was shocking to see him stare at the ground as he spoke. “It’s the only way I’ve been able to cope. Y’see, my dad was everything you wouldn’t want as a father to your grandchild, but not me.”

He met Angus’ eyes head on right then, ready to stare the other man down.

“Not us. We’ll provide your daughter with everything she needs. She can leave that damn job and move into the spare room tonight if she wants. I’ll make sure she has the best antenatal care, gets in to see a good obstetrician, whatever it takes to make this pregnancy as easy for her as possible.”

“We will.” Everyone looked Charlie’s way right then and he smiled. “I dunno if Knoxy wants me moving in with him.” He copped an elbow to the ribs when he went to ruffle the otherman’s hair. “But we’re all one hundred percent on board. I know it’s hard, but you’re going to have to trust us on that.”

Angus sucked in a breath, but Brock cut him off.

“C’mon, Dad, you’re gonna have to give them that.” He stared back at his father when he gave him a mulish look. “I know you want a notarised contract outlining exactly how they’ll look after Millie, but you’re just gonna have to take them at their word for now, just like Jamie’s dad did us.”

Angus seemed to deflate then.

“Alright.” He nodded to himself, then thrust his hand out. “Welcome to the family.” I took his hand and shook it, and so did the others. “We do dinners on Thursday night, each week.” He put special emphasis on the last bit. “You want to be a part of this process, you turn up for my daughter.”

It took me until now to realise what happened back in high school. I admit I’d bloody hated Hunter and Hayden for some time, but now it made sense. Millie was loved and her family would do anything to ensure she was protected, including stepping in between me and her.

“Done,” I replied, knowing I spoke for all of us. “Now, I need to have a quick chat with the twins.”

Brock looked at me, then his brothers, and snorted.

“Don’t mess their faces up too much. My girlfriend likes them looking pretty.”

“And he walks off.” Hunter shook his head. “Thanks for having my back, Bro. Dad as well?”

“You got yourselves into this mess,” Angus said. “You can get yourselves out of it. Just no fighting in the garden. Your mother doesn’t like it.”

“You got this?” Charlie came to stand beside me. “I’m pretty sure you can take them on your own, but I’ve got your back.”

“We are literally about to become your brothers-in-law,” Hunter spluttered. “And we could totally take you, right, Haybale?”

“No.” Hayden looked me up and down. “I mean maybe, if we were prepared to fight dirty enough, but?—”

“You won’t.” I crossed my arms, loving that I was looking down at them now, as everyone else cleared off. “You’d do just about anything to avoid hurting your sister.”

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