Page 121 of When We Burn

“What if you and I go home and make them something super delicious for dinner, and then we take it to them at the fire station?”

Birdie’s eyes brighten at the idea. “Okay.”

“Let’s FaceTime your dad right now, to make sure it’s okay with him. What do you think?”

“Yes. Let’s do it.”

I walk to my desk and gesture for Birdie to follow me, and we sit in my chair, my sweet girl in my lap, and FaceTime Bridger.

He answers on the second ring.

“Hey, it’s my girls. Is school finished already?”

“Hi, Daddy,” Birdie says and blows him a kiss.

“Hi, peanut. Did you have a good day?”

“Yeah, we made a turkey out of our hand. It was weird.”

Bridger laughs. “You still do that?”

“We do,” I confirm. “Hey, Birdie and I have a question. Would it be okay if she and I make a ton of food for you and your guys for dinner and bring it by later? Ifsomething comes up and there’s an emergency, just let me know, but otherwise, would that be okay?”

“Are you kidding me?” He looks exhausted as he sighs. “Nothing would be better than seeing you two. We’d love that, and thanks for letting me know. We won’t cook anything.”

“Good. Are there any allergies or anything I need to know about?”

“Nope. We’ll eat anything, and lots of it. There are eight of us here today.”

“Awesome. Birdie and I better get to work, then. I’ll text you when we’re on our way.”

“I love you guys,” Bridger says to both of us. “I can’t wait to see you.”

“We love you, too, Daddy,” Birdie says, and we both blow him another kiss before I end the call and slip my phone into my purse.

“It’s settled, then. Let’s go make some delicious food for everyone, shall we?”

“Yes! Can we make lasagna? With bread and salad and stuff?”

“I think that’s a great idea. Absolutely. Come on, let’s go to the store and then get to work.”

Less than an hour later, we’re standing in the kitchen, assembling a lasagna and getting it ready for the oven.

“It’s going to beso delicious,” Birdie says.

“I think so, too. Now, while this bakes, let’s you and I grab a little lunch. What do you say?”

“Yeah, I’m hungry.”

After I get Birdie set up with some scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit, I make myself a quick sandwich and then get to work on the garlic bread. Of course, then I decide to be extra and make a cake.

Because everyone needs dessert.

Finally, when I have two pans of lasagna, three loaves of garlic bread, a huge green salad, and a chocolate cake wrapped up and secure in my car—after many trips back and forth—I text my man.

Me: Your dinner is ready. Is this still okay?

My Love: We’re all excited. Ready when you are.

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