Page 12 of A Very Grumpy Firefighter

I want to ask her more about her mom, but I can see that now is not the right time for that, so I file it away for later.

Lilou is swiping at the tears still spilling onto her cheeks, and I rub her back soothingly.

“Do you want to talk about him?” I ask her after a moment, and she takes a shuddering breath.

“He’s the only family I’ve ever really had. My mom and I, we’ve never been close. She was always more preoccupied with her latest boyfriend than with raising me. I think that my grandpa always tried to make up for that. I’d spend my summers with him in Southern California, and he always had some grand adventure planned for us.”

“He sounds like an amazing man.”

“He is,” she swallows, and more tears spill onto her cheeks.

“I’m so sorry, Lilou.”

She nods and buries her face in my chest as she starts to sob again. I hold her, rubbing her back and holding her close.

I feel way out of my depth here. I’ve never been great with words or people, and certainly not with comforting people. With Lilou, I want to be, though. I want her to come to me for everything that she needs.

I’m not sure how long we sit together like that before Lilou’s breathing evens out and I realize that she’s cried herself to sleep. We’re close to her apartment, and I shift into drive, holding her close as we drive the last half mile and park outside of her building.

Lilou is still fast asleep, so I grab her purse and things. Then I lift her into my arms and climb out of my truck. Her place is right above the hardware store, and I make the climb, juggling her in my arms slightly so that I can fit the key into the lock. I kick the door open and carry my girl back to her bedroom. The bed is small, full-size, I’m guessing. I set her down in the middle.

By the time I’ve gone back to close the door and lock up the apartment, I’m exhausted. It’s been a long day, and I want nothing more than to cuddle in bed with my girl. I pause at the entrance of her bedroom.

Would she want me to sleep with her? She wanted to take things slow…

I sigh and turn back to the couch. With a groan, I make my way over to the loveseat and do my best to fit my large frame on the small cushions.

I look around her place, taking in all of the plants and little mementos in the living room and kitchen. Her place is clean and feels warm and cozy. Plants line the windowsill, with more on the kitchen counter and bookcase.

I shift on the couch, trying to get comfortable, but that seems impossible. I’m just too big for her little couch.

I sigh as I shift once again. It’s going to be a long night, but it will be worth it. Lilou is about to be my wife, and I’m not going to do anything to mess that up.

Lilou is fast asleep, so I grab my phone and dial Luca’s number.

“I’m going to get married,” I tell my brother as soon as he answers my call.

“Congratulations?”

“Thanks.”

“I’m assuming it’s to Lilou?”

“Yeah.”

“How did you break the news that it was you who bought her?” He asks.

“I didn’t. It was emailed to her.”

“How did she take the news?”

“She seems okay with it.”

“How romantic,” he deadpans.

“It’s not like that. I’m not really going to marry her. Not right now, anyway. She’s going through a lot, and when we do get married, I want it to be the happiest moment of her life. Not one overshadowed by sadness.”

“So, what’s the plan then?”

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