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“So, baby, tell me. How is your friend? The one who got hurt in the fire?” Mom asks before taking a sip of her tea.

“Pauly, he’s good. He’s getting a little tired of having double leg casts but healing-wise, he’s on track.”

“I’m so glad. I’ve included him in the weekly prayer chain.”

I release a soft chuckle. “That’s great. He’ll appreciate that.”

Gerry sets a bowl of coleslaw before each of us. “On the house because I know you love it.”

“What’s his angle?” Mom grumbles, her eyes in slits as she eyes him walking away.

Jeannette scoops up a large fork full of the creamy slaw. “I’m sure he’s just being nice, Momma.”

Mom tsks, shaking her head. “So are you dating anyone special?”

“Nope. I’m too busy with work.”

“I know you love your job, baby, but you deserve a life, too,” she says.

“I have a life. A good one. I’m completely happy. You don’t have to worry about me.” I narrow my gaze on my sister. “What about you, Jeannette? Dating anyone special?” I tease.

Mom giggles. “You know she’s not.”

“Hey!” Jeannette barks. “That’s rude. I could be.”

“You work, day and night at the store. You’re never going to find a man if you don’t cut back on your hours,” Mom warns.

Jeannette blows out a breath with a roll of her eyes, but she doesn’t say anything else. I have a feeling that has been an unpleasant topic of conversation between the two of them as of late.

We talk about everything under the sun, and I laugh until my face hurts. The conversation never lacks over the next two hours. Mom catches me up on the lives of every neighbor on my old block. While I regale her with details about our most recent calls at the firehouse, leaving out any of the scary or unpleasant parts.

The afternoon is perfect, and just what I needed. Sometimes, when searching for purpose, the best place to start is back with the people who’ve loved you from the beginning.

CHAPTER15

LEXI

Ilook around Deacon’s living room. The last time I saw this place, I was sneaking out of his bathroom after having sex with Boss. Oh, the memories.

“I’m going to head out as soon as Cam gets here to check on Pauly. See if Victoria needs any help getting him here for the barbecue. Cam’s going to be shocked when she sees you.” Deacon smiles. “She has no idea you’re here. And remember, make sure to remind her…”

“That she has something to talk to me about,” I answer for him.

“Exactly.”

“Is she pregnant or something?” I ask again.

I questioned him on the way home from the airport after he picked me up, but I’m not so sure I believe his response.

“No,” he answers. “I promise. So maybe don’t lead with that.”

“Okay, whatever,” I agree.

I walk around his living room, admiring all the framed photos of his family. It’s strange how two people can have seemingly happy childhoods and turn out so vastly different. The framed memories in my parents’ home carry the same feel as these, yet Deacon is so much more adjusted than me. I adore the recent additions of him and Cam. Her happiness shines through in these photos.

The back door opens, and a familiar voice calls out. “Hey, I’m here.” Her face drops when she sees me, confusion setting in. “Lex? What are you doing here?”

“Deacon flew me in early. He thought it would be good if we spent some time together.”

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