Page 11 of The One Who Risked it All

Mom nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you, sweetie. Your father... he’d be proud of how you’re handling this.”

I wanted to believe her, but doubt gnawed at me. Would Dad really be proud? Or would he be disappointed that I’d called Carla, of all people?

As the ambulance pulled away, its sirens piercing the quiet morning, I felt torn in a million directions. Part of me wanted to jump in my car and follow them to the hospital. Another part knew I had to go back to the station with the truck. And atiny, traitorous part of me was actually looking forward to seeing Carla again.

Dad always did say I had my priorities mixed up.

“Is Papa gonna be alright?” Lincoln’s curious voice made me turn.

I knelt down and opened my arms to the boys who’d stood silently by and watched us load their grandfather into the ambulance.

“The doctors are going to take a look at him and help him get better, okay?”

Three sets of trusting eyes looked back at me. Then three small nods of cautious acceptance.

“Why did Mimi leave? Is she sick too?”

I shook my head. “Mimi is just going to make sure Papa isn’t scared. You guys are already so brave, she thought you’d be okay with it if she went with Papa instead. Is that alright with you? Are you my super brave boys?”

More emphatic nods this time.

“Since Mimi went with grandpa, you guys get to ride in the truck with me, okay? And then, Miss Carla is coming to hang out for a bit.”

Smiles met the announcement, the first I’d seen from them since I arrived.

I strapped them in the best I could and climbed into the fire truck, my mind racing.Please, God, I prayed silently,let Dad be okay. And maybe, while you’re at it, don’t let this whole Carla situation blow up in my face.

Alex caught my eye in the rearview mirror. “I’m hungry. Can we get donuts?”

I chuckled. “Yeah, little man. We can definitely get donuts.”

CHAPTER 5

Carla

My heart hammered in my chest, a staccato rhythm that matched the urgency of the situation. I’d never packed up and left the gym so quickly. I was still in my tank top and leggings. But the boys needed me, and I’d do anything for them. I loved them like they were my own family. I could be willing and still a little apprehensive, right? I’d babysat the boys before, but never in an emergency. I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white as I stared at the familiar brick facade of the fire station.

But the fact that Eli had called me for help? That made my heart a little shaky, too.

I muttered to myself as I stepped out of my car. “It’s just Eli and the boys. No big deal.”

Right. No big deal. Just the man who made my heart swoop in my stomach, like the drop of a roller coaster, every time I saw him, and three rambunctious kids I’d be responsible for. Piece of cake.

As I pushed open the heavy glass door, I was immediately welcomed into a homey scene. A handful of firefighters dotted the space. I recognized Kyle Parker and TJ Wolff, along with Jake and Matteo. The air was thick with the scent of diesel fueland garlic, a combination that should have been unpleasant but instead felt oddly comforting.

My eyes scanned the room. I’d never been in the fire station before, but I was surprised to see it was set up sort of like a living room. I spotted a kitchen off to the left in the back, and several couches surrounded a large television.

My gaze immediately landed on Eli and the boys on the couch, Eli’s dark hair and muscular frame unmistakable. He was in his uniform, the navy fabric stretched taut across his broad shoulders. My traitorous heart skipped a beat.

Another firefighter I didn’t recognize was sitting down next to the boys, who were giggling as they focused on the video game on the big screen. The sight made me smile despite my nerves.

As if sensing my presence, Eli looked up. Our eyes met across the room, and I felt that familiar jolt of electricity. His expression was a mix of relief and conflict, mirroring the turmoil I felt inside.

He started walking toward me, and I prepared myself for our interaction. How was I supposed to act around him? Professional? Friendly? Distant?

I watched Eli’s broad shoulders tense as he approached, his firefighter uniform accentuating every muscle. My heart did that infuriating flip it always did around him, but I pushed the feeling aside. This wasn’t about us.

“Hey,” Eli said as he reached me, his voice low and gravelly. “Thanks for coming, Carla.”

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