Page 64 of Embers in Our Past

“I mean, yeah, for a minute there, sure,” he says without hesitation. “It came out of nowhere and surprised me. I mean, I didn’t plan to catch feelings. But I have my friendship to think about. I mean, he’s like a brother to me. I love him like family. And now, none of that matters. She’s with someone else.

“My mom is sick, and I have her to think about. That’s why I transferred back into the city because I needed to be closer to her.” The more he talks, the more I’m starting to like the guy. I guess he’s not as big an asshole as I thought. Damn it.

“Like I said, give it time. And you’ve got the rest of us,” I say, smacking him on the back and pushing him to walk inside. If he needs a friend, I can welcome him in. Plus, he’s been there for Abby when she’s needed someone. I know she’s going to have him by her side, so he’s someone I’m going to have to get used to having around. May as well start now.

I am in no way insecure about my size, but Malloy is much taller than me and built. I still reach my arm around his shoulders the best I can to make sure he knows I want him to hear what I have to say.

“Let’s get one thing straight though.” I stop us before we get inside the firehouse. “You lay one hand on my wife in a romantic way,” I look him straight in the eyes, “I’ll fucking kill you.” I smile, letting both my dimples pop out.

“That’s fucking disgusting. I don’t see Abby like that, man. Plus, she’s having your baby.” He shivers like the thought makes him cringe.

“Perfect. Welcome to Station 10!” I slap his shoulder, about to start walking again.

Malloy stops and speaks so only I can hear him, “But just a friendly reminder, she’s not your wife anymore.”

“Motherfucker! Just when I thought we were going to be friends.” Malloy laughs as I flip him off.

The rest of the shift is uneventful, and thank fuck. I got a few texts from Abby with selfies, mostly at my request. She was rolling her eyes in most of them while Kennedy was giving me the finger. I hope I can do the same pose in her wedding photos as payback.

River and I go back to Abby’s apartment in the morning. He’s just as anxious to see his girlfriend as I am to see Abby. He hurries ahead of me, and you’d think Kennedy is the one carrying his child.

“River, stop acting like a sad puppy,” I say as he walks through the front door using my spare key. The moment he gets inside, he’s calling for his girls.

“Kennedy, Lola, Daddy’s home,” he yells.

“Gross,” Kennedy and I say at the same time.

“Oh, come on, you both love me,” River says.

“Debatable,” I respond, while Kennedy walks out with her stupid contraption to curl her hair.

I will be the first to admit Kennedy is gorgeous. Even with the heatless curler attached to her head, and even without makeup, she turns heads. Kennedy already has a fresh cup of coffee, makeup done and her work clothes on, but has saved the hair for last. I bet she left it on just to give something for River to comment on.

“Skipper, did you save this lovely thing just for me?” he asks as he buries his face in her neck.

“Yes, it’s always about you, Riv,” she answers and laughs as he mumbles something into her neck.

“I assume Abby’s up?” I ask, jutting my chin as I walk down the hall.

“Yeah, she’s working on her computer in bed,” she responds, a Cheshire cat smile donning her features as I pass her. What the fuck is that about?

I give Kennedy a look but let it go as I pass her.

It all makes sense when I knock on the bedroom door and walk in once I hear a faint “Come in” from Abby’s response.

Sitting on the bed is Abby, with her laptop sitting in front of her. That’s not what’s concerning. It’s the contraption onherhead. In addition, she’s got these gold things under her eyes. Lola perks up for a second, then lies back down because the early morning just isn’t for her, apparently.

“What the actual fuck did you do, Kennedy?” I yell down the hall.

River and Kennedy come running in, and my twin starts laughing.

“Skipper, I told you to keep her company, not convert her.” River laughs.

“What? Kennedy said it’s better for my hair, plus I could do it while I’m in labor, and it will keep my hair out of the way. Then, right before the baby comes, I just pull the rod out, and I’ll have perfect curls. It’s a win-win,” she says, sipping her tea while I’m holding back a laugh.

“So you plan to go into labor and put this in your hair before heading into the hospital?” I round the bed to kiss to top of her head, around the rod. It’s hard to keep a straight face.

“Yes, Clay, I do,” she says, determination in her voice.

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