Page 21 of Blind Date with a #FIREFIGHTER
He wraps his arms around my neck, and I lift him from the truck. I’m a little nervous myself but seeing Thea waiting at the door makes all the difference. This is going to be okay. Parents do it every day.
She smiles. “I know you went through the arrival procedure, but I thought we’d do it again together.”
I greet the security guard, whom I’ve known for years when he was on the Police Department. Checking in using my code and ID, we head to Aaron’s locker and stow his stuff.
Thea takes his hand. “Guess what, you’ll be in my section today and Nicci is here, too! And a whole lot of other kids. You and I will take a break and check in with Dad around lunch.”
Aaron gives me a big hug and heads to the toy trucks where I see his friend. They high-five each other and he drops to his knees. My heart lurches. Is he really growing up that fast? Where’s my little boy?
“It’s going to be okay, Dad. Take a deep breath. The first time, the first day leaving him is the hardest. Twenty-four hours he’ll be home with you.”
Swallowing the knot in my throat, I meet her gaze and nod. “I know he’s in good hands with you. You have my numbers. He knows he can text and if I can, I’ll respond right away. If not, I will as soon as I am able. Did you get Brad’s number? I texted it to you earlier. He’s going to stop by later to meet you so you know who he is. He and his wife Marie are basically my next of kin. If Cersei shows up or causes trouble. Call the cops and Brad, he’ll handle it.”
She smiles and pats my upper arm. “It’s going to be okay, Alex or should I say Spark?”
I move closer so I can whisper for her ears only. “You can call me Spark, half the town does. But in bed, it’s ‘harder Alex’, or ‘more please Alex’.”
I kiss her temple and wave goodbye to my son. Damn straight I just staked my claim.
At the station I handle the shift briefings, then start my own workload and updates to my superiors.
One of my lieutenants knocks on my door and joins me. “What’s up?”
“You know Davis on the police force is my cousin. He mentioned your ex is back in town, so we’d all know and have your back. Then yesterday when you were off, it was mentioned that Tyne is being an ass again talking smack about the department. You, mostly. Last night I saw him buddied up with your ex at the bar. Thought you should know.” He stands. “We’re all keeping our eyes open. Watch your six.”
“Thanks. I appreciate the information and your concern.”
Great. Tyne, who I got fired from the department and my ex who hates me as well, are partnering up. I call Brad. He’ll file to have the restraining order include the daycare.
Texting Thea, I ask her to call me. When my phone rings it’s my son’s number. “Hey, buddy. How’s it going?”
“I painted a picture and the teacher said it’s beautiful. I get to bring it home for the refrigerator. Do we have magots?”
I hear laughter in the background and choke back my own. “I have some magnetic tape we can cut up and make work. I’m excited to see your artwork.”
“Thea helped me. We’re on lunch break so I’m in her office so we could call you. She lets Nicci come call her mom too since we’re both here so long.”
Beautiful inside and out.“Is Thea with you now? Could I talk to her?”
“Hi. He’s doing terrific by the way. He and Nicci are fast becoming friends.”
“I’m glad. Thank you. I haven’t heard him so excited in a while. The day sitters didn’t do a lot of art projects with him. Honestly, I’m not sure I even have stuff at home. I may need your help picking the right stuff out.”
“Don’t worry. He and I will check it out together.”
“I ah, got some concerning information this morning. Apparently, Tyne and my ex are… a thing. They’ve been seen at the bar and Tyne’s talking more trash about the department and me personally with her help. I contacted Brad, he’s already working on it. But I’d like to send you pictures of both so you can show the guard.”
“Please. He keeps copies and talks to his relief staff. That helps us a lot. Send them to my number and I can get them both into our system. We’ll keep him safe, Alex. I promise.”
“I want you safe, too. I don’t know what Cersei’s capable of anymore. Let me know of anything out of the ordinary that goes on, okay?”
“I will. You be safe today.”
“Later.” I disconnect. I’m starting to want things that I put aside. Is it too much? Too soon? Do I even deserve it?
The alarms go off screaming a reminder that my life is dangerous and not easy for others to accept.
One step at a time.
