Page 29 of Blind Date with a #FIREFIGHTER
“Why are you here? I couldn’t have…. wouldn’t have.”
“No, it’s not that. We’re here because you had a son with her. The department wanted you to have a heads up because of your son. Names are probably hitting the news as we speak.”
I stand and walk to the edge of the deck. I’m filled with emotions I don’t know how to handle.
Relief. The constant waiting for another shoe to drop is over.
Regret. I wasn’t enough for her. Our son wasn’t enough for her.
Remorse. Could I have done something differently? I tried to get her help that she always rejected.
Anger. Even in death she saddled her son with a hurtful legacy.
A gentle hand touches my side, and I turn. Thea wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me closer. “It’s not your fault. There was nothing you could do. She made her own choices. We explain as simply as possible to Aaron. When he’s older, we explain more. He may or may not be upset right now. She’s never been part of his life in a good way. There will be more discussions as he gets older.”
I don’t know what I’d do without this woman, this voice of reason. I kiss her ear and turn back to my friends. “Thank you, guys. I really appreciate the heads up.”
CHAPTER 16
Thea
We postponed our dinner and explained the loss to Aaron, knowing it was a mixed bag for him. She may have given birth to him, but if he retained any memories, they weren’t good. That night was spent cuddled together on the couch with popcorn and movies.
The next day we do a cookout, and both my guys helped Brad paint the baby’s room. Aaron is thrilled when he gets to feel Marie’s baby kick.
A couple of weeks later we schedule an impromptu date night, and Marie and Brad take over.
We have dinner reservations at what’s become our favorite date spot and our favorite booth.
Meal finished, we indulge in our favorite coffee drink. I’m snuggled tenderly against Alex’s side.
“I’ve got some news I think is good…” We both say at the same time then laugh. “Who’s first?”
He looks at me eyebrow raised. “This is a job for rock, paper, scissors.”
“I win, so I go first,” he says. “They called me on the fire marshal job today.” He holds my gaze, “I got it. It will still besome odd hours but not the twenty-four on. We can be a little more normal in our lifestyle. I start in thirty days.”
“Alex, that’s wonderful. I knew you’d get it. You’re prefect for the job. We have to have a party to celebrate. I’ll make dinner for Brad and Marie and anyone else you want to invite. Your parents have been talking about coming. Maybe they could come soon.”
“I’ll call them this weekend. Now it’s your turn.”
“Well, my hours are going to be changing as well. Today I hired someone who will be taking over my night shifts and I will be only days from now on.”
“That makes me very happy. You’ve been so tired lately from those shifts and I know you haven’t been feeling well. Did you call the doctor like I asked?”
“You mean nagged?”
“Babe, I worry about you.”
“I know. I promise, I’ll be taking it a little easier for the next seven and a half months. But you need to relax. Or you’ll make me crazy.”
“Why just seven and a half months? Why not the rest of our lives?”
“Because in seven and a half months, give or take a week or two, I’ll have a different job.”
“Babe, you own the place. What do you mean a different job?”
I take his hand and lay it over my lower abdomen. “Stay at home mom to a kindergartener and baby.”
