Page 3 of Confined Space

"Don't need to apologize, he's been fine. Unload your hands. Feed him. I have to get back to the office. When I get done, I’ll help unload your car if you’d like.” She tips her lips up in another soft smile. Both of her eyebrows rise and my jaw drops. I'm taken aback by her offer. My shock must show because her lips clench and she tips her head to the side.

"Why are you helping me?" I can't help the question. I'm not afraid to say what's on my mind, and I don't do false platitudes. I did that enough with my parents.

"Because I can see someone who needs encouragement to know that the world isn't all that bad. Plus, I love babies. God never blessed my Ralph and me with any, but that doesn't mean the motherly instincts have left me. Let me help you,” she pleads. “Please? You're new to town, and we both could stand to be friends. God knows I need more."

Her words hit me in the chest. I haven't had someone be nice to me in a very long time. I can't even say my own family was nice to me other than my granny. I reach for my necklace that has been handed down in my family to every woman except my mother. My granny gave it to me before she died, and it reminds me that there are special people in this world. That’s what she was. Special. She was more of a mother to me than my own. She took care of me and helped me dream when my parents wouldn't support my future plans. If she were still alive, she would be right here helping me with Archer. But she isn't. She’s gone, reminding me that everyone leaves you.

"I would love to make friends." I offer, and she hands me Archer after I set down the load in my arms.

I pull out his favorite receiving blanket that he seems to like when I use it to cover him while I nurse him or burp him. I wait until Georgia steps out the door, then I walk over and lock ourselves in before returning to the sofa. I have an anxiety that developed in the last year where I can't stand to be in a place where I don’t feel secure. I always have my doors locked, no matter what. I've actually had panic attacks if I don't feel safe. They have left me drained in the past, and I don’t want that with Archer around.

Archer is rooting around at this point, reminding me to get on task and take care of him. I make myself comfortable before I pop the snaps on my flannel shirt, lift the tank top underneath, and open the flap in my nursing bra. Once I get Archer latched on and settled, I let my head fall back. I push the bad thoughts from my head. Kicking off my cowboy boots, I prop my feet on the coffee table and relax. Archer nurses for a bit. I burp him and switch him to the other side. My breasts still get tender because this is so new for both of us, but I love the connection and know from all my studies this is the best for him.

Life has been crazy for me, but I have a feeling Prominence Point is a fresh start for the both of us. I only have five days until I start at the hospital. Tomorrow I’ll swing by the daycare and get all the final paperwork settled so Archer can start there.

Chapter Two

ROWDY

I pull up to the diner where I'm meeting an old friend and now coworker. Becoming a lieutenant in the fire department was a goal on my list of things to do in my life. It makes me happy that I’m near my family again instead of away from them like I was in Texas. My parents grew up here in Prominence Point. But my father had wanted to go to Phoenix to get away from the small town. I'm following in his footsteps. However, I don't plan to die at a young age like he did. I also don’t plan to leave behind a family like him.

My mom did an awesome job raising me, but she struggled, and I don't want to do that to someone. Furthermore, after my buddy’s wife and unborn baby were murdered when we were deployed, I refuse to entertain the thought of being a father. Marco’s headspace has been fucked up since losing his family. I’m happy just hanging out with friends and hooking up with the occasional fuck buddy, but lately something doesn't feel right about the latter.

I jump out of my truck and slam the door. I don't know why Lance wanted to meet. Since I accepted the promotion, I'm now at the same station as him but on opposite schedules and teams.

I enter the diner and wave to the cook in passing; he was a high school friend. Lance is seated at a booth in the back. He’s on the side I prefer to sit in, but I'll give him this. I slide into the seat across from him with my back to the rest of the restaurant.

"Hey, buddy, didn't think you were going to make it." He looks at me over the menu.

"For a chance at second breakfast, I'm there, dude." I chuckle when he looks at me like I'm crazy. "Come on, you don't know that line? Second breakfast, afternoon tea? It's from Fellowship of the Ring." I can't help my nerdy comments. I watch the Lord of the Rings movies over and over. But I mostly like to give him shit. He and I have been friends since high school when we played baseball together. He’s never understood my love of sci-fi and nerd stuff, just like I’ve never understood his love of spies and 007 movies.

"Whatever." He shakes his head and returns his attention to the menu.

I glance at mine and know what I want. Even though technically this is lunch, I'm going for breakfast like I said. Can't turn down a good corned beef hash and eggs.

The waitress walks up and looks at both of us approvingly. But when she notices Lance's wedding band, she turns to me. I don't flirt back; I just order and wait for my strawberry milkshake.

"Breakfast and a milkshake? Both of us work out enough, but, dude, really?" It’s as if he doesn’t know me. I look at him in shock. He’s right, we both work out, so why wouldn’t I splurge once in a while.

"Fuck yeah. They make the best milkshakes here. They use fresh strawberries, none of that artificial flavoring shit. Besides, my girlish figure is none of your business." I smack my six pack abs that I work out hard to maintain. Keeping my body in shape is important in my line of work.

I watch as he looks around. When his eyes finally return to me, I figure he’s made the decision on what he wants to say to me.

"Your girlish figure? Dude, you are going to run extra miles on the treadmill and we both know it.” He chuckles. “By the way, congrats on making lieutenant. The position has its perks, and its responsibilities. As a lieutenant, you need to portray a mature attitude with the newbs. You're also supposed to help plan the family summer barbecue."

"Really, dude? Mature my ass. Who says I’m not mature? As for the barbecue, tell me what I need to bring, and I'm done. Just because you're domesticated doesn't mean I have to be. I can be the fun guy still."

"Fun guy? Yeah, you can still be fun, but maybe stop the revolving door of girls."

"Look who's talking. I remember a time when you took home different women every night."

"Yeah, and I settled down." He leans back in the booth and folds his arms over his chest. His dark-blond hair is brushed back from his face. He’s clean-shaven, like I’m supposed to be, but I’m not currently.

"Good thing you did. It opened up some girls for me." I throw my head back and laugh.

"Rowdy Jared Murphy, you better not be disrespecting women like that." My mother's voice comes from behind me as her hand smacks me in the back of the head.

"Mom, you just Gibbsed me." I stand, shocked she's here.

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