by Kathryn Shay
A knot inside him, that he didn’t even know was there, loosened. He leaned back in his chair again and sought for composure. “Thank God.”
“I’m sorry I put you through this. I was looking out for you.”
Rafe took a deep breath. “Of course, you were. Just celebrate with me.”
“I will.” He glanced around. “Where’s Gideon? I saw his car.”
“We got into it about his divorce. Then he attacked me about Kate.”
“For what.”
“Kate’s bringing Tomaso for dinner.”
“I’ll be happy to meet my nephew.” He ducked his head. “I want you to know that I’m not as upset as everybody else about Kate coming back. I’m a big believer in forgiveness. And redemption.”
“That’s okay, Seth. You’re the soft-hearted one of us all.”
Seth clasped his shoulder. “And you’re tense.”
“I want this to go smoothly. For Tommy.”
“It will. Things might be awkward at first, but that’ll pass.” He cocked his head. “Do you want Kate to stay?”
“No, no. She’d be overwhelmed.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“I hope so.”
“What time does she get here?”
“Any minute.”
“Let’s go outside and play some basketball and wait for her.”
“You know, I’d like that. Thanks, Seth, for not grilling me and giving me support.”
“Always Rafe. Always.”
o0o
Determined to get through the next ten minutes, Kate pulled into the driveway of the Casella home. The sight of the place brought back memories that nearly overwhelmed her. Of Mama, comforting her when she and Rafe had a fight. Alessia and planning their weddings together. Seth’s soft-eyed adoration of his oldest brother’s girlfriend. She even missed Gideon’s surliness.
As she opened the car door, two men walked out of the garage. Rafe and Seth. Rafe wore jeans and a T-shirt. They outlined every muscle and indentation on his big, beautiful body. His hair was messy, just the way she liked it. On the deck yesterday, he’d touched her tenderly, but it was also sexual. She had to forget about that for now.
She exited the Civic and opened the back door, but Tommy didn’t get out. “Tommy come on, it’s time to meet your family.”
He frowned. “Uh-uh.”
“Why, sweetie?”
“Don’t want to.”
Rafe came up to the car. He smelled heavenly, like soap and shampoo. “Hi. What’s going on?”
“Tommy’s being shy. He won’t get out of the car.”
“Can I try?”
“Of course.”
Kate stepped away and he stuck his head inside. Seth jogged over to her. Stopped, threw the basketball into the grass and hugged her. Her arms went around him and she savored the brotherly affection.
When he stepped back, he gave her a smile. Devastatingly handsome with his longish, light hair and blue eyes, he also had his charismatic personality going for him. “I’m so glad to see you, Katie.”
“You are?”
“Uh-huh. I can’t help but celebrate that you’re with us again. With a kid!”
Rolling her eyes, she tried to keep it light, so she wouldn’t cry. “Who won’t get out of the car.”
He looked over her shoulder. “That’s not true.”
Kate turned to see Tommy in Rafe’s arms. He put her son on the ground and took his hand.
“How did you convince him?” Kate asked.
“Um, I said you’d stay for a while.”
Panic seized her. “No, Rafe. I can’t do that.”
Tommy stepped back.
She squatted so they were eye level. “Tommy, you’ll love your father’s family.”
A strong shake of his head.
Rafe touched her shoulder. “Please, Kate. I really want him here.”
“All right. I’ll stay for a cup of coffee. That’s all.”
Damn it, this was going to hurt, but she wanted Rafe back and she’d have to deal with his family sometime. She just didn’t think it would be this soon.
o0o
Standing at the breakfast table, Rafe watched the scene as Kate walked inside the house holding Tommy’s hand. Gideon was still down in the den, but Mama had come to the archway of the kitchen from the dining room. Her hands went to her mouth and tears rolled down her cheeks.
Rafe gripped the back of the chair next to him. She’d hurt his mother so much.
A glance at Kate revealed she too had moisture in her eyes. “Hello, Carmella.” She used to call his mother Mama.
“Kate.” His mother looked down and the floodgate opened. “Tomaso.”
Tommy grabbed Kate’s legs. “Why’s she crying, Mom?”
“This is your grandmother. She’s happy to see you.”
“’Kay.”
“I’ll bet she’d like a hug.”
“Will she stop crying?”
“I think she will.”
On his own, he let go of Kate’s hand, stepped forward and said to his grandmother, “You can hug me if you want.”
“Thank you, bambino.” His mother leaned over and gave Tommy a gentle hug. Then she straightened. Blinking fast, she didn’t say she wanted to hug Kate. “Thank you for bringing us the child.”
“I’m sorry it took so long.”
“I am, too.”
Rafe couldn’t stand the palatable longing in the room: for things to be the way they were, how they used to hug and chatter like girls. He walked into the living room and stood in front of the big window. A butterfly flirted with the glass and he followed it with his fingertip.
Not long after, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Seth.
“I can’t watch this.” He cleared his throat. “What she did to Mama could make me hate her. And I can’t go there.”
“I understand.”
“Do you? Because I don’t.”
“Sure you do. She left for her own emotional survival. Now, she knows it isn’t possible to protect herself or her children from hurt. Must be pretty hard to deal with all of those mistakes.”
Rafe sighed. “Is Mama still crying?”
“Yeah. Rafe, it’s okay to admit you wish that things were different. Were like before.”
“I can’t let myself.” He glanced to the living room. “Like I didn’t let myself miss her all these years.”
“You told yourself that, but I think you missed her every day.”
He turned and slid his arm around his brother. “Thanks for the reminder of Kate’s situation.”
“Any time. I missed her, too.”
“I know you did, buddy. Boy, wait till Ali gets here.”
“Waterworks, then. If Kate hasn’t left.”
They went back into the kitchen and found his family seated around the table. Mama was talking to Tommy, who seemed to sense how much she wanted him in her life. The boy reached out and took her hand. Rafe sighed. He was going to have to come to terms with what Kate had done no matter how much he didn’t want to.
o0o
The hole inside Kate’s heart widened when Gideon came into the room. “What the hell are you doin’ here? Rafe said you weren’t coming into the house.”
His mother bristled. “Gideon, do not behave this way in my house.”
“Why? She doesn’t belong here anymore.”
“No, she doesn’t. But I won’t let you hurt her intentionally.”
Kate paled at the words his mother spoke.
“I’ll deal with this, Mama. Gideon, let’s go out on the back porch.”
“No.”
“Please. Otherwise, I’ll have to leave with Kate and Tommy.”
Gideon’s glanced briefly at the boy, and hurt etched itself on his face, probably at how much they’d all lost.
“Come on, Gid.”
Gideon and Rafe left.
“Why doesn’t he like us, Mom?” Tommy asked.
“Gideon’s mad I kept you from him a
nd Nana.” Which is what Carmella told him to call her.
He studied her. “Did you?”
“Yes. I’ll explain why when we’re alone.”
Just then, two little whirlwinds raced through the door. “Is my cousin here?” one asked.
“Yes, baby,” Carmella told him.
Tommy smiled. “I’m here, Mikey. Hi, Mattie.”
Alessia walked in behind them. She looked over at the boy at the table. Kate stood. Ali’s face was grim. “I didn’t think you’d be here.”
“I shouldn’t be.”
“You’re right about that.” Alessia had fire in her eyes. “Excuse me.” She left the room.
Kate steeled herself against Ali’s anger. And Gideon’s wrath. And Carmella’s coldness. “I think it’s time for me to go.”
“You’re leaving?” Tommy asked.
“Your family wants to spend time with you, not me.”
“Don’t you want my mommy to stay, Nana?”
“I think your mother might need some time alone. We should let her have it.”
Kate hugged Tommy. “Here’s the emergency phone I give you sometimes. Call me if you get scared or sad. I’ll come get you.” She looked over the boy’s head. “But I don’t think that will happen. You’ll have so much fun here. And you’ll love being with your dad’s family. And Mike and Mattie are here, so you can play with them.”
“’kay.”
To Carmella, she said, “Have him call me when he’s ready to come home.”
“I’m sure Rafe will want to drive him home.” Carmella tone was pure ice.
“I’m going shopping for food now.” She cleared her throat. “Make sure Tommy phones me when they’re ready to leave, or if he wants me to pick Tommy up.”
“Of course.”
“Goodbye, Carmella.”
She walked out of the house that had brought her so much happiness, wondering if she was strong enough to play the role of the prodigal daughter, which was what Rafe had called her.
Chapter 5
Before her meeting upstairs with Olive, Kate sat in the academy dining room and waited for Brick. She’d called him as soon as she caught her breath. And, after the loneliness she felt on Saturday and Sunday, she needed a friend.
When he walked in soon, she had to smile. At six-three, he was broad-shouldered and sturdy, with rugged features. He still wore his hair in a buzz cut. But when he spotted her, his face broke out into one of his rare, wide-eared grins. “My girl,” he said when he reached her. “Katie.”
Watery-eyed, she stood and hugged the man who’d mentored her since he was her instructor at the academy, then shared a firehouse with her. And had become a dear friend. She knew in her heart he wouldn’t dismiss her. He held on, rubbed her back, then coughed and stood back. When they sat, he studied her. “You’re lookin’ good. Longer hair suits you.” He winked. “Like the few pounds you put on.”
“Never lost the baby weight.”
“I heard. How about that? Rafe’s son.”
“Yeah, and he’s as beautiful as Rafe is.”
“Named the boy after his grandfather, I hear.”
“You can say what you’re trying not to. None of that makes up for Rafe missing the first five years of his life.”
“I wasn’t gonna say that. But now that you did…”
“It’s a long, sad story.”
“I got time.” He reached across the table. Kate knew she was one of the few people that Brick showed his tender side with.
So she told him everything.
“That sucks about your husband.”
“He was a wonderful guy.”
“You suffered over leaving your son orphaned if something happened to you and Rafe.” He sighed, a heavy one. “But I never understood it, Kate. Rafe’s got a big family to take kids in. And hell, I told you Carol and I would’ve raised them if you needed us to.”
“My fears weren’t rational. Speaking of Carol, tell me about her and the girls.”
“Carol’s super, as usual. The girls are already drivin’ me nuts at fourteen and fifteen. They actually think they’re old enough to date.”
She rolled her eyes. “I told you that you couldn’t protect them forever.”
“I’m givin’ it my best shot.” He pointed to her uniform. “So, you’re going back on the line.”
“Yeah, I am. I start the academy next week.”
He frowned. “Why?”
“I’ve been out of work for six years. I need the refresher. I’m meeting Olive after I see you.”
“Huh. Maybe that’s for the best. For your confidence as well as the department’s.”
She practically snorted. “Confidence is something I’m short on these days.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m the bad guy in all this. I messed up my life, Brick. I never stopped loving Rafe, even when I fell for Chris. It wasn’t the same kind of relationship.”
“You come to get him back?”
“Uh-huh.”
“He’s engaged to Miss Melanie.”
“Miss Melanie?”
“Have you met her?”
“Um, yeah. The day I came back.”
“She’s snootier than hell.”
“You never criticized any of the crew’s other girlfriends or spouses.”
“She’s an exception.”
“Never mind her. Tell me some stories about Carol and the kids. And ask her when I can come over to see them all again.”
“You’re on girl.” Another grin. “I’m pleased as punch you’re back.”
“Thanks, Brick. I could always count on you.”
o0o
Two days after the Sunday dinner, Rafe scheduled a meeting with the subcommittee that he’d been assigned. All meetings were held at the fire academy. Located at the edge of Hidden Cove, and under Mitch’s jurisdiction, it served as the Anderson County Fire and Police Training Academy. The surrounding fire departments used the facility, not only Hidden Cove, which was home to about two hundred firefighters.
His task was big, so he had three other people working on it with him. One was his rookie, who he brought along for the experience. Now, he addressed them.
“We all had eight days to read the literature on what happened with firefighter benefits in departments that consolidated.” He nodded to Ben Gianni, the union rep. “I’m sure you have a lot to say, Benny.”
“What? With my open mind?”
Three of them laughed. Ben focused on what was best for firefighters, despite what else he was told. Meetings had been known to get heated during contract negotiations.
“Let’s start. Lucy, go ahead and tell us what you found.”
“The research on furlough, sick days and personal days varies widely during consolidation. In most departments, these are accrued by size. One in Pantiles County, Georgia had a hell of a time coming up with a plan. The larger districts had more of the benefits I outlined. The smaller ones had less lucrative terms. That took them five years to figure out.”
“From the research I did,” Rafe put in, “they had the same issues with pay. And it also took five years to resolve.”
Ben huffed out a breath. “You know if there’s a whiff of cutting salaries, or benefits, you’ll have chaos erupt.”
“Do me a favor, Benny. Don’t refer to me as you. It’s the city councils who suggested consolidation. In this instance, the administration is on your side.”
“Sure, Cap. Didn’t mean offense.”
Rafe was big on team building and it was paying off with the union these days.
They talked more about furlough, personal time and sick days. Next up was retirement. “Hi, everybody. I’m Firefighter Lorelei Lane, the rookie who’s tagged along with your chair. And don’t start making up nicknames because my crew already calls me Street.”
Chuckles all around.
“As Captain Casella said, I researched retirement. In a consolidation in Ohio, the scale of benefits was all over the place. They
almost didn’t consolidate because of variations.”
“Same goes for anniversary bonuses and overtime,” Lucy added. “That was the sticking point for Pantiles.”
“And I found a place that in the end didn’t consolidate because of their Health Care plan.” This from Benny. Everybody in the room knew how health care was especially important to firefighters, who were exposed to toxins every day and had a high rate of cancer after retirement “The proposed changes caused too big of a mountain to climb.”
“Benny,” Lucy asked. “We have a contract. Multi-year. Can the city break it?”
“They can cut our budget. If they try this, we’ll likely go back to the bargaining table. But they can also do brownouts,” where they close a fire station for a shift “and cut apparatus, those kinds of things if we don’t come to a new agreement.”
“Man, how are we going to present this to the whole committee?” Ben asked.
Rafe took over again. “We know how the counties we researched did or did not rectify all these issues. Now we need numbers from Camden Cove, Brookdale, Jackson Heights, Wilmington and Ellenville. There will definitely be discrepancies among the towns. Most of this should be public record. We’ll divide them up among ourselves, then get together again to present specifics.” He paused. “And, there are people from those counties using this facility, so if we could talk to them informally, that might help too. Just remember, no hint of consolidation.”
The meeting broke up with some teasing of the rookie. Lorelei took it in stride and Rafe could see the progress she was making personally. She also seemed to have a knack for research and investigation, which he filed away for her evaluation.
He’d just walked out of the conference room into the big common area, when the elevator opened and Kate stepped off. He was poleaxed by seeing her in the department uniform again. The navy top accented her breasts and the dark pants fit her hips and legs well. He was hit by a blinding image of taking her top and pants off her for the first time. He had to look away to quell the vision.
