Hero Dad

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Hero Dad Page 7

by Marta Perry


  Her laugh was low and warm. “I know what you mean. I’ve been on dates like that. Sometimes I think you both ought to have permission to bail out after the appetizers with no hard feelings.”

  “That seems a little hasty.” He grinned. “Maybe the soup.”

  “I don’t have to stay long if it’s a disaster. I don’t have family waiting to critique my dates.”

  He leaned closer, intrigued by the relaxed side she was showing him. Maybe it was worth a disastrous date to get to know Julie this well.

  “Yes, but my mother will probably feel sorry enough for me to make my favorite dessert for dinner tomorrow night—apple crumb pie.”

  “That’s a definite advantage.”

  “Well, I have to confess, my family’s not bad, in spite of the kidding that goes on. My brothers and sisters are my best friends.”

  Some emotion he couldn’t read crossed her face at that. “You’re lucky.”

  He nodded. “I am. That’s what I want for Davy, too.” But Davy wouldn’t have that unless he provided him with some brothers and sisters.

  “That kind of friendship is really important to you.” Julie sounded as if she’d found the key to something that puzzled her.

  “I guess it is.” He’d never analyzed it, but she was right. All of his friendships were important. Maybe that affected his choices more than he’d realized.

  “You’re a lucky man.” There was a shade of regret in her tone.

  “You don’t sound very happy about that.”

  “I am. Just maybe a little envious.”

  If he leaned toward her any more, they’d be touching. He didn’t care.

  “You shouldn’t be.” He inhaled the fresh scent of her hair. “You’ve got a lot to offer in the friendship department.”

  And in every other department, too.

  “I don’t—” Her eyes met his, and whatever she’d been going to say seemed to get lost.

  He was lost, too, his common sense forgotten in longing. He spanned the inches between them, and his lips found hers.

  She returned the kiss. Nothing touched but their lips, and her kiss was tentative, questioning.

  Is this a good idea? Should we be doing this?

  He drew away reluctantly. The moonlight reflected in her eyes and tangled in her pale hair, and he wanted to pull her into his arms. He resisted the impulse.

  “Good night, Julie.” He should be appalled at himself. He wasn’t.

  “Goodnight.” She got into the car quickly, as if to linger would be a mistake. In a moment, she’d driven away.

  Julie watched Seth walk down the row of firefighters lined up in front of the engine. His keen gaze inspected each small detail of their protective clothing.

  She hadn’t seen him in two days. She’d thought that might lessen the impact of that kiss.

  It hadn’t.

  Was he thinking of that, too? If so, he didn’t show it. He was all business today. He had been since the moment he’d called to say he’d be directing a drill this morning, if she wanted to participate.

  He hadn’t said that this was the only way she’d be permitted to go on a fire call with them. He’d already made that clear.

  So she’d shown up at the appointed time, dressed as directed in a long-sleeved cotton shirt and cotton pants. Now she wore what felt like a hundred pounds of protective gear over the shirt and pants.

  Seth moved a step closer to the end of the line where she stood waiting. Her mouth went dry.

  When she’d driven back to the hotel that night, she’d longed to throw everything into her suitcase and disappear from Suffolk entirely. But she hadn’t, of course.

  She’d made a promise to herself, a promise to God, that she’d be confident of Davy’s future before she left. That meant pushing through no matter how miserable she felt, and no matter how many challenges Seth put up for her.

  He took another step, then stopped to examine Dave Hanratty’s jacket. The jackets all looked the same to her, but apparently he saw something to criticize.

  She fidgeted under the weight of the turnout coat. The collar scratched her neck, and she reached up unobtrusively to loosen it.

  If putting on all this gear was what it took to go with them on a fire call, she’d do it. Rational or not, she had to see for herself the risks Davy’s father chose to run.

  Seth stopped in front of her, frowning. “The jacket has to be fastened all the way up.”

  Ryan, standing next to her, grimaced. “Give Julie a break. She’s not really a probie.”

  “Maybe not, but we don’t take shortcuts on safety.” Seth’s tone was crisp, as if to set a space between them.

  He grasped the collar, fastening it securely around her neck. His fingers brushed her skin, and she thought there was an infinitesimal pause before he continued.

  “That protects the firefighter’s throat. Believe me, nobody wants to be hit in the jugular by flying debris.”

  She felt Ryan fidget. “Sure you’re not taking this lieutenant stuff too seriously, bro?”

  Seth sent him a look that was as close to angry as she’d ever seen. “Drop it, Ry.” He glanced down the lineup. “You all suited up as if you were going to a picnic. We’re going to do it again, and put some hustle into it this time.”

  A chorus of groans went up at that, but everyone began taking off the gear. She followed suit, wondering.

  Judging from Ryan’s question, Seth had been put in charge of this drill because he was being considered for promotion. An older man who’d been introduced as the brigade chief leaned against the far wall, watching. He was probably evaluating Seth even as he evaluated the rest of the firefighters.

  She still couldn’t understand Seth’s reluctance to take on a job that would surely make him safer. His explanation had done nothing but raise more questions in her mind.

  “Okay, people.” Seth raised his voice. “When the bell rings, go for it like it’s the real thing.”

  The next few moments were a blur of movement as people scrambled into their gear. She rushed, nearly toppling onto the concrete floor when she lost her balance shoving her feet into the stiff pants.

  Ryan grabbed her arm, steadying her. “Take it easy. You’re doing fine.”

  “Not fine enough.”

  Her fingers fumbled with the unaccustomed fastenings. She didn’t intend to be the last person to reach the lineup. That would just give Seth an excuse for saying she’d slow them down on a call.

  She fastened the boots and winced as she snapped the collar into place. She felt Seth’s eyes on her, assessing, looking for problems. Pulling on gloves, she scrambled to the line, tired and breathless but not, thank goodness, the last one.

  “All right, better.” Seth checked his watch. “Much better. What say we do it again and see if we can beat our own time?”

  This time the chorus of groans contained a few boos. Seth’s eyes flickered. “All right. I’m letting you off the hook this time. Don’t get used to it.”

  Catcalls answered him, and everyone began shrugging out of their gear, a wave of chatter picking up. As she put her borrowed gear back into its battered metal locker, Seth approached.

  He planted his hand against the locker next to hers. “What did you think of your first drill?”

  “Interesting. You did a good job.”

  Some emotion darkened Seth’s eyes. “It’s not really my thing, but the battalion chief insisted I take charge.”

  She put the boots in place and straightened. It was time to get to the point. “Are you satisfied now that I can go with you on a fire call?”

  His reluctance came through before he said a word. It was written in every line of his body.

  “A fire scene’s a lot different from a drill.”

  Exasperation made her thump the locker door closed harder than necessary. “You told me if I went through the drill, you’d agree. Are you backing out of your word?”

  “No, but—”

  “Or is this because of wh
at happened between us the other night?”

  She couldn’t believe she’d said that. The words seemed to hang in the air between them.

  Seth’s lips tightened. “What happened between us was inappropriate. I shouldn’t have kissed you.”

  That was what she thought, too, so why did his words hurt? She took a breath, trying for a detachment she didn’t feel.

  “All right. We both believe it was a mistake. Let’s just forget—”

  A clatter of equipment made Seth swing away from her. Near the engine, two firefighters glared at each other. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but the tension between them was obvious.

  And then Seth was there. He bent to pick up the piece of equipment from the concrete floor, saying something in an easy, joking manner.

  She could see the way the others responded to him in the relaxation of their postures. In a moment the flare-up was over, dissolved by his calming presence.

  He came back to her, the smile he’d worn for the men slipping away.

  She raised an eyebrow at him. “You’re comfortable being a buffer, aren’t you?”

  He shrugged. “Firefighters can grate on each other’s nerves sometimes. It’s all the time we spend together. I guess I’m pretty good at cooling things off.”

  “I should think that would make you a good boss.”

  An irritated frown appeared between his brows. “Being a company lieutenant involves a lot more tough choices than being a friend.”

  She felt as if he’d handed her a piece to the puzzle of who he was. It had been there in his reluctance to push his company into another drill, but she hadn’t recognized it for what it was.

  “You don’t like to say no to people, do you? You like being everyone’s friend.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with that.”

  And it’s none of your business. He didn’t say the words, but they were evident in his tone.

  “No, there’s not. I envy you. That’s a gift.” One she’d never had.

  “Look, about riding along with us—” He hesitated, obviously still reluctant. “As long as you promise to obey orders, you can go.”

  She could go. A shiver went down her spine. She’d gotten to know Seth and the others in the short time she’d been here. What would it be like to see them going up against their greatest enemy?

  “Thank you.”

  “Just promise me you’ll be careful.” He clasped her hand, and something urgent and compelling seemed to flow from his grip. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  She could almost believe his concern was personal, not professional. That probably wasn’t a good thing to feel.

  Chapter Six

  Julie wasn’t quite sure what she was doing here. The church hall teemed with people, all intent on enjoying themselves while contributing to a worthy cause. Siobhan had pressed her to come, saying this would show her another side to firefighter culture.

  The church festival was being held to raise money for the victims of a house fire. Siobhan had said that firefighters would be out in force to support the cause.

  Certainly the Flanagan family was well represented. None of them must have been on duty tonight, since everywhere she looked she seemed to see one. Terry was running a basketball toss in the far corner of the gym, while Siobhan and a young pregnant woman supervised a food stand.

  Mary Kate held onto her kids with one hand and sold tickets with the other. She’d spotted Ryan challenging people to participate in some sort of pitching game. As for Seth—

  Seth squatted next to Davy, helping him scoop up a plastic toy with a net. Davy’s small face was so solemn that it tugged at her heart. She knelt, raising the camera to her face, snapping shots as quickly as possible: Davy’s intent look, lips pursed as he decided which duck he wanted. His two-handed effort to scoop up the duck, water spraying onto his face, making him squint. The triumphant grin when he held his prize in his hand. The photos would preserve one small moment of Davy’s life for her after she’d gone.

  And she’d be gone soon. She’d already taken more photos than she could possibly use. She didn’t have an excuse to linger any longer, though her heart said otherwise. She couldn’t keep kidding herself, spinning this out to soothe her own wounded heart.

  She couldn’t offer Davy anything that came near to matching what the Flanagan family gave him. Comfort, security, love—they had it all.

  She’d go on the fire call, because she’d promised herself that assurance. After that, she had to leave Suffolk. People probably already wondered why she was still there.

  “What are you doing down there?”

  Julie looked up, to find Pastor Brendan smiling down at her.

  “Just taking a few pictures.” She stood up quickly, wondering what his quick eyes had seen.

  “You looked as if you were deep in thought.” He gestured at the milling crowd around them. “I was afraid you’d get stepped on.”

  “It looks as if it’s going to be a very successful event. You must be pleased.”

  He nodded. “With the donations that have already come in, this will be enough to keep the Chambers family going until they can get back on their feet.”

  She glanced around the gym. “People could have just given the money.” That was what she’d have done, presented with a need.

  “Instead of going to all this trouble, you mean?” Brendan’s eyes twinkled. “Aside from the fact that it’s fun, people feel as if they’re taking a part in helping. That they’re acting out Christ’s command to shelter the homeless.”

  “I guess I hadn’t thought of it that way.” She hadn’t met many people who talked about spiritual matters in such a comfortable way.

  “Don’t get me wrong, we’ll take money, too. But helping others in a tangible way has a spiritual blessing for the giver, as well as the person being helped.” He grinned. “Okay, end of sermon.”

  Maybe she ought to catch a few more of Pastor Brendan’s sermons before she left town. “The firefighters are certainly taking part.” She’d spotted a number of other people, besides the Flanagan family, in dark-blue uniforms.

  “This is important for them.” Brendan’s smile slipped away. “As the department chaplain, I’ve seen how they can be affected by the battles they fight. It’s good for them to get together in such a positive project.”

  “They’re certainly doing that.”

  Seth had stepped into a kids’ game that had hit a snag, seeming by his very presence to smooth things out. She should be appalled by the way her gaze kept following him, even while she was talking with Brendan.

  “Seth enjoys this kind of thing.” Brendan clearly knew whom she’d been watching. “He’s good with people. He brings out the best in them.”

  She nodded slowly. “Yes, that’s exactly right.”

  That was what she’d sensed about him—that he brought out the best in everyone he touched. Even her? For a moment she felt disoriented, as if the room had shifted, giving her a new perspective.

  Brendan moved off with a murmured excuse. The game had straightened out, and Seth caught Davy’s hand and walked toward her. His gaze met hers, he smiled and the room shifted yet again.

  Oh, no. She could not have feelings for Seth. There were more reasons than she could count why that was impossible. He’d been her half sister’s husband. He didn’t know who she was, and if he ever found out, he wouldn’t be able to forgive her deception. And if her father found out—

  She suppressed her thoughts, trying to produce a normal-looking smile as Seth and Davy approached. He couldn’t guess what she’d been thinking.

  Besides, Seth was already looking for a nice, ordinary, suburban-mom type of person. That certainly didn’t describe her.

  “So, are you getting everything you need?” He nodded toward the camera.

  He meant the story. Not her personal feelings.

  “I’m doing fine.” She smiled at Davy, feeling that now-familiar wave of love at the sight of him. “
Are you having a good time, Davy?”

  He nodded, holding up his prize. “Got a fish.”

  “I see. It’s a very nice one.”

  “He’s easily pleased. When they get older, they get harder to satisfy.” He scooped up his son. “Let’s sit down and grab a couple of glasses of cider. I’m ready for a rest.”

  She could make an excuse and move on, but she didn’t want to. “Sounds good.”

  She followed Seth to one of the round tables that had been set up along the side of the gym. A teenager quickly appeared to provide the cider, along with slices of homemade cake. Davy, sitting on his daddy’s lap, promptly stuck his fingers into the frosting.

  She tried to ignore the fact that her nephew was licking his fingers. “I saw you working with the kids.” She nodded toward the game. “You’re a good leader.”

  Seth shrugged. “Maybe. Running a kids’ game is different from running a fire company.”

  “I didn’t mean—”

  “Yes, you did.” He grinned. “That’s okay. It’s nice that you’re interested in my possible promotion. You and my mom ought to join forces.”

  “She wants you to go for it, does she?”

  He nodded, spooning a bit of cake into Davy’s mouth. “I understand why she cares.” His golden brown eyes focused on her. “I’m not sure why you do.”

  That might have sounded angry or offended, but it didn’t. Seth just seemed interested, as if he were willing to talk with her on a deeper level. As if they were friends.

  “I guess it’s none of my business.” Her gaze rested on Davy’s red-gold head, nestled against his father’s strong arm. “But I see the relationship you have with your son, and I can’t help feeling that you should make sure you’re always there for him.”

  Her throat tightened. Her father had never been there for her or for Lisa, even when he’d been living in the same house. Davy couldn’t know how lucky he was.

 

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