“Okay,” she swallowed. She wanted to know. This and everything else about him.
“Well, my dad was a Marine, and I was, too. My brothers are both in the Coast Guard, and my mom, she was a school teacher like you. But raising three boys was not easy for her with a soldier often overseas.”
“I’m sure it had to be hard,” Jemma sympathized.
“It was. But her father, our grandfather, stepped in when my dad was away. We were all daddy’s boys, and grandpa’s boys when our dad was overseas. Grandpa said we were the apple of his eye, so to speak. He doted on us something fierce. And for my mom, she couldn’t be happier to see us spending so much time with him. He was patient and loving, and she knew he was helping to raise us into fine young men.”
“He must have been very special to you.”
“He was. Our mom also believed education was very important, but she didn’t think that was the most important thing; she wanted us to give back to our communities and do what we could to help others less fortunate than ourselves. She felt very strongly about this because of what she herself had been through.”
Jemma’s eyes were sympathetic, but curious. He’d never had the opportunity before now to tell her so much about his upbringing.
He continued. “My mom grew up in an orphanage, and she would tell us stories about what it was like to go without. Being of Mexican descent and an older child, not many people wanted to adopt her, but she was adopted when she was twelve by a very nice family. My grandparents. My grandfather was a fireman. He passed away ten years ago from cancer, and well, that’s when I decided to sign up and get trained. I do it to honor both him and my mother who misses him daily.”
Tears sprang to Jemma’s eyes at the story. If she had known this about his family, she would have never asked him to give it up. She knew her father was looking down at her right then and was proud of her, and the man she had fallen in love with. Her father had loved being a firefighter, and other than her, he’d always told her it was his greatest honor and accomplishment to serve with his fellow firefighters.
“Thank you for telling me that story. Your grandfather must have been a wonderful man.”
“He was. He doted on us boys growing up. My mom loved him to pieces. We all felt his loss profoundly when he passed.”
Jemma laid her head on Angel’s shoulder and closed her eyes for a moment. “You know, as you were talking, I wasn’t scared anymore, and not just about this Ferris wheel, but about our future. I didn’t even realize we climbed to the top.”
She kept her eyes focused on Angel and didn’t look down. And she wouldn’t look back on this decision, either. She would trust her gut like her aunt Eden had always told her to do. “I love you, Angel. You make me feel loved and protected and safe.”
Angel’s hand reached for Jemma’s chin, and he tipped it up. “Thank you, darlin’, for saying that. It’s all I hoped to hear you say today.” Then his lips claimed hers in the gentlest of kisses. One that spoke of love and a promising future.
Chapter 15
Jemma and Angel got to spend another hour together before he had to run off and help set up the stage for the award ceremony. “Are you staying?” he asked, hoping she would.
“Yes, of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”
And she meant it. She’d swallowed her pride and now wanted to be there when Angel was recognized, but more than just that. She wanted to be there for all the men and women who risked their lives to save others. It would always terrify her when Angel went out on a call, but she knew now how important it was to him. It was his calling, and just like teaching was to her, she couldn’t deny that of him.
Jemma went in search of Calliope after Angel went to take care of some tasks he’d been given, but could not find her friend anywhere. Though she wasn’t hungry she ran over to one of the concessions and got some popcorn to munch on while she made her way around the fairgrounds. She enjoyed just watching the fairgoers enjoying themselves at the carnival games. She spotted many of her students and spoke to several. A tap on her shoulder alerted her to what she thought was another student, but instead she found Frank. He was carrying a huge stuffed rattlesnake. She had to laugh at the site of the large plush monstrosity curled around his neck.
“Gee, thanks,” he gave her a crooked smile. “One of my students challenged me to a game of darts. I can’t believe I won.”
“That’s hilarious. But why did you pick the rattlesnake?” she asked. “Surely, they had other prizes more suitable and less awkward to carry around the fair.”
He was laughing with her. “Actually, I thought you could use it as decoration, and maybe put it on those cabinets in the back of your room. Since you teach bio and do all those dissections, I thought you might like it.”
“Oh, my goodness, that’s so nice of you. Thanks, Frank. I don’t know how I will carry that thing around, though.”
Frank laughed. “Actually, I’m on my way to drop it off in my truck. You can’t possibly carry it around. I will bring it to your classroom on Tuesday.”
“Okay, thanks. I appreciate that. I did take an extra day off to spend with Callie, but I’ll be in on Wednesday,” she informed him.
“Okey-dokey.”
Frank waved with the rattle end of the snake, which sent Jemma into another fit of giggles. She was glad he was being so thoughtful. She started to take another tour around the booths when she heard an announcement that the award ceremony would be starting soon, so instead she headed in the direction of the dais by the Community Center.
As soon as she arrived, she spotted Calliope. She was already seated, a grim expression on her face, but it brightened when she saw Jemma.
“Saved you a seat.” She patted the folding chair next to her as Jemma climbed over several people in the row to reach her friend.
“Thanks. Popcorn?” she offered, but Calliope refused.
“Gosh, no. I just ate one of those fried Twinkie things, and I think I’m going to be sick.”
Jemma laughed. “I can’t believe you tried one of those things.”
“I had to. It’s a Twinkie. And they fry it and put more sugar on it. But, yes, it was a big mistake.” Again, Calliope patted her belly.
Jemma settled into her chair just as Reba Leonard, Tarpley’s postmistress and mayor stepped up to the microphone at the center of the stage. Behind her Pops stood proudly albeit nervously.
“Time to get this show on the road, y’all. I got people wantin’ food, beer, and dancin’.” She turned to Pops and added, “Not that they aren’t anxious to hear what y’all have t’say.” The crowd laughed at Reba who was known for her way with words.
More people began to fill the remaining seats, and a hush fell over the crowd as other men and women took the stage behind the three already on it.
Announcements were still being made over the loudspeaker system, while a band warmed up to the left of the stage. Jemma glanced at the crowd, in awe at the size of it. People stood behind the now filled chairs, while others squatted on the pavement of the parking lot. The whole town was here, and probably all the surrounding ones as well. A lump formed in her throat, and she remembered being here with her aunt when the Community Center had been renamed for her father. She’d been just a kid, but the crowd had been just as large and just as somber when they honored her father posthumously. Now they were here to honor Angel. Her Angel, and the entire Tarpley VFD crew.
The mayor tapped on the microphone when all was quiet, and the crowd winced and groaned as a squeal of feedback split the air. “Can y’all hear me now?” she asked, leaning close to the mic.
Applause and cheers greeted the popular and spunky mayor who wouldn’t reveal her age to anyone. “For any of y’all who aren’t locals, I’m Reba Leonard, mayor of Tarpley, the best little town in Texas. We’re here tonight for a couple of important reasons. First, and most important, I hope y’all are digging deep into your pockets to buy tickets, food, and crafts. A portion of all sales goes to help fund the Tar
pley Volunteer Fire Department.” The crowd cheered again and the mayor waited patiently until they were done before adding, “How many of y’all have been helped by the TVFD?”
Hands shot up throughout the crowd, impressing Jemma. These men and women not only put out fires, they worked to educate the public, helped people during car accidents, and floods, and worked on fire prevention actions as well as assisted neighboring communities in times of crisis.
“Now, I got a few of the firefighters up here on the stage with me for a special deal that we’re gonna get to in a minute, but I want to recognize every Tarpley volunteer firefighter here tonight. Y’all stand up. C’mon, boys and girls. Up and at ‘em.”
Jemma saw Pops smirk when the mayor called the firefighters “boys and girls.” These massive men were not boys and nor were the women girls. But that was just Reba being Reba. She treated the whole town like her own children, and that was why they loved her and elected her again and again to her position. Jemma brought her hands to her face when Angel took the stage with his comrades. He looked so proud, standing there in his uniform. He was so incredibly handsome, and she couldn’t be prouder of him in that moment as she watched him scanning the crowd, looking for her. When their eyes met, he flashed her a smile and winked which made her toes curl. She couldn’t wait to be alone with him tonight. They had a lot of lost time to make up.
The mayor started introducing each of the firefighters by name. She said something else, but Jemma lost her focus while daydreaming about Angel until Calliope jabbed her in the ribs, and she focused once more on what the mayor was saying.
“That was the sales pitch. Let’s get to the ceremonial stuff so we can get the band up here for the dance.”
There was more applause from the crowd. Jemma listened as Reba introduced several VIPS that included Colonel Grayson Jones from the Law Enforcement Department of Texas Parks and Wildlife. Jemma knew Grayson well. He was a frequent guest speaker in her class. She cheered for him. He gave a short speech and introduced a few other members of the stage party that included Connor, Moose, Penelope, and each of the Tarpley VFD. Jemma and Calliope both cheered for Angel loudly when he stood to receive their recognition.
The next speech being given was by a woman named Erin who had been rescued from the combined force of firefighters and law enforcement. She was a tall, slender, and beautiful woman, and Jemma couldn’t help but notice that the man named Connor couldn’t take his eyes off her. Jemma remembered meeting her once at a conference for educators. She knew from the newspapers she was a college professor. She spoke softly but clearly, and full of sincerity when she thanked all the men and women who had been a part of the rescue that saved her life. When she stepped down from the podium and went to hug Pops, there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience. There were a few more cheers and then Reba stepped to the mic once more and asked Pops if he would like to say anything. He had clearly not expected that. Jemma noticed him shuffle to the mic in embarrassment.
His words showed just how humble and deserving he was when he said, “We are proud to be firefighters. We were just doing our jobs, and any firefighter would have done the same.” He nodded to the crowd and then quickly stepped back.
The colonel then came up to the podium and began the pinning ceremony part of the celebration. First, he called, “Sherman Reardon.” Tank stepped forward.
The crowd remained quiet until all the medals had been received as per the colonel’s instructions earlier in appreciation of the solemnity of this part of the event.
Dirty -D came next. “Dexter Walsh.”
“Angel Murphy.” Jemma peered over the crowd as Angel took the stage beside his two fellow firefighters, standing proud.
“Mitchell Alexander.” Buff went quickly but kept his eyes averted from the crowd.
And then it was Pops’ turn. “And finally, but definitely not the least, because this is the man who single-handedly saved my game warden, Chief David West.”
Pops was pinned and then presented with a big plaque for the fire station. Finding himself in front of the microphone once more, Pops blushed but managed to stammer out a few more words. “Thank you for this honor, Colonel, and for comin’ all the way up from Austin to present ’em.” And then to the audience. “Y’all know me. I’m not big on words. And neither me nor my guys…and girls…are big on glory. We all have jobs. We do ’em day in and day out.”
Several people clapped and whistled and some of Pops’ words were lost to Jemma until the audience quieted down and Pops continued. “See, the thing is, we don’t do this job for medals or plaques. We do it to serve our families and friends.” He paused briefly, blinking several times, and then, “We volunteer for this so while we’re doin’ a job, it’s not just a job, it’s a calling, and because of that, y’all can depend on us to answer your call.”
Again, Jemma felt tears streaming down her face. That was the same thing her father had always said when she asked him why he liked being a firefighter. And she knew now it was the reason Angel did as well.
When Reba announced that the dance would commence forthwith, the crowd cheered and quickly headed out. For a while, Jemma got lost in the crush headed toward the dance area, but her eyes remained focused on the tall man who was trying to make his way to her. When he finally reached her, he swung her up into his arms, and kissed her for all he was worth. And that was a lot in Jemma’s mind.
“I love you, and I’m proud of you,” she told him as he set her back down onto her own two feet.
“And you’re okay with this?” His eyes searched hers again.
She reassured him. “Yes, I am.”
Angel beamed down at her.
“Short Shit! We need you!” Buff called, looking glum.
“I gotta go take a few photos with the guys for the paper and stuff, but I’ll meet you near the dance floor. I want to dance with you once before we get out of Dodge.” He winked.
Jemma felt a coil of heat begin to curl from the inside. She couldn’t wait to be alone with him, too.
She watched Angel depart, and sighed happily as she turned toward the dance tent. It was already crowded with folks when she got there, and every seat was taken as the older members of the community enjoyed the music and watched the younger folks dance. Again, Jemma lost sight of Calliope in the crush. But she knew Calliope would turn up and wasn’t worried about her friend. She could find her way out of the eye of a tornado if need be. Jemma’s foot tapped the floor to the lively two-step as she waited for Angel to return. The band they hired to play at this year’s fair was fantastic.
Out of nowhere, someone snatched her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor, and she was surprised to find her partner was none other than Frank Reynolds. He wore an ear-to-ear smile, and though she felt she should make an excuse, she joined in. It was the least she could do for the snake he had gifted her with earlier. She was just glad the band was playing an up-tempo number that kept Frank away from her. She knew the man still liked her, but he was making an effort to keep it friendly, and she could do that, too.
When the dance came to an end, Jemma stepped back, but Frank had other ideas, it seemed, when he tugged her hand. As she whirled around to tell him she was waiting for Angel, she found his cold lips pressed on hers. Immediately her head snapped back. She saw the hurt in Frank’s eyes, but was still quick to admonish him.
“Please, Frank. I told you, we’re just friends and colleagues. I’m in love with Angel. We’re back together.”
His face turned crimson. “Yes, yes, of course, I’m sorry. I just thought, wanted to try…” He didn’t finish what he’d been about to say, and instead dropped her hand and fled the dance floor like the hounds of hell were chasing him.
Jemma sighed. She thought things were settled between them, but apparently not. Even so, she still felt sympathy for him. She just hoped that he finally gave up his pipe dream of being with her. Perhaps she could steer him in another direction, but she didn’t know many single women their own age
. She’d definitely have to put some thought into it.
Chapter 16
Jemma glanced a bit nervously in her rearview mirror to be sure Angel was still following her home. The traffic leaving the fair had been thick, but there he was. She smiled. When he’d found her at the dance hall thirty minutes after the incident with Frank, he’d insisted they stay and dance. She hadn’t mentioned Frank kissing her because she didn’t want anything to ruin their reunion. Plus, she was sure that Frank would move on now. She’d made it clear to him that she was with Angel again.
They had stayed at the dance for another hour, enjoying themselves. When “Git Up” played, Jemma was happy to show off her new moves to her students who had gotten up to dance to the popular song. They cheered her and Angel on. The men in Angel’s crew laughed until he dragged several of them onto the floor, and most accepted the challenge. He’d even introduced her to a few of his friends, and they had a drink with several of the guys before leaving. As they left, Pops gave her a big thumbs up from across the dance floor, and she gave him a polite wave in return. She wouldn’t hold a grudge against him for not letting her know Angel was one of his guys. She understood that he’d wanted Angel to tell her.
Calliope, too, was thrilled that she and Angel were now back together. She promised to stay clear of the house for the evening, though Jemma had told her it wasn’t necessary. “Hell, no. There’s no way I want you being quiet on my account. I know people in this town now. But I promise to be over bright and early tomorrow. We still have some windows I promised to help you with.”
Jemma hugged her friend.
“Okay, well, a bunch of people are headed to some place called Randy’s Hellhouse. So, I’m going to check that out. Penelope invited me.”
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