“Micah, do not—I repeat, do not—call her names like that. We both know how she is, but just don’t let him hear you, okay? She may be horrible, but our brother is in love with her. We at least need to respect him,” I say on a whisper. “Now, come on, let’s go see what’s goin’ on.”
“Yo, Tanner, my man,” Micah says, slapping his hand on Tanner’s back. “You seem a little off your game lately, and Rhett and I are getting a bit concerned. Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” He nods his head.
“No, no, no, buddy, you don’t get off the hook with a simple ‘yeah.’ We aren’t buying it, so you may as well spill and let us help you,” I say in a tone that tells him I’m not joking.
“Alright, alright. Fine. The thing is, I’ve been having problems with Marley. We’ve been together for four years, and I’m ready to take things to the next level: marriage, house, and kids. I want to be a family, and she just screams that I’m pressuring her and says that she’s too young to be a mother. I just really don’t know what the hell to do,” Tanner says in a pained voice.
“Man, sometimes you have to do things that you don’t want to do. If her views of life and a future don’t match your own, do you really think that y’all can have a good and healthy relationship…forever?” I ask Tanner, trying to make him see that they will never work out.
“I just—” Tanner says, but it’s cut short.
Engine 24 Respond…. House fire… 314 Oakridge Lane… Engine 24 Respond.
The siren blares and Chief runs out as we all race to hop on the truck. The adrenaline is coursing through our veins. It’s time to take action. We all know the risk. Every call. Every fire. We all go in, but in reality, there is always a chance that we won’t all come back out. A firefighter doesn’t have time for fear. It’s not something we thrive on. We push ourselves in spite of danger. We live by a code and we don’t like to lose anyone, so fear doesn’t have time to take hold when people’s lives are hanging in the balance.
We arrive at the house and see the black smoke billowing out of the windows. A lady is being held as she screams loudly. It’s a scream that will haunt us forever.
“My son. My son. Oh God, please get him out. I can’t lose him. He’s all I have,” the lady wails.
“We need a vent. Luke, Micah, get on that roof and get me a vent now,” Chief commands as the second engine pulls in and they immediately get to work.
“Rhett, Tanner, you two go in and find that child. He’s six years old and his room is located on the top floor. For the love of God, please give me some good news.”
We quickly put on our breathing apparatus and run in as soon as Micah and Luke get us a vent. Tanner immediately takes the upstairs while I search the downstairs level. The smoke is everywhere, so we need to find this child now.
“Hello, can anyone hear me? Hello, we’re here to get you out.”
“Rhett, the flames are fucking vicious up here. I found the room, but the path is completely blocked off. I need you up here now; it’s gonna fucking cave soon. We have to get him out,” Tanner says through the radio.
“Copy that. I’m on my way,” I say as I make a mad dash to get upstairs.
I make it to the top just in time to see Tanner run and leap across the flames.
“Tanner, NO!” I scream.
I’m trembling on the inside. No matter what, I know this outcome will not be good. Tanner runs to the door with the boy covered in a flame-resistant blanket.
“Rhett, on the count of three, I’m going to toss him to you. Just get him the hell out of here. I’ll make my way out right behind you.”
“No, it’s too dangerous. You can’t.”
“Rhett, it’s the only goddamned way. We will all die if you don’t catch him and run!” Tanner yells.
I brace myself, pull my arms up in a cradling position, and get ready to catch this young boy.
“One…two…three!” he yells as he tosses the boy.
I catch him and immediately take off on my journey to get him out of the house. Once I make it outside, the paramedics begin working on him, and I turn to make my way back in. Suddenly, I feel someone pulling my arm.
“Rhett, son, I can’t let you go back in there. The whole place is about to go,” Chief says, his voice cracking in pain.
“Chief, I have to. Tanner saved that child. He’s the fucking hero. The hero doesn’t get to fucking die,” I yell, my body shaking with adrenaline. “Just one minute, Chief. It’s all I need.”
I sense the hesitation behind his eyes, but he nods, letting go of my arm. I quickly grab another blanket and run back into what is quite literally Hell. As I make it up the stairs, I see Tanner lying lifeless on the floor. He made it over the flames but collapsed trying to get to safety. His suit has caught on fire, and the flames are traveling down his body. Pulling him away from the flames, I begin patting at him vigorously with the blanket. As soon as I get the fire out, I hoist him up in my arms, which isn’t an easy feat on a normal day, but today I think the adrenaline is making it possible. I get down the stairs and make my way to the door, just as I hear the top floor come crashing down.
The debris knocks me down and we both collapse to the ground. Heat is surrounding me, and I feel the weight of something heavy on my legs. I can’t pull them out, and I can’t turn to see what has me trapped. I close my eyes and let my mind drift to my girl. She’s the last thing I want to think of before I let the fire win its wager on my life. This is it. This will be the day I die.
That’s when I feel arms tugging and pulling at me. I hear grunting, but I’m so tired I can’t check to see what’s happening. My oxygen is running out and I’m struggling to breathe. I just want to sleep. My lower body has gone numb and the pain is gone, so I finally give in and let the darkness consume me.
Chapter Sixteen
Emma Grace
“I’m so excited I can’t stand it!” Cam says the minute I slide into her car.
“I can’t wait to see it either,” I agree.
Cam messaged me earlier today, saying she thought she’d found a studio to start her pottery work. She’s been looking for a new studio for months now, and the fact that she’s found something to satisfy her is surprising. She’s so very particular about the space “speaking” to her. I honestly didn’t think she would ever find somewhere that would work, so when I got her message earlier, I jumped on the chance to look at it with her after work today.
We make our way downtown and turn onto a cozy street with older houses that have been renovated into local places of business. She pulls to the curb, and I look to my right to see the cutest house I think I’ve ever seen. It’s an older Tudor-style brick home painted a deep blue. The lawn is well manicured; even the “For Sale” sign hanging from a wooden post boasts the antique feel.
“Hi, Lana! Thank you so much for meeting us,” Cam says, shaking the hand of the realtor. She gestures to me. “Lan, this is Emma Grace. Emma Grace, this is Lan.” Lana flashes me a pretty smile and shakes my hand.
“Glad you could both make it. I have a feeling this is the one, lady. Let’s take a look,” Lana says as we make our way up to the house.
We walk into a gorgeous foyer that leads to a huge open space. “This would be perfect for showing your pieces as they become available. There’s a small kitchen in the back, and the studio is downstairs,” she explains.
Even though this is one big room, it’s full of windows offering light. The details of the crown molding and the coffered ceiling make it anything but ordinary. I am in awe of how beautiful it is. We make our way downstairs to see the studio space. I know nothing about it, but Cam falls in love instantly. We spend about an hour at the house, going over the details of the property and a reasonable offer. Cam signs the papers quickly and we take off to go celebrate.
“I am so happy for you!” I gush as we get into the car.
“God! Me too! I was beginning to think I’d never find anywhere to set up a shop.”
We’re pul
ling into a local diner when my cell phone rings. I try to dig it out of my purse, but can’t get to it before it stops ringing.
“Huh. It was Luke,” I say as I read my phone in confusion.
“What in the world is he calling you for?” she asks, just as confused—and with a hint of frustration, if I’m not mistaken.
“No idea.” I make a move to call him back when my phone starts ringing again. It’s Luke. Calling back. My stomach instantly forms knots. I know this can’t be good.
“Hello?” The apprehension in my voice can’t be mistaken.
“Emma. It’s Luke. Cam with you?” He doesn’t sound right. He’s distracted and there’s chaos in the background.
“Yeah, she’s right here. What’s up?”
“Listen, there was a fire today and… Shit, Emma, you need to get down to Warren Medical. Rhett was transported about twenty minutes ago.”
My face instantly pales, and the only words my mouth can form are “Oh God.” Luke is still talking, but I’m not comprehending anything he’s telling me. Cam snatches the phone from my hand.
“Luke, it’s Cam. What the fuck is going on?” She listens as Luke begins to tell her everything that he was trying to get across to me. “Holy shit. Okay. Okay. We’re on our way. No. I’m driving. We’ll be there soon.” She pauses for a moment. “Yeah, I’ll be safe. Bye.”
Cam throws her car into reverse and we fly out of the parking lot, barely missing the oncoming traffic. She reaches over to grab my hand and squeezes tightly.
“It’s going to be okay, Emma Grace. It’s going to be okay. I promise.” She tries to reassure me with words, but I feel no relief.
“Did—” My voice cracks and I try again. “Did Luke say what happened? What am I walking into, Cam?”
“There was a fire at a house the guys responded to. Apparently Tanner got trapped, so Rhett was in the house, trying to get him out. When they were making their way out, a part of the house collapsed on top of them. Tanner is in really bad shape. Rhett was unconscious, so they aren’t sure what’s going on there, but they were transported to the hospital.”
“Jesus.” The air leaves my lungs in a rush. All I can do is pray that reality isn’t as bad as the scenes that are playing out in my head.
I see Rhett’s mom, Catherine McCoy, as soon as we walk into the hospital. We’ve talked on the phone over the past few months, but we’ve yet to see each other. She’s unmistakable though. It’s like she has hardly changed in the past decade and a half. However, at this moment, her face is creased with worry and she’s pacing back and forth through the family waiting area. As she turns to make another lap, her eyes land on me.
“Emma Grace! Oh, sweetheart!” She makes her way to me and wraps her arms around me tightly, like she needs something to hang on to. At this point, I’m happy to oblige, because I need the exact same thing. “I’m so happy you’re here, dear. I just hate that I’m not getting this hug under better circumstances,” she whispers in my ear.
I lean back out of her embrace, and she clasps her hand firmly with mine, clinging to me like a lifeline as we make our way to where everyone else is standing. Everyone I know is here, including some people I’ve not met before. It looks like the entire fire department is here.
We’ve been sitting for about an hour now with no word on Rhett or Tanner. The waiting room has become thick with tension and muttered whispers between small groups. A few of the other men from the fire department have left, but the chief, Micah, and Luke remain.
The doctor rounds the corner of the waiting room and we all fall silent. Catherine stands, tugging me up with her. “Family of Rhett McCoy?”
“I’m his mother,” Catherine responds before he completes the question.
He directs his attention to her immediately. “Mrs. McCoy, I’m Dr. Jackson. Would you like to walk with me?”
“No, sir. Thank you, but everyone in this room is as good as family. You explaining it to everyone will just be saving me the breath to explain it all over again.”
“Right. Rhett sustained a rather large blow to the head, resulting in a concussion and a loss of consciousness for a moment. He’s still a bit disoriented, but he’s awake. He also suffered a vertebral compression fracture in the thoracic spine. He’s being given pain medicine to help lessen the pain caused by the fracture. We’re going to keep him here at least overnight to monitor the concussion, and he’ll remain on bed rest for a week or so before returning to light activities. If you’d like to see him, he’s being moved to room 428 as we speak and can receive visitors as soon as he gets there.”
I sigh in relief that he’s okay, but my heart is still heavy from the fact that we’ve heard nothing about Tanner. A brief glance around the room tells me that his girlfriend, Marley, hasn’t even shown up yet. She is such a bitch.
“Thank you, Doctor. Bless you for taking care of my boy.” Catherine’s voice is thick with emotion. I guarantee she had the same vicious thoughts running through her mind that I did.
“My pleasure, ma’am. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you,” he says, and with a shake of her hand, he turns to leave.
“Doc!” The chief hollers before Dr. Jackson makes his way out of the room. “I’m Chief Sutton. Any word on Tanner Jennings? He was transported here earlier today as well.”
“He was sent directly to our Emergency Burn Unit when he came in. I haven’t heard any updates on him, but I can check with one of the primaries on that floor. Does he have family here as well?”
“His family is in Colorado. They won’t be here until morning. I’m the closest thing he’s got right now.”
Dr. Jackson regards him carefully before nodding. “I’ll see what I can find out, sir.”
“Thank you,” Chief says, shaking his hand. “Thank you so much.”
Catherine and I make our way into Rhett’s room as quietly as possible. Cam, Luke, and Micah are waiting in the hall, and Chief Sutton went to see what he could find out about Tanner. He said he’d stop by later.
Rhett is asleep but stirs as we walk in. It takes his eyes a minute to focus, and his forehead creases in confusion before the events of the last several hours settle over him.
“Hey. My two favorite girls.” He greets us with a small smile. His voice is hoarse and scratchy, I’m assuming from all of the smoke he inhaled in that burning house. My body gives an involuntary shiver just thinking about what could have happened.
Catherine immediately rushes to his side and starts fussing over him. No matter what, he will always be her little boy, and he’s used to the overly loving treatment she gives him. He looks over at me, his eyes assessing me and how I’m handling everything. I give him the best smile I can, but I know it’s forced and my eyes are misted over with tears.
“Ma,” Rhett interrupts her fluffing of pillows and piling on blankets. “Can I get a minute with my girl?”
“Sure, darling. I’ll be right outside.” She reaches down to hug him gently and kisses his cheek. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Rhett. So very, very glad.” She turns quickly and wipes a tear from her face before walking past me and rubbing my arm, offering her silent support and leaving the room.
“C’mere, M.” He pats the bed softly.
I make my way to the seat beside his bed and sit down. Every move I make is methodical and slow. I know that I’m about three seconds from falling apart completely, and he doesn’t need that right now. He needs me to be strong for him.
“Not there, M. Here,” he clarifies, patting the mattress again. I smile and sit partially on the bed, reaching for his hand. He doesn’t hesitate as he wraps his fingers with mine.
“You’re okay, really?” I ask.
“I’m okay, really. Promise. Are you okay?” He’s worried about me? Now? He’s the one lying in a hospital bed, and here he is, worried about me. I let out a watery laugh, and tears start rolling down my cheeks as I nod.
“God, Rhett. I was so worried. Luke called, and we just had no idea what
happened or if you were really okay. I just…had no idea what I was walking into. And I kept praying that you were okay, that you were going to be okay. ‘Cause I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t, Rhett. I really just don’t know.” I’m trying to make sense of the jumbled mess that is my brain, but there are so many emotions flowing through me right now, I know that I’m not making much sense.
“I’m not going to pretend that my job is easy, M. There are risks every time I walk into a fire or respond to an accident, but we do our best to control those risks. Sometimes, things happen that we can’t control. The thing is, I knew walking into that fire that if I made it out on the other side, you’d be here. And you have to know, there isn’t a damn thing I wouldn’t do to get to you.” His eyes are earnestly begging me to believe him.
“Okay,” I say, nodding my head as he reaches his hand to cup my cheek. “Okay,” I repeat.
“Give me a kiss, M. I need to feel you.” I smile and bend to place my lips lightly against his. Rhett quickly takes control of the kiss, turning it almost desperate. When he finally releases my mouth, he still holds me close, looking into my eyes. “I’m not leaving you, M. It’s you and me. Forever.”
“And ever.” I smile and place another kiss against his lips.
It’s at that moment that everyone decides we’ve had enough time alone. Rhett keeps a tight hold on me as everyone filters in, checking on him and waiting on news about Tanner.
Chapter Seventeen
Rhett
Everything is cloudy in my head, like I’m in a dream. It’s all fuzzy, and I’m guessing it has a lot to do with the morphine drip they have me hooked up to. I keep telling them that I don’t need the pain meds, but M is not having it. She is such a stubborn woman, definitely a queen protecting her king. One thing is for sure; I will be following by her rules until I’m completely healed, because I’ve also seen her temper in full bloom, and while she’s adorable as hell when she’s mad, I seriously think she would have no problem throat-punching me. I grin as I look over and see her chewing on her bottom lip, totally lost in her e-reader.
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