by Anna Brooks
“Just got done eating? Mary still there?”
“No, she just left.”
“I miss you.”
Sighing, I sit on a kitchen chair. “You, too.”
“How’s my baby?”
“I’m great, thanks for asking.”
“Ha. Ha. You’re a comedian. My other baby?”
“Perfect. Sleeping. Between your mom spending the night last night and Mary bringing us supper, she was exhausted.”
“Maybe you can get a good night’s sleep tonight.”
“Maybe you can, too.”
“I hope so. I’m fucking exhaust –”
The shrill of an alarm echoes through my receiver, and I have to pull the phone from my ear.
“Fuck,” Travis mutters. “Gotta go. Love you, sweetheart.”
I don’t get a chance to tell him I love him, too, because he already hung up.
I shut all the lights off and head upstairs. When I go to check on Caroline, her head turns, and her little lip is quivering. She doesn’t make a peep, but tears roll out of her eyes. I don’t care what Travis says, they look just like his.
“What’s the matter, Caroline?”
I pick her up and check her diaper. She can’t be hungry. Maybe she’s teething. I walk around the room and rock her in my arms, trying to get the tears to stop. She suddenly smiles, and I stay right where I am. You learn very quickly as a mother that when you find something that works, you stick with it.
I follow her line of sight to a picture of her and Travis. It was our first day home, and he was standing, looking through the window that overlooks the lake. He was holding her on his chest, one hand supporting her little padded bottom, while the other was on her back and neck. Kissing her sleeping head, his eyes were closed, but the love coming from his face is something too unbelievable for words.
“Is that Daddy?”
Her lip stops shaking and her mouth opens, unintelligible words coming out.
“Yeah? Really? What happened then?” I grab the picture off the dresser and move it to the stand next to her rocking chair. I set it down and sit, rocking her so she can see the picture. She laughs and kicks her feet, eyes never leaving the photo.
A silent tear rolls down my face at the love she has for her father. When he’s not here, I feel just as sad as she does.
As her eyes become heavy, I can’t take mine away from the framed picture. I didn’t think it was possible to love him anymore than I already did, but seeing him as a father, his sincerity, his protectiveness, his love, adds a whole other dimension.
Now we’re having another baby. I never knew what I wanted to do with my life, and I still don’t. Maybe I was meant to be a mom. If I never accomplish anything else, I’ll be happy knowing I have the love of my children and a wonderful man who makes me forget there was a time in my life I thought I didn’t have a future.
Setting her back in the crib, I shut her door and wipe my eyes again. As I’m about to turn the corner for my room, a shadow comes up the stairs, and I stand still. I always thought I’d know how to react if someone broke in my house, but in this moment, I’m frozen. Shaking.
When the figure reaches the top of the stairs, I take a step back toward Caroline's room. I turn my back and run, I want to get to her and call the police. They’ll have to kill me before I let anyone hurt her.
“Sweetheart, it’s just me,” Travis whispers. “I didn’t know if you were sleeping. I didn’t want to wake you.”
I sag against the door and let out a sigh of relief. Then I turn with the intention of punching him in his rock hard stomach for scaring me, but he’s still wearing his turnouts and boots, with a navy blue t-shirt stretched against his chest. I stop mid stride and gawk at him.
He smirks and quirks a finger for me to come to him. I quickly walk and hop in his arms. He leans down and puts his face in my neck.
“You always smell so fucking good.” He kisses my neck and trails his mouth up until it connects with mine, kissing me like he’ll never see me again. He growls and pulls back, setting me on the ground. I take a moment to gain my bearings again. He gets me so worked up.
“What are you doing here?”
“False alarm. We made a detour on the way back. I wanted to kiss you goodnight and sneak a peek at Caroline.” He walks to her room, somehow quiet even in his gear, and comes out a minute later.
He gives me a sweet but innocent kiss, smacks my butt, and heads back down the stairs.
“Night, sweetheart.”
“Night. Love you.” I stand at the top of the stairs watching him walk down.
He stops and looks up. “I love you, too, Charlotte. So much.”
Before he walks away, he winks at me, and I take off my sock and throw it at him, missing.
“You look creepy, don’t do that!” I yell as he laughs.
“Get some sleep. And be ready for me when I get home tomorrow morning.” His voice fades as he walks away, but that doesn’t stop me from yelling back.
“I’ve been ready for you since I was seventeen years old.”
I hear him laugh before the door shuts. I run to the window and pull the curtain open, peeking at him getting back in the fire truck. The guys all look up at me and wave, making kissy faces. Travis shakes his head and waves as they pull away. I watch until I can’t see the taillights anymore, smiling.
Travis has given me the happily ever after I always wanted, but never knew I needed.
Acknowledgements
I can’t believe I’m to this point, I have so many people to thank, and I’m terrified I’m going to forget somebody. I don’t even know where to start. I guess from the beginning. I wanted to keep it a secret I was writing a book. But since I was so excited about it, I had to blab to somebody. Cally, thank you for being the first person to listen to my idea, and for being so supportive. My sister, Abby, you were the first one to read anything and encouraged me to keep going. Thank you for always being there for me. Mom, when I finally told you, the pride in your voice made the countless hours of frustration worth it. So thanks, for believing in me, like always.
Jeremiah, for answering all of my questions about paramedics and firefighters.
Then came Scribophile. There are a countless number of people that helped me with this book, from critiquing, giving ideas, to answering questions about publishing, and so much more. To each and every one of you, I thank you.
Beta Readers. Seriously, you all rock, and I appreciate you for taking the time to read and your feedback, input, and encouragement. It meant so much to me that you liked it, and I can’t say thanks enough. So, to Becky D, Kelly H, Shenae, Sue S, Taylor D, Cayenne, Kathryn J, Polly B, Stacie G, Taylor S, Lizzie W – THANK YOU!
I’d also like to thank my editor, Jenny, from Editing 4 Indies. You are incredible. I can’t tell you how appreciative I am for you squeezing me in, answering all of my questions, and the superior work you did. This indie world is crazy, and you helped make it understandable.
My cover designer, Kari, from Cover to Cover Designs. I consider myself very lucky to have such a talented artist working on my book. You have been so helpful, and I appreciate you more than you know. Your work is stunning, and I am just blown away.
Of course the cover wouldn’t be the beauty that it is without that picture. Just wow! Mandy, from Mandy Hollis Photography, your talent astounds me. You took my vision and captured it perfectly. And to the models, Julie Elving and Rainey Wilson - perfection. You guys are amazing, and I’m so grateful to have you on my first cover.
To Erin at Southern Belle Promotions. I had so many questions. And you answered each and every one (and there were a lot!). I’m so lucky to have you working with me and look forward to many more blasts and tours with you!
Authors J.D. Hollyfield and Skye Turner. Just want to say thank you for being so open to a new author, and answering my questions and encouragement. I appreciate your kindness.
I would also like to thank the band Like A Storm. Little do they
know, not only has their music inspired me, but their hard work and dedication to their craft is something that I admire, and keeps me motivated to continue striving toward my dream.
My All Over Ink girls, Kelly, Nikki, and Marianne. I can’t even... You have been my rocks during this entire process. You’ve listened to my bitch, laughed with me, and told me not to cry. Don’t know how I got so lucky, but you’re stuck with me now! Words cannot express how much your friendship means to me. Thank you isn’t an adequate enough word. #TheAwesome
Of course none of this would have happened without the support of my husband and two boys. I love you guys so much and don’t know how I could have done it without you. For the past year you’ve had to put up with my subpar housecleaning abilities, crappy meals, wrinkled laundry, and crazy mood swings. I’m blessed to have your love.
And last, but not least, the readers. Without you, this would not be possible. Please know that when I say thank you for reading, I do it from the bottom of my heart.
About the Author
Anna has always had a passion for writing, and is thrilled to have published her first novel. Along with several other projects, she is currently working on the next book in the It’s Kind Of Personal series. Born in Wisconsin, she’s lived in several Midwestern states. Anna enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two boys.
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