by Marnee Blake
But it had definitely been a rough few weeks. At first, Meg had been worried that her mother would retreat further into herself, that she might be lost for good this time.
Instead, it was as if finding out the truth had brought her old mom back from wherever she’d been hiding. She hadn’t talked much, but she’d been present and solid.
Sometimes, that’s the best anyone could expect.
Over the past weeks, the authorities had agreed with Will’s doctors, that he should be moved to a medical facility that would get him both physical and psychiatric care. They still didn’t know what sort of legal repercussions he would face, but the future would need to wait. At least until they could determine the extent of his mental and physical ailments.
What would come next was a long process of healing. But, this time, Meg was confident her mom would stay with her. That they would do it together.
As they went inside, Hunter waited, propped in a wheelchair with his leg and arm in full casts. He was strung as tight as a bow.
It was him that she worried about the most. She had no idea where his head was these days, but it wasn’t good. Though she’d tried to talk to him, he refused to open up. Who could blame him? Not only was he working through Joe and his betrayals, but Will, his own brother, was responsible for his injuries, injuries that might end his firefighting career. Of course, he would be in a strange place.
Somehow, they would need to break through to him. Will had buried his pain and they would be dealing with that fallout for the rest of their lives. She refused to repeat history.
Lance had tried to call Hunter, but he hadn’t returned any messages. She hoped if they could spend some more time together…
The room quieted, when his fellow recruits saw Hunter. Finally, though, he offered them all a wry grin. “Congratulations, you assholes.”
Everyone seemed to take a collective breath as they chuckled.
“Don’t think those wheels are going to keep you out of this job, Buchanan. I expect to see you back at training in the spring.” Rock crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re a glutton for punishment, like the rest of us.”
“Damn right. And you can count on it.” Seeing the glint in his eyes, the determination…it gave her hope.
“Good, man.” Rock stepped forward, clasping Hunter on the shoulder. “Good to see you.”
Her mom stepped in from the kitchen, then, dispelling any remaining tension. “Food’s ready. Let’s eat.”
They all chatted and ribbed each other, filing into the dining room. She stepped behind Hunter’s wheelchair, waiting to maneuver him in.
Her brother snagged Lance’s sleeve and waited until everyone else was out of ear shot. Then he said, “I just wanted to tell you”—he glanced up at Meg—“both of you, actually, that I’m happy for you.”
He grinned, though there were shadows in his eyes. “I’m sorry, too. That I didn’t give you a better chance, in the beginning. I should have intervened, with Will. I listened to him rant about you all the time, and I said nothing. Maybe if I had…”
Listening to her brother’s guilt hurt her in the place that was still raw. How long would healing take?
“It’s forgotten.” Lance held out his hand. “I’m glad you’re healing up.”
Hunter nodded, and she gazed at Lance, allowing all of the love inside her to shine through. He winked.
To dispel any awkwardness, she pushed Hunter’s chair into the dining room, and set him up next to the rest of the guys. As the good-natured ribbing continued, she took a moment to glance around the table and feel thankful. There may be signs of strain on her mother’s face, circles under her eyes. But she was trying to smile. Her brother, too. It would take time, but they would work through this.
Beside her, Lance squeezed her fingers, and she glanced up at him. Though they didn’t speak, his eyes said everything she needed to hear.
He was there. And he wasn’t going anywhere.
She squeezed back.
Meet the Author
Award winning author and RITA® finalist Marnee Blake used to teach high school students but these days she only has to wrangle her own children. Originally from a small town in Western Pennsylvania, she now battles traffic in southern New Jersey where she lives with her hero husband and their happily ever after: two very energetic boys. When she isn’t writing, she can be found refereeing disputes between her children, cooking up something sweet, or hiding from encroaching dust bunnies with a book.
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Acknowledgments
First, so many thanks to you, dear reader, for giving my smokejumpers a chance. I wouldn’t be able to do this job without you. Also, a huge thank you to my amazing editor, Esi Sogah, and to my super-agent, Helen Breitwieser. This book wouldn’t be what it is without your guidance and support.
Finally, to my husband and our boys… I love you all. Thanks for sharing me with the people I make up in my head.
Coming soon
Keep an eye out for more from
The SmokeJumpers series
From
Marnee Blake
And
Lyrical Liaison