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“I figured as much, but I’ll leave that part up to you. Just know if you take the job, the house is yours.”
“Okay, I’ll take it.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “I wanted to tell before you left so you’d have time to think it over. I don’t expect an answer before Monday.”
“I don’t need to wait. I believe in what you’re doing here, and I want to be a part of it. I don’t know a whole lot about the transportation stuff, but I can learn. It’ll be a challenge.”
“Okay then.” He stepped forward and held out his hand. “Welcome to the management team, Nash. I’m glad to have you.”
My dad’s awards ceremony was taking place at the City Hall building in Vesper. Then we were going to go out to eat as a family at his favorite restaurant afterwards. Spencer and I left River Gorge later than expected because of my talk with Cruz, and we barely made it in time.
There was a large crowd in the assembly room that was normally used for press conferences. It appeared to be standing room only, not that I was surprised by that. My father was a very well-respected man in Vesper.
Luckily, my mother knew we were coming and had saved us a couple of seats right up front. I made a hasty introduction between her and Spencer as we sat down, but I had no doubt I would get an ear full from her for not arriving early enough for her to meet him properly. My sister Becca shot me a glare from the other side of her, so it looked like I was probably in trouble with her, as well.
I took his hand and leaned over close to his ear. “Thanks for coming with me.”
He smiled and squeezed my hand, but before he could respond, the mayor stepped up to the podium. He kicked off the ceremony with a heartfelt speech, acknowledging the selfless efforts of all firefighters. Then the room erupted in applause as he called my father by name, asking him to come stand beside him.
“Your father is so handsome in his dress uniform,” Spencer whispered. “You look a lot like him.”
The mayor continued on, recognizing my father’s commitment to the community and all he’d done over his forty years of service.
When he was done, he introduced my brother, Keith, who took the stage holding a large wooden plaque. He set the award down on the podium, cleared his throat, and then he began.
“I’m proud to stand before you today to celebrate not just a remarkable career, but a legacy of selfless service. Today is a special day, a day we honor not just a dedicated firefighter, public servant, and good man, but also my father, Michael Brooks.
“Dad, throughout your career, you’ve faced challenges that most couldn’t begin to imagine, and through it all, your commitment to this community, your brothers and sisters in the fire service, and most importantly, to our family, has been nothing short of awe-inspiring and has made me the man I am today. And I know Danny, Becca, and Nash feel the same way.”
I noticed Spencer, my sweet, sensitive boy, had reached up to wipe away a tear. I got it, though, since I was on the verge of tearing up myself, and I could hear in Keith’s voice that he felt the same.
He took a deep breath and cleared his throat again. “Okay, enough of that.” He chuckled, and the audience did, as well. “So, Dad, in recognition of your outstanding service, it’s my honor to present this award as a symbol of a career well-served, a life well-lived, and the legacy you’ve left behind.”
He handed the award to our father, and the crowd all stood. The applause swelled as our dad accepted the award.
A group of city councilmen and fellow firefighters swarmed the stage, congratulating both my father and Keith while we stood there and watched.
Leaning in, I whispered to Spencer, “I always thought I’d be like them, you know? Dad’s a hero, and Keith, too. Hell, all of them are. I just…it wasn’t for me, you know?”
“You’re no less of a hero, Nash. Everyone has their own way of making a difference, and what you’re doing out at the Double C is important. Cruz obviously thinks so, too. That’s why he offered you this new position.”
Spencer had been so proud of me on the drive down when I told him about the new job. I didn’t mention the house yet because I wanted to surprise him with that part, but I’d told him all the rest.
“I still can’t believe he chose me for such a big responsibility,” I whispered.
“It’s because he believes in you,” Spencer said. “Like I do.”
My chest tightened, and knowing my boy was proud of me was enough to chase away the shadows of doubt that seeing my father and brothers—all rescuers except for me—always instilled. I’d found my path, and it was important, too.
The crowd was moving, and my father was already surrounded by well-wishers.
“Thanks, baby boy. It means a lot that you believe in me.” I nodded toward my father. “You ready to go meet my dad? We can say a quick hello before we meet the rest of the family for lunch.”
“Sounds good,” Spencer said with a nervous smile.
I squeezed his hand and led him across the room. When Dad saw us approaching, he pushed through the people around him and pulled me into a hug.
“I’m proud of you, Dad,” I said, my voice filled with emotion.
