“All right, knock it off.” Dean laughed. “Give her some space. Everyone is allowed to make mistakes in their life.” He walked over and gave her a hug.
“Har har.” She hugged him back.
“Seriously.” Greer’s expression sobered. “We’re glad you’re okay.” He gave her a hug.
“And on behalf of Station 4,” Captain Bennett said as he stepped up, “we’ve all chipped in some money to help you and Bella out on your new place.” He offered an envelope.
Tears burned her eyes. “You guys didn’t have to do that.” Emotion filled her voice.
“Of course we did. You’re one of us. When you hurt, we hurt.” This from Murph. “Fair warning, there are fundraiser plans in the making as well.”
This was what family was like. Taking care of each other when things were wrong. She had always been the one taking care of herself or Bella. Having people actually care about her was so foreign. She swallowed hard. She wasn’t going to cry. Not here. Not now. “You guys are amazing. Thank you.”
The guys each took turns hugging her and offering words of encouragement. Then they split up and went their different ways to start their daily tasks.
“Dean.” She jogged after him. “How are Cass and the boys?”
“They’re good. I packed them up and sent them to Cass’s parents until I can get the damage fixed.”
“I’m sorry. I should never have stayed with you guys.” Her stomach roiled. She’d put her friends in danger.
“Please don’t beat yourself up over this. It was not your fault. Besides, Cass wanted to repaint the front room anyway. I told her one day we would. And look, it’s happening, and we don’t have to pay for it.” He smiled brightly before pulling her to his side. “Seriously, don’t stress, okay?”
“I’ll try not to.” She hugged him back and made a mental note to call Cass later and apologize to her personally.
Even with Liam on the case and the girls protected, it didn’t mean that the people Sam cared about wouldn’t get caught in the crossfire.
Liam pulled the SUV into the station parking lot at ten ’til noon. Samantha hadn’t rung or texted to let him know they’d been called out, so he’d loaded the girls up to have lunch at thestation. He held the lobby door open for them and followed them inside.
A man a few inches shorter than Liam, with dark hair and a baby face, greeted them. “Bella. How’s it going?” He held up his fist, which Bella bumped with her own.
“Greer, this is my friend Sophia,” Bella said.
“Nice to meet you, Sophia.” He held his fist up for her, and she bumped it.
“I’m Liam Roberts.” Liam stepped forward and held his hand out.
Greer took hold and gave it a too-firm shake. Liam recognized it for what it was. A show of masculinity. He wouldn’t be surprised if there was a “don’t hurt her” conversation coming.
Greer turned to the girls. “You’re just in time. It’s Murph’s day for lunch, and he brought pulled pork. He’s in there now, finishing the potato salad and baked beans. Why don’t you two go ahead and get started?”
Isabella nodded, grabbed Sophia by the forearm, and pulled her into the dayroom.
Greer turned his attention to Liam. “So, you’re the new boyfriend?” he said as he studied him.
“Yes. I’m the new boyfriend.” That sentence tasted weird in his mouth. This was all for the safety of Samantha and Isabella. He needed to play the part and get used to saying it.
The man folded his arms over his chest.
Liam remained relaxed in his stance. He knew what was coming, and he was going to let the man have his say.
“You probably think this is going to be one of those ‘hurt her and die’ conversations.”
“I wouldn’t expect less. I know how working closely with a team of people builds a bond and familial relationship.”
Greer nodded. “Our jobs may be different in many ways, but they’re similar in others. The family thing is one of them. I’m nothere to give you that big-brother speech. No matter how much I want to. I know Sam and her capabilities. She can take care of herself just fine. Physically, that is. She has to be strong to do our job. You know she’s the only woman employed by the Renegade Fire Department?”
Liam shook his head. “I didn’t know that.”
