He turns to head back to the station, leaving me with his words.
Hopping into my truck, I immediately call Rumi, needing to tell her the news. Glancing at the clock, I see it’s time for Evee’s morning nap, so hopefully I can catch Rumi just after she puts Evee down.
She answers on the second ring. “Hi, firefighter,” she whispers into the phone, and I can hear a door close on her end of the line.
“Hey, pretty girl.”
“How was the rest of your shift? Did you get time to finish the book?” she asks, her voice going back to a normal volume.
I clear my throat. “It was good, nothing crazy, and almost. Planning on finishing tonight. Hey, listen,” I say, the words coming out slightly rushed. I run a hand through my hair. “I just got done talking with the chief.”
“Is everything okay?” she asks, knowing from different conversations we’ve had throughout the summer that my talks with the station’s chief these last few months haven’t always been a walk in the park.
“Yeah, actually. Everything’s great. You know how I’ve been acting as the Fire Lieutenant in the field the last few weeks?”
“Yes,” she says, but it comes out wearily.
“Chief wants to promote me to the position permanently.”
She squeals in excitement for me. “Oh my gosh! Jack, that’s such great news. How do you feel?”
“Good, I think. I just hope I’m ready.”
“Of course you are. As long as you keep up with your sessions and are honest with your therapist and the chief about your progress.” Her reassurance grounds me, her faith in me making my doubts from a moment ago fade. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you, baby.”
I’m proud of me too.
CHAPTER 35
JACK
“Change of plans,”Rumi says when she answers the door, immediately handing over Evee to me as I walk in. “We’re not going to the zoo.” Rumi has on a blue and yellow sundress today, and I’m learning with every one she owns that sundresses are my literal kryptonite when it comes to her.
“Aw, but I was so excited to talk to you about your vampire sm—” Her eyes turn to slits, waiting for me to say the words. “Your paranormal romance,” I say with a wink.
“Nice save. But no, that’ll have to wait.”
“Okay,” I say, pulling Evee into my arms. “What’s the new plan?”
“Remember how I told you about that coffee date I had with Lauren McKinely? The author from the read aloud we went to at the library?” Rumi asks over her shoulder as I follow her into the kitchen.
“Oh, I remember the library,” I tease, and she turns around to slap me playfully on the arm, and it makes Evee giggle.
“Yes, I remember your coffee date. You said it went well.” She had also said that Lauren thought Rumi’s idea for a children’s book was exactly like something her agent was looking for, and that she would connect the two. Since the meeting, Rumihas completely brought her idea to life, and with the help of Emerson, not only does she have her story, but she also has rough sketches for illustrations.
“Really well,” Rumi says, bouncing on her heels with anticipation, like she can barely contain herself. “And you’ll never guess who just called asking to represent me!”
My jaw drops. “Shut up.” I grab her by the material of the dress she has on, pulling her to me and hugging her against Evee and me. My cheeks hurt with how hard I’m smiling, my skin buzzing the Rumi’s contagious excitement. “Lauren’s agent wants to work with you? Rumi, that’s amazing.”
“I know! Can you believe it? I still have to look over everything, and the whole process is a big commitment, both with time and money, and I’m still waiting to hear an update about the child support, but I really want to make this work.”
“We will. We’ll make it work. I’m so proud of you.” I press a kiss to her lips and then one to Evee’s cheek. “Mommy’s going to be an author, Evee girl,” I tell her, and she claps her hands at the excitement radiating off both me and her mom.
“Ma-ma, ma-ma,” she babbles, and we freeze, both Rumi’s and my eyes turning to her.
“Did she just—” Rumi asks, her eyes wide.
