Page 132 of Steel

“Mom. Can I take the blindfold off now?”

Balloons were flying, streamers everywhere. Several tables had been set up and I could even make out a big birthday cake.

People from the town had swarmed on the park, eager to celebrate my son’s birthday in style. I noticed several of the smokejumpers, including the captain waiting patiently for our arrival.

Josie had come, still concerned I hated her when there was no way I could. She’d reacted instantly, wasting no time, which had likely saved Damon’s life.

Shannon had called me twice in coordinating my son’s likes, but other than that, the entire party had been kept top secret.

Was I still a nervous wreck from the terror? You bet, but I was so grateful and so relieved that I’d managed to get a decent night’s sleep.

Of course, only with having Steel’s arms wrapped around me all night long.

I couldn’t ask for a better hero.

“Almost, kiddo.” I was shocked to see just how many people were in the park waiting for our arrival. They were doing everything they could to remain quiet.

Steel was grinning from ear to ear, more excited than my son.

A kid at heart.

I kept my firm grip on Damon’s shoulders while we walked, so happy the day was bright and sunny. He’d awakened in a good mood, which was awesome considering everything he’d been through.

Fortunately, the fire had been put out quickly after only burning a couple of acres. From what we’d been able to decipher from his story, he’d followed the river, hoping to find a road on his great escape attempt. When he’d heard voices, he’d been a typical kid curious as to who they were.

Whatever they’d been doing, when they’d noticed Damon watching them, they’d panicked, which had started the fire. With the gasoline spilling, it hadn’t taken long for the fire to spread. With the items found in the box along with the notepad Damon had found, the police were hopeful they’d lift a few fingerprints.

The house had been dusted, which Damon had thought great fun. With people in and out of the cabin in the last day and a half, it had kept his mind off losing Zorro. But the dog toy I’d found in the woods had been snuggled under the covers both nights.

The entire two weeks had been a whirlwind and, in some ways, I wished I could start them all over again. However, with changes.With the project so far ahead of schedule, the inevitable push to return to LA was undoubtedly right around the corner. I wasn’t certain I was ready to face that yet.

If ever.

When we were close, Steel stopped us from going any farther, hunkering down beside Damon. “Hey, my man. It’s your special day.”

“It’s my birthday.”

“I know. And there are a lot of people who care about you and were very worried when you ran away.”

“I know.” Damon’s voice was singsong, his heavy sigh almost causing me to laugh.

“Just remember that your mom needs you. Okay?” Steel squeezed his shoulders. “You’re a special kid. You really are.” As he untied the blindfold, the handsome jumper looked up at me. The grin lingered, his jaw just as chiseled as always, but he’d shaved the scruff off his face.

Perhaps he was even more handsome.

“Okay.” Damon was fidgeting, already eager.

“Promise me?” Steel pushed.

Seeing the way he was with my son was everything I’d envisioned with Damon having a father. Knots remained in my stomach and while I knew why, I wasn’t going to think about that today.

Steel removed the blindfold. “Happy birthday, Damon.”

He gasped, his entire face lighting up from seeing the number of people. Of all the times he’d wanted a huge birthday party, this was one for the memory books.

“Mom. Look. Look!” Damon pointed.

“I know, kiddo. All for you. Why don’t you go say thank you and have some fun.”