Page 81 of Steel

She pointed to a photograph Shannon must have recently framed, a group of smokejumpers standing in front of the helicopter.

Including Will.

I stopped moving, staring at it as a series of emotions ripped at my soul. I wanted to scream at Shannon, insisting she take it down. I also wanted to revel in the moment, the camaraderie that every smokejumper seemed to share.

“I have a feeling everyone in this town knows how important the work you and your teammates perform is. You risk your lives every day.”

Still caught up in the moment, when I was hit from behind, the feeling as if a boulder has crashed into me, I almost came out swinging. My fist was already clenched and I spun to face whoever dared touch me.

“Jesus.” Axe threw his hands up. “You’re on edge, bro.”

“I just don’t like to be accosted from behind. Bro. Hey, Kenzie. I hear congratulations are in order. Boy or girl?”

“You weren’t supposed to tell anyone yet,” Kenzie threw at Axe. “And it’s still too early.”

“He’s my brother.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone. Maybe,” I teased.

“This is supposed to be a celebration. Right?” Kenzie asked, lifting her eyebrows. I already knew her body language well enough. She was challenging me as to why I’d yet to introduce Violet.

“Yeah, well, maybe for the wrong reason. Violet Livingston, you’ve already met my brother Axe. This is his much better half Kenzie Sterling.”

“How quickly this boy forgets. Kenzie Beckett.”

I laughed, sheepishly glancing at my brother. He was all lovey-dovey as usual. I wanted to hate him for being so damn happy.

“Men are like that. Their brains close up at night and you need to re-energize them with stimuli every morning. Like plugging in an electric vehicle.” Violet gave me shade, her lips pursed together. “You’re having a baby? That’s incredible.”

Somehow, the moment felt far too normal. As if she was meant to be here.

With me.

“Thank you. If I can get over the morning sickness, I’ll be great. Axe was right,” Kenzie tossed out, her smile way too bright. “You’ve found the right one.”

“Oh, we’re not together,” we both said at the same time.

Again.

Both my brother and his wife offered each other a knowing look.

“Don’t start with me,” I growled, pointing my finger at Axe’s face.

He promptly threw his hands in the air in a fake surrender. “Who, me? Kenzie is right. Time to celebrate.”

I placed my hand on the small of Violet’s back, which to my surprise she didn’t pull away from. There were more waves, more shouts from various locals holding their drinks in the air.

At times like this, I had to face the realization that there were hundreds of people in this town who would drop everything to try to help me. I also realized that everyone, no matter their age or status in life, needed to believe in a hero.

Then I reminded myself no matter their words or accolades, I would never be anyone’s savior.

Including my own.

As soon as we made it to the bar, Shannon noticed our arrival.

“You finally decided to show up,” she said as she crowded the edge of the bar.

Violet appeared amused, darting her gaze back and forth between us. “I told you I’d manage to find a way to bring her here.”