Page 19 of Bound to the EMT

“It’s not criticism, dear,” my mother attempts to soothe. “More like we care about you and worry about you. You haven’t been by for dinner in months. No phone calls. No check ins. I just want you safe and happy.”

“I am happy, Mom. Remember, I chose this life. I chose this career. As far as dinners go, you got me there. Things have been pretty busy, and I’ve needed rest more than I’ve needed food and family.”

“Well, be sure to bring your wife over at some point. I’d at least like to have a bit of a relationship with my new daughter-in-law.”

“Yeah,” my sister joins in. “And it would be nice to have someone else to possibly hang out with besides these two buffoons.”

“Hey now,” my brothers interject, scooping her up in a playful bearhug.

As much as I love my life and independence, part of me misses the ease in which my family seems to navigate life. Shaking my head at their antics, I grab my protein drink and take another swig.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll make sure to RSVP and show up with bells on.”

“Oh, Branson. You know bells are so tacky.”

I give her a wink before taking another swig. “That’s why we’ll be wearing them.”

“He’s teasing, dear,” Father murmurs, his smile growing to fill his face.

“Well, I can never be sure. He always seems to want to vex me.”

“I’m the second son. That’s my job. Jacob here is the obedient first born, never giving you an ounce of trouble. Astor is the third born, which makes him the spoiled baby boy. So I have to stay firmly in my role as a rebellious middle son.”

“What am I then? I’m younger than Astor.”

“You, my dear Amelia, are the princess of the family. To be doted on as if you were royalty.”

She jostles her shoulders as she preens. “I’ll take that.”

“Princess,” my mom chuckles. “That’s rich.”

“Hey. I don’t make the rules.”

My mother shakes her head and walks over to give me a big hug. “As for being rebellious, you could have done a lot worse. Tattoos, motorcycles. Helping people is a very noble pursuit.”

“Hey, you never know. I could have some tattoos hidden somewhere on me.”

For a second, she looks me over, her eyes widening in horror. But just as soon as the look crosses her face, it drops. “Oh, you’re teasing me again.”

“Yes, Mother,” I confirm, laughing at the distasteful frown pulling down her lips. “I am.”

As the rest of the family files out, Dad hangs back and slips his hand into his pocket. “I know you’re probably going to just rip this up, but I feel like getting married is cause for celebration. Since we do not have to pay for a wedding, it’s only fair that some of what we’re saving goes toward a honeymoon. Take her somewhere nice. If she is indeed the perfect mate for you, then you’ll want to have those memories.”

I frown as I take the check from him. “You do know I do well enough with my job. I can afford to take her somewhere nice.”

“Then put it towards a place for you both together. Food, bedding. I don’t care what you do with the money. It’s yours. Free and clear.”

Turning it over, my eyes bulge out of my sockets. “No. This is far too much.”

“Of all the things you could rebel against, I’ll never understand why you won’t let us help you.”

“I need to do this on my own. I can’t come running to you and Mom if I have a problem. I’ve done quite well for the last several years. Everything I own is mine. I don’t owe anyone anything.”

“You won’t owe us for this, Son. It’s a gift. Free and clear.”

Shaking my head, I slide it back over to him. “Make it a reasonable number, and I’ll consider it.”

With a heavy sigh, Dad picks it back up and tucks it into his pocket before pulling out his checkbook. “You are so stubborn.”

“Come by it honestly.”

“That you do, my boy. That you do. I just feel guilty that we won’t be able to attend the ceremony. I cannot get off of work and your mother already has commitments she can’t get out of. Your sister is taking exams tomorrow and your brothers are in meetings all day. Please. Let me make it up to you.”

I give my head a firm shake. “I don’t blame you for this. I blame a government that seems to have technology enough to find perfect matches but not allow us enough time to plan. You giving me far more money than necessary isn’t going to change that.”