AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Her smoke detectors are no good. I offered to replace them.”
“Why did you want me to bring the truck?”
“Melody has a son. He loves fire trucks.”
“Trying to score some points?”
“Something like that.”
I raise my hand in a wave to the guys waiting in the fire truck as we walk up the path. Climbing the porch steps, I knock on the door. Apprehension swirls in my stomach at the thought of seeing her again, and I move nervously from foot to foot. Aide laughs from the side of me.
“This woman has you tied up in knots,” he whispers, just as the door swings open.
“Hey, Lucas,” Melody says. “Come in.” She steps to one side and I walk in, Aide behind me. “Thanks again for helping me out. Both of you.” She looks at Aide and smiles.
“Aiden Huntington. Nice to meet you,” he says, holding his hand out.
“Melody Gray.” She takes his hand and shakes it. “Do you want a drink?”
“Shall we get the stuff out of the moving truck first?” I suggest, and she nods.
“Did you bring my surprise?” a small voice asks from the living room. I grin at Melody before looking around her, finding Roman peeking around the doorjamb at me.
“I did. Do you want to see it now?” He looks at Melody before looking back to me and nodding. I drop the box I’m holding onto the floor in the entryway and walk past Melody, picking him up. “This is my friend, Aide. He’s a firefighter too.” His mouth drops open as he looks at Aiden in his full firefighter gear. I laugh and turn to Aide. “This is Roman.”
“Good to meet you, Roman.”
He gives Aide a shy smile. “Can you shut your eyes?” His eyes close tightly, and I put my hand over them, not trusting him not to peek.
I walk outside with Roman in my arms, Melody and Aide behind me. Standing in front of the fire truck, I remove my hand.
“You can open your eyes now,” I tell him. His face lights up in excitement when he opens his eyes. “Do you want to meet the other firefighters and see inside?”
He looks behind me, and I turn to see Melody smiling. She walks forward and places her hand on his back.
“Do you want to, Rome?”
He nods shyly, not looking at me. “Do you want Mommy to come too?” I ask him. He nods again, and I chuckle. “Is that okay with you, Melody?”
“Sure. I’ve always secretly wanted to go in a fire truck.” She smiles at me, and my stomach dips.
I smile back. “Come on, then.”
I shift Roman so he’s on my hip and open the engine door. Freddie and Avery climb out, both smiling at me as they do. I smile back, and after introducing them to Melody and Roman, I lift Roman inside before turning to Melody and holding out my hand. Her fingers entwine with mine, and I help her up. I reluctantly release her hand and jump into the cab, sitting next to her.
“Here, try this on.” I reach for Avery’s helmet and lean over Melody, placing it on Roman’s head. The hat is huge and completely covers his eyes.
“I wish I had my phone to take a picture,” Melody says as she laughs at Roman.
“I’ve got mine. I’ll take some.”
I reach into the pocket of my jeans and pull out my phone. I snap a few pictures of Roman, who, despite not being able to see with the helmet covering his eyes, is smiling widely.
“Thanks, Lucas. Would you send them to me later if I give you my number?”
“Sure. Why don’t you get in the shot for a couple?” She nods and pulls Roman onto her knee. “Smile,” I tell them as she tilts the helmet on Roman’s head so he can see.
I tell Roman all about where everyone sits in the truck and what we’re doing while we’re on the way to a shout. His eyes are wide and he hangs on my every word.
