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The annual Christmas party is just around the corner and Mike's been trying to convince me to bring a date for weeks now. It's held at a fancy hotel downtown, and everyone's expected to bring a plus one. Parties aren't really my thing, though. I'd rather spend time with Ava and maybe catch a basketball game on TV.
But Mike, being the hopeless romantic that he is, is determined to find me some company for the party.
"You're really not going to go?" He asks.
"We've been over this, Mike."
"I heard there's going to be free food and an open bar."
"Free food and an open bar aren't going to change my mind. I'm a simple guy who loves his job and his daughter. A quiet evening at home sounds just as appealing, if not more."
He laughs, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You can't dodge these events forever. Plus, the town's hero should make an appearance."
"Yeah, I hear you," I reply. "But you know me. All the fanfare, it's just not my thing. I don't need a fancy party to know we're doing good work here." I gesture around the locker room, indicating the fire station beyond. "I'd rather spend that evening with Ava. She's still getting settled."
Ava has done a great job getting adjusted to our new life in Cooper Hills. But I know she still misses our old home, our old life. And I want to make sure she's happy and settled before I start seeking out my own social life. But with everything that's happened in the past year, I want to make sure she feels secure and loved.
Mike gives me a sympathetic smile. "You're a good dad, Dean. Just remember, there's life outside of these four walls. You're allowed to do something for yourself every now and then, you know?"
I snort. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
Then I head out the station house doors and climb in my truck to head home.
***
Twenty minutes later, I arrive home. My daughter and I live in a brick two-story house on the edge of town, overlooking a small lake. It's peaceful and quiet here, exactly what we both need after a hectic day at work.
I turn my key in the lock, and as soon as I step inside, a familiar scent greets my nose.
Waffles.
A smile tugs at my lips as I follow the scent to the kitchen.
When I get there, I see my daughter Ava sitting at the kitchen table. Crayons are spread out like a rainbow in front of her, and she's coloring a picture of a firetruck.
"Morning, princess." I ruffle Ava's hair as I pass her. As I lean in, she scrunches up her nose.
"Daddy, you stink!"
I chuckle and kiss her forehead anyway. Can't blame her for speaking the truth. Even though I took a shower, sometimes it feels like the smoke smell lingers no matter what I do.
After I walk past the dining table, I head straight toward the coffee pot. And there at the stove, humming a tune as she flips a golden waffle, is Ava's nanny.
Lily.
Her back is to me, but I can see that she's wearing a flannel button-up shirt paired with jeans that accentuate her plus-sized curves, along with a pair of fuzzy reindeer slippers. Her chestnut hair is slicked back into a ponytail.
When she turns to look at me, the smile she gives me makes my knees a little weak.
"Morning, Dean," she chirps in that sweet way of hers. "Did you get my text?"
That cheesy grin from earlier starts threatens to tug at the corners of my lips again.
"I did. Sorry, I didn't text you back."
"That's okay. I know you're busy."
Earlier, she sent me a photo of her and Ava making waffles with the caption "Waffle Wednesday." It's a silly thing that we started when she first started working for us. It's also something that I secretly love. Mainly because Lily is the one who came up with it.
