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Harper glances back at her daughter, her expressive eyes filled with love and concern. “Sweetie, I know you miss the bakery. But for now, we’re staying with Hudson and Benedict, okay? They’re helping us out.”
Olivia nods solemnly, clearly picking up on her mother’s emotional turmoil but choosing not to push further. I feel a pang of admiration for Harper’s ability to remain strong for her children, even when she’s hurting inside.
“Is that alright with you, Livvy?” Harper asks gently, placing a reassuring hand on her daughter’s knee.
“Okay, Mommy,” Olivia agrees, her young face showing understanding beyond her years.
“Hey, kiddo,” I chime in, trying to lighten the mood. “Do you remember me?”
Olivia stares at me the best she can through the rearview mirror before recognition flashes across her face. “Mommy!” Olivia exclaims, tugging on her mother’s sleeve. “It’s them! The firefighters who saved us from the fire!”
“It is.” Harper smiles. “How about you tell them ‘thank you.’”
“Do you member me?” Peter asks.
“I do,” I tell him. “You must be the brave young man who helped his family get out of the building.”
Peter beams at the praise, his chest puffing out with pride. “Yeah, that’s me!”
“Thank you, mister,” Olivia thanks us.
“We were just doing our jobs.”
“I think,” Peter interrupts, his voice filled with determination, “I want to be a firefighter when I grow up!”
“Really?” I ask. “That’s great, Peter! It’s an important job, and you’ve got the heart for it.”
Benedict leans down to Peter’s level, his eyes full of genuine admiration. “You know, Peter, becoming a firefighter is a noble goal,” he says with warmth in his voice. “And I have no doubt that when you grow up, you’ll be a fantastic hero.”
“Really?” Peter asks, his eyes wide in wonder.
“Absolutely,” Benedict replies, ruffling Peter’s hair playfully. “In fact, I think you’ve already proven yourself to be quite the hero.”
“Thanks!” Peter grins up at Benedict, clearly thrilled by the encouragement.
As they continue chatting about firefighting and heroics, Olivia tugs on Harper’s sleeve, her little face pinched with distress. “Mommy, I’m hungry,” she whispers.
“Hey,” I interject, my voice gentle. “Why don’t we all go out for lunch? My treat. I’m a bit hungry myself.”
“Really?” Olivia’s eyes light up, instantly forgetting her earlier shyness.
“Definitely,” I confirm, offering her a reassuring smile. “There’s a great place just down the street. They have the best burgers in town.”
“Can I get a cheeseburger?” Olivia asks, her excitement contagious.
“Of course,” I assure her. “Anything you want.”
“Yay!” Both Peter and Olivia cheer, their enthusiasm infectious.
“Thank you, Hudson,” Harper says softly, her gratitude evident in her eyes. “That’s very kind of you.”
“Or, there’s a traveling amusement park in town,” Benedict suggests. “It’s one of the last days we’ll be able to go before the winter snow hits.”
“Really?” Peter’s eyes widen with excitement, his previous hero worship momentarily forgotten. “Can we, Mom? Please?”
“An amusement park sounds like so much fun!” Olivia chimes in, bouncing in her seat.
Harper hesitates, her gaze flickering between her children’s eager faces. There’s a determined set to her jaw, and I can practically see the financial calculations running through her head. It breaks my heart to see someone as strong and resilient as her weighed down by such concerns.
