Fireman Dad (19 page)

“It’s the best thing for my career.” Jacob caught her cheek with his hand, stopping her incessant protest. “But more importantly, it’s the best thing for us. I figure this is the first of many compromises.” He grinned, a teasing gleam lighting his eyes. “For instance, am I going to kiss you three times? Or four?”

Marissa leaned in, matching his smile with her own and nuzzling his cheek. She whispered in his ear, “I’ll compromise. What about five?”

His grip on her waist tightened, and he tilted his head to line up with hers. Marissa closed her eyes and held her breath, anticipating, every fiber of her being on high alert.

“Eww, are you going to kiss?” Owen’s high-pitched protest jerked them apart, and Marissa laughed as her son abandoned his chair to stand beside them.

“You sure you know what you’re getting into?” Marissa put a steadying hand on Owen’s shoulder, refusing to let go of Jacob’s hand with the other.

He squeezed it before slowly tugging free. “I know exactly.” He squatted down to Owen’s level and smiled. “Hey, buddy, if you let me kiss your mom, I’ll take you to the jumping booth.”

Owen squinted at Jacob as if in deep thought, then nodded. He covered both eyes with his hands. “Hurry up and you’ve got a deal.”

Jacob quickly stood and took Marissa into his arms. “You’ve heard the man. Make it snappy.”

Marissa wrapped her arms around Jacob’s neck and kissed him soundly, oblivious to the whistles and catcalls from the crowd that had gathered around them. She didn’t care. She was proud of her hero. Her fireman.

Her answer to her prayer.

They broke apart and Owen peeked between his
fingers. “Okay, let’s go.” He reached out for Jacob and prodded him forward.

“We’ll be back.” Jacob winked at Marissa, then ruffled the top of Owen’s hair as they strolled together toward the inflatable jumping station.

Marissa couldn’t help but admire their forms, growing smaller in the crowd as they walked side by side. She could get used to that, and had the feeling such a scene would become quite familiar over time.

Liz rushed up to Marissa, nearly knocking her sideways as she grabbed her into a hug. “I saw the whole thing! I’m so happy I could cry.” Liz kept one arm slung around Marissa’s shoulder. “I can’t believe he kissed you like that and then just left you alone.” She playfully bumped her hip into Marissa’s to show she was joking.

“Oh, I’m definitely not alone.” Marissa smiled as she watched her future eagerly climb inside the giant jumping booth. “I’ve got my father back, and a fireman and a junior fireman who I know will do their best to stick around a long time.” She leaned into Liz’s hug. “And a certain stubborn new friend who never gave up on me.”

“I’m always right, you know.” Liz let out an exaggerated sigh. “I wish Ryan would realize that as easily as you have.”

Marissa laughed, enjoying Liz’s company as she watched Owen and Jacob play, her heart full to bursting. No, she’d never be alone again. Thanks to Liz and Jacob, she now had access back not only to her earthly dad but also to her Heavenly Father, who promised in His word never to leave her or forsake her.

And that was a promise she could put her trust in.

Six months later

T
he late November sun streamed through the bridal window of Orchid Hill Church, coaxing dust fairies into a celebratory dance amidst the beams of light. Marissa stood before the full-length mirror, smoothing the front of her fitted white gown. “Do you think I should have gone tea-length? This isn’t my first wedding.” She frowned at her reflection, nerves skittering through her stomach.

“But it’s Jacob’s first—and only, I might add.” Liz knelt on the floor in her hunter green dress and fluffed the short train of Marissa’s gown. “Besides, after all you two have been through, there’s no way you’re going into this halfheartedly.” She struggled to stand in her heels.

“Trust me. It’s anything but halfhearted.” Marissa studied her reflection, the tiny sequins on the trim of her dress catching the light and twinkling with secret smiles. Marissa smiled back so wide she feared she smudged her lipstick. All doubts about her appearance fled. She was getting married. To Jacob.

In fifteen minutes.

“Mom!” The door to the bridal room burst open, and Owen ran inside, Olivia on his heels, her long green hair ribbons trailing behind. Owen’s bow tie was crooked on his tux and he waved what looked like a blown-up photograph at Marissa. “Dad asked me to give you this and I almost forgot!” Panic lit his expression.

It only took a minute for Marissa’s brain to convert “Dad” to “Jacob,” as Owen had insisted on calling him since their engagement months before. Marissa took the object from her son and went to kiss him before remembering her lipstick. She straightened his tie instead. “You look handsome, buddy.” Then she glanced down at the item in her hand, and her breath hitched. It was the photo of their chalk square from the festival six months ago, the marker of the moment where everything had finally come together—on the pavement and in her heart. She’d almost forgotten about it after Jacob told her the photos had been delayed from the photographer. How sneaky.

She studied the stick figures she’d so carefully crafted with Owen, and warmth seeped through her heart. With a smile, she turned the photo over and immediately recognized Jacob’s messy scrawl, written in thick black cursive.

“Wow, he’s more of a romantic than I thought.” Liz’s sudden voice over Marissa’s shoulder stopped the tears welling in Marissa’s eyes just before they spilled over. She blinked rapidly in an effort to save her makeup. No
kidding.
Lord, I can’t believe I ever doubted Your plan for me.

“Hey, no crying!” Liz fanned her hands in front of Marissa’s face. “That’s probably why Jacob intended for you to have this earlier than ten minutes before the ceremony.” She laughed as Owen shrugged sheepishly. She did a double take. “Olivia, come here, baby. Your ribbon is falling out.”

Liz secured her daughter’s hair ribbon just as another knock sounded on the door. “Man entering the sacred suite.” Chief Brady’s booming voice entered before he did. “It’s showtime.” His tone gentled as his gaze settled on Marissa. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’m just so glad you’re here.” Marissa hugged her father, thirty pounds lighter but still the same bear she always knew. Except, these days he was more teddy than grizzly. He hugged her back, then gestured for Liz to take the kids into position. “They’re lining up in the hallway.”

“You heard the man. Places!” Liz ushered the kids out of the room. She turned and gave Marissa a parting grin. “I don’t know if ‘break a leg’ is proper terminology for a wedding march.”

“Let’s not risk it.” Marissa laughed, dabbing her still-damp eyes with her fingertips. “See you soon—sis.” She waved as Liz blew a kiss and disappeared into the foyer.

“This wedding stuff agrees with you.” The chief wrapped his arm around Marissa as they took their place beside the double front doors of the church. “You know you’re marrying a winner, huh?”

“I know, Dad,” Marissa whispered, emotion lodging in her throat. Anticipation rocked her forward on her heels, and she wanted to jump up and down as Owen had the night Jacob proposed using his toy fire truck
as the prop for the ring. The memory brought another smile, and the urge to cry finally subsided as unadulterated joy took its place.

The faint strains of “Canon in D” drifted down the aisle as Liz strolled to her spot on the stairs beside Pastor Rob. Olivia graced the carpeted floor with flower petals on her way to the altar and Owen was right beside her with the ring bearer pillow. Marissa held her breath, grateful he only tripped once. It was almost her turn. In a few minutes, they’d all be a family.

“This is it.” Her father offered his arm, and Marissa stepped into full view of the main aisle as their guests stood as one with the crescendo of the bridal march.

Nerves pinched her stomach until she caught a glimpse of Jacob’s face, lighting her destination at the end of the aisle like a beacon in the night. His smile mirrored all the happiness she felt inside and reflected it back as she slowly made her way toward him. Gratitude filled her heart at God’s goodness, and she wanted to weep again at the thought that her fears had nearly kept her from this moment. Gazing into Jacob’s eyes, she’d never felt more like a princess.

Owen bounced on the balls of his feet as Marissa drew near, and the chief quickly handed Marissa off to Jacob. They turned to face the pastor just as Owen couldn’t contain his excitement any longer. “I’m getting a dad today, and he’s a fireman!” he hollered, and a chuckle rolled through the congregation.

“Come here, buddy.” All desire for protocol fled and Marissa held out her arm for Owen. He easily slipped into place between her and Jacob, beaming. Together, they faced the pastor threefold, ready for their vows.

Ready to become a family.

Questions for Discussion

1.  Motherhood is often a challenge. As a single mom, how did Marissa struggle more so than other mothers?

2.  Marissa lost her husband to a dangerous career. How did this shade her view of heroes?

3.  Marissa had a bad relationship with her father because of resentment she carried over from childhood. Have you ever let a childhood grudge affect your adult life?

4.  Despite her struggles in her first marriage, Marissa made every effort not to speak negatively of her late husband in front of her son. Do you think this was hard to do? Why is it important for her to do so?

5.  Because of his father and grandfather, young Owen also wanted to become a fireman. Why do you think this panicked Marissa?

6.  Why did Marissa think Jacob would become a bad influence on her son?

7.  In the story, the community banded together to help raise money for the families of those laid off from the fire department. Has your city ever done something like that to help others? Did you contribute? Why or why not?

8.  Marissa found herself drawn to Jacob even though she feared a future with him because of his career.

Have you ever been attracted to someone you didn’t think you should get involved with? How did you handle it?

9. Liz became a good friend to Marissa as they worked together on the festival. How did Liz help lead Marissa back to the Lord? Has a friend ever helped you in such a way?

10.  Marissa, while once close to God, grew distant after the tragedy she endured. Why do you think Christians sometimes pull away from God in the midst of their personal storm instead of drawing closer?

11.  The chief’s health scare encouraged Marissa to let go of the past and opened her eyes to the possibilities of the future. Has a near tragedy or incident ever done the same for you? How did you respond?

12.  Marissa’s job was a professional party/event planner. What would be your favorite part of that job? What would be your least favorite part?

13.  Jacob feared his interest in the chief’s daughter would endanger his position in the department, especially after the recent layoffs that affected his younger brother. Do you think the chief would be right or wrong in targeting Jacob for his feelings for Marissa?

14.  As an older brother, Jacob felt responsible for Ryan and his family after the layoff. Have you ever been in the position to help a family member in need? What happened?

15. Despite being rejected multiple times, Jacob never gave up on pursuing Marissa’s heart. Have you been in a similar situation with your spouse or significant other? Do you find the notion romantic?

ISBN: 9781408951361

Fireman Dad

© Betsy St. Armant 2011

First Published in Great Britain in 2011
Harlequin (UK) Limited
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