The Firefighter Daddy (11 page)

Katie looked back at Madison but hurried toward her uncle. The gate closing caught Madison's attention. She hugged Gabe and Junior then ran to catch up with Liam and her sister.

“He's learning,” her mother said.

“Yes, he's a good father to them in spite of what he thinks.”

“He'll learn making mistakes is part of being a parent. Those two little girls have been a joy to have around. Even Nana has perked up with them here.” Her mother sighed.

In a short time, Liam and the girls had ingrained themselves in her family. She really cared about Liam, but she was afraid there wouldn't be a good outcome for her and Liam—in spite of what her mother wanted.

* * *

Thursday evening Liam sat next to Colt at the high school pool while Katie and Madison practiced the new swimming stroke they were learning. “Beth was the first one into the water. Madison jumped right in, but Katie is my cautious girl.” His youngest had been the last person in the pool, taking one slow step at a time into the water.

“Beth loves it. I just need her to do it better. I worry she'll sneak off and go swimming in the pond at the ranch.”

“I'm glad the single dads' meeting is nearby. We'll be late as it is.”

While Colt leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs, he watched his daughter swim across the pool. When she made it, he released a long breath. “That's the first time she's gone that far.”

“Katie was so excited when she made it on Thursday. I was glad I was here to see it. That's all she talked about on the way home.”

Colt slanted his head toward Liam. “That's the way Beth was when Madison asked her to her birthday party this Saturday. She had another hard day at school and that helped her forget about the kids making fun of her.”

“Have you talked to the teacher?”

“Yes, but so far nothing has been successful. I'm looking forward to the summer. Hopefully next school year will be better. I'm going to talk to the principal and make sure my child gets the right teacher for her.”

“Whereas I look at summer as another change. We're just starting to get a routine down, and school will end and we'll have a new routine to get used to.”

Colt chuckled. “Who's the routine for? You? Or your nieces?”

“Both. They do better with one and so do I.”

“That's how I feel, too. Beth has to have one, but we'll fall into our usual summer one. The first summer will be the hardest as you find out what works and doesn't.”

“What do you do with Beth when school is out?”

“I've tried a camp once, but it didn't go real well. A few years back I hired a person to look after her in the summer. They're at the ranch, and I drop in frequently to see how Beth is doing. Having someone gives me peace of mind about places like the pond or the field where the bulls graze.”

As the class wound down Liam gathered his nieces' bags so they could change clothes in the dressing room. He stood off to the side as the girls exited the pool.

Katie and Madison hurried toward him.

“No running,” Sarah called out and came toward him.

His nieces reached him at the same time with Madison saying, “Sorry. I forgot the rule.”

“Me, too. We need to change and go with Uncle Liam to a—” Katie looked up at him “—party.”

Sarah smiled. “A party?”

Colt joined them with Beth.

“Yeah, with the dads' club. And I'm starving, so let's get ready.” Madison tugged on her sister's arm.

“Can Beth go with you to the dressing room?”

“Sure.” Madison took her bag and strolled with Beth to the door with Girl's Locker Room on it.

Katie walked—just short of running—to catch up with them.

“Beth is doing great. She wants to try everything,” Sarah said to Colt.

“Thanks. Actually I owe Liam here big-time for telling me about these lessons. Sometimes I feel isolated at the ranch. Do you think they'll be all right by themselves in there?”

“Tell you what. I'll go see how they're doing.”

Five minutes later the four of them walked out of the locker room.

Colt took Beth's hand and left the pool area while Liam paused next to Sarah. His nieces were becoming attached to her. What would happen when he wanted to leave Buffalo? There were times he thought about staying, but then he remembered the friends he'd left behind, his house, his connections...

“Liam, are you okay?”

He blinked at Sarah. “Sorry. Did you say something?”

“I just said you all better get going or the food will be gone.”

“Yeah, we need to go.”

The girls started for the exit.

He faced Sarah. “Thanks for everything. Madison has been talking nonstop about the birthday party.”

“See you.” Sarah headed for the pool.

Liam watched her and realized it wasn't only the girls who were becoming attached to Sarah. He was, too. As soon as the bachelor auction, swimming lessons and Madison's party were over, there wouldn't be a reason for them to see each other so much. That was probably for the best.

He rushed to catch up with his nieces, noticing Colt's truck was already gone.

A few minutes later he parked on the street several houses down from Michael Taylor's, right behind Colt. The girls ran to catch up with Beth and Colt, who'd stopped to wait for them.

“What did you bring?” Colt asked.

“A cake I baked earlier today. How about you?”

“The same. Store bought.”

Michael greeted them when they entered the house. “The kids are in the den. Carrie is in charge, much to her brothers' irritation.”

“With a high-schooler at least you have a built-in babysitter,” Liam said while Colt took his cake to the table then headed for the den.

“In between the debate team, soccer and school work. We were waiting for you two so we could start. Nathan has a problem concerning his ex-wife.”

“Okay, let me put my—” Liam's cell phone rang, cutting him off. As he answered, another one in the living room went off, too.

“Liam here.”

“We have a grass fire on the outskirts of Buffalo threatening a subdivision. Captain has called in all the firefighters,” his lieutenant said.

“I'll be there as soon as I set up care for my nieces.” While he disconnected, he saw that Brandon had also received a call.

His friend approached, frown lines slashing across his face. “I'll see you at the station.”

Liam stepped out onto the porch to call Aunt Betty. The phone rang ten times before he finally hung up. He'd round up Madison and Katie and see if he could find his aunt.

When the three of them left Michael's house, Colt hurried after him. “Do you have someone to care for the girls?”

“Not yet. My aunt didn't answer her phone.”

“Let me take your nieces, then.”

“I'll probably be gone all night the way it sounds.” Liam looked south and, in the dim light of dusk, could see the darkened sky that indicated a fire.

“That's okay. I'll make sure they get to school. Do you have time to get some clothes for them?”

“Yes. I'll bring back a bag.”

“Good. Have Madison and Katie return here.”

“Will do. Thanks.” The scent of smoke laced the breeze from the south. He didn't have a good feeling about this. With the drought conditions the past few years, it wouldn't take much for a fire to get out of hand.

After he explained to the girls what was happening, he drove to his house to get them something to wear tomorrow. He set the bag on the patio and hastened to Aunt Betty's house. Lights were on in the kitchen. He knocked on the back door. Nothing. He went around to the front and rang the bell. Still nothing. He peeked into the garage window and saw that her car was gone. He'd try later. She didn't own a cell phone. He prayed he could get ahold of his aunt sometime tonight.

After dropping their bag off with Colt, he kissed them each goodbye. He saw the worry in Madison's eyes and forced a smile to his face. “I'll be fine. I'm just going into work a little early.”

“But what if...” She dropped her head.

“I've dealt with grass fires before, Madison. I'm counting on you being there for Katie if she gets upset. Okay?”

She nodded. “Okay.”

He gave Madison a hug then Katie. As he drove away, he decided to swing by the pool to catch Sarah at the end of her last lesson. He had no reason to be worried about Aunt Betty, but he was. It was after dark, and she rarely drove anywhere at night.

As he pulled up, Sarah's car was still there. He jogged toward the building and pulled open the main door at the same time she pushed on it.

Surprise widened her gaze. “What's wrong?”

He quickly explained about the fire, Colt taking the girls for the night and Aunt Betty not being home. “I hate to ask, but will you try to get hold of her? I don't know when I'll be able to call her, and I would hate to wake her up.”

“Sure. I'll take care of everything. I don't want you worrying about the girls or your aunt while working.”

“Then I'll call you when I get a chance.”

“I'll keep my cell phone by the bed, so even if it's after midnight, call me.”

Her reassuring tone eased some of his anxiety. “You're a lifesaver.”

“No, you are. Go do your job. I'm glad we live on the north side of town, but I'll be praying for the folks in the fire's path.”

On impulse he clasped her arm and tugged her to him, kissing her—a brief connection he wished he could prolong.

He pulled away and ran to his car. As he backed out of the parking space, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Chapter Ten

S
arah paced the length of Betty's front porch, glancing at her watch every ten minutes or so. Finally at ten she glimpsed the woman's car coming down the street, probably at only ten miles an hour. The garage door went up as Sarah descended the steps and hurried to the driveway.

When Betty climbed slowly from her vehicle, the first thing Sarah noticed was the walking boot on her left leg. Then she saw Liam's aunt's face, an ashy cast to her features.

“What happened, Betty?”

“I went out to get the mail and fell off the curb. I drove myself to the emergency room. I didn't think I would be there so long, but there's a fire and a few people have been hurt.”

“Liam has been worried about you. He's been trying to call you.”

“I left him a message on his phone. He should have seen it by now since the girls need to be in bed because of school.”

“You should have called Liam on his cell.”

“I would have, but I don't remember the number. I usually call the house when I want to talk to him. I was at the hospital when I realized I'd left my address book at home.” Betty limped toward the door into her kitchen, her jaw set as though she was in pain.

“Can I help?”

“Unless you can walk for me, no. The doctor gave me some pain meds to take once I got home.” She unlocked her door and went inside. “Why has Liam tried to get hold of me?”

“He was called into work because of the grass fire.”

“Where are Madison and Katie?” Grimacing, Betty clutched the counter to steady herself.

“Let me help you to your bedroom. Then you should take your meds and rest. The girls are with a friend, and I'll take care of them tomorrow afternoon and evening. You need to take care of yourself. And next time you can't get hold of Liam, call me. I can help. You shouldn't have driven yourself to the hospital.”

“You were working.”

“I could have figured something out. It's okay to ask for help.”

Betty leaned against Sarah as she hobbled down the hall. “Then I'm asking. I need a few days before I look after the girls. My foot is throbbing and I have to go back in for it to be set and cast after the swelling goes down. Depending on what the doctor does, it may be hard for me to get around for a while.”

“Don't worry. I'll work it out with Liam. Madison and Katie will be taken care of. You concentrate on getting better and, remember, when something like this happens, call us.”

“I will. I realized it as I was driving to the hospital, but I was only a few blocks away so I kept going. I didn't have any way of getting hold of someone.”

“Get a cell phone.” Sarah helped Betty to her bed.

“I'm too old to learn something new.” She sank down on her coverlet and handed Sarah her purse. “Would you please get me a glass of water? The meds I'm supposed to take are inside.”

Sarah rummaged in the big purse, found two bottles of pills and put them on the nightstand. “I'll be right back with the water.”

As she strode to the kitchen to get Betty's drink, she tried Liam's cell phone. After several rings, it went to voice mail. “This is Sarah. I'm at your aunt's house. She broke her foot and was at the hospital. She's home now and will be all right. Don't worry about the girls. Mom and I will take care of them tomorrow. Call when you get a chance. Stay safe.”

As she filled a glass, something Betty had said resurfaced in her mind. People were being hurt enough to come to the emergency room because of the grass fire. And Liam was there to fight it.
Please, Lord, don
'
t let one be Liam.

When she took the water to Betty, she helped make her comfortable. “I'm going to stay for a while to make sure you'll be all right.”

“They sent a walker home with me to help me keep my balance. It's still in the car. Will you please get it for me and put the garage door down?”

“Of course.”

After retrieving the walker, Sarah stepped out of the garage. The smell of smoke overwhelmed her for a moment as she looked toward the south. Fire lit the dark night sky. Eerie. Menacing.

She shivered and couldn't get Liam out of her thoughts.

Please stay safe
.

* * *

As dawn on Friday lightened the smoke-filled air, Liam trudged behind the anchor line, a gravel road, toward the refreshment table and snagged an ice-cold bottle of water and an energy bar. His legs felt as though he were carrying around twenty-pound concrete slabs. He collapsed on the ground near Brandon and removed his yellow helmet and black leather gloves.

After shoveling and raking for hours to make the fire lines, all Liam wanted to do was catch a catnap. But first a drink and food. “This fire isn't slowing down.”

Brandon's tired eyes gazed at him for a long moment before he said, “If only the wind would die down, we might have a chance to contain this.”

Liam bit off a piece of the energy bar. “We might not be able to protect those houses.” He lifted his hand and pointed north toward Buffalo. “Especially if the wildfire jumps the highway and catches the woods between the subdivision and the road on fire.”

“Yeah, and the wind is blowing in that direction.” Brandon took out his cell phone. “I'm gonna check on my kids before we head back out.”

Good idea. Liam retrieved his cell and noticed there was voice mail for him. He listened to the message from Sarah, his hand clutching the cell phone tighter as her words flooded his weary mind. He hated calling her when it was only a little after six, but he might not have another break for a long while.

He moved away from Brandon and placed the call. When she answered, the sound of her voice overwhelmed him with all the reasons he was falling in love with Sarah. Its warmth wrapped around him as though she embraced him.

“How's it going? Are you containing the fire?”

“It's still spreading. Pray for the wind to die down or a sudden downpour.”

“I have been all night.”

“Did you get any sleep?”

“Not much. How about you?”

“No. I have a break right now, but I might be too tired to sleep.”

“You got my message?”

He closed his eyes, a vision of Sarah popping into his mind. “Yes. How's Aunt Betty?”

“I'm still at her house, and she's sleeping. She's worried about you. I told her you're too stubborn to have anything happen to you.”

He chuckled.

“Liam, like I said in my message, don't worry about anything here. I'll take care of your nieces. When your aunt wakes up, I'll make sure she's all right before I leave. I'll pick Madison and Katie up from school. I'm going to stay with them at your house. That way I can check on Betty throughout the afternoon and evening.”

“How about work?”

“I'm going to take the girls back to the salon and let them keep Nana company.”

“Are you sure?” Liam took another swallow of the cold water.

“Nana said something about showing them Sammy. He's usually around the salon in the afternoon. She was excited and really looking forward to Saturday and Madison's birthday party. Don't worry about a cake. Mom has something in mind.”

“What?” Liam imagined her sitting on his aunt's couch, her long, curly, blond hair framing her beautiful face.

“She wouldn't tell me. She's going to bake it tonight while I'm at your house. She thinks I might let it slip, and she wants Madison to be surprised.”

An all-encompassing weariness enveloped him. “Thank you, Sarah.”

“I can't fight the fire like you can, so I'm glad to do this to help.”

“Talk to you when I can,” he murmured, his eyelids sliding slowly down.

“Stay safe.”

When he disconnected, he checked his watch. He had enough time to catch that nap his body was screaming he take. The last words Sarah said to him drifted through his mind as sleep descended.

* * *

Saturday morning Sarah found Madison outside in the backyard at Betty's house, staring south. A furrowed forehead and thin lips greeted her as the child glanced at her.

“Hon, are you okay?” Sarah purposefully stood in front of the girl, trying to block some of her view.

“It's twelve and Uncle Liam isn't here. It's so hazy I can't tell if the fire has been put out or not.” Madison took a step to the right, her gaze glued to the sky.

Sarah put her arm around the child and peered south. “I was listening to the radio on the way from the salon and it looks like they're making some good progress toward containing the fire.”

“He isn't gonna make my birthday party, is he?” Madison blew out a sigh, her shoulders hunching.

“He'll be at your party if he can.”

“It starts in two hours. He won't leave until the fire is out.” Disappointment coupled with something Sarah couldn't pinpoint resonated in Madison's voice.

The light breeze carried the stench of smoke. “Let's go inside.”

“What if he can't stop the fire? I have a friend who lives near it. She's supposed to come to my party.”

Sarah hugged the girl against her. “If you're talking about Libby, her mom called the salon and let me know they would be there. They evacuated and are staying with relatives not far from here. Libby is really looking forward to your party.”

“What if something happens to Uncle Liam? Have you heard from him since we talked with him last night?”

“No, but that doesn't mean anything.”

She wasn't going to tell Madison because the firefighters were making a stand at the woods between the road and the subdivision, trying to put out any sparks that hopped the highway. The child was already worried enough—as was she. She'd refused to think what would happen if Liam was hurt. She'd prayed throughout the morning as she'd fixed her clients' hair and readied the salon for the party. Her mother had stayed a little longer to finish up.

“Nana came home with me. She was wondering where you were.” Sarah held out her hand to Madison. “Let's go in. We still need to walk to my house and check on Gabe and Junior.”

As Madison entered Betty's house first, Sarah's phone rang. “It's your uncle. I'll be inside in a minute.”

Relief sagged Madison's shoulders even more.

Sarah took a few steps away from the doorway and waited until the little girl disappeared inside. “Hi, are you all right?” The question rushed out of her mouth before she could censor herself.

“Yes. It's been a long night. If nothing unforeseen happens, we should start the mop-up soon and make sure there are no hot spots that could start the fire all over again. How are the girls and my aunt doing?”

“Fine. They stayed with Aunt Betty for a couple of hours this morning. Betty seems to be better. At least her foot isn't hurting quite as much. She's keeping her foot raised and not walking on it a lot. Madison and Katie have been helping her.”

“Good. Please let Madison know I'll make her party if at all possible. It'll depend on how fast the cleanup will be. Give both of them a hug for me.”

“I will.”

“Save the birthday cake until the end. Hopefully I'll be there by that time. I've got to go. The sooner we start, the sooner I'll be home.”

Sarah's heart throbbed. The urge to put her arms around him and never let go swamped her. She wanted to make sure he was okay with her own two eyes.

The next ninety minutes went by fast. One of Betty's friends came to her place to keep her company. Madison and Katie kissed their great-aunt goodbye. Sarah promised Betty she would take a lot of pictures to show her.

Next stop was Liam's house, where the girls dressed for the party, then Sarah drove Nana, Madison and Katie to her house to make sure Gabe and Junior had food and water. At the salon fifteen minutes before the party was to begin, her mom met them at the door.

“I was about to send out a search team for you all.”

Madison headed into the shop. “Junior got loose and was climbing the fence.”

“I rescued him.” Katie puffed out her chest. “I saw where he was before anyone else.”

Madison stopped halfway through the salon and rotated slowly around, taking in the multicolored streamers from the ceiling, the big banner declaring she was eight years old today, the photo booth setup and the array of dresses and costumes. “You did all of this for me.” The child faced Sarah and her mom, her eyes glistening. “It's perfect.”

Emotions swelled into Sarah's throat. She swallowed several times. “Go into the back area and check out the decorated table—” she slid a glance at her mother who nodded “—with your cake on it.”

A squeal pierced the air before Sarah entered the room. When she and her mom stepped inside, both girls were staring at the birthday cake.

Madison pointed at it. “It's like fingernail polish of my favorite color. Who made it?”

“My mom did. She loves to bake.”

Madison swiveled around and rushed to Sarah's mother and threw her arms around her. “Thank you. It's the neatest cake I've ever seen. I love the pink.”

Stunned, Sarah's mother was speechless as she peered down at the child and folded her in an embrace. When she glanced at Sarah, her eyes glistened. “I had so much fun making that, especially trying to figure out how to do the brush coming out of the bottle. It's strings of black licorice with pink frosting dripping off it.”

“This is the best day ever!” Madison exclaimed, returning to stare at the cake.

Her expression solemn, Katie walked a few steps to Sarah's mom. “Will you make my birthday cake in October in the shape of a cat like Blackie?”

Her mother clasped her shoulder. “I'd love to, sweetie.”

“Yay!” Katie pumped her arm in the air. “I agree. It's the best day ever!” Then she hugged Sarah's mom.

Her mother closed her eyes, but a tear slipped out and ran down her cheek. She turned away from Katie when the child pulled back. “Now I'd better get my supplies set up for the onslaught of girls in ten minutes.”