Page 3 of The Fire Between Us

"Thank you," she says, and something about her sweet voice makes me really look at her.

She's pretty in an understated way—light brown hair pulled back severely, eyes a warm hazel, features delicate. But it's the wariness in her expression that catches my attention. I recognize that look. I've seen it in the mirror.

"No problem," I reply, stepping back to give her space. "Cute kid."

The baby chooses that moment to let out a happy squeal and reach toward my shirt—specifically, toward the CFFD logo. Smart kid, recognizing quality when she sees it.

The woman's posture shifts slightly, less rigid.

"She likes your shirt," she explains, a small smile appearing. "She's obsessed with logos lately."

"Well, she's got good taste," I grin, offering my finger to the baby, who immediately grabs it with surprising strength. "The fire department's pretty cool."

"Say thank you, Amelia," the woman prompts, and the baby makes a sound that's definitely not "thank you" but is entirely charming.

"I'm Max, by the way," I say, realizing I should probably introduce myself before having a conversation with someone's baby. "Max Davidson."

I see the calculation in her eyes—the one people do when deciding how much personal information to share with a stranger.

"I'm Jennie," she finally offers. "And this is Amelia."

No last name. Interesting.

"New to Cedar Falls?" I ask, though it's obvious. You don't miss new faces in a town this size.

She nods. "Just got in last night."

"Visiting family?"

"No," she says, then seems to realize her answer is abrupt. "Just... looking for a change of scenery. Smaller town, you know?"

I do know, actually. "Well, you picked a good one. Cedar Falls is quiet, but in the good way." I wiggle my finger, still captured in Amelia's tiny fist.

That gets me a real smile, one that softens her entire face. "She's not usually this friendly with strangers. Must be the uniform."

"Not even a uniform," I laugh, glancing down at my smoke-scented department t-shirt. "Just what I threw on when the call came in. I was actually off-duty."

"You responded to a fire while off-duty?" Her eyebrows rise.

I shrug. "Small town. Everybody pitches in. Plus, I was right down the street when the call came through."

Amelia finally releases my finger, turning her attention back to the rescued cat toy. Jennie shifts her weight from one foot to another, and I recognize my cue to back off.

"Anyway, welcome to Cedar Falls," I say, lifting my coffee cup in a small salute. "If you need any recommendations—places to eat, things to do—feel free to ask me."

"Thank you," she says, and I can't tell if the formality in her tone is natural or a polite dismissal.

I head back to Frank's table, where he and his wife Helen are giving me matching knowing looks. They've been married fifty years, and now they think everyone needs to pair up.

"New girl seems nice," Frank says with zero subtlety.

"Leave the poor man alone," Helen chides, though she's clearly thinking the same thing.

I roll my eyes at them both. "You two are worse than my squad. I was just being friendly to a newcomer."

"Mm-hmm," Helen hums, turning a page in her newspaper.

I glance back to where Jennie was standing, but she's already gone, the door closing behind her. Something about her sticks with me—the careful way she holds herself, the protective way she cradles her daughter. I recognize a person carrying weight, though I couldn't say exactly what hers is.

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