Page 40 of Raging Inferno

“I figured since you missed Thanksgiving dinner, I’d bring it to you,” he says, lifting the bag. “Turkey and all the fixings,” he continues. “It’s not my best work but if you throw some gravy on it, it’s not all that bad.”

“You brought me dinner,” I whisper.

“Don’t get all misty eyed, beautiful. It’s dry as shit,” he says with a wink.

A beat of silence passes between us as he angles his head and tightens his hold on the bag.

“I’m sorry I didn’t answer your calls right away,” he rasps, biting the inside of his cheek as he steals another glance at Christopher.

“You’re here now,” I say, noting how relieved I sound. “You can come in you know, we don’t bite.”

His lips quirk as he diverts his eyes back to me.

“That’s not entirely true,” he teases. “I distinctly remember—”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” I interrupt. A smile spreads across my lips as I stand from the chair. Sensing his apprehension, I round the bed and make my way towards him. Standing before him, I throw my arms around his neck and lean into him. Unfazed by the scent of smoke clinging to his clothes, I bury my nose in the crook of his neck as he wraps an arm around my waist and drags me closer to him.

“It’s alright, baby,” he whispers, brushing his lips over the top of my head. “He’s going to be fine.”

“I know,” I murmur. “I’m just happy to see you,” I confess, pulling away to meet his concerned gaze. “I didn’t realize how much I needed you.”

“I’m right here, Melissa and I’m not going anywhere,” he says, pulling his hand around my body and lifting it to my cheek. The pad of his thumb caresses my lower lip as he touches his forehead to mine.

More than anything I want to believe him but if life has taught me anything, it’s that we can plan our forever, but that doesn’t mean we get it.

“I’m sorry, I’m not usually this needy,” I say, pulling away. “Do you have to go back to the house or are you off?”

“I’m all yours,” he replies. “I’ll stay as long as you want me.”

For as long as I live, I’ll never understand why God took Chris from me. It’ll always remain an unanswered question in the back of my mind but I’m thankful he sent me Jimmy. A woman strives to find one great man in her lifetime, I’m lucky to have found two.

“Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll fix you something to eat,” he says, lifting the bag of food. Before I can do that, the nurse comes back with the Motrin. She explains she’s going to have to wake Christopher and once he takes the medicine, she will start the IV. Without giving me a chance to argue, Jimmy excuses himself, telling me he’s going to head out to his truck and see if he has a change of clothes in the trunk. He places the bag on the small table and gives me a quick kiss before the nurse wakes Christopher.

I know he’s trying to be respectful and give me my space with my son but, I can’t help but wish he would’ve stayed. Especially when the nurse inserts the line for the IV and Christopher cries hysterically.

Once the drip is in and he’s taken the Motrin, I crawl into the bed with him and wrap my arms around him. I sing his favorite lullaby and soon he falls back asleep. Twenty minutes later, Jimmy stands in the doorway with his arms crossed taking us both in.

“He’s a trooper,” he murmurs.

“You didn’t have to leave,” I whisper, brushing Christopher’s hair away from his forehead. Slowly and carefully, I slide off the bed and tuck him in.

“We didn’t really discuss how I’d meet your son and I didn’t want to take advantage of the situation,” he explains.

“I want him to know you,” I reveal, meeting his gaze.

“Melissa—”

“I want him to know the man who brought his mother’s smile back,” I continue. “I want him to know the man I’m thankful for.”

Stepping around the bed, I make my way towards the door and take his hand, pulling him into the room. His hands move to my hips and he draws in a deep breath. Something flickers in his eyes and for a moment I wonder if maybe he’s not ready to meet Christopher.

“Unless you don’t want to meet him yet,” I murmur, releasing his hands. “I didn’t even think of that. All this time, I’ve been telling myself it’s my call and never thought to ask you your opinion.”

“Of course I want to meet your son, Melissa,” he rebuts. “I want every part of you, including him. I just don’t want to overstep my bounds but, you never have to wonder if I want you in my life or if I’m ready to take on the biggest part of your life.”

Reaching up on my tip toes, I wrap an arm around his neck and press my lips to his. I’ll never understand God’s plan but, I may just stop questioning it. Life is too short not to live for the moment and appreciate the blessings it sometimes offers us.

Jimmy may not have been part of my plan but he sure is a blessing.

He’s the man I’m most thankful for.

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