Page 30 of Embers in the Dark

“My dear, stupid, sad brother,” River begins, reaching over and putting his arm around his brother’s shoulders and bringing him into a hug, “you just can’t admit your daughter loves me more. But it’s okay. Once she can speak, she’ll settle this once and for?—”

As if we’ve conjured her up from thin air, Abby walks in with Ella in her arms.

“Hey, guys!” She’s got a huge smile on her face.

Abby and Clay recently got engaged and I assume she’s walking on cloud nine since then. For someone who only returned from California a year ago and was pushing Clay away, she’s really settling into this life they’ve built back up again. I couldn’t be happier for my friend. She looks free and settled, something I envy about her as I feel like my life has taken a turbulent turn recently.

“Hey, baby.” Clay pries River’s arm off him to make his way to his fiancée and daughter. “What are you doing here?”

Abby looks to Clay and gives him a quick kiss. “Oh, I was in the neighborhood, walking with Ella. The weather is so nice, and I thought we’d take advantage of it. I brought some snacks for you.”

I see Abby’s eyes lock on something behind Clay, and it registers why she’s really here. I can’t help the laugh that escapes; I know her motives and I narrow my eyes at her.

“So you were just in the neighborhood, huh?” I ask her.

“Yeah, Malloy, I was,” she says.

“Well, give me my niece, then.” River makes grabby hands toward Ella.

“Let me have my daughter first, man,” Clay demands.

“Dude, you live with them. Let me have my time with her first.” River’s tone is no-nonsense while I keep my eyes onAbby the entire time. Her cheeks flush and I can’t believe Clay is oblivious to why she’s really here.

Abby makes her way to the island in the kitchen while the Nichols brothers continue to fight over the baby. Abby stands next to me, and I continue to lean against the counter, watching her stand there. I know she’s waiting for me to introduce her to Hunter. He’s still putting together the lasagna.

Abby elbows me when she realizes I’m stalling, and I laugh again.

Because I have no intention of making this easy on her, I push a little more, “Oh, you want me to introduce you to our newest member at Station 10?”

“Yes, please.” She smiles sweetly, although she’s speaking through gritted teeth.

“Tyler Hunter, I would like to introduce you to Abby Morris, soon to be Abby Nichols,again.” I emphasize the again part. “Abby, this is Hunter, our newest addition.”

“Nice to meet you. You look familiar. Have I seen you before?”

I roll my eyes. She’s fucking killing me, I snort, and she glares at me.

“Abby, cut the act. I told him I had a friend who knew he was famous online. Remember I took that selfie on your first day? This is who I sent it to.” I throw her a Cheshire grin.

“You’re demoted, asshole,” she whispers.

“Fat chance. You love me.” I wink at her.

“What’s happening here?” Hunter asks about our exchange.

“He’s a pain in my ass,” Abby explains. “And yes, it’s true, I do know who you are. Malloy doesn’t let me get away with anything. He’s lucky I love him... but not like that.” She turns toward me and sticks her tongue out.

“Real mature for a mom,” I tell her.

“Fuck off, Malloy.” She turns away from me and towardHunter. “I follow you on my social media and it’s really cool to see your workouts. I can’t believe you ended up at this firehouse of all places.”

Hunter watches us for a few extra seconds, probably thinking we’re both lunatics, but then he smiles at us, and continues working on the food.

“Thank you. I appreciate it. Yeah, I left the military with a following. Once I got to civilian life, I needed something to feel like myself again and working out was really for mental clarity, so I continued with it. Never thought it would take off like it did. Joining the fire academy felt like another way to connect with a community here and now here I am. I appreciate the support.”

“Maybe you should tell him when you watch his videos, Abs.” I laugh as I grab a carrot and take a bite.

“Malloy, don’t you have something else to do?” Abby smacks my arm.

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