Page 84 of Choosing a Forever
I step away from Mack and let her put the plates in front of her sisters. “Of course I made chocolate chip,” she deadpans.
The girls inhale their pancakes and bacon, then Mack slips on her shoes and a sweatshirt, and the three of them leave so the twins aren’t late for school.
I take care of the dishes, grateful for the silence to think about what I’m going to do. I have fourteen years’ worth of romance to make up for.
But first, I need a favor from Lizzie.
Chapter 30
Talmage
16 years old…
Finally, the school year is over. I never pictured having to mend a broken heart my sophomore year while adjusting to high school life, but I hope it means I get to have an easier junior year.
After the musical wrapped, Mack and I saw each other in passing in the hall but rarely spoke unless we had to coordinate during a dance number in rehearsal. We ended up in the same group for the Sadie Hawkins dance, but luckily, it wasn’ttooawkward.
She still looks sad, but I know she was dating one of the military academy guys, so maybe they broke up, and it’s not my fault anymore.
We’ll be in the musicalandchamber choir together next year, so hopefully we can be cordial and friendly to one another.
I’m heading back to Scout camp, hoping to finish my Eagle Scout this summer.
Things are looking up.
I’m relieved to be back at work this week, even if I am resigned to desk duty for the next little while. Siren’s relieved, too, even though she got to come in with Enoch a few times while I was off. Having a backyard to run around in at home helps. The twins were really helpful, too, playing with her and taking her on walks. They even offered to feed her if I couldn’t make it up the stairs.
When we got here, she started running around begging everyone for scratches like she’s been gone for an eternity instead of two weeks.
Now, she’s thoroughly inspecting all of the equipment—what she’s looking for, I have no idea—while Enoch, Travis, and I talk about what I missed while I was gone.
According to Enoch’s text, the fire I got injured in was caused by two candles that had fallen over and lit the viscose rug on fire. Since the house was almost a century old, the wood used to build it was more flammable. That, paired with modern-day furniture being built with highly flammable materials, caused the flames to spread too quickly. The house is considered a total loss, condemned by the insurance company.
The couple is fine. Other than a little smoke inhalation, they should make a full recovery. Their dog, too, which is good.
My heart aches for them, losing all of their personal belongings and their home is tragic. I think it’s one ofthe hardest parts of this job—seeing the damage one tiny flame can cause.
Since I’ve been out, they’ve only been called to a few accidents and one minor fire in a field caused by a still-lit cigarette being discarded. The dry grass catches so fast, but luckily, they stopped it before it did any real damage.
“How are things with the wife?” Enoch pumps his eyebrows at me, and I shoot him an unamused glare.
“They’re good. She was really helpful with my recovery.”
“That’s good, but did you get to play sexy nurse with her?”
I scowl at him.
Enoch chuckles. “I’ll take that as anothen.”
“I’m not discussing my sex life with you. I’ve already made that clear.”
Enoch clicks his tongue. “Can’t discuss something you don’t have anyway. Travis, how’s Samm? You two good?”
Travis’ eyes go wide as he nods. “Yep. All good. We’re good.”
“Enoch, if you’re so eager to talk about someone’s sex life, why don’t you tell us about yours and leave Travis alone?”
Travis—still a rookie and not used to Enoch’s antics—gives me a grateful nod. He’s a good kid, and I don’t want Enoch to scare him off with his big mouth.
