It's not lost on me how he’s no longer referring to just his mom. He’s talking about both of his parents, and as much as I want him to tell me more, I don’t pry. Instead, I ask, “Does it bother you that they keep that side of themselves hidden from you?”
He shakes his head. “Nah. It used to, but as I’ve gotten older, and seen and heard different things about our family, I’ve grown an understandin’ for them. It’s got nothin’ to do with me, or my brother, and they’ll tell us if, or when, they’re ready.”
A moment passes where neither of us says anything, but then Hollis clears his throat. “Anyway, that’s where all my brilliant insight comes from regardin’ marriage.”
I chuckle. “Didn’t say anythin’ about it bein’ brilliant.”
“Yeah, but it was inferred.” He flashes me a toothy grin. “I just said the quiet part out loud.”
Shaking my head, I breathe out a laugh, bringing my attention back to the puzzle while he does the same. “Would expect nothin’ less from you,” I drawl.
There’s no more discussion of my divorce for the rest of the evening, which is fine by me. We’re able to finish the rest of the puzzle a lot quicker than I thought we would, and once that’s done, Hollis forces a sheet mask on my face before turning on an episode ofThe Real Housewives. He brings out mycomforter and all my pillows, insisting it adds to the vibe, and I have to admit… He’s right.
It's late by the time we call it a night, and instead of sending Hollis home after we clean everything up, I take his hand and lead him to my bed, where we sleep skin to skin all night. No sex; we do nothing more than sleep, but by the time my eyes peel open in the morning, I feel more refreshed than I have in a while.
I needed Hollis, without even realizing it, and he was there for me. It’s impossible to ignore what that does to me.
It’s impossible to ignore how things are changing.
Twenty-Three
Ford
Ilift my gaze to the clock on the wall, heaving a sigh. It’s barely noon. Focusing back on the paperwork laid out in front of me, I get through most of it until a knock at the door pulls my attention. Chandler waves as our eyes meet, and I gesture for her to come in.
“Hey, Cap,” she murmurs as she steps into my office. “Sorry if I’m interrupting anything.”
“You’re not, don’t worry. Have a seat. What can I do ya for?”
It’s impossible to miss how nervous she looks, chewing on the inside of her cheek, her knee bouncing a mile a minute, and it almost looks like she’s about to cry. “First, I want to say how much I love my job, and how much I love you, and our entire crew.”
“Are you quitting?” I blurt out before I can stop myself.
“No!” Chandler waves her hands in front of her. “God, no. It’s not...” She gets quiet for a moment, twisting her hands together in her lap before she announces, “I’m pregnant.”
My eyes widen, brows hiking clear up to my hairline. “Chandler, that’s wonderful news! Congratulations!”
“Britt and I have been trying for a while now,” she explains. “I didn’t want to say anything about it, and make y’all feel like I needed special treatment, like I couldn’t take all the same calls as everyone else, but now that I’m actually pregnant, I think I gotta tell you.” She breathes out a laugh.
“I’m glad you did.” My eyes soften as I hold her gaze. “This is wonderful news, and I’m sorry if you felt like you couldn’t talk to us about it.”
Her shoulder lifts in a lazy shrug, and she averts her gaze. “I know how hard it can be havin’ to pick up someone else’s slack when they’re out of work,” she says, looking unsure. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
“Chandler, this job asks a lot of us. It takes time, dedication, sweat, and sometimes blood, but it shouldn’t cost you your whole life. You’re allowed to want more than a locker and a turnout coat. You and Britt have wanted to start a family for as long as I’ve known you, and I want you to have that. I’d never ask anyone to put their dreams on hold for this job, because in the end, the best team is one where we support each other beyond the fireground.”
Shoulders relaxing, Chandler blows out a sigh, a smile curling up her face. “Thank you, Cap. I really appreciate you sayin’ that.”
“I know whenever you feel comfortable tellin’ the rest of the team, they’re goin’ to say the same thing to you,” I say with a smile, happy for her. “We’re a family.”
Movement at the door catches my attention a moment before the knock comes. Glancing up at the same time Chandler looks over her shoulder, my heart palpitates when I lay my eyes on Hollis. Wearing his signature smirk, he waves beforepointing to the door, silently asking if it’s okay to come in. I don’t know what he’s doing here; we haven’t spoken much today since it’s been such a crazy day. He slept over again last night, something we’ve sort of made a habit of doing since the night of my divorce a few weeks ago, but his mornings are even earlier than mine, so he was already gone by the time I woke up. Clenching my jaw, I roll my lips together before shaking my head. I hold up a finger, indicating to give me a minute, and he nods before walking off.
“Hollis finally comin’ to join the force?” Chandler teases as she sits forward again.
“When pigs fly,” I say with a deep chuckle. “Probably just here for Remi.”
She nods, a glint of…something in her eye. “Right. Must be why he’s knockin’ onyourdoor, then.”
Chandler holds my gaze as we sit in a silent stare off for a few moments. The longer it goes on, the faster my heart beats. There’s something about the way she’s watching me, and what she said that has me pausing.
