The Firefighter Daddy (8 page)

“Were you worried she'd die?”

She nodded but wouldn't look at him.

Then he saw the tear roll down her cheek. “I imagine that was the way your dad felt when I knocked myself out doing tricks on my skateboard at the park. Good thing he saw me. He ran and got help like you did today with Katie.”

She peered at him. “You should have been watching her better.”

“You might be right, but no parent can be with a child all the time.”

“You're not a parent.”

Although the words hurt, he chose to ignore them and continued. “There comes a time a child has to make good choices. Think of the consequences of her actions. Like today, you hurt your sister's feelings because you took your anger out on her.”

She started to protest, but he held up his hand, palm outward.

“Fear can drive a lot of emotions, especially anger. Once my dad told me that yelling at Gareth because he'd done something dumb wasn't going to solve the problem. He asked me instead to be an example for my younger brother. I tried, and we became closer. When either one of us had a problem, we knew the other would be there to listen. Sometimes that's all a person needs to know—that someone cares enough to listen to her problems.”

“I listen all the time to Katie.”

“Good. Have you shared your problems with her? It works both ways.”

“She's six. What problems?”

“Age has nothing to do with it. Everyone has them. It's the relationship between you that counts. She loves you. That's why today she was so upset when you yelled at her. You hurt her. I have a feeling she already realized there was a better way to deal with Blackie than her climbing the tree.”

She frowned. “Maybe.”

“My dad told me that day that because I was the oldest, I had to be the one to show my younger brother what was right.”

Madison blew out a large breath and set her chin on her knees as she stared at the ground between them. “I wish everything was the same. I miss Daddy.”

“I do, too.”

Silence hovered between them. Liam wasn't sure what else he could say to make a difference.

Finally she lifted her head. “I'm sorry.”

“Tell your sister that and why you were upset. Share your problems with her.”

“Maybe.”

“Are you ready to go back to Sarah's?”

She nodded and crawled toward the opening.

Liam followed her out, stood and dusted off his pants. “I see what you mean about this being a great fort. Your dad and I had a tree house. We spent a lot of time up there, playing and talking.”

Halfway back to Sarah's house, Madison looked up at him. “Why doesn't Katie miss Daddy like I do?”

“Maybe she does. People mourn in different ways.”

“Why did God take my daddy away?”

How do I answer her, Lord? I asked You that very question
.

“I don't know, Madison. It was his time, and he's with the Lord now, keeping an eye on you. He loves you very much. That won't ever change.” As he said that to Madison, he'd been talking about his brother but realized the words also applied to God.

When they arrived at Sarah's, Liam headed for the backyard. “We need to go home.”

“Can I say goodbye to the kittens and Gabe first?”

“Sure. I'll give you time to do that.”

Madison was the first through the gate and raced toward her sister, Sarah and Nana. When she hugged Katie, Liam thanked the Lord for the right words to say to Madison. Hope that things would become better for them as a family took root.

Sarah met him, smiling. “Whatever you said to Madison worked. She apologized to Katie.”

“I told her about her father and me. We went through a rough patch growing up, and I passed on my father's advice to me. She didn't know her grandfather, but I'm sure Gareth talked about him all the time. He seemed to have the right advice when it was needed. That's what I remembered when I found Madison.”

“Where did she go?”

“Under some big bushes at the park.”

“And you knew where she was. That's wonderful, since I doubt it was obvious she was there.”

For once in a long time he didn't feel alone. The Lord had been with him today but also Sarah. He took her hand and faced her. “Thank you for being here and understanding about the girls.”

“Anytime. We all need help occasionally.”

“Speaking of help, do you need me to come early tomorrow to help you get ready for the committee and maybe get on the same page about what we want to do for the fund-raiser?”

She chuckled. “Pastor Collins is great at railroading someone to do a task.”

“You don't think your mom got to him, too?”

“I suppose so, but if he made the suggestion for us to be on the committee, it was because he felt we would be good. Pastor Collins has resisted my mom's ideas before because he didn't agree.”

“Speaking of your mother, she just opened the kitchen door. That's my cue to get the girls and go home.”

Sarah settled her hands at her waist. “While I'm stuck here. Thanks.” Then she started laughing.

Liam waved toward Tina, rounded up his girls, told Nana goodbye and hurried out of the backyard before Sarah's mother had them doing something else together—not that it was a bad idea, but he hated being manipulated. His ex-wife had been great at it. The very thought of her ought to dampen any romantic feelings he had toward Sarah.

All they could be was friends. Good friends.

Chapter Seven

O
n Thursday night Sarah sat next to Liam on her couch while Pastor Collins wrapped up the first planning committee meeting for the fund-raiser. The whole evening she'd been aware of the man who was beside her. His scent—a woody floral smell—had teased her senses all evening. His casual touch when shifting on the cushion kept pulling her attention away from the topic of discussion.

“So we'll get together again in a couple of weeks after we've met with our individual committees. You'll have the people who sign up for your committees after this Tuesday's lunch meeting. Please meet with them in a week's time, so at the luncheon on the following Tuesday we can make sure everything is on track. Okay?” Pastor Collins's gaze skimmed the faces of each of the seven people in Sarah's living room, receiving a nod from everyone. “Let's close with a prayer.”

Sarah bowed her head while the pastor thanked God for the group of volunteers.

Pastor Collins ended by saying, “Bless each one as they proceed forward to make this the biggest fund-raiser for the children in our town who need assistance. Amen.”

Beatrice shot to her feet, her purse hugged against her chest. She was on the publicity committee with the pastor and had wanted to be in charge of the silent auction. But Brandon and Abigail Johnson were heading up that one. Beatrice said something to Pastor Collins then swung around and charged toward the front door before Sarah could move to the entry hall to say goodbye to everyone as they left.

After Abigail and two other members left, Pastor Collins approached Sarah. “Thanks for opening your home to us. I was pleasantly surprised we had snacks at the meeting. I especially enjoyed the stuffed mushrooms.”

“Liam brought them along with the vegetable tray with the spinach artichoke dip. Mom made the rest.”

“Liam's quite a cook. He went to check on the kids. Please tell him I appreciate the food. I've already thanked your mother.”

“I will.”

When she shut the front door, she went in search of the kids, still outside although it was dark now. The laughter from the back drew her. When she stepped onto the deck, the floodlights illuminated nearly half the yard. The four kids sat on the wooden planks playing with the kittens while Brandon entertained them with a story. Nana perched in a chair at the end of the circle of children while Liam stood with her mom by the railing.

Sarah circumvented Brandon and the kids to rescue Liam from her mother. No telling what she'd said in the ten minutes Sarah had let the other committee members out the front.

“I appreciate you writing down that stuffed mushroom recipe. They were delicious. Even the children ate them.”

“That's why I fix it. Both my girls love them, and they don't realize how healthy they are. But I must say Madison has been on a healthy kick for the past month. If only Katie would be,” he said with a long sigh. He caught sight of Sarah, something akin to relief flitting across his face. “Has everyone gone?”

“Yes, and Pastor Collins wanted me to thank you for the food, especially the stuffed mushrooms. They were a big hit with everyone.” She shifted her gaze to her mom. “How were the kids?”

“Great. And after seeing Mama with the white kitten, I'm calling the allergist tomorrow. She hasn't put it down the whole evening. Thankfully there were four others. One for each child. As long as I kept my distance from the kittens, I was okay.”

“Did Gabe get any attention?” Sarah spied him plopped down next to Katie.

“Both Katie and Seth threw the ball for him until I think he was exhausted. He hasn't moved from Katie's side for the past fifteen minutes.”

“And that's why you never set up your campsite in a dried-up streambed unless you want to wake up the next morning in the middle of water, and in my case it hadn't even rained where we were. But it did upstream somewhere.” Brandon pushed to his feet. “It's time we go home, boys. Tomorrow is a school day.”

As Sarah's mother showed Brandon and his sons out, Madison joined Liam and Sarah. “Can we put the kittens in the shed for you?”

“Sure. I have a feeling they're ready to sleep after all this attention.” When Madison left them, Sarah said to Liam, “You may have a problem. Katie is really attached to Blackie and Madison likes that calico cat she's been holding.”

“Yeah, I see. Are you telling me we'll need to take both?”

“It would be fewer problems for you. I have that lady coming this Sunday for one of them. I don't want to give away any kitten they want.”

“So I need to decide if I'm going to take one or two by Sunday?”

Sarah nodded, keeping her eye on the two girls as they carried two kittens each and Nana followed with hers. “If you have a chance to talk with Brandon tomorrow at work, let him know that I have at least one kitty left.”

“I will, and I'll talk with the girls Saturday about them. I was thinking of setting up something in the utility room for when I'm working. After they've adjusted to our house, then I might leave them to roam the whole place but not at first.”

“So you're not asking Betty to come over and check on them?”

“No. She already does so much for us. If the girls bond with their kittens, it might help them adjust to a move to Dallas.”

Dallas? “You're moving. When?”

“From the beginning I'd planned to return to Dallas when the girls were doing better. I told my captain I hoped to be back before the end of this year. I have a house there and have only rented it out. The lease will be up at the end of October.”

“So you don't see yourself living in Buffalo?” It took all her willpower to keep any disappointment out of her voice. But she was.

“I grew up in Dallas. Still have cousins who live there. I love the area.”

“And Buffalo is very different from Dallas.”

“Please don't say anything to Madison and Katie about moving. Nothing is settled, and I don't want them to worry about something that might or might not happen in the future.”

Sarah latched on to the word “might.” She didn't want to see him and his nieces leave. She enjoyed his and the girls' company. “I won't. It's not my place, and I won't say anything to Mom or Nana, either. They can never keep a secret.”

“That's why I haven't said anything to Aunt Betty.” He glanced toward the shed. “I was able to change my work schedule to have April 23 off for Madison's birthday.”

“Great, but you might not be too excited with what I've come up with for her party.”

His eyebrows scrunched. “What?”

“I remember one of the few parties my mother did for me was at the salon. The girls Madison invites will get an afternoon getting their nails done, their hair fixed and dressing up. Then a limousine will pick them up to go to dinner. I have a friend in Tulsa who did it for her daughter and sometimes does it for other little girls. It's called Princess for a Day. She's letting me borrow the fancy clothes from her.”

“Where do I fit in with that?”

“You can run the selfie booth where they can pose for different pictures with their friends. My friend said I could borrow that, too. The booth is fun to have at parties. There are different backgrounds they can use.”

“You came up with all that in a few days? But wouldn't you have to close down the salon to do that?”

“For the afternoon. But if this works, Mom and I can offer this for others, and I'll purchase the supplies like my friend did. Hopefully it will be a win-win for us.”

He grinned, again slanting a look toward the shed. “You're a lifesaver. I don't know how she'll feel, but it'll be different.”

“Trust me. Little girls love dressing up.”

He moved close and cupped her face. “I do trust you. If you ever need help with anything, just ask. I'm a pretty good cook and handyman.”

“All I need is for you to pay for the food and rent a limousine for the evening.”

“Thank you, Sarah.” His gaze snared hers.

And for the life of her she couldn't look away. Slowly he lowered his head and brushed his lips across hers before deepening the kiss. For a brief moment she felt like a princess herself and her prince charming had bestowed a kiss on her. Until she heard giggles coming from the backyard.

She quickly stepped back at the same time Liam did. His face reddened. Hers did, too.

“We're going to hear about this for weeks,” Sarah muttered and turned toward the two kids, her mom and grandmother coming toward the deck.

“Yep. I'll try to set the girls straight.”

“And I will with my mother, but most likely she won't hear a word I say.”

While the foursome ascended the stairs, he whispered, “Can I tell Madison about it? What is the limit on the number of girls she can invite?”

“Five besides Madison and Katie. Any more and it becomes too hectic. And, yes, tell her. It's only a little over two weeks away.”

“Why don't you come with me, Madison and Katie?” her mother asked the girls. “I'll fix you a goodie bag to take home with you tonight. I love baking but have too many cookies to eat by myself. You two will be helping me.”

Mom winked at Sarah as she guided Nana and the girls to the back door. “Maybe I'll sleep in the shed tonight. She's probably planning my wedding right now.”

He chuckled.

“You wait. You have a long walk home with little girls with a hundred questions running through their minds.”

“Oh. Right.” He tried to wipe the grin off his face, but it leaked through. “We need to find a time to talk before the meeting next Tuesday. I'm freaking out inside. I've never done anything remotely like plan a bachelor auction.”

“How about Sunday after church in the early afternoon at
your
house?”

“The girls are going to want to see the kittens and Gabe.”

“I'll bring them to you. If you come over, it'll just fuel the fires of my mother's vivid imagination.”

“Then it's a date.” He started for the back door, stopped and whirled around. “I mean, not a
date
date. Just a good time to figure out what we're going to do.”

The word
date
still rang through her mind. It took her a few seconds to respond. “I know.” But as she said that, she actually wished it had been a real date. Disappointment wormed its way into her thoughts. What was happening to her?

* * *

After discussing the fund-raiser for an hour, Liam kneaded the knots in his neck and shoulders. He rose from his kitchen table that afforded him and Sarah a view of the backyard where the girls were playing with the dog and the kittens. “I'll contact the woman who ran the bachelor auction in Dallas and make sure we're doing everything we need to.” He walked the stiffness out as he prowled the room. “I hope we can find twenty men to be in the auction. I'm glad you know a lot of people in town. My contacts are limited to firefighters, police officers and medical staff.”

“How about the guys in the Single Dads' Club? Brandon would be great.”

“So would Colt Remington and Michael Taylor. I'll check with them.”

“See, that's a great start.” Sarah stood and stretched.

“What if they say no?”

“It's for charity and for fun. So how about you?”

Liam stopped dead in his tracks and looked at Sarah. “Me?”

She closed the space between them. “Yes, you. Your friends will be more willing to participate if you do. Having a man cook for you is romantic.”

He cocked a grin. “You're just saying that so I'll ask you to stay for dinner.”

“Yes, but it's true. I want Mom asleep when I return home tonight, or she'll give me the third degree.”

“What did she say when you gathered up the animals and left?”

“She helped me put the kittens in the carrier. She's had one allergy shot, but it'll take a while before she can really be around a cat, if even then. She sneezed once.”

Sarah's sweet, flowery scent flirted with his senses. He remembered their shared kiss and had to fight the urge to do it again. He had no business getting involved with anyone. He'd be leaving town in five or six months. Since his talk with Madison a few days ago, his relationship with her had improved. It gave him hope he'd be able to return to his hometown...and yet he'd miss Sarah. A lot. After the fund-raiser was over and the girls had their own pets, he could back off and distance himself from Sarah. But that wasn't until June.

“I'm not sure what I should do for the kitten Nana is so attached to when his littermates are gone. He can't live in the shed by himself. I don't want to give him away if the shots will work for Mom. When Nana is home, that's all she does, play with the kitten she has named Junior.”

“Are you sure it's a male?”

“No. It's not easy to tell, but I think it is. I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow for all five kittens. I'll know more then.”

“I'd be interested in what sex the two kittens the girls want are.” He walked to the window to check on his nieces and count all the animals. He didn't want a repeat of last Wednesday.

“So you've decided you're taking two of them?”

As he watched Madison and Katie playing with the kittens, he made a decision. “Yes. I'm hoping it will teach them responsibility. I've made it clear they'll need to care for them.”

“That leaves only one kitty to find a home for. Did Brandon say anything to you about Seth and Jared taking one?”

“He said no. The boys have their heart set on a dog. But he doesn't want to do it until he puts up a fence. I told him I would help.”

“I think, then, I'll pay your aunt a visit tomorrow after I see the vet. She showed some interest. Like with Nana, I think it'll help Betty. Caring for a pet will be good for her, especially when the girls aren't around.”