“You’ve got it,” I answer, my voice quavering a bit at my overwhelm.
Dave hands Chief Roberson a steaming container of his chili as he exits the office. The Chief gives a hearty groan of appreciation before he waves a quick goodbye.
“What was that about?” Dave asks as Trevor joins us at the island, bowls of grated cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and a large tray of cornbread scattered over it’s surface.
“Oh, just some administrative stuff he wanted to run by me.” Hell, I hate lying to these guys. Not only are they my firefighter brothers, they’re also my closest friends and confidants. Not just here in Sycamore Mountain, but anywhere. I may have only moved here six years ago, but this is home to me. This conversation with Chief Roberson was just the reminder I needed to forget about women and stay focused on my job.
“Hey, Jase! You’re Mr. Popularity today,” Brecken bellows from the dayroom. “Phone’s for you.”
I reach for the receiver, grateful for a diversion from Dave and Trevor’s inquiries. “Hello.”
“Hi. Is this Jason Bristow?” a soft voice asks.
“Speaking.”Why does she sound so familiar?
“I’m so sorry to have to call you. It’s about your dad.”
Chapter 2
Jason
“What’s happened? Is he okay?” I splutter. My heart is suddenly in my throat. And not for the usual distress I feel when thinking about Magnolia Point. I impulsively grab the edge of the linoleum counter with shaky hands to steady myself.
My dad’s been in fairly good health. However, he’s in his mid-sixties, a tad overweight, and he lives by himself. This fact alone brings a wave of guilt, knowing how few times I’ve made any real effort to visit over the last few years.
“Your dad took a fall and has unfortunately broken his hip. Other than that, he seems to be okay. The ER did a CT scan to ensure there was no damage to his head or neck. However, he’s going to need surgery.”
I wince hearing this. At least he sounds stable. No stroke or heart attack. “Please let him know once I can find someone to cover my shift, I’ll drive straight there.”
“I’m sure he’d appreciate that. Oh, the nurse just finished up. Would you like to speak with him?”
“Yes. If I could.”
There’s a brief shuffle as the phone is handed over to Dad and then his reassuring voice transcends over the line, bringing an instant calm. “Hey, Jase. I’m so sorry to impose.”
“Impose? Dad, are you okay? Are you having a lot of pain?”
“I’m fine so long as I don’t move. These kind nurses are fluttering all around. They’ll give me something when it gets bad enough.” There’s a brief moment of hesitation. “Jason, I hate to ask, especially without giving you any notice. But I’m going to need some assistance over the next six weeks. They say I may be able to come home in a few days, but it’s going to take me a while to get back on my feet. And I don’t have to tell you, it’s busy season for the Christmas tree farm. I wouldn’t ask if there was any other way. And with your sister having the kids?—”
My father has never asked anything of me. I know this must be incredibly important or he’d try to hire someone locally. “No, no, Dad. Say no more. I need to make a few calls. We’ll figure this out. Don’t worry. I’ll call you back once I’m on the way, okay?”
“Okay, son. Don’t rush. I’m not going anywhere. And Quinn is here with me.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, Jason. Drive carefully.”
Hanging up the receiver, I play his statement over in my head. “And Quinn is here with me.”Quinn?The only Quinn I knew was a young girl. Maybe it was a friend I hadn’t met. He referred to half of his friends by their last names.
That’s what I get for not visiting more.
Hanging up the receiver, I slump onto a stool at the kitchen island and run my hands through my hair. Hell, the timing couldn’t be worse. Roberson probably hasn’t even made it home yet after waxing poetic about my hard work and dedication to the job. Instead of putting in twice the effort to ensure my promotion is a done deal, now I’m having to do the polar opposite.
“Who was that?” Trevor interjects, his voice laced with concern.
My head snaps up at his question. I can’t believe I never got her name. “I have absolutely no idea. An emergency room nurse, maybe? I was so flustered by the news I didn’t even ask.”
Dave leans on his forearms, concern lacing his features. “What happened?”
