“She’s an amazing medic,” I agree. Shortly after Marley found out she was pregnant with the twins, she passed out while at her photography studio. Beau called me in a panic because he knew I was on duty and could help get medical services dispatched over there quickly. Hannah was the paramedic on duty that day.
“She did really well calming both of us down,” Beau says, coming to stand behind Marley, wrapping his arms around her midsection.
Arlo toddles over to me, holding his arms up, fingers grabbing at me. I pull him into my lap, blowing a raspberry on his cheek. He squeals and giggles, sending a burst of warmth through me. Ariel shoves at her mother’s arms, desperate to get to me after seeing the joy on her brother’s face. Soon, I have all my nieces and nephews in my lap and by my side. The twins are in my arms, while Lennie and Presley stand on either side of me, cooing and teasing the twins. I spot Marley sneaking out her camera, snapping pictures of the interactions. I’ll have to get some copies of the photos later.
“Yeah, like I said, she’s great,” I state, returning my focus back to the previous conversation.
“So, it’s settled then. You should ask her out,” Gramps declares.
I let out a stuttered laugh. “I can’t ask her out, Gramps.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Because,” I state, taking a deep, fortifying breath. “I’msure she’s got guys lining up to take her out, and I’m a lot older than her. She’s not interested.”
“You won’t know until you try,” Andrew states from where he sits by Josie, now rubbing her feet.
I shake my head again. “I really don’t think it would be a good idea. I mean we work together. Wouldn’t it be awkward when we break up?”
“Who said you have to break up?” Josie says, affectionately rubbing her baby bump. “I mean, really, the chances are fifty-fifty. I say, cross that bridge when you come to it. If you’re interested in her, go for it. The worst thing that could happen is she says no.”
“Yeah, and then what? The awkwardness of seeing her nearly every shift would be enough to make me want to crawl in a hole. And when did this turn into a conversation about my love life? It’s a birthday party.” I gesture to the zoo animal themed tablecloth.
“No one else is here yet,” Beau says, shrugging off my attempt to change the subject.
I let out a heavy sigh. “I’ll think about it, but honestly, I don’t see it ending well for me.”
“Manifest good things,” Fallon states as she sits down next to me. Lennie leaps into her lap, and Fallon pulls her into her arms. It’s been incredible watching how seamlessly Fallon and Presley weaved their way into Jason and Lennie’s little family. Fallon kisses the top of her head and whispers in her ear.
As more people start to arrive, I continue to think of Hannah. It’s like my family mentioning it has flipped a switch. I’ve always been attracted to her, all her curves and natural beauty, but in all honesty, I never thought I’d have a shot with her, so I tamped it down and kept it platonic. But after having the first real one on one conversationI’ve ever had with her the other morning, and my family putting the bug in my ear, I can honestly say I’d love to get to know her more. She’s so closed off, so quiet and reserved, but has the best smile, and a genuine, kind heart. I’ve seen it when she interacts with her patients. I’d love to see what she’s like behind her walls.
5
HANNAH
“Grandma, I’m home!” I call into the house as I kick off my shoes in the entryway. My sister’s car is parked out front, so I know she’s here too.
“In the kitchen, Han,” my sister calls. I should’ve known she would be the one to answer. My Grandma’s hearing is long gone outside of a five-foot radius, and she hates wearing her hearing aids at home. Well, she hates wearing them outside of the house too, so really, she just hates them altogether.
I round the corner into the familiar space to see my sister, Julia, standing beside my grandma. “Hi,” I greet, heading over to give them both a kiss on the cheek, and Julia a hug. “Where’s Tiff?” I ask, wondering where her wife is.
“She’s on her way. Got stuck an extra hour at work on a new contract.”
“Good, I haven’t seen her in a while.”
Tiff and Julia have been married for just over two years, but together since college. Watching their relationship bloom from being best friends to realizing they were actually in love with each other was cool. I, of course, got all ofthe freak out calls and texts from Julia when she realized she was actually bisexual. It was honestly magical. Grandma knew Tiff from the many nights she had come to the house with Julia as a friend, and when they walked in holding hands, she glanced down, smiled, and asked Tiff what she wanted for dinner. There was no questioning, no anger, only acceptance and happiness for my sister and her partner. Julia was so worried about what Grandma would say about her bringing a woman home instead of a man, but Grandma was only happy for her.
I know not all people are that lucky to have the immediate acceptance, but my sister and I have been pretty blessed with our Grandma. Our parents would have been the same. They would have wanted us to be happy, no matter what.
"Hannah, can you grab me the cream?” Grandma asks. I nod, and pull it out of the fridge, handing it over to her. “Say, do you have anything you’d like to tell us?”
I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I was at my grief group the other day, and I heard Earl Cunningham talking to Fred McAllister.” She waits for a beat, like she’s waiting for me to catch on. Of course I know who they are. Earl Cunningham is Thomas’s grandfather, and Fred, well, Fred is the town gossip.
I motion for her to continue, raising my brow. I grab plates from the cupboard and set the table as she speaks. “Fred was telling Earl all about how his grandson, Thomas, was out with a young blonde girl who is a paramedic. Would you happen to know anything about that?”
Turning so she can’t see the swift reddening of my face, I swallow harshly. “Nope. I don’t.”
