“Yeah!” he says, grinning, and I can’t help the smile that pulls at my own mouth. He’s missed having a guy around.
Grief seizes me then. I miss my husband. So much. It’s strange having another man in my space, even if he’s only here to help because of his loyalty to my brother.
It doesn’t take long before the two have all of my groceries unbagged, sorted, and then put away. A few items he had to ask where to put them, to which I answered from my spot on the couch with a grin.
Bunching up the plastic bags, Dalton shows Xander where we keep the ‘bag of bags’ under the sink, and then they’re finished. Dalton looks so darn proud of himself, and Xander offers him his knuckles for another fist bump. “Good work, Champ. Thanks for the help.”
Scooting to the edge of the couch, I brace my hand on the arm of the sofa to push myself up awkwardly, but before I can, Xander is in front of me with his hands outstretched.
I laugh and blush, rolling my eyes. What a sight I must be. I’ve never been small, but being at the tail end of my thirdpregnancy has me feeling like a beached whale. Placing my hands in both of his, I allow him to help me up from my seat on the couch. God, I can’t wait for this baby to get here. These last few weeks have been torture and have been hard on my body this go around.
He steadies me, taking a step back so that my stomach doesn’t bump into his. His body is hard all over, heavily muscled and tanned. Every part of me is soft and big, especially now, and it makes me self-conscious being this close to a man built like a damn god. It’s unfair.
“Thank you,” I murmur, ducking my head and dropping my hands from his to smooth my shirt out over my belly. My leggings are soft and cling to every inch of my legs, and I’m thankful the top I’m wearing is flowy and covers my butt. “And thank you for doing all of that. You didn’t have to.”
“You don’t have to do all of this alone, Teddy,” he says gently, but takes several steps back. “I’m right next door if you need anything.”
I laugh then, crossing my arms over my stomach as we make our way toward the door. I feel bad that he and Cal feel that they have to babysit me. I try so hard to hide away my grief and be superwoman so they don’t worry, but that’s clearly failing on my end. “You’re home once every two weeks, Xander.”
“Well, if I’m home and you need anything, you come get me, okay? You have my number,” he says, staring down at me.
I laugh again. “Yes, I have your number. Cal made sure I have it for emergencies… though I think that’s what 911 is for, too. They might get here quicker than you most times.”
He laughs, nodding sheepishly. “Well, we both feel better knowing you have someone else looking out for you and the kids. At least when we’re home, I’m just a few feet away.”
“We’re fine,” I assure him, my chest tightening. He’s such a kind man. I just wish he didn’t make me so damn nervous. Why couldn’t I have a nice elderly neighbor that doesn’t look likeXander? That doesn’t look at me the way Xander does… I shake my head to clear the thought before another blush can tinge my cheeks. “Logan’s parents check in regularly. And I have Scottie nearby, too.” He nods.
“I mean it, Teddy,” he urges as he steps out the door. “If you need anything. Day or night. You come get me. Okay?”
“Okay,” I whisper, nodding.
“Try to relax a little, alright? No lifting anything heavy.”
I snort a laugh and roll my eyes at him. We both know he’s being ridiculous, but I’ll let him if it makes him feel better. “Okay.”
He stares at me from my front patio. “Good night, Teddy.”
“Good night, Xander,” I whisper before closing the door. His heavy footfalls fade into silence as he walks away, and I’m once again alone with my kids.
It’s been almost a week since I’ve been home last. We just pulled back in from a fire in Wyoming. Running a man short with King still out hasn’t been peaches, either, but I’d rather he be back here recovering properly than out with us.
The rigs are unpacked and cleaned, and most of the guys are headed down to Shifty’s for a celebratory beer or two. Cal checked on Teddy on our drive into town, and he gave me a thumbs up, the signal that she’s all good at home. Scrubbing one hand down my face, I grimace at the dust and grime caked on me. I’m desperate for a hot shower, and I could use the showers inside the base building, but I’d rather use my own.
And it gives me an excuse to check on Teddy, too.
The sun is hanging low in the sky, the horizon darkening when I pull into the driveway, and I’m happy to see her minivan parked across the lawn on her side. I can see the TV on in the living room and a light glows in the kitchen as I grab my pack from the passenger seat of my truck and climb out.
I can’t wait for a hot shower, food, and sleep.
Shower is first up, though, so I drop my pack in the center of my bed and disappear into the bathroom to turn the taps on. Istrip out of my filthy nomex gear and shower quickly, scrubbing off the dirt and soot and grime of the last week until the water runs clear. Dunking my head under the spray of water, I freeze and pull back when a sound alarms me from next door. I strain my ears, but hear nothing. Must be imagining things.
Turning off the water, I step out and reach for a towel, scrubbing it over my body and hair haphazardly. Padding into the bedroom, I pull on a pair of underwear and jeans, then pull a t-shirt out of the drawer and slide it over my head.
Barefoot, I head out to the kitchen and snag a beer from the fridge, bringing it to my lips and taking a long pull.
A timid knock sounds on the front door and I lower the beer bottle away from my lips. A second knock follows, then the sound of a pained cry through the walls of the duplex has me moving on instinct, my heart in my throat.
Opening the door, I stop in my tracks, nearly bowling over Dalton in my rush. His face is pale, fear stamped across his young face, and tears track down his cheeks. Something wet and pink has stained the knees of his khaki pants. I drop to my knees in front of him, taking his shoulders in my hands.
