He had avoided doing a double shift in the past few weeks just so he’d have time to see her. He tried to work when she was working so they could be together when they were off. He was even going to cut his chopper shift down to one a week. His colleagues were giving him crap about being lazy these days.
He needed her. And she needed him. If that meant he would have to be a father again, then so be it.
“Yes, Em. That’s what I am saying.”
“Danny, are you sure?” All the disbelief was gone from her face, and she was in full concerned big-sister mode.
“Yes, I’m sure.” There was a slight pit in his stomach, but he ignored it. “I’d do anything for her.” Even walk into that school building again. He had meant it when he told Annika he would come to school for Career Day.
Silence. He sighed. “You going to give me that recipe, or do I have to call Mom?”
“Just be careful, Daniel.” Emma’s voice was small and resigned.
“I’ll be fine.”
Emma sighed. “Did you buy fresh basil? Because the dried stuff won’t taste the same.”
HEHADJUSTopened a bottle of red and was letting it breathe when there was an insistent knock at his door. He wiped his hands and nearly leaped to answer it. He opened the door, and Annika flew into his arms in a rush of jasmine-scented hair.
She kissed him like she hadn’t seen him in a week, though they had just seen each other yesterday evening.
He managed to bring her into the apartment and shut the door, all while still kissing her. When they came up for air, she smirked at him. “Hi.”
“With a hello like that, we may never make it to dinner.”
She grinned. “At least let me take off my coat.” As she unwrapped her coat and scarf and gloves, Daniel tossed all of it onto the sofa and gathered her in his arms again. He would never be able to have enough of her.
“Aren’t you going to show me your place?”
He pulled back from her. “Of course.” He pressed his mouth against hers, walking backward as he kissed her. “Let’s start with the bedroom.”
“SOMETHINGSMELLSAMAZING.” Annika stretched the length of the bed and entwined one of her legs with his.
“Well, I cooked for you.”
“Perfect, because I’ve built up quite the appetite.” She tried to get out of bed, but Daniel was too quick and had her wrapped in his arms before she even sat up.
“In a minute.” Daniel’s voice was husky as he kissed her neck.
Annika moaned in pleasure. “We may need more than a minute.”
He was still trailing kisses over her when the phone rang. It was his landline, so they both ignored it. It went to voice mail. Daniel froze at the sound of the voice.
“Hi, Daniel. This is Gus from...well, you know where from. Uh, listen, I’m kind of hoping you’ve changed your mind about things since the last time we talked... Anyway, I’m calling because there’s a gun-control rally coming up, and we could really use your voice. I know you had said you weren’t interested, but it’s been a year since the last one. I spoke last time, and it made an impact. We need to hear from parents and survivors of gunshot victims... We need to make sure no other parent goes through this again. Anyway. You know how to reach me.”
Daniel pulled back and sat up. What the fuck was Gus doing, calling him after all this time?
Annika sat up and looked at him. “Is Gus...?”
“Yes. He lost his son the same day as...” Daniel swung his legs to the floor, away from Annika. “He’s become an activist. Gun control.” He let his voice turn bitter, as it did every time he thought of Gus. “As if gun controlnowwill bring our children back to us. Or make our grief go away.”
“People grieve differently.”
“Well, Gus should keep his grieving to himself. What difference does it make to legislators or anyone else if I get up and pour my heart out over losing... What difference?” He stood, pulling on his pants. Annika watched him from the bed, a sheet covering her.
“Well, you never know...”
“One thing I do know is what happens when you do stand up.” Memories he had quite successfully suppressed—until now—flooded his mind. His heart beat rapidly and he started to sweat.
