The Firefighter's New Family. Gail Martin Gaymer

Чтение книги онлайн.

      Chapter Two

      Ashley longed to throw her legs over the mattress and head home. She missed Joey even though she knew Neely and her dad would wrap their love around him. She worried about other damages that might have happened to the house besides the broken front window. And then, a shattered window meant someone could break in and steal... Steal what? She didn’t have anything worth stealing. Except maybe her computer. That was her most valuable possession.

      Well, she could purchase another computer. Photographs, little gifts Adam had given her. Those precious items could never be replaced.

      Life was precious. She thanked God her life had been spared. Joey needed her. One parent was better than none. One loving parent was a precious gift to a child. She grinned, recalling while growing up how she had been covered in love by her father.

      Footsteps sounded in the hall, a heavier step than the cushioned shoes the nurses wore. Was it him? Neely mentioned his name, but she’d already forgotten. She’d seen him before, mowing his lawn a few houses down the street from hers. She shook her head, recalling that when she’d first opened her foggy eyes, she’d thought he had been an angel. Then she’d focused, noticing the dark bristles on his chin, and calculated angels didn’t have to shave. Before the smile faded, her memory became a reality.

      He stood in the doorway, looking hesitant.

      “Please, come in.” She motioned to the only chair in the room. “I’m sure you’re tired and want to get out of here.” She lifted her shoulders. “I know I do.”

      A grin brightened his face, but as he moved toward the chair, she spotted more than weariness in his eyes. The expression aroused her curiosity. “At least I’m more alert than I was when you found me.” She extended her hand. “Sorry, but I don’t remember your name.”

      He grasped her hand and squeezed. “Devon Murphy. I live on Drayton, too, a few—”

      “I know. I’ve seen you outside sometimes.” On her walks, she’d admired the neat two-story home of redbrick with muted moss-green trim. She’d envied the second-floor balcony and sometimes imagined what it might be like to sit there on a summer day. She had also admired his toned build and good looks. “Neely told me you’re a firefighter. I couldn’t have had a better person than you to find me.”

      He shrugged. “Most anyone would have done the same. I’m grateful I came home later in the morning than usual because of the storm. When I saw Joey crying alone in the yard, I knew something was wrong.”

      Her heart gave a kick, envisioning Joey confused and frightened. She shook her head and sent up another prayer of thanksgiving. “I’d left him napping on the sofa...and ran out to save his wagon from being blown down the street and to put my car in the garage. I thought I’d be right back inside.” She motioned toward the chair again. “Please.”

      “Things don’t always go as planned.” Finally he dropped onto the vinyl cushion and rested his arms on his knees, his fingers woven together. “I stuck around today for Joey. He’s my new buddy.” He gave her a tired grin. “And to be honest, I wanted to know you were okay.”

      “I’m fine.” She searched his eyes, curious if he visited all the people he’d rescued. “The fuzz is gone from my brain at least. Only a minor concussion, but then anesthetic can turn gray matter to mush, too.”

      Devon gestured toward her leg beneath the sheet. “And the fracture. I’m sorry about that.”

      Her leg was another matter. “I’m alive. It could have been worse.” She recalled her confusion. “To be honest, I thought you were an angel when I first opened my eyes.”

      His seriousness fled, and he laughed. “Me. I’d be the one with a tilted halo.”

      “The Littlest Angel.” If he really were an angel, she would ask for a miracle healing so she could go home.

      Devon’s grin faded. “How long will you be here?”

      “I’m not sure. The surgeon talked in circles, but I hope they let me out tomorrow.”

      He arched an eyebrow. “That would be a miracle.”

      Miracle. He’d read her mind.

      “You had a surface wound on your thigh and then surgery to set the lower leg with a screw. They’ll want to keep an eye on you for a while.”

      “But...” Tears escaped her eyes and hung on her lashes. She lowered her head, hoping he didn’t notice and wanting to be the brave person she’d learned to be when she lost her husband. Before she could wipe the moisture away, tears spilled down her cheeks.

      “Ashley?” He sprang up and stood beside the bed, his hand on her arm. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I—”

      “You were being honest.” She raised her head, ignoring the tears. “I’m Joey’s only parent, and what will he do without me?”

      “I’m really sorry.”

      His compassion touched her. “Adam died in the Middle East. Afghanistan. He never saw Joey. Never knew his son, and—” The words jammed in her throat. “Sorry. It’s been nearly three years, but it still hurts.”

      “I’m sure it does. I can’t imagine.” His face filled with tenderness as a distant look in his eyes assured her that he understood her sorrow.

      She swallowed, hoping to control her emotions, and she dug deep for strength. “With a toddler, I was blessed to find work I could do at home—secretarial work for a couple of small businesses. And I have a stack of things they need soon. The job’s been a lifesaver for me. No need to hire someone to care for Joey. Setting my own work schedule.” Schedule. Her sister’s image flew into her mind. “And Neely. I’ve really messed up her wedding.”

      Devon’s jaw dropped. “How did you do that?”

      She pictured the lovely dress Neely had selected for the attendants. “Her wedding. I’m the matron of honor.” She flung her arm toward her leg. “Can you picture me hobbling down the aisle? I’m supposed to be her hands and eyes. But now, my hands will be on crutches and my eyes focused on not falling over.”

      His СКАЧАТЬ