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Feelings swirled within her, leaving her feeling unsteady and uncertain. Panic began to creep in.
Caught off guard by the intensity of her reaction, Liv couldn't help but wonder: was she developing feelings for Jackson? The thought both intrigued and terrified her in equal measure. They started off as colleagues, bound together by the shared mission of serving their community, like her parents. Somewhere along the way, something had shifted.
Deep down, Liv knew her feelings were more than just professional. And they scared her senseless. Pulling from the curb, she headed to her sister Sophie’s house.
* * *
Jackson stepped into his inviting living room, the familiar warmth of the space immediately easing the tension that had been building within him. The large sectional sofa centered the room, its plush cushions and a well-worn homemade throw blanket inviting relaxation. Framed photographs adorned the walls, capturing snapshots of his outdoor escapades—hiking trails, camping under starry skies, and moments from his travels. A special photo showed him and his dad displaying their catch on a fishing adventure.
A sturdy coffee table was scattered with travel books and firefighting magazines. Soothing jazz from Coltrane filled the air from a vintage record player. His collection of vinyl records stood in painted milk crates. Indoor plants, resilient succulents and vibrant greens, breathed air into the space. Jackson found peace amidst this, a place where he could unwind after long workdays.
With a heavy breath, he reached for his phone, dialing a number he knew by heart. Captain Turk Crenshaw picked up on the third ring, his cheerful voice breaking the silence.
“Hey, Jackson! What's up?”
Jackson hesitated for a moment, organizing his thoughts before speaking, but he still blurted out, “It’s Olivia... Livvy Everhart. She's Chief Chuck Everhart's daughter. She calls Chief Lamply her uncle.”
Turk's tone softened, sensing the burden behind Jackson's words. “You've been spending some time together?”
Jackson nodded, even though Turk couldn't see. “Yeah, and it's been... different…work but not work. She's something else, Turk. But there's this age gap, you know? And her dad...he was... It's complicated.”
Turk listened and then said, “Jackson, you can't control either of your pasts, but you can build something in the present. You've got a good heart, man.” He chuckled. “If Liv Everhart makes you happy, go for it.”
Jackson couldn't help but chuckle in return, though there was a hint of hesitation in his expression.
“She is over eighteen, right?” Turk coughed.
“She's over thirty.” A mixture of amusement and relief washed over him.
“Then what are you worried about?”
Jackson mulled over Turk's words, a sense of reassurance settling within him. “Thanks, Turk. I appreciate it.”
After their conversation, Jackson found himself gazing at the framed photographs, memories frozen in time.
Four
Dr. Sophie Everhart leaned against the arm of her sofa, watching Olivia's restless pacing with an amused grin touching her lips. As an emergency medicine physician, Sophie had a knack for handling high-stress situations, but her sister's romantic quandary seemed to be a different kind of puzzle.
“Biological clock? Early menopause?” Sophie chewed her lower lip, unable to suppress a chuckle at Olivia's dramatic concerns.
Olivia shot her an anxious look. “I'm serious, Soph. I've never felt like this before. It's not just about being attracted to him. It's... different.”
Sophie tilted her head, considering Olivia's words. “Different how?”
Olivia stopped pacing, a hand running through her hair in frustration. “I don't know... It's not like the usual flings I've had. He's... he's kind, understanding. There's this connection, something deeper. It's scary.”
Sophie grinned knowingly. “Ah, scared of catching feelings, Liv?”
“Exactly!” Olivia groaned, dropping onto the couch next to her sister. “I've always been practical about dating, but this... it's throwing me off-balance.”
Sophie leaned closer, placing a reassuring hand on Olivia's shoulder. “Hey, feeling something deeper isn't a bad thing, you know. Sometimes, it's worth exploring. Jackson seems like a good guy. And Dad would want you to be happy—you know that.”
Olivia nodded, her sister's words striking a chord within her. “I miss Dad, Soph. Everything feels so tangled up with Jackson because of what happened.”
Sophie squeezed her sister's shoulder again. “We all miss him, Liv. But you can't let that hold you back from happiness. Life's too short for what-ifs.”
When she blew out a breath, the hair on her forehead flew up. “I just need to figure this out. I don't want to mess things up.”
