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“You don’t have to.” Liv sniffed.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Jackson had learned through years of relationships that “you don’t have to” translated to “please do.”
Luke, his lieutenant, called his cell. “Cap, I’ve got things under control. Go to the hospital. You can respond from there.”
Jackson had worried things would get awkward between him and Luke when he was promoted over him, but Luke was a capable and generous lieutenant.
* * *
Liv stormed into the hospital, filled with worry. Her other sister Isobel followed moments later. She scanned each curtained area until she found Ruth with Jackson sitting by her side. She rushed over, relief flooding her at the sight of Ruth peacefully asleep.
Without hesitation, Liv slipped into Jackson's comforting embrace. “Thank you for being here. I... I told you you didn’t have to come. But you’re here.”
Jackson held her close, his voice calm and reassuring. “Hey, I'm here for you always. Ruth's doing okay, just resting. Doc says they’ll keep her overnight for the concussion. She's a trooper.” He smiled at Isobel. “Hi, Izzy.”
“Thanks for being here for Ruthie.” She smiled.
Jackson gently brushed a strand of hair from Liv’s face, his eyes reflecting understanding. “I can respond from here. You, Ruth, and Isobel are my priority right now. I needed to make sure you are all okay.”
As Liv nestled into his embrace, she gulped and flashed Isobel a panicked look. She was starting to feel something she’d never felt for a man before.
Isobel chuckled. “It’s not early menopause, Liv,” she reminded Liv of her rant at Sophie’s house. Clearly the story had traveled among the Everhart sisters.
Jackson looked down at her, a soft smile touching his lips. “Early menopause?”
Liv glared at Isobel, her brow rising. “A sisterly moment.”
Sophie walked into the room, a lab coat covering a sleek black dress. “You know I gave up a hot date for this.” She smiled at Jackson. “Hey.”
Then she looked down at Ruth. “She clocked her head pretty good. Saw the ambulance care report. She got hit from the rear and the side. Starred the windshield. At least she didn’t roll. My colleague told me she hallucinated a great ride in the Jeep, and then you let her ride in your ambulance.”
Jackson laughed. “She was a bit confused. I just kept her talking. Though some things she was clear about. She roped me into bringing the ladder truck over to hang Halloween decorations.”
They all laughed, except for Liv. She watched the man who spoke so comfortably with her family and made her feel secure. As her gaze locked on him, the hospital room faded away. Liv realized she was falling in love with him.
Nineteen
The firehouse kitchen was bustling with activity as Jackson returned from the hospital after Ruth Everhart's accident. Despite the assurances from the doctors, Ruth’s family wasn’t leaving her side.
The smell of dinner filled the air as his firefighters prepared a meal for the company. They sat around the large table, engaged in lively banter. Jackson, still a bit shaken from the earlier incident where he was nearly run over, took a seat at the table, grateful for the sense of camaraderie among his team.
“Hey, Jackson, you're back just in time. We're whipping up your favorite – spaghetti and meatballs. How’s Ms. Everhart?” Ephraim, one of the firefighters, asked.
“She knocked her head pretty good. Her whole family is with her. They didn’t need me.” Jackson sniffed the air. “Smells delicious. I could definitely use a good meal after today.”
The conversation turned to the recent spate of arson fires in the area. While everyone shared their opinions, Luke directed his questions to Jackson. “Any leads on those arson fires? It's getting pretty serious out there.”
Jackson shrugged. “I wish. Detective Everhart and her partner are doing everything they can to investigate.”
Luke nodded. “Sure, sure. Just curious, that's all.”
“We all want answers, but we need to keep our wits about us.” Jackson pressed his lips together.
Before the conversation continued, another firefighter interrupted with a tray of chocolate peanut butter brownies. “Hey, enough about work for now. Let's dig into these brownies.”
The company eagerly grabbed brownies and poured themselves cups of coffee, enjoying a moment of relaxation together. Just as they settled in, the alarm rang, signaling an emergency call.
The tinny voice of the dispatcher rang over the radio, “Engine 3, we have a report of a cat trapped in a tree on Elm Street. Please respond.”
