Page 117 of Free to Live

“Hols, baby.” Joe’s voice comes through my phone like he’s about to dive through it.

“I just wanted to let you know I’ll see you and Grace soon. I promise by then, I’ll have my head all sorted out.”

“Baby, there’s nothing for you to sort out,” Joe starts, but I interrupt him.

“Yeah, there is. It was my fear that made me leave the night you proposed. I was too afraid of what I was being compared against when everything happened. What I should have realized is that our love can’t be compared. Not to anything or anyone. I forgot in all those years of trying to feel nothing, what feeling everything felt like. If I lost you…” I shake my head. “I don’t know how I’d go on because I love you more than the next breath in my body.”

“Tell me we are not having this conversation over FaceTime with your brother standing right there,” Joe demands.

That’s when I admit, “And your father.”

“Pop’s there too?” I nod. And what does my man do?

He bursts out laughing. Slowly, I begin to smile.

“You do realize I’m on shift for the next two days, Holly. Your timing is complete shit.”

I shake my head. “No, it’s not. See, there’s this hot fireman who told me it’s not finishing first that’s important.”

“I didn’t need to hear that,” Phil mutters to Chief.

“Neither did I, son. Neither did I.”

Joe and I both laugh.

“I can’t believe you remember that.”

“I remember everything.” There’s a long silence between us before I hold up the invitation and continue. “I’ll see you at Gracie’s party in three days. But before that, I have to go see someone first.”

“Who’s that, baby?”

“I’m going to see Mary.” There’s a sharp inhale of breath from everyone. “I have a lot to thank her for.”

“God, Hols.” Joe’s voice is broken. “You don’t have to…”

“Yes, I do. There’s so much I owe to her.”

“Like what?” This from my brother.

“Like giving life to a little girl I’m going to love forever. Like getting the man I love on a path of righteousness. Like being an amazing person who inspires loyalty and devotion long after she’s gone. Those things shouldn’t be forgotten.”

“I said it earlier, you got what it takes, girl,” Chief tells me, pride dripping from his voice.

“Holly?” I still can’t see Joe’s face, but his voice is sending shivers up and down my spine. “That errand your brother ran was to come to see me.”

I turn accusing eyes to Phil, who just shrugs and grins.

“I love you too. Now, go wrap yourself in my gifts until I can do it.” Joe’s voice has that husky note that drives me wild.

“I feel like I’m watching live porn,” Phil comments drolly. I roll my eyes at him.

“And on that note, I’m out. Son, your mother and I will drop off Grace at Eden and Seth’s.”

“Later, Chief,” I wave.

“Later, Pop,” Joe calls out.

“Holly, come take your phone and let me go inside to get your surprises ready,” Phil grumbles, but I know him better than that. Above my phone, his eyes are shining with such pride. I almost drop the phone during the handoff. “Love you, baby girl.” He turns to walk away.