Page 22

‘Styx’

I’m sitting at the firehouse bullshitting with the guys, waiting for our shift to finally be over.

Our lives have kind of fallen in place. Jeremiah and I are stronger than ever. We’ve gotten into a routine and with all that life continues to throw at us, we have to stay on our toes.

I’m daydreaming about all that’s happened since that day at the airport when Junior was reconnected with his three sisters, one of the best things to come out of that dark time. Junior and Genie, after they were cleared of the murder of Doug which the judge called extenuating circumstances and recommended counseling for both of them, decided to take Mayhem up on his connection to the club up in Montana. I get weekly, if not daily, calls from Genie to let me know what’s been going on and how she’s progressing. They both are in intensive therapy and are employed part time on the ranch they are living on.

Genie told me one day not too long ago, even though she and Junior—or as we are all trying to call him his given name of Matthew or Matt—have feelings for each other, they’ve decided to wait to start a romantic relationship.

I guess their therapist, the Devil’s Handmaidens, and the Enforcers MC have some members who’ve taken the kids under their wings. Genie can’t say enough about Shadow, though when she sent me a photo of the woman I literally ran into Jeremiah’s office and screamed at him to get the kids back home. When I show him the photo, he laughed saying something about what I’ve told the girls, you know, don’t judge a book by its cover. And damn is that true because during one of our weekly Zoom calls Shadow showed up, introducing herself, telling the two of us not to worry about Genie and Matthew.

I thought that was kind of her and she said that she laughed, telling me never to tell anyone that. So those two are definitely on the road to recovery.

The three girls still live with us and we are officially foster parents. Jeremiah and I are in the process of adopting the three cuties, though they don’t know because if for some reason it doesn’t go through, we don’t want to disappoint them. They are so embedded in my heart; I couldn’t love them more if they were my own. Jeremiah has made it his mission to find the children’s other brother Luke. All Matthew knew was a very scary man with an accent bought Luke and took him away. Jeremiah has Nova and Mayhem on the case so we will see. I hope we can find Luke for his sake and his family’s.

Work has been hectic. Cap wants me to take a promotion. Not that I need it with Jeremiah, but it’s an increase in pay, less time on Engine 23, and more paperwork. When I spoke to Cap, he told me he needs to start planning for when he retires. He can see who he wants where but it won’t happen overnight. I’m thinking about it but not sure I’m ready to give up being a firefighter. Jeremiah has been extremely busy with his company and the alliance he’s built with Nova and Malachi.

Malachi was a huge help getting the two older kids to go out to Montana. I had no idea he was involved with one of the Devil’s Handmaidens. So Genie and Matthew see quite a bit of Malachi, which helps them with being in a new place with literal strangers.

Jeremiah and I have finally gotten time together to blend our stuff into our home. Where it was sterile and cold before, now it’s colorful and eclectic. Best of both of us. I love going home and spending as much time with Miah as I can. And man do we spend time together. If we are both home and the girls are doing homework, playing, or watching a movie if Beatrice or Lucille are there, we are in our room. I can’t get enough of him and vice versa.

The alarm goes off and we all look at each other, like really, our shift is almost over. Damn it, there goes the evening plans of watching a movie with the girls while we devour pizza. We all run to put on our gear then get into Engine 23 while Truck 315 loads up too. I reach for my phone, sending a quick text to Jeremiah, letting them know to start without me. I put the phone back in my inner pocket as Paco takes a sharp right turn, shifting us in our seats.

“Dude, what the hell, almost fell out of my seat.”

He laughs then throws it back.

“Awe, princess, can’t handle the work anymore? Are you getting soft, Styx? That would be a shame, right, boys? ’Cause you used to be the badass of our company, don’t go too soft, sister.”

Everyone starts laughing and I join in. Another reason not to take the desk job , I think to myself. Another night out in the field fighting fires. As much as I love my job, tonight I was looking forward to spending time with my little family. That was what I wanted to do for my birthday, but oh well.

I lift my head just as we move through a familiar fence that lets Truck 315 in too. What the hell? I think as my heart starts to pound.

“Hey, why are we going to my house? Oh my God, Jeremiah and all three girls are in the house, along with Beatrice. What call was this?”

Lil Man reaches over, patting my shoulder.

“Calm the fuck down, woman, everything is fine. I told you idiots this wasn’t a good idea. She’s freaking out. Just sit back and breathe, woman. We’re almost there.”

I’m almost hyperventilating when we hit the last turn on the driveway before the house comes into view. When it does, I laugh and start to cry at the same time. Holy fuck, what did Jeremiah do this time? I think to myself. I can’t tell if it’s a circus, zoo, or a mix of everything three little girls can come up with. Everyone, as they take it in, are chuckling. Leave it to Rome to put it into perspective.

“Guess when you have more damn money than God, you can do anything. So which part is something you would like for your birthday, Styx? I see Ellie’s zoo and Lottie’s circus, which I know isn’t you ’cause you hate fucking clowns. Guessing that movie theater area is for little Wren since, shit, is that Frozen playing again? Nope, I’ve watched it with her at least five times already. I now know the words to the song ‘Let it Go,’ for Christ’s sake. Definitely staying away from Wren. Though we all know that’s a lie ’cause I can’t stay away from the little princess.”

That has everyone cracking up because our little Wren is hooked on her uncle Rome. The tiny little girl is intrigued by the huge bald Black man. Generally, people are intimidated by our Rome but not Wren. She ran to him the first time the guys came over and hugged his legs proudly, calling him Uncle Rome. As the truck stops off to the side, I almost pee myself when I see Wren running up to the fire engine, jumping up and down, her mouth moving. Probably calling for Uncle Rome. Danny sees it and points it out to Rome, who lets out a sigh.

“Well, guess I’m not going to the beer tent, instead I’ll be going to the movie tent. Can’t wait.” Then to my utter surprise he starts to sing out loud, “Let it go…”

By the time Danny and Lil Man join Rome in the chorus of the famous song, everyone is hysterically laughing, including the three idiots bellowing the words. When the doors open and Jeremiah lifts Wren into the truck, the smile she’s wearing brings tears to my eyes. She’s watching them sing then joins in with them. The happiness on her face I will never forget. Once again, it dawns on me how one action can literally change someone’s life. If we hadn’t found the girls, little Wren would never experience her fire uncles singing her favorite song for her. My mind tells me this is one of the best birthday gifts I could ever get. When I look at Jeremiah, his stunning eyes are on me and seeing the love in them takes my breath away. I was an idiot wasting all the months staying away from this man. He grabs my hands and helps me out of the truck, pulling me close and planting a kiss that has me forgetting we aren’t alone, when my hands wrap around his neck. From the guys I hear, “Get a room” and from the kids we get, “Uhh, not again.” Both comments have Jeremiah and I shaking with laughter.

When he finally pulls back, he looks at me.

“Happy Birthday, Lourdes. We didn’t forget, and pizza and a movie isn’t enough. The girls and I decided you needed a party. They told me what they thought you would like and I did it.”

Can’t help it, have to joke with him.

“So I love Frozen , the zoo, and—holy shit—no clowns, Jeremiah, I hate them. Not a circus.”

He reaches into his pocket, scrolls down, and pushes a button.

“Yeah, it’s Jeremiah. No, everything is great, though didn’t know my love hates clowns so can you tell them they are welcome to stay, but no clown makeup. They can enjoy the party and I’ll still pay them. Thanks so much, Steve.”

Not sure why tears are filling my eyes. Then like a light bulb, the answer pops in my head.

All my life I’ve always expected doom and gloom. Somehow, Jeremiah was able to scale my walls and knock each brick down. Because of him, I truly have the life I always wanted. And what Lil Man said one day at work, I was loving his words because they’re true. I have a sentinel at my back. And for once, he’s right. Jeremiah always has my back and loves me for who I am.

Little Wren in Rome’s arms walks toward me, arms out. When I grab her, Rome thanks me and actually jogs away. Well, until Wren calls him back with an arrow to the heart.

“Uncle Rome, you promised.”

He turns and puts his head down. I look around and see an apple dunking setup.

“Hey, Rome wants to go dunk for apples, Wren. We can go watch Frozen .”

“No, I want to see Uncle Rome get the apples.”

Rome looks like he’s ready to murder me until Paco hands him a beer. Then all is good. Just like men.

“Come on, let’s watch Uncle Rome bob for the apples, Mommy.”

That right there tells me I’m exactly where I’m needed and, more importantly, loved. I seriously can’t wait for what comes next whatever it is as long as I have Jeremiah and our family.