“I know you did, bud. And guess what? Those animals lived because of you.”
“But I lived because ofyou,”he counters.
“I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”
“I know you wouldn’t. Because you’re the best firefighter in the world.”
I chuckle at his faith in me and then decide to take a risk. “Can I tell you a secret?”
He nods, excitedly.
“I’m going to ask Lily to marry me. Is that okay with you?”
He scrunches his face. “Are you sure she’ll say yes?”
“I really hope so.”
“If you get married, does that mean we aren’t going to be friends anymore?” His shoulders drop.
“Of course not. It would be even better because we will be family.”
He perks up. “Really?”
“Yup. We’ll be brothers.”
“Hell yeah!”
“I’ll let that one slide.” I shake my head. “And don’t tell anyone about this. I want it to be a surprise.”
“I won’t even tell Jerry Lee,” he promises. I’m glad he made that clear because we all know that damn bird would be shouting it from the rooftops.
“That’s a good plan,” I encourage. “Are we good, then?”
“Yeah, we’re good.” He puts his fist out for me to hit with my own.
I encourage him to get more rest, and unlike everyone else he doesn’t tell me I need to do the same. Then, I go to check on Lily and help her if needed.
She’s attempting to pull a suitcase up the stairs. I quickly move to help her with my unbroken arm. She tries to swat me away. “No, I got this.”
“I know you do, but I want to help,” I counter, taking the handle from her.
She huffs as I carry the case up the rest of the way.
“I had it,” she insists again.
“I know you did, Lil.” I lean down to press a chaste kiss to her lips because I can.
“Hunky Parker!”Jerry Lee calls out.
“I still love that bird,” I joke.
“Jizz! Bitch! Shut up, Vern!”
“Yeah, he’s great.” Lily rolls her eyes.
CHAPTER 49
Parker