would have children with Josie, but her life had ended too soon. She had a generous soul and she would want him to move on. The pain of her loss had faded in time. It had become a dull ache, not an intense, sharp pain. The problem was he was afraid. He did have feelings for Faith, but he didn’t want to lose her and go through something like that again. He was happy about the baby, too, but it was another reason to worry. He wanted to prevent the pain of another loss, but hadn’t he lost any chance he once had with Faith? And what about his child? Being on the outs with his mother was not going to make a happy relationship. There would always be tension and strife. His innocent child would feel that and think it was because of him. He didn’t want that. Faith was right to want the baby to be loved and protected. He couldn’t turn his back on his only child.
He was being a coward. He couldn’t deny that fact. How many times had he lectured Noah, telling him second chances were like a gift? He had a second chance at love and he blew it. Faith was beautiful and bright. She had a big heart and he liked being around her. Not just the physical part, but he enjoyed talking to her. He enjoyed seeing her laugh. That had been missing lately and it was all because of him. He felt like such a creep.
His cell phone beeped and he pulled it out. It was a text from Alana. He opened it and he caught his breath. It was the picture from the ultrasound a few days ago. He had finally broken down and begged Alana to send it to him. That funny-looking oval was his child. A child he made with Faith. He blinked back tears. This is how it would be from now on. Messages between Faith and Alana and him. His heart ached. He knew this couldn’t go on anymore. He thought he could spare himself the pain by staying away from emotional feelings. If he was honest, he already had feelings for Faith that went beyond the physical desire. He loved her. She had the guts to admit her feelings and all he’d done was deny everything and pull away. No more.
He looked at the clock on the wall. He had to go and see her. Hash things out with her, She could yell and call him names and he would take it. Then he would confess his love and promise to be there for her and the baby.
“Want to go to the bar with us, Blake?” John, one of his co-workers asked. Adam usually tagged along with him and Ben but not lately. He hadn’t had the gumption to flirt with women that didn’t do anything for him. He hadn’t even felt the desire for his one-night stands, not since his obsession with Faith began.
“Not this time, John.” Adam put his phone back in his pocket.
“You haven’t been going with us lately?” Ben teased. “Got yourself a girlfriend?”
Adam smiled, feeling hopeful for the first time. Maybe saying it out loud would give him courage. “I just might, fellas. I was an ass to her, but hopefully she will forgive me.”
“Send her flowers,” Ken Johnson, another co-worker shouted out from the couch. He was watching the news. “That always works with my wife. That and good sex.”
“I like how you think, Johnson.” Adam grinned. The good sex part was easy. He and Faith together could burn down a village. “I am going to order flowers then I will call her and apologize.”
Before he could do any of that, the alarm rang. He groaned and got his coat. He would have to do it later and pray Faith forgave him. The alternative was too hard to bear.
* * * *
Adam was sitting in the truck, mentally preparing himself for the fire they were sure to encounter. He was mentally preparing himself for going in if needed.
He heard the address repeated over the radio and his heart dropped to his feet. He lost all of his focus.
“Holy shit. That’s Faith’s house.”
Ken was sitting across from him and gave him a curious look.
“That’s the girl I was talking about. Faith Davis.” He felt like he couldn’t breathe. This couldn’t be happening. He couldn’t lose Faith, too. This time it would be his fault for being so damn stubborn. “How much longer?”
“Two blocks,” John yelled out from the driver’s seat. “Hang on, Adam. We will get there in time.”
Adam closed his eyes and prayed hard. Please don’t take Faith from me. I will be brave and tell her how I feel. I’ll get on my knees and beg for her forgiveness. Just let her be alive.
The arrived on the scene. A police car with his lights turned on were already there. Neighbors were out on the lawn watching in horror. The smell of smoke was heavy in the air. Bright flames of red and orange blazed out of the back window. The front was still clear.
“Oh god no,” Adam muttered as he jumped out of the truck. He landed on his feet, putting his helmet on his head.
“Keep a clear head, Blake,” Ken cautioned him, stopping him from running in without thinking. “We do this by the book like always. We’ll get your girl out, but we don’t need to add you to the casualty list.”
Adam took a deep breath and nodded. He ran toward the house. He did his best not to panic and run in the house screaming her name. He knew John was right behind him. He placed his oxygen mask over his face and nodded at John. He counted to three with his fingers and kicked in the door. Smoke came out as if trying to escape the flames too. Adam and John went inside. The living room was free from the fire, but it was filled with smoke and dark. He saw a figure on the couch lying still. He rushed over and discovered it was Faith. Her eyes were closed and she didn’t even flinch when he picked her up.
He looked at John. He was overwhelmed with panic and he just wanted to get her outside and away from the smoke. “She has a sister. Check the back rooms.”
John nodded and headed to the back. Adam rushed outside and laid her on the grass. The paramedics were waiting. He looked up and saw Liam waiting.
Adam took his mask off as Liam put one on Faith. Henry, his partner, checked her vital signs.
Henry put a stethoscope on her chest, working silently. Adam sat frozen in the cold grass. He felt dizzy and more scared than he had in a long time. It was the same feeling he had holding Josie’s hand in the hospital so long ago. This couldn’t be happening twice.
“Her lungs sound good. We need to take her in to get checked,” Henry stated.
Liam slapped Adam on the back. “I’ll make sure she gets good care, Adam.”
“The baby?” he whispered with fear.