Page 112 of Finding Hayes
“I can come there tomorrow if you want me to.”
“No. Don’t be silly. You’re back at the firehouse tomorrow. I’m fine. This is going to go on for months, and I’ll come home once he finds his rhythm with the treatment. You can come back with me soon. But right now, there’s not much to do.” I didn’t mention that they’d run my blood work, as well, because I knew Hayes well enough to know that he’d freak out and worry. “Tell me how Roddy’s doing.”
I wasn’t worried.
I felt fine.
It wasn’t a disease that was passed on genetically.
It was rare and highly unlikely that two family memberswould get it.
“All right. You just let me know. If you need me, I’m there.” He leaned back on the couch and pulled our pup up so I could see him through the phone. “This guy chewed up my work boot a little bit, but otherwise, he’s doing well. He misses his mama.”
“Awww… how does he look bigger when I’ve only been gone a few days?”
“Maybe because he eats like a goddamn horse. He devours his food. And then he begs for more.” Hayes laughed, and I finally felt relaxed for the first time today. “Tell me how your last shift went as captain. It’s been so busy here; I feel like you haven’t gotten to fill me in on everything.” I leaned back on the couch as he told me about the calls they’d gone on and how proud he was of his guys.
“Have you heard anything from Lenny?” I asked.
“Nope. But I got a call from a firehouse in Thomas Creek asking about him. So obviously, he’s got his feelers out.” Hayes ran a hand down his face. “I get it. I’d have done the same thing.”
“What did you tell the guy inquiring about him?”
“I said he was a hell of firefighter, because he can be when he wants to be. He’s an asshole, but I’m not going to stand in the way of him getting a job.”
“You’re a good man, Hayes Woodson.”
“Thank you, baby. I miss your face. I miss your body. I miss your laugh.”
I chuckled. “I miss you, too. So much it hurts. Does Roddy like playing with Dandelion?”
“Yeah, we stopped by there today. He definitely likes playing with Dandelion. Winnie was over there, too, and the three of them ran wild in the yard.” Dandelion was King and Saylor’s dog, and Winnie was Emerson and Nash’s dog.
“That sounds fun.”
“You’re exhausted, baby. Get some sleep,” he said, and I could see the concern on his face.
“Okay. I love you.”
“I love you, too. You sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. I’m good, I promise. Get some sleep.”
“All right. If you need me, just call.”
“Always,” I said.
I ended the call and made my way to the shower. I let the water run down my head. I felt better already after talking to Hayes. He was right. My dad was exactly where he needed to be. And even though I missed my husband, I was exactly where I needed to be, too.
Before I climbed into bed, I went to my suitcase and pulled out another letter. I’d brought a few with me, because for whatever reason, they made me feel close to my husband. The pile of unread letters was getting smaller. It was almost like reading a favorite book where you didn’t want to finish too soon, but you couldn’t wait to read more.
Hey Sav,
Seven fucking months and no word from you. Saylor and I have been back home for a couple of weeks now, and, of course, Barry is here. My mother is acting like we’re one big happy family. It’s completely crazy. This dude hurt Saylor, and now we have to fucking live here.
I could handle it if you were living next door, Sav. Or even if you just replied to one letter. One fucking letter. I’m losing my mind. I miss you. So much has happened, and I can’t wrap my head around it.
All these firsts that I realized I’d never done without you. My first birthday without you has come and gone. I was sure you’d call. Kate threw a party for me at her parents’house, and she didn’t invite the guys. So none of the people there were my friends. I hated every minute. I snuck out early and met the guys at Romeo’s dad’s gym, and we drank a beer in the alley. Kate didn’t talk to me for three days, and I can’t say I minded it.
