Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 37197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
Things were understandably tense and tentative. To some extent, they still are. But I’m happy to see that things between them seem to be getting better. I can see the burden that’s beginning to lift from Hunter’s shoulders and see more of a lightness about him lately now that he and Micah seem to be on a little better footing.
Through it all, though, he never lets what’s going on between him and Micah affect us. He treats me like a queen.
My relationship with Micah, however, remains very much a work in progress. Most of the time, we’re cordial at best. Knowing there are still some tough feelings and even tougher conversations that need to be had, Hunter does his best to keep us from being around one another until we’re both ready to have those talks. He acts as a much-needed buffer between us. So, frankly, I’m a little surprised that Micah showed up today. But it seems to make Hunter happy, so I’m glad about that. Nothing, not even Micah, is going to take the shine off my day.
Micah walks over to us and gives his dad an embrace that’s still somewhat stiff and awkward but has some genuine warmth behind it. He steps back and gives me a smile that, to my astonishment, looks sincere. He stands there awkwardly for a moment and puts his hand on the small of the redhead’s back.
I can’t put my finger on what it is, but there’s something different about Micah. There’s a glimmer in his eye and a glow about him I’ve never seen before. And for a moment, he looks shy. Awkward. But one thing I don’t feel is the usual tension and anger that tend to fill a room when Hunter and Micah are together. And then it hits me. Micah’s happy.
“Dad, Harlow, this Aubrey,” he introduces her. “We’ve been seeing each other for a few months now, so I thought it was time I introduced you to her.”
Hunter beams as he shakes Aubrey’s hand. Then, she turns to me, so I do the same and give her a warm welcome. She’s stunning and has a real presence about her. She doesn’t seem like somebody Micah would have dated in the past. She’s far too strong. I’m sensing this isn’t just some casual thing between her and Micah, but something deeper. More than that, I’m feeling some seismic shift in him.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Aubrey says. “Micah’s told me a lot about you.”
“The pleasure is ours,” Hunter says.
“And congratulations,” Micah says with a smile, gesturing to the ring on my finger. “I’m really happy for you guys.”
“You knew too, I take it?” I ask.
He nods, his smile widening. “My dad told me he was planning on proposing about a week ago. I went with him to look at the rings.”
“I’m always the last to know,” I say with a grin.
Micah shifts on his feet, and a look of uncertainty flashes across his face. He looks at Hunter and quickly turns away, turning to me instead. I get the sense there’s something he wants to say but is having trouble finding the words.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
He nods. “Yeah, I’m good,” he says and turns to Aubrey. “I’m really good, actually.”
“I can see you want to say something,” Hunter says. “Spit it out, kid.”
“I just…”
He turns to Aubrey again, who gives him an encouraging nod. “Go ahead, babe.”
Micah takes her hand and gives it a squeeze, seeming to draw strength from her. He stands up a little straighter and looks directly into Hunter’s eyes, a small smile and a strange look on his face.
“I … I was accepted into the Fire Academy today,” he says slightly hesitantly, but with a ring of pride in his voice. “I’m going to follow in your footsteps and become a firefighter.”
The moment the words passed Micah’s lips, Hunter pulls his son into a tight embrace, the unmistakable light of pride on his face. Neither of us knew Micah had been working toward getting into the Fire Academy. Toward building a career. I look at Aubrey again and realize he’s working on building a life.
“I’m proud of you, kid,” Hunter says, his voice thick.
“Thanks, Dad,” he says, then turns to me. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Uh, yeah. Sure.”
“Go,” Hunter says. “I’ll introduce your lovely girlfriend to the guys.”
Micah gives him a nod and leads me over to a quiet corner of the room. He slips his hands into his pockets and looks around, shifting on his feet. He licks his lips, clears his throat, and runs a hand through his hair, seemingly unable to stand still.
“Congratulations on getting into the academy. That’s amazing.”
He nods and says nothing, but I can’t help but see the pride on his face. It’s a major accomplishment and I’m happy for him.