Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 102016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
It’s pretty plain to see that Mason has a rough life at home, even if that means neglect.
And I completely relate to him.
“Of course, you can. Let’s go shopping in the closet, shall we?”
He nods and slips his sweet little hand into mine as we walk to the treat cabinet. For ten minutes, we fill a reusable bag that I keep on hand, just for these occasions, and he chooses some soups and other nonperishable meals that he can heat up at home, along with some snacks.
I want to take him home with me and feed him anything he wants.
“Thank you,” he says with a smile before he leaves to catch his bus.
With a sigh, I turn to find Birdie still sitting at her desk. Bridger’s been working extra hours this week because one of his guys just welcomed a new baby and is on paternity leave. Needless to say, Birdie and I haven’t seen much of him lately, and we miss him.
“Are you about ready to go home, pumpkin?” I rub Birdie’s back soothingly.
“I guess.”
“What’s wrong, honey? Are you feeling okay?”
“I miss Daddy.”
I squat beside her and kiss her cheek. “I know you do. I do, too. I have an idea. Your dad and his guys have been working extra hard this week, right?”
She nods, watching me.
“What if you and I go home and make them something super delicious for dinner, and then we take it to them at the fire station?”
Birdie’s eyes brighten at the idea. “Okay.”
“Let’s FaceTime your dad right now, to make sure it’s okay with him. What do you think?”
“Yes. Let’s do it.”
I walk to my desk and gesture for Birdie to follow me, and we sit in my chair, my sweet girl in my lap, and FaceTime Bridger.
He answers on the second ring.
“Hey, it’s my girls. Is school finished already?”
“Hi, Daddy,” Birdie says and blows him a kiss.
“Hi, peanut. Did you have a good day?”
“Yeah, we made a turkey out of our hand. It was weird.”
Bridger laughs. “You still do that?”
“We do,” I confirm. “Hey, Birdie and I have a question. Would it be okay if she and I make a ton of food for you and your guys for dinner and bring it by later? If something comes up and there’s an emergency, just let me know, but otherwise, would that be okay?”
“Are you kidding me?” He looks exhausted as he sighs. “Nothing would be better than seeing you two. We’d love that, and thanks for letting me know. We won’t cook anything.”
“Good. Are there any allergies or anything I need to know about?”
“Nope. We’ll eat anything, and lots of it. There are eight of us here today.”
“Awesome. Birdie and I better get to work, then. I’ll text you when we’re on our way.”
“I love you guys,” Bridger says to both of us. “I can’t wait to see you.”
“We love you, too, Daddy,” Birdie says, and we both blow him another kiss before I end the call and slip my phone into my purse.
“It’s settled, then. Let’s go make some delicious food for everyone, shall we?”
“Yes! Can we make lasagna? With bread and salad and stuff?”
“I think that’s a great idea. Absolutely. Come on, let’s go to the store and then get to work.”
Less than an hour later, we’re standing in the kitchen, assembling a lasagna and getting it ready for the oven.
“It’s going to be so delicious,” Birdie says.
“I think so, too. Now, while this bakes, let’s you and I grab a little lunch. What do you say?”
“Yeah, I’m hungry.”
After I get Birdie set up with some scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit, I make myself a quick sandwich and then get to work on the garlic bread. Of course, then I decide to be extra and make a cake.
Because everyone needs dessert.
Finally, when I have two pans of lasagna, three loaves of garlic bread, a huge green salad, and a chocolate cake wrapped up and secure in my car—after many trips back and forth—I text my man.
Me: Your dinner is ready. Is this still okay?
My Love: We’re all excited. Ready when you are.
“Come on, pumpkin, we’re heading over to see your dad.”
Birdie comes running down the hall from her room, ready to go, and I shoot off one last text.
Me: There’s a lot here. We could use some help with it when we get there.
Once Birdie is secure in her seat, I head out, driving over to the fire station across town. When I pull into the parking lot, I’m stunned to find eight firefighters waiting for us. Bridger’s smile lights me up inside.
“Hey,” I say, climbing out of the car as Birdie jumps out, too.
“We’re here to help,” Bridger says as he wraps his arm around my waist and kisses me before he lifts Birdie into his arms, hugging her close.
The others are already pulling things out of the back of the SUV and heading inside with it.