Page 105 of As Long As You'll Have Me
He smiles at the ground, pulling me forward as I look at him. “Does he love you?”
I nod silently. “And he tells me every day that he does.”
“That’s how you know it’s real. Men who aren’t afraid to voice their emotions—good, hard, or otherwise—are the kind of men you keep around.”
“Mmhmm, I know.” I bite my bottom lip, trying to bite back the stupid smile that’s threatening to spread across my face.
“His name is Miles?”
“Yep. Miles Adler. He’s a fireman at Firehouse Nine here downtown.”
“Is he now?” My dad’s voice picks up and his eyes dart up to the street signs. He pulls us to the left sharply, taking us off route from our standard walking path we tend to follow.
“He’s worked for the city for five years and has a brother, well, foster brother, but they grew up together so they’re practically brothers,” I explain. My mind is so wrapped up in spilling my guts about him that I’ve stoppedpaying attention to where we’re going. I blindly follow him as we turn down side streets and walk up the old slate sidewalks.
“What are his parents like?” he asks. His voice sounds a little distracted but I answer his question.
“It’s just his mom, Ivy. I’ve met her once, she’s really great. She adopted both Miles and his brother, Carter. He goes home every Sunday for family breakfast with everyone.”
“A man who’s emotionally mature and close with his family. What more could you ask for?”
“I know, right?” I squeak. “And he talks about his company members like they’re his family and takes his job so seriously. He’s a good man, Daddy. The best.”
He finally stops and pats my hand that’s still wrapped around his arm. I’m almost panting since he’s been dragging us down the sidewalk like a man on a mission for the last few blocks. Smiling at me, he finally speaks.
“He sounds amazing. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“Meet him? When are you meeting him?” I haven’t offered for them to meet anytime soon.
“Right now,” he says confidently and turns his head to look up. I follow his line of view and feel my jaw hit the ground.
“Daddy,no. We cannot do this,” I hurry out, trying to pull him away. Without realizing it, he walked us right up to the entrance of Firehouse Nine. A few people wearing navy blue T-shirts and work pants are sitting under the open garage doors, enjoying the sunny February morning. Seemingly unable to hear me, he marches right up to them.
“Good morning!” he calls out cheerfully as he approaches. “I’m wondering if Miles Adler is here today?”
“Richie,Richie, come back here,” I snarl from thesidewalk before storming up behind him. I look at the three men sitting in chairs and smile. “I’m so sorry about him, he’s old and lost. We’ll be going now.”
“Honey, don’t lie to the nice men in uniform,” he says under his breath. “Miles Adler, is he here?” he asks, turning back to the men.
They stare at us with confused expressions before one of them leans over his shoulder and shouts. “Adler!”
He must have been close because he steps out from inside the firehouse within a few seconds.
“What’s going on?” he asks, looking at his company members. He doesn’t notice us standing a few feet away.
“You have company,” one of them says, jutting their chin out in our direction. When he turns to look, his entire face lights up when he sees me.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” he asks, closing the space between us with a few purposeful steps. He doesn’t hesitate to pull me into a hug and kiss me on the cheek in front of everyone. I hear one of the men behind us snicker when he pulls away and keeps a hold of my hand.
“Hey, I’m sorry to surprise you at work. I was out on a walk with my dad and I mentioned this was your station and well…” my voice trails off. Hearing him mentioned, my dad steps up and offers Miles his hand.
“I’m the dad,” he says with a massive smile on his face.
“Mr. Smith, it’s so nice to meet you,” Miles says, shaking his hand. His brows are reaching for his hairline but he keeps his composure otherwise. I know I’ve met his family already but we haven’t talked about him meeting mine. Not that there is anything to fear, my dad would lose in a fight with a teddy bear.
“Oh, please, call me Richie,”Dad gushes, waving a hand at Miles. “I’ve heard so much about you. You’re just as handsome as my daughter says you are.”
“Dad,” I hiss, glaring at him out of the corner of my eye.
