Christmas was that weekend and though there were still a thousand and one things she needed to do, she and the girls took a break and headed to the fire station Wednesday afternoon. She found Danny kicking back in a chair in the kitchen with a can of soda and a book. “Been slow?” she asked. He looked up and grinned, opening his arms to accept a hug from Samantha as she threw herself at him. “Hey there, kiddo, how was school today?” “We watched movies and had a party and exchanged presents and ate lots of junk food. It was fun and I got a Barbie.” “Very cool! You’ll have to show me next time I’m over.” He looked past Samantha and met Tia’s gaze. She shrugged. “Nothing new to report.” “We’ll find another way.” He set Samantha down and crossed the room to Tia, reaching for her. When she shied away, as she always did in front of the kids, he put a hand on her shoulder and held on, then turned to Samantha. “Hey, bug, do you have a problem with me kissing your mom?”
