Fitch had always been the kind of guy who could keep his cool, even Tyler had said so. It must be serious over there. lan's brow furrowed as he glanced at Maja, still in bed, recovering.

He couldn't let her know what was happening; she'd just end up in tears again. Her body was still on the mend.

He hastily set down the book he was reading, a dog-eared copy of a Rosemary Sanders novel, and bent to plant a kiss on Maja's cheek. "There's a bit of a situation at the office. I need to step out, but if you feel unwell, don't hesitate to call me."

"Is something wrong?"

"Just a meeting, nothing major. I'll be back before you know it."

Maja nodded. The little boy snoozing beside her was named Craig, and the girl, Rosemary Sanders. In the end, one bore lan's surname, while the other took on the Sanders family name.

A weak smile curved her lips. Childbirth had taken a toll on her, but after a week of rest, she didn't feel discomfort anywhere.

For the past week, lan had been on diaper duty and mixing formula. When the babies fussed at night, as Maja stirred, lan would gently press her back into bed. "Rest up. I'll take the little ones next door to settle them down."

Maja was indeed weary, drifting back to sleep before she knew it.

A week of this routine had drawn dark circles under lan's eyes, yet he seemed to glow with a spirited light.

turned to gaze at the two sleeping children beside her and,

heading for the address Tyler had sent. Fitch's kid was in critical condition, with no guarantees

the hillside. Firefighters were still battling the

staffed by Rachel's people. Though Rachel had been demoted to go undercover, she had unexpectedly arranged everything perfectly for Zoey, secretly securing a

the fire, a knot of anxiety tightening in his chest. Wildfires are notoriously difficult to contain, and the

evacuated was a mystery. Gripping the steering wheel tightly, lan arrived at the base of the hill and saw Tyler waiting, his face smeared with soot and urgency. "Fitch charged in

terrifying; a

was swarming with fire engines, the blaze drawing the attention

lan said, "We need more hands on

He had watched Fitch rush into the flames, even getting shoved aside by

to recall

having seen him so desperate. Attempting to light a cigarette but too shaken to manage,

he was blaming himself for not holding Fitch back. "Cut the smoking,

down, his

Zoey, after personally putting her behind bars. Now, hearing she's in trouble, he's ready to throw his life away. You guys are

for words. He used to relish watching these people's drama, smart folks chasing each other over love,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255