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Chapter 48
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The Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team Series Chapter 49
NickIn the background, I can hear the rush of water, indicating Kels is in my shower. Leaning against the counter in my kitchen, I take a deep breath, trying to calm the heart that feels like it's beating out of my chest. Bringing her here was a conscious decision, having her in my personal space is a way to show her how much I care for her, rather than telling her. I've never been good with words. Hopefully my actions can say what I can't. It had taken me years to tell my mom and dad not only thank you for saving my life, but that I love them. It was a word I felt I couldn't pronounce, no one had ever really said it much to me. Until I came to live with the Keplers. That isn't a time in my life I want to relive tonight.Moving over to the sink, I look out the window, watching as the rain falls steadily. Sharp bursts of thunder echo every now and again, the loud clap rolling with a deep groan, shaking my apartment building with its ferocity. When I was young, right when the Kepler
The Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team Series Chapter 50
KelseaN: I'm really sorry about what happened at my apartment. I've never allowed a woman to sleep over, because I was scared of what would happen. When I was a teenager, I would wake up with my hand tight around a pillow. I've never given myself a chance to see what would happen with someone else…until you.K: I told you, I'm not upset with you, I'm sorry you have those memories and I would do anything to help you get over them, if you would allow me to.I bite my thumb nail, wondering how he's going to respond to what I've said. With him, I'm not ever sure how he will react.N: Shrinks don't work with me. Back when I first came to live with my parents, they sent me to a shrink, who put me on some medication. The medicine took away my feelings totally. I was like a zombie and I hated it.K: So how did you convince them to take you off of it?N: I told them I was better, that I hadn't had a nightmare in a long time.Oh my God, he lied to them, and he's been dealing with
The Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team Series Chapter 51
NickI'm just about to clock out for my shift when a call comes over the radio, advising us of a disturbance at the Urgent Clinic. My adrenaline spikes because I know that's where Kels is. It worries me since we've been texting most of the day, but she didn't describe a disturbance. "Dispatch, show me as responding."Flipping the lights and shoving my foot against the pedal, I feel the acceleration, gripping the steering wheel tight. If there's one thing I appreciate about my job, it's the ability and permission to drive just on this side of out of control. Approaching an intersection, I slow, checking to make sure I'm seen, before driving through it. "Three minutes out," I inform dispatch. "Right behind you." I hear Ransom's voice come over the radio. Hearing him gives me a feeling of safety, knowing my best friend has my back. If I were to ever have a partner on the job, it would be him. The three minutes it takes me to get there feels like years. Ransom pulls up right b
The Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team Series Chapter 52
Kelsea"So what's the plan?" I ask, moving my hand down Nick's arm before grabbing his hand in mine. He's an anchor, keeping me solid when all I want to do is rage at the injustice of all of this. "There has to be a plan." Glancing a look over at him, I can see he looks just about how I feel – like I'm going to throw up right here on the floor. Or maybe scream, just to get the nerves out. This moment is so crucial. A child's life remains in the balance of what happens in this one set of circumstances that probably will end up being a few short seconds of his entire life. I feel the pressure as I take a deep breath, blowing it out slowly, hoping to relieve some of the tension."He'll go into foster care," Nick says, his voice monotone, his body tight. "Right?" He barks so harshly that I feel sorry for this woman. "You'll put him in some group home, or with a couple who only take children because they get the kickbacks from the government.""There are many options…""Don't give m
The Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team Series Chapter 53
Ryan (Renegade)As soon as I see my son walk through the doors of my shop, I know something's wrong. His shoulders are dejected, his eyes have an anger in them I haven't seen in years. I'm worried, even though I know he's a man now. Hell, he's been a man since he was a teenager. I still worry though, really worry that he'll never be able to overcome the way he was brought into this world."Hey, Dad." He waves slightly before turning to shut the door."Hey," I answer back, not stopping the crib I'm working on."Did Stella and Ransom tell you?" He nods to the piece in front of me.I can't help the wide smile that spreads across my face. "Yeah, shoulda known they told you first. You and Stella have always had a close relationship.""We have." He walks over to the refrigerator I keep in here. Carefully I watch him open the door, pull a beer out, then come sit down on one of the empty benches. He's still in full gear, and no matter how badly I want to press him, I know I shou
The Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team Series Chapter 54
Kelsea"What are you going to do with your apartment?" Dad demands as I sit in the living room telling him about the decision Nick and I have made.It feels a little like I'm being interrogated by Officer Harrison right now. While I can understand why he's suspicious, it's still uncomfortable for me. I've never been the type of person to make waves."We're still in preliminary stages right now, but the plan is for Cutter to take over the lease, and he'll keep the furniture. We'll see what the future holds as far as all of that goes."I look between my mom and dad as they share a conversation between their eyes. I'm proud to say I've never been the type of kid who did something to embarrass or disappoint them. For the most part I've been a good kid most of my life. I'm beginning to think I'm about to get yelled at."Kels." Mom crosses her legs, leaning forward with her elbow on her knee. "Do you think this is a good idea? We all know how you feel about Nick, have known it for
The Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team Series Chapter 55
WhitneyI'm nervous as I stand outside the door of my son's apartment. Anyone probably would be, especially if they were about to bulldoze their way into his life. My stomach churns as I knock on the door, not because I'm scared of him, but because I know he's so private. He likes to live his life on his terms, has been like that since we adopted him.The door opens, and a slight grin kicks up the side of his mouth. The smile I've only seen him smile at me. Sometimes I get the feeling he tolerates certain people, but I truly believe this kid loves his family. "Momma?""Hey." I give him a smile back. "I hope you aren't busy."His eyes are wide, and I can tell he wants to be busy, but knowing him, his apartment is immaculate. "Can I come in?" He can never tell me no, and I'm fully aware of it."Sure." He holds the door open for me. I go in, immediately sitting on the couch. "Your dad told me what's going on with this boy. I have to tell you, Nick, what you're doing is am
The Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team Series Chapter 56
KelseaThe last two days have been the longest of my life as Nick and I have prepared to go before the judge. From what we heard, his dad was served and he'll be appearing. I'm not sure how I feel about that exactly. He's always been a faceless enemy to me.Nick and I sit in the court room; we're not allowed to sit next to our attorney, but we're in the front row, right behind him. Nick looks spectacular in his uniform, and I took extra care with my dress and curling my hair this morning. Yesterday we had the home visit, which expedited us to serve as foster parents to Darren, and I'm scared to death we won't leave here with him today. "You okay?" Nick asks as he leans in. "Scared to death they'll think we aren't the best thing for him," I admit, my hand shaking slightly as I smooth my dress over my thighs. He reaches over, grabbing my hand in his. The warmth feels fills a spot in my body that's been cold for longer than I can remember. "We've got this." He smiles widel
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