Read Online The Firefighter Daddy by Margaret Daley - Free Book Online Page B

ridiculous.”
    Before a fight ensued between Madison and Katie, Liam stepped into the den. “I hope you’re hungry. There’s nothing left for seconds.” He set the bowls in front of them and took the chair across from Sarah.
    Katie held up her poster. “There’s nothing wrong with this.”
    â€œPink will catch a person’s eye.” Sarah held her hand out for the paper. “I’ll print the information on it while you make another one.”
    Madison snorted. “Well, I’m gonna do the correct color.”
    Liam inspected the two she’d done so far. “Those are nice. Let’s try to do about ten tonight. We’ll make a few more tomorrow and then hang them up to see if anyone comes forward.”
    For the next hour Liam worked with Madison while Sarah helped Katie, who insisted on putting glitter all over the poster. His eldest niece grumbled a couple of times under her breath; otherwise the conversation was dominated by Katie telling Liam everything she’d done to help Sarah today.
    He glanced at his watch near eight. “It’s time to call it quits for the day. We did even more than I thought we would. We’re a good team.”
    â€œSome of us are.” Katie glared at Madison.
    â€œI’d like one for the salon. I’ll put it where everyone will see it when they come in. The problem is picking one. They’re all great.”
    Madison shot to her feet. “I’m going to bed.” She snatched up her bowl and stomped out of the room.
    Katie giggled. “That means you can take mine.”
    Sarah’s gaze latched on to Liam’s. “Since there are extras, is it possible if I take two of them? One of Katie’s and one of Madison’s? I can’t decide between them, and I have two places they can go.”
    He wanted to applaud her answer. He’d been trying to come up with a way that would leave both girls happy. This parenting thing made him feel as though he was trying to find his way through a smoke-filled building—progressing slowly, not sure of where he was going. “Go ahead. We can always make more if we need to.”
    â€œI’m glad you’re using the pink cat.” Katie stood, took her bowl and left.
    â€œI’m sorry about Madison. Lately instead of adjusting better, she’s getting worse. She gets angry at the smallest thing. Aunt Betty told me both girls used to be so close. She doesn’t understand this change, especially with Madison toward Katie.”
    â€œSuppressed grief will sometimes have that effect on a person. Has she seen a counselor after her father died?”
    â€œA couple of times, then she refused to go. Counseling isn’t effective if the person doesn’t want it. I’ll let her know that option is still available.”
    â€œThat’s all you can do. I’d better go.” She started to grab her bowl.
    â€œI’ll take care of it. I really appreciate your help this evening.” Liam pushed to his feet at the same time Sarah did. “I’ll see you out.”
    When he stepped onto the porch, he peered around. “Where’s your car?”
    â€œAt home. We walked here from my house.”
    Liam stared at the darkness that surrounded them, except for the dim illumination on the porch and the streetlights. “I don’t like you walking home alone without Gabe.”
    She chuckled. “It isn’t that far, and Buffalo is different from big cities. I’m safe. When I can’t swim for exercise, I’ve walked before at night after work, and I’ve never been afraid.”
    â€œIf you’re sure. I can get the girls down here—”
    She put her hand on his shoulder for a second. “I’m sure. Thanks for offering, and for these.” She waved the posters.
    Although she’d removed her hand almost instantly, his heartbeat revved into double time. Since coming to Buffalo, he