The Firefighter Daddy by Margaret Daley

side. Finally he made it to within an arm’s length of Blackie.
    â€œSee, I told you I would get you. Stay still while I reach for you.”
    Blackie quieted her cries and listened as Liam continued to reassure her while at the same time leaning toward her and plucking the kitten from the branch. Sagging with relief, he cradled the soft ball of fur to his chest.
    An idea popped into his head. He unbuttoned his shirt partway and placed Blackie between it and his chest. He felt the sharp dig of the kitten’s claws and stroked his hand down her back.
    â€œYou’re okay. Stay there and we’ll both be on the ground in a minute.” He prayed his calm words would convey the right message.
    As he scrambled to the ladder, Blackie settled down and retracted her claws. When his feet touched the ground, his nieces swarmed him. He withdrew the kitten from under his shirt and knelt in front of Katie, putting the kitty into her hands.
    She took Blackie then plastered herself against him. “You are the bestest, Uncle Liam. Thank you.”
    â€œSweetheart, next time come get me.”
    â€œI will. I promise.” Katie gave him a kiss on his cheek and then took Blackie to see the others.
    Sarah stepped to his side. “I’m glad that lady is coming this Sunday to take one of them. Less to keep an eye on. That happened fast.”
    â€œWith kids it often does—at least, that’s what I’m discovering.” His right hand hurt, and he looked at it. “I didn’t even realize I’d scraped my hand on a branch.”
    Sarah took hold of him. “Let me get something to clean that.”
    â€œYou don’t have to. We need to leave soon, anyway.”
    â€œIt’s no problem. It’s the least I can do. You’re helping me with these kittens.” She started for the house. “Be back in a sec.”
    Inside Sarah closed the kitchen door, leaned back against it and dropped her head. She stared at her shaking hands. When Liam had slipped and had to catch his balance, her heart had plummeted. Seeing him almost get injured only reinforced in her mind that she wasn’t ready to put herself out there emotionally again to marry. She didn’t want to lose another man she loved.
    As she made her way to the bathroom to fetch the peroxide and a Band-Aid for his palm, she couldn’t stop visualizing him falling out of the tree and hitting the hard ground. She gripped the counter and stared at her reflection: white as a sheet, a haunted look in her eyes. She could love this man if she wasn’t careful. When she’d first met Peter in high school, she’d known they would marry.
    She shook the thoughts from her mind. She’d just met Liam last week.
    She grabbed her first-aid supplies and hurried to the backyard.
    When she stepped onto the deck, Nana was talking with Liam. Next to Katie, Madison jumped to her feet.
    â€œYou are such a baby. How can you be so stupid?” Madison screamed, her hands clenched at her sides.
    â€œNo, I’m not,” Katie yelled back, tears streaming down her face.
    Liam turned toward Madison. “Maybe it’s time for us to go.”
    Madison glared at her uncle. “I hate you all.” She ran toward the gate.
    Sarah tried to stop her, but she didn’t move fast enough. “I’ll go get her.”
    Halfway across the yard, Liam said, “It’s my problem. I’ll find her.”
    As he passed her she touched his arm and whispered, “I’ll calm Katie down.”
    â€œI appreciate it. Right now I don’t know what else to do for Madison.”
    The defeat in his voice tore at her heart. She cupped his hand and looked into his sad eyes. “Love her and be there for her like our Lord is for us. Be the father she needs.”
    He squeezed her hand then continued his trek toward the gate.
    Sarah sent up a prayer for Liam. He needs You, God . Help him say the right words to Madison.
    As