28. Tucker
Tucker
Okay, so maybe we didn’t think this through entirely.
Let me rephrase. I do not, in any way shape or form, regret my decision to marry Baylee.
But what we didn’t think about was the ripple effect of Rios and how he might react.
Because in the moment everything happened, we were thinking about ourselves and the people around us.
That was our main objective, that was our purpose.
The night my mom suffered her cardiac arrest, my heart shattered.
Baylee saw the ground beneath me was crumbling.
When my mom was in that bed, intubated and everyone was talking to her, telling her to get better, the only thing I could think about saying to her was how much I wanted her to come out of it to watch my life move forward.
I had finally found my forever and my mom wouldn’t get to see that start for me. The threat of her loss was crippling.
So Baylee offered me a gift. And it wasn’t a small one.
She called her parents to the hospital. Then she pulled me aside and asked if I wanted to marry her with my mother present, because she wanted that too.
It wasn’t about the romance and flowers like they do in the movies.
Baylee and I knew we wanted to be together; that we wanted forever.
She gave me a gift with my mom present. Was it legal?
No. But it was a chance to do it in front of my brother, and most importantly, have my mother by my side.
It wasn’t picture perfect, of course. It wasn’t the traditional wedding I’d always imagined, but life doesn’t make plans within our control.
We called the chaplain the hospital had, and we did just that.
It was about giving our hearts a little bit of love while they were also breaking.
There were tears, while also tenderness.
In that moment, I threw up a wish to whomever was above that if my mom came out of this, I would ask Baylee to marry me properly, with a ring, and have whatever wedding she wanted.
Since then, Baylee has called me her husband, knowing full well what we did isn’t considered legal in the state of Massachusetts.
But to her, she says her dreams became a reality—being tied to me in that way.
She said her heart is mine, and mine hers.
Going and getting that paper, with my mom awake and present in a different way—she’d do it for that purpose.
But in her eyes we’re married, the paper would just be a formality.
That night, I fell more in love with that woman, if that’s even possible. I owe her for showing me how selfless she can be to ensure I'm cared for. She knew I would feel immeasurable pain had my mom not made it that night.
Her parents didn’t ask any questions. They showed up and it was as if they understood what it meant to us to go through with our nuptials.
It wasn’t until later that her mother confessed she always knew the love her daughter felt for me. She always knew Baylee would live her life at her own speed and she’s a force to be reckoned with. Stopping her would never work and she knows I would never try to keep her from fulfilling her dreams.
I think after that night with Myles, they saw I would never do anything to put Baylee in harm’s way. I would walk through fire to keep her safe. Her father simply hugged me and told me to keep her safe and shed a few tears when he pulled away.
The rest of the night, we sat vigil at my mother’s bedside, hopeful she’d come out of it. Once my mother was conscious and breathing on her own, Baylee’s parents promised not to discuss what had gone on in the hospital room, giving us a chance to announce to the family however we chose.
We weren’t sure if we would move forward with a small service at the courthouse, or if we’d do an engagement and a full wedding with a proper ceremony and reception.
We’ve been so tired and adjusting to getting my mom back to her normal routines that we haven’t made any major decisions at this point.
I just know I’d like to make it official in whatever way makes Baylee happy.
Now that Rios is here at the firehouse, it’s obvious someone let it slip and I need to figure out who. I didn’t get a text from Baylee, so I’m assuming she’s unaware he knows at this point.
You could hear a pin drop in the kitchen right about now. The shock across everyone’s faces would be priceless if it wasn’t at my expense. Rios makes his way toward me and he’s about to advance on me, but River and Clay stop him.
“Hey man, not here,” River says.
“This fucker thinks he can marry my sister and get away with it!” Rios points at me while yelling in my direction.
“There’s an explanation.” I put my arms up in surrender.
“Malloy, you’re a piece of shit!” he yells.
“Watch it,” Clay says in his ear. “Why don’t we take a walk before the captain hears you?”
“Too late. Malloy, Rios, let’s go. Now!” our captain says from the doorway.
I look up and stand straighter. I then direct my gaze at Rios and stare at my old best friend until I see him compose himself. River and Clay hold on to him until he finally stands up and pulls himself from their grasp. “I’m fine. It’s fine, I’ll go.” He fights himself free and walks off.
I nod at the guys without a word. I know they all want answers, especially because I’ve been around them since my mom was discharged and I haven’t mentioned anything about me and Baylee.
I hated keeping it to myself, but I was still figuring it all out.
Especially without talking to the rest of Baylee’s family, we wanted to wait until we had spoken to them first.
Once we sit down in a makeshift space the captain uses as an office from time to time, Rios scoots the chair further from me, the immature asshole. I have to hold off the eye roll.
“Care to explain the spectacle out there, Rios?” Cap begins.
He thumbs over at me. “Malloy married my sister behind my back.”
I look down because that’s literally what I did. I know better than trying to interject unless spoken to.
Our captain looks over at me. “That’s ballsy. Is this true?”
“Yes sir, it is.” I nod. “It’s not so plain and simple, but yes, I did marry her. It’s not legal though, sir.”
“Fuck legal, Malloy. You know that’s not the point,” Rios interjects.
“Rios, quiet,” Cap says. “Malloy, what do you mean it’s not legal?”
“It was done in the hospital without a marriage license. It was sort of spur of the moment when my mom was intubated.”
“Alright, Rios, then what’s the problem?” Cap looks at Rios, already over this conversation.
“Cap, Malloy is really playing this down. He went behind my back with my little sister, who is ten years younger by the way,” he emphasizes.
“Is she underage or something?” Cap asks.
We both answer, “No! ”
He brings his thumb and pointer finger in-between his eyes. “Again, what’s the problem here?”
“Cap, if I can be completely transparent here?” Rios asks and our captain nods. Rios continues, “I asked Malloy not to date my sister. He did it anyway. And now he married her? It’s bullshit.” He huffs and crosses his arms.
I look over and it’s hard not to see how immature he looks beside me. I wish he could hear himself.
“Okay, here’s what’s going to happen. First, this family drama stays out of my firehouse, understood?” He looks at Rios.
He's met with silence from Rios, whereas I respond with, “Yes, sir.”
“Rios, did you understand what I just said or do you need a note to the doctor to check those ears?” Cap asks.
“Yes, sir, I understand,” Rios says.
“Great. Next, for your little tantrum, you’ll both be taking on cleaning responsibilities during shift. Meaning, you’ll mop, clean dishes, keep this firehouse tidy, etcetera. Give Hunter the night off. He cooks, you two clean, got it?” He smiles.
“Yes, sir,” we both say, lacking enthusiasm.
“Wonderful.” He claps and moves to leave the room. “Oh, I almost forgot”—he turns to look back at us before leaving the room—“if I see this type of behavior again, I’ll transfer your asses. Got it?”
“Understood,” I say.
Rios says, “Yes, sir.”
We are left in silence and shortly Rios leaves the room shortly after without even glancing my way. I lean forward, resting my elbows on my thighs and rub my temples.
Letting out a silent curse and realizing it’s only the beginning of this fucking shift, I pull out my phone and text Baylee:
Cat’s out of the bag
BAYLEE
WHAT?
Rios showed up on shift out for blood
Baylee
Why is he so annoying? Let me find out who opened their mouth
I love you
Baylee
Love you more, husband
I can’t wait to see those lips somewhere on me later, wife
Baylee
Calm down… your shift just started. Let’s not get all hot and bothered so early
Right then a call comes in and I stand up and make my way through to meet the guys in the apparatus bay.
We’re getting a call. Love you
Baylee
Love you. Stay safe
“Sounds like congratulations are in order,” River says with a sly smile across his face. “I guess Hunter isn’t the only one keeping secrets.”
“Hey, why am I being labeled as the secret keeper?” Hunter says as he rushes to get suited up.
“I know you’ve got stuff you’re not telling us. I’ll figure it out. You’re a guy full of mystery. I just know it,” River says, pointing at him.
“Let’s talk about it later.” I jut my chin as Rios makes his way past us.
I honestly want to talk about everything with the guys, but I also don’t want to cause more friction. Tensions are high as it is when we go on a call, I don’t need to add more to it with the news of Baylee and I getting "married."
“Don’t think I’ll forget,” River scolds.
“Believe me, I know,” I say. “You’re my ride, remember?”