Chapter 37 Vulcan
Vulcan
THREE MONTHS LATER
“I can’t believe you’re really retiring.” Harry sighs.
I lean back in my chair, watching my best friend absorb the news I just shared.
We’re sitting in Riley’s, the same dive bar where we’ve drowned our sorrows and celebrated victories for years.
The irony isn’t lost on me that I’m announcing the end of my career in the same spot Harry once talked me out of quitting the fire academy.
“It’s time,” I say, taking a swig of my beer. “Twenty years is a good run.”
“But you’re only forty. You could easily do another ten, maybe fifteen years.” Harry shakes his head. “What’s this really about? The baby?”
“Partly.” Becoming a father has shifted my priorities. “But it’s more than that. I want to be present, Harry. Not wondering if today’s the day I don’t come home. I just want to be with my wife.”
“Man, who would have thought me telling you about your dream woman almost two years ago would lead to this?” He smiles. “But nonetheless, I’m happy for you.”
“Two years.” I shake my head. “Feels like yesterday and forever ago at the same time.”
Harry raises his glass. “To retirement. And to Karina for finally getting you to slow the hell down.”
I clink my bottle against his glass. “She didn’t ask me to retire, you know. This was my decision.”
“Just like it was your decision to buy that ridiculously expensive stroller last week.”
“That stroller has an advanced suspension system and ergonomic handle heights,” I protest, but laugh at myself. “Fine. I’ve gone soft. Happy?”
“Ecstatic.” Harry grins. “Seriously though, what’s the plan? You gonna be one of those stay-at-home dads who bakes organic muffins and runs a mommy blog?”
“Fuck off,” I scoff. “I’m still going to help out with the department.
” With some of the money I was allowed to access after Karina and I got married, I’ve been secretly funding upgrades for Station 112.
I know Harry and Mike had their suspicions when things started being replaced and actually became functional, but I kept with my story of an anonymous donor.
They don’t buy it, but they haven’t said anything, and for that I’m grateful.
“And I’ll be joining the board of directors for the Firefighters’ Family Foundation,” I add, running my thumb over the label of my beer bottle.
“They’ve been pestering me for eight months now, and it feels like the right time.
I can help raise money, do some consulting work, maybe even mentor some of the newer guys. ”
Harry nods slowly, considering this. “That actually sounds perfect for you. Still keeping a foot in the door without having to run into burning buildings.”
“Exactly.” I drain the last of my beer and signal the bartender for another round. “Plus, I want to be there for Karina. This pregnancy hasn’t been easy on her.”
“How’s she doing with the morning sickness?”
“Better now that she’s in the second trimester, but she’s still working too damn hard.” I can’t help the protective edge that creeps into my voice. “I’ve been trying to get her to cut back her hours, but you know how she is.”
Harry chuckles. “Stubborn as they come.”
“That’s putting it mildly.” I smile, remembering how she worked through her shift yesterday despite throwing up twice.
Her boss finally got her to reduce her load, focusing on consultations and training residents.
I know she wants to open shelters near St. Mary’s, but not while she’s pregnant.
I’ve put my foot down about that when she first asked for my opinion on it.
“Shelters?” Harry raises an eyebrow when I tell him her long-term plan. “Like homeless shelters?”
“Yes, she’s been researching it for almost two years. They’ve been cracking down on ER bed misuse, and my wife wants to create shelters with temporary housing and medical care for those who don’t need emergency treatment but have nowhere else to go.”
“She sounds like you.”
“She’s incredible.” I can’t keep the pride out of my voice. “But right now, I just want her to focus on staying healthy. The rest can wait until after the baby comes.”
Harry studies me for a moment. “You know, I never would have pegged you for the retiring type. You lived and breathed the job.”
“I still love the work,” I say, running my hand through my hair. “But my priorities have shifted. I used to think it was everything. Now I know it’s just what I did, not who I am.”
The bartender slides two fresh beers across the bar, and I take a long pull from mine.
The familiar burn of alcohol hits my throat, but it doesn’t provide the same comfort it used to.
Nothing feels quite the same anymore, actually.
Everything is filtered through this new lens of fatherhood and being a husband who wants to be present.
“Have you told anyone at the station yet?” Harry asks. “Or am I the only lucky one?”
“I’m planning to announce it next week, but as my best friend I thought you should be the second to know. However, I will finish out this month and then transition into the consulting role.” I pause, thinking about the conversations I’ll need to have. “Mike’s going to lose his shit.”
“Yeah, he will.” Harry laughs. “But he’ll understand. They all will. This is the right move for you, Vulcan.”
I nod, feeling more certain about my decision with each passing day.
“And Karina? How does she really feel about it?” he adds.
“She cried when I told her,” I admit. “Happy tears, though. Said she was proud of me for choosing our family.”
“Damn.” Harry shakes his head. “You really did find your person.”
“I did.” My mind drifts to Karina at home, probably curled up on the couch with one of her medical journals, unconsciously resting her hand on her growing belly. “I never thought I’d be the guy who retires early to be a family man, but here we are.”
“And you’re happy about it?”
“Happier than I’ve ever been,” I say without hesitation. “For the first time in my life, I’m not just surviving day to day. I’m actually building something that matters.”
I walk into the penthouse and am greeted by laughter from Karina, Cassie, and Val in the kitchen.
And here I thought she was going to be home alone.
For a moment, I just watch them—Karina’s belly noticeably rounder beneath her sweater as she laughs with her friends.
Cassie wipes down the counter, shaking her head at whatever Val just said.
“Are we having a party I wasn’t invited to?” I ask, dropping my keys in the bowl by the door.
Three heads turn my way, but it’s Karina’s face that I focus on—the way her eyes light up when she sees me, the slight parting of her lips before they curve into a smile.
“Vully! How was your man-date with Harry?” Val asks, making kissy sounds.
“It wasn’t a date,” I grumble, moving toward Karina.
“Did you tell him?” Karina tilts her face up for a kiss.
I press my lips to hers, lingering a moment longer than necessary. She tastes like a combination of cream cheese and mustard. I don’t even want to know what she ate; her pregnancy cravings are out of this world. “Yeah, I told him.”
“And?” Her eyes search mine.
“And he’s happy for me. For us.” I rest my hand on her belly, feeling the firm roundness beneath my palm. Our child.
“Good.” She covers my hand with hers.
“What’s all this?” I gesture to the spread on the counter—what looks like the remnants of some kind of cooking experiment.
“Your wife had a craving that included two ingredients that should not go together.” Val shudders.
“Mustard–cream cheese bagels with pickle slices and hot sauce,” Cassie explains, looking both amused and horrified. “Your child has interesting taste. I bet once he gets to kindergarten, he will eat glue.”
“Shut up,” Karina and Val say in unison.
I laugh, moving to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. “Well, at least Karina’s eating. Last week it was all dry toast and ginger ale.”
“And for the record, it was delicious.”
Val makes gagging noises as she reaches for her gym bag. “I’m heading out before you start describing it in more detail. Some of us still have functioning taste buds.”
“You’re just jealous,” Karina says, popping the last bite of her bizarre creation into her mouth.
“Of morning sickness and food that would make a garbage disposal revolt? Hard pass.” Val kisses Karina’s cheek, then mine. “I’ll see you both on Sunday for brunch?”
“We’ll be there,” I confirm, watching as my sister heads for the door.
Cassie finishes wiping down the counter. “I should get going, too. I have an early shift at the hospital.”
“Thanks for coming over,” Karina says, giving Cassie a hug. “It was nice having company while Vulcan was out.”
“Anytime. You know I love spending time with you and my nephew.” She gathers her purse and heads toward the door. “And congratulations again on the retirement decision. I think it’s wonderful.”
After they leave, the apartment feels quieter, more intimate. I watch Karina move around the kitchen, putting away the bagels. She’s moving slower these days, more carefully, and I notice the way she pauses to rest her hand on the small of her back.
“Come here,” I say, taking her hand and moving to the living room. We sit on the sofa, and she curls up against my side with a contented sigh. I wrap my arm around her, my hand automatically finding its way to her belly.
“How was your day really? Any more calls from blocked numbers?” Gabriella has been calling her for weeks. I suggested changing her number, but Karina refused; she’s had it since high school. So, threatening a lawsuit was the next best thing.
“No, thank God. I think Minji’s letter finally scared her off.” She tilts her head to look up at me. “Thank you for helping me.”
“There is no need to thank me. It’s my job to protect you and make sure you’re happy.” I run my fingers through her hair, kissing her forehead. “Speaking of which, how are you feeling? Any more nausea today?”
“Just a little this morning, but nothing like last week.” She shifts against me, getting more comfortable. “The doctor said it should continue to improve as I get further into the second trimester.”
“Good. Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, and I’d love to take you out. I’ve been thinking we should visit one of the properties my father left me.”
“I thought you had to wait three years…”
“Not for the properties. I want to take you to the one in London.”
Her eyes widen with excitement. “Really? Are you serious?”
“Yeah.” I tuck a strand behind her ear. “Plus, I think a babymoon in London sounds perfect. We can tour the property, walk through Hyde Park, eat at those little cafés you’re always talking about.”
“But what if the pregnancy makes flying difficult? What if—”
I silence her with a soft kiss. “We’ll talk to Dr. Larsen first, get medical clearance. If she says it’s safe, we go. If not, we wait until after the baby comes.”
Karina’s hand moves to her belly, a gesture that’s become second nature to her. “A babymoon in London,” she murmurs, testing the words. “That sounds incredible.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll start making arrangements tomorrow.” I pull her closer, breathing in the familiar scent of her shampoo. “I want to give you the world, Karina. Starting with London.”
She turns in my arms, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “You’ve already given me everything I never knew I wanted. A home, a family, love that feels safe.” Her voice breaks slightly. “I used to think I’d never have this.”
“Well, you do. You have me, and you have our baby, and you’re never going to lose either of us.” I cup her face, my thumb brushing away a tear that’s escaped. “I promise you that.”
She leans into my touch, and I feel that familiar surge of protectiveness, stronger now than ever. This woman, this incredible, stubborn, brilliant woman who’s carrying my child—she’s my entire world.
“I love you,” she whispers against my palm.
“I love you too. Both of you.” My hand finds her belly again, and I swear I can feel something flutter beneath my palm. “Did you feel that?”
Karina’s eyes go wide. “Oh my God, yes. Was that—”
“The baby just said hello to Daddy,” I say, grinning like an idiot. Our first real movement, tangible proof that our child is growing strong inside her.
And in this moment, in our home, feeling our baby move for the first time, I know with absolute certainty that picking Karina two years ago was the right choice. This—right here, right now—this is everything.