Fireproof (Book 4 in the No Control Series)

Liz and Ella are walking through the toy store when she hears a familiar voice.
“Lizzie?”
Ella shrieks in delight. “Unkey!”
Even though she can say Uncle now, she still likes to combine Uncle and Harry, calling him Unkey.
“Ella, Love.” Harry lifts Ella into his arms.
He smiles, leaning in to give Liz a kiss on the cheek. “Hello, Lizzie. You look beautiful. How are you feeling?”
“Tired, but good. So...the hair...let me see.”
Harry touches the beanie. “No, I’m kind of self conscious.”
Liz grins. “How on earth could you ever be self conscious? Come on, take off the beanie.”
Harry hesitates, so Ella reaches up, pulling it from his head.
“Ella!” He begins tickling her. “I’ve been betrayed by a pumpkin.”
Ella laughs uncontrollably. The sweetest squeaks escaping her.
Harry reaches up, attempting to fix his hair.
“I’ve got it.” Liz says, using her hands to style his hat hair. “There. It looks great, H, I love it.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“Thanks, Lizzie. Do you and Ella have time for lunch?”
Liz hesitates for a moment. Oh screw it. “Sure, we’d love to.”
Harry grins. “Great. First I have a goddaughter to spoil. Ella, show Unkey the toys you were looking at.”
Liz touches his arm. “H, you don’t have to do that.”
He smiles. “I want to, Lizzie.”
She takes a seat to rest, as Harry takes Ella’s hand. “Let’s go, Ella. We should find something for the baby as well.”
Liz looks down, realizing she’s still holding Harry’s beanie. She puts it in her purse.


Liz looks across the table at Harry. “I was surprised to run into you here. I thought you were still in France, filming.”
“I’m on a break.”
Ella hands Harry a crayon, they begin to color together.
“Are you enjoying it?”
Harry blushes. “I am.” Then he goes on and on, telling Liz all about his experiences on his first movie.
“I’m really proud of you, Harry.”
He smiles. “Thanks, Lizzie.”
“Have you talked to Alice lately?” Liz asks.
“No...why?” Harry asks suspiciously.
“No reason, I ran into her a few days ago.”
Harry furrows his brow. “Did she say anything to upset you, Lizzie?”
“It’s fine. We should talk about it another time.” Liz says, pointing discreetly towards Ella.
“You’re right.”
They talk for awhile longer, before Ella begins yawning.
“We’d better go, it’s past Ella’s nap time.”
“I’ll walk you beautiful ladies to your car.” Harry says as Ella giggles.

Harry puts Ella safely in her carseat. “Bye, Pumpkin. I love you.”
She wraps her arms around his neck. “Love you, Unkey.”
Liz thinks. How could anyone expect me to kick him out of our lives?
Harry shuts the car door, moving to Liz, putting his hand on her belly. He leans down, talking to the baby.
When he straightens up, he looks in Liz's eyes. “I’m glad I got to spend some time with you. Take care, Darling.” He kisses her forehead, then opens the door for her.
“Bye, Harry.”
“Bye, Lizzie.”

Notes