Page 19 of Playing with Fire

“I’m okay. Much better than last night.”

While she took her shower, she couldn’t help but wonder if there really could be a future for them? They’d certainly had a history together!

Despite getting sick again, she’d enjoyed spending the last two days with Colton. She was excited for him to have a new office and to hopefully turn his practice into a successful one. She knew he was glad to be out from underneath his father, where he could thrive and make a name for himself the honest way.

Chapter Fourteen

If she were being honest, she was counting down the hours until work ended. Colton had texted to check on her a couple times and it felt good knowing that someone was thinking about her.

Before coming home, she stopped by the drugstore and picked up a pregnancy test. Colton would most likely be gone by the time she got there, since he was still doing some work at his new office, and she’d have the house to herself.

As the clerk rang up her purchase, she fumbled putting her debit card into the machine. Never in a million years did she think this would be happening. Nervous didn’t even come close to describing the way she felt.

She got home and sat the bag on the counter then went upstairs to change out of her uniform. Just as she walked out of her bedroom, Colton stepped around the corner and startled her.

“What the heck is this?” he asked holding up the plastic shopping bag, a puzzled expression on his face.

“I,” she stammered, her voice unsteady. “I didn’t think you were home.”

“I forgot my wallet and had to come back for it. I also wanted to check on you. Now, what’s this all about?”

“I think I might have an idea why I’ve been so sick lately.” She lowered her head, not sure what to really say.

Colton stepped closer then lifted her chin with his finger. “Look at me.”

As she looked into his deep blue eyes, she knew that something was different between them. There was a closeness, aconnection that she’d never experienced before. Not with him or anyone else.

“I never thought about using any kind of protection.” she told him, thinking back to the night they’d gotten intimate in her hotel. “I’ve always been careful. But—”

“Shhh.” He pulled her into his arms. “Blayze, can’t you see what’s happening? Each day that I’m with you, I’m falling more in love with you. I know we’re not ‘together,’ but if there’s ever a chance, that maybe you’d consider something more—”

“Oh Colton.” She pressed her lips against his then wrapped her arms around his waist. “You know, had you not been such a jerk back then. Look at all the time we’ve missed out on.”

“Nah, it wasn’t all me. You, my dear, played so damn hard to get.”

“Iplayed hard to get? I think you’ve got that all wrong.”

“Blayze, are you going to take that damn test?” he teased. “Or are you going to make me wait?”

Epilogue

Turning in her resignation papers was probably the hardest thing she’d had to do in entire life.

Becoming a firefighter had been her dream for as long as she could remember. The bright red engine, the scuffed yellow helmet, those damn boots…to say goodbye was breaking her.

But her life had taken a turn, a turn that she was anxious and excited about.

The guys at the station were sad to see her go, but when she told them about her new job—as the Gorman Valley Emergency-911 Dispatcher—their smiles quickly returned. Knowing she’d be in the building adjacent to the fire station, they could still give her hell, probably make fun of her growing belly, and most likely place bets on how much the baby was going to weigh. Helping people in emergency situations was something she was born to do, whether she was on the phone or at the scene. She took pride in her job and she did it well.

She and Colton continued to take things one day at a time. Sure, they were nervous about becoming parents, but they were also nervous with where things seemed to be headed for them. A good kind of nervous, mind you!

He eventually moved his things into her room, and they began to think about decorating for the baby’s room. Gosh, had someone told her back in high school that she’d be preparing for a baby with her, back then, worst enemy, she’d probably laughed in their face. Funny how things changed!

For the first time in over twenty years, Keebler Hills got themselves a new mayor. It was long overdue, and Brent Burns should be thankful she kept her mouth shut about him. Shewasn’t sure if Colton would ever forgive his father, but that was another story for another day. Apparently, she wasn’t the first person he’d put his hands on.

Oh, there’s one last thing, if you’re in the area next Sunday, stop by the GVFD and join the gang for the gender reveal party. Colton and Blayze are looking forward to climbing on top of the fire truck and spraying colored water out of the top.

Will Baby Burns be a boy or girl?

The End

Or is it?