All firefighters—volunteer and paid—were required to work a shift to stay up-to-date on procedures. Inspections happened quarterly, and while they were necessary, they made for chaotic days.
The convenience store next to the station was equally crowded. Between the extra people at the fire station and the usual Friday afternoon rush, the place buzzed with customers grabbing gas, snacks, or ice cream.
It felt like a modern-day 1950s barber shop, with everyone milling around and catching up on the latest happenings. I didn’t mind. Hidden Pines had a rhythm and charm that I’d miss if it ever changed.
Small-town life suited me. Our fire station wasn’t in the business district, so we mostly handled calls that got out ofcontrol for stations one and two. Fires weren’t common here, and homes were spread out, which helped.
Living near the station was convenient, though I tried not to dwell on the idea of my house ever catching fire. I’d done everything possible to fireproof it, just in case.
“That’ll be $2.13, Mr. Murphy,” said the cashier as she handed me my coffee. I smiled, handing her my card. This store was one of the last places where the cashier swiped cards for you. Most people found it unsanitary these days, but it added to the quirky charm.
I waited to get it back, lifting my coffee to my lips and taking a sip. They always made the best mixes at that store. I was glad it was next to the station.
As I sipped my coffee, my eyes drifted to the glass door just as it swung open. Savannah walked in with Alana. My pulse quickened. One look at her, and I knew I was a goner. How could just seeing a woman make my heart race?
I grinned, unable to deny how good it felt just being around her. I craved her companionship, yet I knew I had to be careful. She was vulnerable, and she had far more pressing things to manage than looking for someone new.
It was flattering to see Savannah smile when she caught sight of me. Her face lit up, and I couldn’t help but grin back. She looked relieved, which hit me hard. I wanted to be someone she could rely on.
I glanced down at Alana, who was oblivious to me. She slipped out of her mother’s grasp and darted toward the counter, where a glass display case showcased cakes, cookies, cupcakes—any sweet treat you could imagine.
“Jackson,” Savannah said warmly when I reached them. “What are you doing here?”
“I came over for a coffee. There’s an inspection at the station today.”
“What a coincidence,” I replied. “What’s going on? You’re not usually off work this early.”
Her expression darkened, and I immediately wished I hadn’t asked. She looked over at Alana, who was gazing longingly at the pastries. Savannah motioned for me to follow her closer to the display.
“Momma,” Alana said, her voice muffled by the glass, “I want that one. Can I have it?” She pointed at a red velvet cake slathered in white buttercream. Then she glanced back at Savannah, who raised her eyebrows.
“I don’t know, honey,” Savannah said, her exhaustion bleeding into her lighthearted tone. “That’s a lot of sugar, and I’m not sure I’m ready for what comes after.”
I grinned, unable to deny how good it felt just being around her. I craved her companionship, yet I knew I had to be careful. She was vulnerable, and she had far more pressing things to manage than looking for someone new.
It was flattering to see Savannah smile when she caught sight of me. Her face lit up, and I couldn’t help but grin back. She looked relieved, which hit me hard. I wanted to be someone she could rely on.
I glanced down at Alana, who was oblivious to me. She slipped out of her mother’s grasp and darted toward the counter, where a glass display case showcased cakes, cookies, cupcakes—any sweet treat you could imagine.
“Jackson,” Savannah said warmly when I reached them. “What are you doing here?”
“I came over for a coffee. There’s an inspection at the station today.”
“What a coincidence,” I replied. “What’s going on? You’re not usually off work this early.”
Her expression darkened, and I immediately wished I hadn’t asked. She looked over at Alana, who was gazing longingly at thepastries. Savannah motioned for me to follow her closer to the display.
“Momma,” Alana said, her voice muffled by the glass, “I want that one. Can I have it?” She pointed at a red velvet cake slathered in white buttercream. Then she glanced back at Savannah, who raised her eyebrows.
“I don’t know, honey,” Savannah said, her exhaustion bleeding into her lighthearted tone. “That’s a lot of sugar, and I’m not sure I’m ready for what comes after.”
“Pleeeeaassseee…” The moment I dreaded came right then. Alana turned her big, pleading eyes on me, clearly hoping I’d intervene. I widened my eyes and gave her a comical look.
Then I raised my hands and chuckled. “Don’t look at me, sweetheart. That’s your mom’s call. I always listened to my mom, so you’re out of luck.”
Alana narrowed her eyes at me and stuck out her bottom lip, she knew what she was doing and I couldn’t help but laugh.
Savannah sighed. “How about all three share a slice? That way, it’s not too much for any of us. What do you think, Jackson?”
