“You’ll be staying at the B&B as long as you want and need,” Lily says, her voice firm, warm, motherly, as she puts her coat back on. Josh nods beside her, steady and resolute.
“I can’t just…” I start, my voice trembling.
“You can,” Josh insists, and I resign.
“Thank you,” I whisper, holding Mia close.
“Oh, don’t even think about it. I can’t wait to have little feet running around the house again. I miss it,” Lily beams, caressing Mia’s head lovingly, then kisses my cheek.“Rest now. All is well.” She smiles and walks out. Everyone says goodnight, and the room is almost empty again, except for Ethan.
Mia has fallen asleep once more.
“You hurt your hand?” Ethan asks, worry tightening his voice as he notices the bandage. He picks up my right hand to study it.
“I wanted to get to Mia, but the doorknob…” I cry, reliving the moments.
“If the doorknob was hot, it’s a good thing you didn’t open it,” he says, serious.“The fire was right behind it. It would have burned you.” He pushes a strand of hair from my face, thumb brushing my cheek.
“Sir, visiting hours were over hours ago. I can’t let you stay, I’m sorry,” the nurse says, looking at Ethan.
He bends, kisses Mia’s sleepy head, then turns to me. His hand caresses my cheek, his eyes saying a million things his mouth won’t, can’t.“If you need anything, anything at all, call me, okay?” I nod, lost for words at his tenderness. I’m not used to this, hugs, care, gentle words.
“Night, Summer.” He puts his firefighter coat, almost black with soot, back on and lingers at the door.“I’m so glad you’re okay.” He nods, turns, and leaves.
CHAPTER 5
Summer
The morning light filters through the hospital blinds, thin and pale, brushing over the edge of the bed where Mia’s tangled curls rest against my arm. I didn’t want to let her go last night, so I didn’t. The nurse tried to get me to lie in my own bed, but after everything that happened, I needed to hold her close, to feel her heartbeat against mine. Proof that she’s still here.
The doctor steps in for one last checkup, his shoes squeaking against the polished floor.“Your lungs sound good,” he says gently, pressing his stethoscope against my back.“You’re both very lucky. Mia’s vitals are steady, and her x-rays are clear. Just keep an eye out for coughing, fatigue, or any shortness of breath over the next few days.”
Relief and exhaustion collide inside me.“So… we can go?”
He smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling.“Yes. You’re cleared to leave.”
When he leaves, the room feels oddly quiet, sterile, humming with machines and leftover fear. I sit up carefully and brush a stray curl off Mia’s cheek. She’s still asleep, lips slightly parted, her small hand clutching my shirt even in her dreams.
I get us both ready slowly. The nurse brings me a plastic bag with our smoke-scented clothes, and I sigh, grateful Lilyand Penny brought over some clean clothes for us. I help Mia change into leggings and one of her soft T-shirts, the pink faded but familiar. I braid her hair, fingers trembling a little, and she hums under her breath, tiny notes of melody drifting in the quiet room.
I pull out my phone to call Penny for a ride, but before I can dial, the door opens.
Ethan leans against the frame, sunlight catching the brim of his black Stetson.“Hey, gorgeous.”
“Hi,” I manage, trying not to stare. He’s in a dark grey shirt and worn jeans, the kind that fit too well for my peace of mind. My mouth goes dry. Nope. Not today, Summer.
I fuss with Mia’s hair, pretending I don’t notice the way his smile softens when he looks at her, the green of his eyes almost catching the morning light.
“Efan, you’re taking us home?” Mia squeals and launches into his arms before I can answer. He catches her effortlessly, spinning her until she’s laughing so hard her little feet kick at the air.
“Of course, princess,” he says, grinning.“Your carriage has arrived.”
Then, because he’s Ethan, he bows, hat and all, in a dramatic curtsy that makes her giggle louder.
“I’m sorry you had to come all this way,” I say, flustered.“You must be exhausted after yesterday, and I thought Penny…”
“Penny wanted to come,” he interrupts, eyes glinting.“But I told her I had a booster seat, so here I am.”
“You have a booster seat?” I blink.
