"I brought him his own box of cupcakes." I remembered what Frank said about saving the goodies for the person I was meeting with.
"I like your style. If you ever get sick of Maddox's grumpy ways, you know where to find me."
I laughed as he stacked the boxes in his arms and headed toward the open bay. Men swarmed him, grabbing boxes.
Steve told me that Maddox would be in the fire chief's office because Frank wanted him to transition into the new role before the end of the year. I wore the same red dress I'd worn the first time we met. Once he told me he was working, I came up with the idea to replicate our initial meeting with a few key differences.
I just hoped he wouldn't be as grumpy this time. I already had my work cut out for me.
The rec room was empty as all the men were in the kitchen, fighting over the cupcakes. I balanced the box in one hand as I knocked on the door with the temporary sign that readFire Chief Maddox Knight.
I was so proud of him, and I couldn't wait to tell him that to his face.
"Come in."
I opened the door, slipping through it before locking it behind me.
He glanced up for a second, spotting the pink box. "You can set that in the kitchen."
When I didn't move, he raised his gaze, his eyes widening when he saw me in that red dress.
"What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to surprise you."
He stood and slowly walked around the desk. It was almost as if he was afraid to startle me.
I set the box on his desk. "I was told that the fire chief needs his own sweets."
"Are you saying that you brought more for the schmucks out there?" He nodded toward the locked door.
"I needed them distracted so that I could get to you."
He leaned against the desk. "What can I do for you?"
He was distant. I'd hurt him with my refusal to go on that getaway. I hoped he'd hear me out and give me another chance.
I stepped forward, reaching around him to place the box on the desk. "I was hoping you'd ask me to go away with you again."
He frowned. "I know it was a bad time of the year. The worst weekend I could have asked."
I shook my head.
"It's not?"
I sighed. "I've been working too much. I assumed that no one else could do the same job as I could. I didn't want to burden my sister with extra tasks when it was my responsibility to handle the town. But today, I was reminded that there are people who want to help me, and I don't have to do it all on my own."
He held himself stiffly. "What are you saying?"
"At some point, I fell in love with a grumpy firefighter with the sweetest daughter in the world."
His face softened.
"And I'd love to go away with you this weekend, if you still want to go."
He tipped his head to the side. "This weekend?"
"The town is covered, and I have people who can handle things while I'm gone."
