I rolled my eyes."I wouldn't have gotten the attention without the fountain, which you designed.I didn't tell you to make my drawings into stone."
He smiled."I think we make a pretty good team."
I covered his hand with mine."The best."
We had forever to plan the rest of our lives, but I liked where we were today.I'd gotten the shop I'd always dreamed about, and the man who would support me through everything.
After the fire died down, we went upstairs to my apartment.I had a feeling we wouldn't be spending many more nights here.He took his time, making love to me, and afterward, we lay in bed, admiring my ring in the moonlight.
"I can't believe you're my fiancée."His voice was gravelly.
"And soon, your wife."
He grinned."I can't think of anything better."
Sirens peeled through the night air, startling us.
I sat up in bed."Do you think it's one of the shops?"
"I don't know."Maverick was already reaching for his pants, and I threw on sweats and a hoodie.We ran downstairs, shoving our feet into shoes before throwing open the side door.
The sirens were coming closer, and we heard shouts from Candy Cane Lane.We ran in that direction, seeing smoke coming from the bakery.
Sweet Dreams was located across the street from the bar where patrons had spilled onto the sidewalk, watching the smoke curl into the sky.
Morgan looked in our direction."Is anyone inside?"
"Reina lives above the store.She goes to bed early so she can get up and bake," I said, panic curling in my chest.
"Where's the entrance?"Morgan snapped.
"There's stairs in the back."I pointed.
Morgan took off in that direction just as the first firetruck pulled up, and we followed.Morgan didn't pause, taking the stairs two at a time.
"You should wait for the firefighters to get her," Maverick yelled, but Morgan didn't react.Instead, he used his shoulder to smash the door in, and when it cracked, he stepped through, calling Reina's name.
"Fuck."Maverick ran a hand through his hair.
"He'll be okay."I held his hand, hoping to stop him from running after his brother.
A firefighter flew around the corner.It was Eve's fiancé, Maddox."There's someone inside?"
I pointed at the stairs."Morgan went inside to get Reina."
Maddox cursed, then barked orders at the other firefighters.There was a flurry of action, a hose unraveling, and men lining up the stairs.
We stepped back, watching everything happen in slow motion.All I could think about was that Reina and Morgan were inside, and they were unprotected.They didn't have the thick protective gear that the firefighters were wearing or the benefit of oxygen tanks.
Maverick gripped my hand tight.
There were shouts, and then Morgan emerged, carrying Reina.She was curled against his chest, her eyes shut tight.
A firefighter held his hands out for her, but Morgan stubbornly moved past him.His face was covered with soot.He rested her on the ground in front of us, and Reina turned to her side, coughing.
A couple of paramedics arrived with a medical bag and got to work, checking their vitals and covering Reina's mouth with an oxygen mask.
We stood back, watching helplessly.
