Page 38 of Love in the Time of Wildfires

Even SNRF experts admit a lot more research needs to be done on them. Not many have been captured for tracking, so there’s a lot we don’t know. They’re very tricky. Shapeshifting actually explains a lot.

Logan

A lot of mental hoops to go through just because you’re embarrassed you mistook a bird for a fox. Are you afraid your coworkers will find out?

Okay, well, this fox secret doesn’t need to be broadcasted beyond the two of us.

Logan

Carrying all your secrets is starting to feel like a full-time job.

You’re a strong firefighter with a good backpack. I think you can handle it.

By this time, River had abandoned her dinner to the coffee table, reclining on the couch and using the sofa arm as a pillow. She held her phone above her, having a tough time not grinning like a clown. Being able to talk to him had a way of relieving her anxiety. He was fine. He was more than fine. He was able to joke around, and he didn’t feel so far away. She couldn’t get enough.

Logan

How did you get a name like River anyway?

I was found in a basket by the river.

Logan

Really????

No! How do you think I got my name? I got it from my parents like almost everyone else. My parents just like doing fun unique names. My other sisters are Aquamarine, Jupiter Beth, and Minnie Mae.

Logan

You do not have a sister named Jupiter

I don’t? I’ll be sure to tell JuBee that she doesn’t exist because you say so.

Logan

She goes by JuBee?

Yeaaaaah, because some of us run into judgey people, who seem to think our real names are not Jupiter. Except for me. My nickname is a little embarrassing when you’re no longer four.

Logan

What is it?

You know what? Let’s talk about shapeshifting foxes again. That was fun, right?

Logan

What’s your nickname, River?

Oops, sorry. Something just came up. Gotta go! Sleep well.

She snickered as she set her phone down and retrieved what was left of her dinner from the coffee table. Leaving him wanting felt like nothing but fun.

His text came the next evening.

Logan

RiRi?