Page 60 of Love in the Time of Wildfires

You’re right. I should do that.

This was how the rest of the week went. They stuck with topics that were more on the fun, sweet side. Neither one delving into ones that had brought him down before.

Logan

Guess what?

I hope it’s something good.

Logan

We’re shipping home tomorrow.

Yay!!!!!!!

Logan

Will you be working?

Yeah, but only until five, and I don’t have anything planned afterward. I was going to veg and watch horror movies while practicing my knitting. My stuff still looks...not great, but I think I’m getting better. No laughing! Do you think I’ll be able to see you?

Logan

It’s a long drive. It might be a little late.

I don’t care. I’m sure I’ll be up.

Logan

Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, River.

See you then! Can’t wait!

The next day at work drifted slowly, and River fixated on the clock, eager for the day to be over. While there was not much of a chance he’d stop by the museum during her shift, she couldn’t help looking for him anyway.

“What’s going on with you?” Jefferson asked her.

“Nothing. I’m just . . . Well, Logan is coming home today.”

“He’s been gone awhile, hasn’t he?”

“Yeah, but I think I’m going to see him tonight.”

“So your firefighter is coming back. I can see why you’re excited.”

She wasn’t brave enough to call him hers yet, but she liked the sound of it.

“I suppose with summer coming to an end, he’ll be around a lot more. That’ll be nice, right?” Jefferson added.

River realized he was right. Fire season didn’t last forever and, hopefully, it was coming to an end soon. She’d be able to see him regularly for the rest of the year, and this was a win in her book, whole months where he’d be home and safe. It didn’t make the workday go by any faster, but it eventually came to an end.

River rushed home, grabbing a quick dinner on the way, and parked herself on her couch. Her ears were focused for any sound coming from the outside staircase.

It wasn’t until eight-thirty that she heard heavy footsteps on the stairs. She should wait until he knocked. It could have been a creeper out there. Except River had never been a patient person. She tossed her current knitting project, bounded to the door, swung it open, and there he was.

Logan was in need of a shave, and he looked worn around the edges. Despite this, he was the most wonderful sight to behold.

“Hey, River,” he said, adjusting a black bag on his shoulder.