Hometown Fireman

by Lissa Manley

“Will do.”

  With a wave, he disappeared out the door.

  Ally watched him go, then turned her watery gaze to Drew.

  His eyes full of softness, he stepped forward, his arms outstretched. “Come here.”

  Without a thought as to why she shouldn’t, she stepped into his embrace with a snuffle, needing his comfort, his support, so much more than she needed distance. His fresh, clean scent and strong arms surrounded her, and she felt his heart beating steadily against her. It all calmed her, gave her hope, made her feel that she was exactly where she belonged. Right here, in the circle of his arms, able to handle anything life threw her way.

  Oh, my. Yes. This was where she wanted to be. Close to him, drawing on his strength, depending on him to help her through. She’d never had that, ever, and suddenly she wanted it so badly she shook with need.

  He tightened his embrace, tucking her up against him.

  Her heart pulsed in time with his, knowing he was near. And there for her no matter what. Hadn’t he proved that today?

  “I’ve got you,” he said next to her ear, his warm breath washing over her.

  Yes, he did have her. Completely.

  His hands rubbed up and down her back in a comforting sweep and she pressed closer still, never wanting to let him go. How could she when it would be like cutting off a piece of herself?

  Goose bumps swept up from her toes to the top of her head, setting little fires along the way. And the truth seared its way into her consciousness like a brand.

  She loved him. With her whole heart, unequivocally. She hadn’t wanted to love him. But she did.

  She’d fallen deeply in love with Drew Sellers.

  There, she’d admitted it. Smiling against his chest, she breathed in Drew’s smell, savoring the feeling of being safe in his arms, of depending on him for whatever she needed.

  But what if he didn’t share her feelings?

  Anxiety bit hard, and she tightened her arms around his waist as if she could tie him to her with just a gesture. But, of course, she couldn’t. He was free to do whatever he wanted. Stay or leave. Love her, or not. But she had to take a risk and tell him. The reward was worth the risk.

  She was sure of it.

  *

  Two hours after he and Seth brought Rex to the vet, Drew sat in the waiting room, Ally’s hand clenched tightly in his. She was holding it together pretty well, considering that Dr. Norman had had to do emergency surgery on Rex to repair the damage to his left side.

  She’d been a trembling mess when Drew had taken her in his arms earlier. And it had felt so good for her to be there. And even better that she had let him be there for her.

  Her walls seemed to be dropping. But far enough to allow him into her heart?

  He chewed on his cheek. Either way, he had to come clean with her, had to have the kind of trust and faith in her that Rex had had in Drew. Confessing his feelings was a risk, sure. But after all that had happened, putting everything on the line was better than giving up.

  Better than watching Ally walk away without knowing she had his heart.

  He’d wasted so much time already, running scared, making excuses. That would end today. As soon as they had news of Rex, Drew would tell Ally how he felt about her. Hopefully, it would be good news all around. If not…well, he’d deal, knowing that at least he’d given himself and Ally a chance, instead of giving in to his fears. Either way, he’d be there for her.

  Just then, the door to the back opened and Dr. Norman stepped out, a surgical mask hanging from his neck.

  In tandem, Drew stood with Ally. Her hand tightened even more on his, until he was sure she was cutting off his circulation.

  Dr. Norman met them in the middle of the room. “Well, it’s good news.”

  Drew heard Ally let out a breath.

  “I was able to repair all the damage—it was a coyote bite, by the way—and with some recovery time, Rex will be just fine.”

  Relief spread through Drew as Ally sobbed and her hand went slack in his grip. “Oh, thank You, Lord, thank You,” she whispered hoarsely.

  Drew put his arm around her, her relief his own.

  Dr. Norman ran a hand through his hair and went on. “I’d like to keep him overnight, and then he should be able to go home tomorrow.”

  “Can I see him?” Ally asked, her voice laced with tempered anxiousness.

  Dr. Norman nodded. “Yes, when he’s out of the anesthesia and more alert in an hour or so.”

  Drew looked at Ally, noting her pale cheeks, sagging shoulders and the faint smudges under her eyes. “Why don’t we go get some fresh air and then come back.”

  “O…okay.” Ally’s eyes drifted longingly to the door that would lead her to Rex.

  “Sounds like a plan,” Dr. Norman said. “We’ll see you back here in an hour, give or take.” He turned and disappeared behind the door.

  “He’s in good hands,” Drew told her. “Dr. Norman is one of the best vets on the Washington Coast. I think it would do you good to clear your head.”

  “I guess I could leave Rex.”

  He opened the door and gestured her through. He followed her outside, pleased to note that the rain had stopped and some of the gray clouds looming in the distance seemed to be breaking up. Maybe the sun would shine today after all.

  But he held back; he didn’t want to confess his love in the vet’s parking lot. Guess he had a romantic streak somewhere inside. But the beach was only a few blocks away….

  “Let’s walk.” Taking her hand, he tugged her toward the beach, suddenly anxious to tell her how he felt. Now that he’d realized he loved her and wasn’t going to give up without a fight, he didn’t want to waste any more time.

  She trotted to keep up. “Where are we going?”

  “The beach,” he told her.

  “Why?”

  “Well, aren’t you just Miss Inquisitive today?” he said, grinning.

  “Yes, I am.” She stopped and shot him a suspicious look. “What’s going on?”

  “I just want to see the ocean, all right?” he said, tugging on her hand.

  “Why?” She dug in her heels again and looked sideways at him, her green eyes narrowing. “I thought we were going to hang around here.”

  Exasperation prodded at him. “We were—”

  “So why are we—”

  “Because I don’t want to tell you I love you in a vet’s parking lot, that’s why.”

  Her eyes went hugely round and her mouth fell open. She stared at him for a good long time and then squeaked, “You love me?”

  He sighed. Vet’s parking lot. So be it. “Yes, I do. I have for a while. But my feelings scared me, and I didn’t want to admit that I loved you.” With his heart in his throat, he waited, hoping she didn’t run screaming for the hills.

  She regarded him seriously for a long moment. “Love is scary, isn’t it?”

  All he could do was nod. And hope she returned his feelings.

  She stepped closer, her eyes trained on him. “Do you know how I know that?”

  He shook his head, his throat so tight he didn’t trust himself to speak.

  “Because I’ve been scared to death of falling in love, too.”

  “And?” he pushed out.

  “And…” A slow yet brilliant smile blossomed on her face. “I finally figured out after you left and I was so lost when Rex went missing that being without you scared me more than loving you. And when you came back, just for me, well…that’s when my heart was toast, and I knew I could never live without you.”

  Hope crested like a wave in his heart. “Does that mean what I think it means?”

 
She moved closer, one step, two, three, and then she was there, right in front of him, her gorgeous green eyes shining like emeralds. She took both of his hands in hers. “What it means is that I love you, too, Drew Sellers, and I always will, and I’m done letting my fear control me.” She bestowed upon him the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen. “Guess we were both chickens.”

  Joy tinged with absolute relief jetted through him. “Should we be making chicken sounds?”

  One eyebrow went up. “How about you just kiss me instead?”

  Sparks shot through him as he drew her into his arms. “That’s the best idea you’ve had all day.” Then he dropped his head and kissed her, his hands coming up to cradle her head. And everything in his world was suddenly, wonderfully right.

  A long time later—well, maybe only a few minutes—the sound of a car’s horn honking startled both of them apart. But not enough to make him let go of her. Oh, no. From here on out, he was never letting her go.

  He and Ally turned as a blue sedan pulled up. Mom and Dad.

  Mom jumped out from the driver’s seat seconds after the car stopped. “Does this mean what I think it means?” she asked, her mouth split into a huge grin.

  Dad got out of the car, moving a bit slower, but moving.

  Thank You, Lord, for taking care of my dad.

  “After my appointment, Grace insisted on driving down here to check on Rex,” Dad said, shaking his head. “How is he?”

  “He’s going to fully recover,” Ally said.

  “Good, good,” Dad replied.

  “Any other news?” Mom’s gaze darted back and forth between Drew and Ally, one eyebrow arched high. “What about you two?”

  Drew looked at Ally, grinning like a lovesick fool. Which he was.

  Ally’s eyes glowed softly, so full of love he almost quit breathing. “I love her,” he said. Amazing how the uncomplicated truth was so obvious now. So…perfect.

  “And?” Mom said, turning her attention to Ally.

  Ally shrugged. “And I love him,” she said, simple as that.

  “Yippee!” Mom crowed and then hugged both him and Ally at the same time. Then she pulled back and rubbed Ally’s arm. “Welcome to the family, Ally.”

  Ally’s eyes glittered with sudden tears, and Drew felt his own eyes burn. He knew how much she wanted the family she’d never had.

  Dad came over and clapped him on the back. “Great news, son.” His eyes twinkled. “Remember I told you I’d put out some feelers about fire department jobs around here?”

  Drew nodded.

  “Well, turns out Steve Carroll’s cousin is the fire chief over in Pacific Beach. He might have a slot available in a few months.”

  Wow. Words failed Drew for a long moment. Pacific Beach was only a twenty-minute drive up the coast, an easy commute, meaning he and Ally could stay in Moonlight Cove.

  “Actually, I think you should go back to Atherton, either now if they’ll have you, or whenever the next Academy is,” Ally said.

  He swung his gaze to her. “You do?”

  “I do.” She took his hand and looked right into his eyes, her gaze steady and true. “It’s your dream, and you should have it.”

  His heart turned over. “Are you sure? It would mean having a long-distance relationship.”

  “I know.” She stepped close, her arms going around his waist. “But I have faith in our love, and I trust you, and I truly believe what we have is strong enough to withstand a separation.”

  He pressed his lips to her forehead, so glad he’d finally had a little faith. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

  “Why, yes, you have, sir.” A teasing smile lit her face. “And I expect to hear it often from now on.”

  He kissed her. “And I’m more than happy to oblige.”

  Dad horned into Drew and Ally’s little world. “Whatever you decide, I’m glad to hear that you two worked things out.”

  “Oh, me, too,” Mom added, putting her arms around Dad. “Looks like we’ve all had a lesson or two on faith and trust, haven’t we?”

  Seeing his parents back together had Drew’s eyes burning. “I guess we have.” He blinked a few times, then looked down at the woman he loved. His heart was fuller than it had ever been. “Welcome to my life.”

  “And welcome to mine,” she replied, her eyes shining with a love and devotion that humbled Drew.

  He took her back into his arms then, breathing in the scent of her hair, feeling her heartbeat, her strength and all the other wonderful things he loved about her.

  He couldn’t think of another place he’d rather be.

  *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Rancher’s Refuge by Linda Goodnight

  Dear Reader,

  Welcome to Moonlight Cove! I’m so glad you have joined me in this quaint little beachside town where love and faith blossom.

  Drew Sellers was first introduced in Family to the Rescue (Book One, Moonlight Cove) as the hero Seth’s best friend. I always intended to give Drew his own book and happily ever after—such a great guy deserves nothing less—but it took me a while to create a heroine worthy of him. I think Ally York is the perfect love interest for Drew—strong, sassy and compassionate. I hope you enjoyed their love story!

  I’ve wanted to write a book about a dog rescuer for quite some time, and Ally seemed like a good fit. I love dogs—I have two of my own, both poodles—and really enjoy writing about the unique bond between dogs and their owners. My hat is off to dog rescue organizations; they think with their hearts to save our canine friends, and I can’t imagine a better goal. As Ally believes, dogs offer unconditional love, and I share her belief wholeheartedly.

  I will have more Moonlight Cove books coming out soon—I have lots of ideas for future heroes and heroines—so please, stay tuned. I love writing about this town, and look forward to creating more faith-filled love stories for your reading pleasure.

  Blessings,

  Lissa

  Questions for Discussion

  Drew readily offers Ally a place to stay after the fire. Since she is a stranger, is this a wise move? Why or why not? If not, what are his other options? Would it have made more sense for him to find her another, less personal, place to stay?

  Ally has strong faith, despite what she’s been through. Why do you think she keeps her faith in God instead of being more like Drew, whose faith wavers during tough times? How have you managed to keep your faith in challenging times?

  Drew’s mom, Grace, is good at shutting conversations down, and at hiding the truth of the situation with her and Drew’s dad, Hugh. Discuss why you think she does this, and how she could have handled this differently, along with the pros and cons of a different reaction.

  Ally longs for a family of her own, yet feels that dream is so far out of her reach it would never be a reality. Given her backstory, is this an understandable reaction? Would it have been more realistic to have her swing the other way and doggedly pursue building a family of her own? Or would a more middle-of-the-road reaction have been more believable? Discuss your answer, and how traumatic events in your past may have swayed your ability to be objective about future decisions.

  Drew puts off becoming a full-time firefighter because of Hugh’s expectation that Drew work in the family business. Discuss whether you think this is a wrongheaded reaction by Drew, or whether it is justified, given his father’s wants and needs. Also talk about a time when you put your own dreams aside for the benefit of someone else, and how that worked out in the end.

  Ally’s walls tremble when Drew saves the last puppy born, prompting her to open up more than she usually would. Is this a believable reaction? Why or
why not?

  Drew doesn’t want to form ties in Moonlight Cove because he is planning on leaving, yet he lets Ally get under his skin anyway. How could he have kept her at arm’s length more effectively? Should he have stayed away from his parents’ house? Kept his and Ally’s interaction less personal? Discuss.

  Ally finds strength when she hears about Heidi’s story. Discuss how someone else’s reaction to a traumatic event, and strength—or lack of it—has helped you through a rough time.

  Out of pride, Drew’s dad keeps the truth about the state of the business a secret from everybody. Is this an understandable decision, or is it just wrong? Or somewhere in between? Discuss how someone in your life has kept something from you with good intentions, and how the revelation of the truth affected your relationship with that person.

  After Drew’s dad tells him the truth—that the business is on the brink of failing—Drew feels guilty about his plans to leave town, and he is going to turn down the opportunity to go to the Fire Academy. Is this a justified reaction? Why or why not? Would it have been more realistic for him to pursue a job that would both assuage his guilt and still fulfill his dream?

  Drew is going to tell Ally he loves her, but doesn’t when he finds out that she never wants to fall in love. Is it weak of him to hold back his declaration? Or is it justified, given what is at stake? Discuss a situation in which you have held back something important, and why you did so. What was the outcome of your decision?

  Drew’s dad cuts off communication with his wife when she questions his fidelity. Is this an overreaction, or is it appropriate, given the seriousness of her doubts? How might better communication have helped avoid their rift? When is withdrawing emotionally a justified reaction? Ever?

  Grace calls Drew when Rex goes missing, despite Ally’s wish that Grace not contact Drew. Is Grace wrong for bringing him into the loop? Why or why not? Is going against someone’s wishes ever justified? What kinds of situations would excuse this kind of action? Discuss.

  After his heart problems come to light, Drew’s dad has an epiphany and decides to merge his business with his biggest rival’s. Discuss his decision, and whether it surprised you or not. Was he sacrificing his pride by doing this, or simply making a solid, necessary decision in light of the situation? Also discuss your reaction to Hugh’s firing of Drew.