Jack asks, “So, what happened after you asked her out to lunch?”
“She said she’d like it very much. Very much, bro. That was all I needed. I was stoked. So, I picked her up the next day after she got home from church. We went to Jam Café. Had lunch, chatted, laughed. It was like we picked up right where we left off. But that’s the thing. We left off as friends. We picked up as friends.”
We pull up in front of Ferris Wheel Coffee and Jack parks the car.
Jack looks over at me and says, “I hear you. Hold that thought. Let’s head in. I’ll check a few things about the espresso machine, make sure the beans I ordered came in, touch base with the workers on shift, and we can grab a cup to go. Sound good?”
“Yep. You know I love watching you run this place. It’s like a part of you came back to life when you decided to take the risk to open it.”
“Thanks, man.”
We go through the shop. I feel like a little puppy following on Jack’s heels, watching him check things, give out instructions, and interact with his employees and customers. He’s in his element for sure.
We take our coffee to go and hop back in the car. Jack picks up our conversation where we left off.
“So, you were saying you and Mindy are still relating as friends.”
“Yes, but I finally asked her out.”
“Woo hoo! Yes! Now we’re talking! How many years have I been waiting to hear those words? Too many, that’s how many. Good for you, bro!”
“Yeah, well, I asked her out for last night, and she said she was busy.”
“So, you asked her out for tonight instead?”
“I wish. And before you go giving me your same old talk, this is what I want to ask you about. I see you and Kat. You found the dream. She’s able to travel and work her unconventional job as a photographer. You have the shop which requires some weekend hours from you and is always in flux. But you have a home together. You are making a life with one another.”
I take a breath and look out the window.
Then I say, “I want that life. I don’t just want it in the abstract. I want it with Mindy. Here we haven’t even been on one date—unless you count our platonic lunch the Sunday after the wedding. But it’s her all the way. It always has been. So, what do I do? I can’t work forest fires forever. My body isn’t going to last. Men retire from this at my age or younger all the time. I need some of your classic sage wisdom, Jack.”
“Sage wisdom, huh? Can you say that one more time? I like the sound of that.”
“Come on, man. I’m dying over here.”
“I know. Sorry. I’m not making light of this. It’s just I see past this moment. You’re going to get there. I saw the way Mindy looked at you at the wedding. She’s probably as hooked as you are. She looks like you are the only thing she can see when you’re around.”
“You think?”
“Yeah. I do. And I know another thing. I almost let Kat slip through my fingers. She’s the best person I know. No offense. She brings joy and something solid into my life. I want that for you. You’re in town today. What’s keeping you from asking Mindy out tonight?”
“Nothing. You’re right. That’s what I’m going to do too. I’m going to head over there after lunch. Thanks, Jack.”
“And about your future house with the picket fence and all that, why don’t you look into some local stations here in town? I’m sure they’d pick you up in a hot minute with all your experience. We both know that’s not anything nine to five either, but at least it’s local and you’d have time off to spend with all the babies you want running around.”
We both laugh at that. I’ve got this buoyant feeling. I think we can make this happen. First thing I’m going to do is ask Mindy on another date.
We pull in the drive and I stride up to the house. I’ve got purpose and hope after my talk with Jack. Kat opens the door when we step up onto the porch.
She says, “It’s just taco salad and iced tea for lunch boys. I hope that’s good with you.”
Jack kisses Kat on the cheek and passes by her. I give her a hug as I come in behind him.
I say, “Sounds good to me, Kat. Thanks.”
We sit around the kitchen table to eat.
“So, how’s the shop?” Kat asks.
Jack says, “All’s well. Bryce and Amelia have things under control. The beans came in and the espresso machine only needed a knob adjustment, so we were in and out of there.”
Kat asks, “What’s new with you, Caleb? I haven’t really talked with you since we got back from the honeymoon.”
“Well, I was telling Jack that I asked Mindy out on a date last night.”
Kat asks, “Last night?”
“Yeah, but she couldn’t go.”
Kat gets this look like she’s puzzled about something.
“What, Kat? What do you know?”
“Nothing. So, what are you going to do?”
I say, “I’m going to ask her out right after lunch. As soon as I clear this salad plate and load it into your dishwasher. I’m not wasting time, Kat. I want to start dating Mindy, and I don’t want to wait any longer. I want her to know how I feel.”
“Well, I think you two would be perfectly matched. I’m rooting for you baby brother.”
“Thanks. Hate to eat and run, but I’m going to anyway.”
IT’S ONE OF THE MOST beautiful days we’ve had all year. Puffy clouds dot the sky, and a breeze is coming through. I park my truck in the driveway of the Morgans’ property and walk around the corner of their house to head back to Mindy’s place. I see her out on a porch chair with her legs crossed under her. She’s adorable sitting there focusing on something she’s writing.
She looks up and a momentary flash of confusion crosses her face. Then she recognizes me and smiles while she stands to meet me as I stride toward the porch.
“Hey, Mindy. How you doing?”
“Wow, Caleb. What a surprise—I mean a pleasant surprise, of course. What brings you here?”
“I came in town to visit Jack and Kat. I thought I’d stop by to see how you are doing. Aw, heck, I didn’t come to Bozeman to see Kat and Jack. I came to see you. When you said you couldn’t go out with me, I realized I’ve been dancing around this for too long. I mean, I play with fire for a living, but when it comes to you, I’m a nervous wreck. I want you to know I would like to be more than friends. I know you said no to a date last night, so I came to ask in person for tonight.
“Will you consider giving me a chance? I want to start dating. Not just tonight. I’ll come up to Bozeman when I can. Fire season is around the corner, but in the fall, it slows a bit. If you can be patient. I don’t know if you will, and I wouldn’t blame you, Mindy. You are so amazing and a truly good person. I’m, well, you know, I’m me. I’ve had my wobbly roads. I’ve not always stayed in the lines. I do life wild and my job is dangerous. Heck, what am I asking you? You deserve better. The thing is, I can’t stop thinking about you and maybe I’m being selfish, But I want to know if you’d ...”
And before I know what’s happening, Mindy walks right up to me, puts her arms around my neck and kisses me. I’m in shock at first. I stay completely still and then it hits me like a rush of wind as I realize what’s happening. I wrap my arms around her and pull her in. I kiss her with all the pent-up emotion and desire from years of wanting this—of wanting her. I soften the kiss, savoring her, cherishing her. She moves with me, responding by drawing near and allowing me to kiss her deeply. She slowly steps back and looks up at me with those bright blue eyes, she’s like a dream right now.
Suddenly I let out a whoop. I shout like I won the lottery, and Mindy covers her mouth and starts laughing.
“Caleb, you truly are too much.”
“Do you even know how many years I’ve been waiting for that kiss?”
Mindy says, “I’m guessing maybe not as many as I have.”
“You’ve been waiting to kiss me?”
“Yes. I’ve had a crush o
n you since eighth grade.”
I tell her, “Well then, you’re late to the party, because I liked you in seventh.”
“Caleb Anders, you did not. You never even asked me to a dance.”
“I know. I was the biggest chicken when it came to you. By the time I got my nerve up, someone else had always already beat me to it. But I came to every track meet I could, when football didn’t keep me away. Didn’t you see me there, rooting for you?”
Mindy says, “I just thought you were being kind, like you are to everyone.”
“Well, let me set that record straight, I don’t do this with everyone.”
And I step one step down, so we are more even in height. I look her in the eyes, and I don’t break our gaze until I drop my eyes to her lips. She’s watching me as I move my head towards her mouth, stretching this out to make my point, to say everything she means to me in this kiss.
I gradually let my lips come to hers and I kiss her tenderly. I move one hand behind her head, weaving my fingers in her hair. I put my other hand on her back, and I pull her in to deepen the kiss. When I step back, she’s breathy and smiling the coyest smile.
I ask, “Are we clear now? I’m not your friend, Mindy Morse. I didn’t come here to ask you to hang out. I came here to ask you if I can take you on a date and as many other dates as you will let me. So, what do you say?”
She puts her hand on her hip and gives me this little half smile.
“I’ll have to think on it.”
She holds that serious teacher look for about a second and then she smiles so big. I pick her up and spin her around while she squeals, “Okay, okay. Yes! It’s a yes.”
I PARK MY TRUCK AND bound up the steps to Jack and Kat’s place. They are sitting at the island in the kitchen talking. I walk in, let out the second whoop of the day and start doing a happy dance all over the place. They bust up laughing.
Jack asks, “That good, huh?”
“Yeah, Jack. That good. I started telling her how I wanted to date her, and how I hoped she’d give me a chance even though I’m a hot mess and she’s amazing. I was going on and on out of nervousness. She cut in the middle of me talking. She just reached up and kissed me! Mindy kissed me!”
Now I’m singing and doing some jig through the kitchen.
“She kissed me. Oh yeah, she did. She kissed me. Uh-huh!”
Kat is laughing so hard she wipes tears from her eyes. Jack rolls his eyes at me, but he’s not fooling me. He’s smiling like he’s just gotten the best news of the week. As far as I’m concerned, he has.
“Now, if you two newlyweds will excuse me, this firefighter has himself a date with the cutest teacher in Montana. I’ve got to go get ready.”
I’m so wiped out I actually lie down and take a little nap. I think I’ve been so stressed over Mindy and what might not happen between us that I spiked my adrenaline with stress. When the alarm on my cell goes off, I text Mindy.
Caleb: Hey, you. I’m getting ready. What time do you want me to come pick you up? I thought we’d grab Italian. Is that still your favorite? We can do whatever though. I’m happy sitting on your porch kissing, just sayin’
Mindy: We do have some time to make up for, but I’m thinking dinner is civilized, and we might want to actually talk between kisses, so let’s eat.
This feels so surreal. Is this really happening?
Caleb: You mean you giving me a chance? You are going to have to tell me if that’s real. I’m the one in disbelief right now. How about I pick you up at six, or sooner. I could come sooner, and you wouldn’t hear me complain.
Mindy: Six is great. Italian is perfect. And you are too. Don’t kick yourself. I’ve got good taste and I picked you a long time ago.
Caleb: Whew. Hasn’t anyone warned you not to stoke my ego? I’ll have to have Jack or Jared fill you in on that hazard. But, seriously, I’m walking on air right now. Can’t wait to see you.
Mindy: Me too. See you at six, Caleb.
I shower, put on a nice shirt and a pair of jeans and walk out into the living room on my way to pick up Mindy. Kat and Jack are curled up on the couch looking all happily married. I get this little ping in my heart when I picture me and Mindy. One day we could be snuggling in our living room together. Life is good.
chapter eight
Mindy
I WATCH CALEB WALK around the side of the Morgans’ house to his truck. We just kissed! Well, I kissed him—but he sure kissed me back. Oh my. What a day!
I walk back toward my porch chair and make an attempt at organizing summer camp. My lips are humming, and my brain feels like a blender. No use trying to focus right now. I pick up my notebook and pens and carry my glass into the house.
As I rinse my glass, I start thinking about Caleb coming to pick me up tonight. My palms feel sweaty and my heartbeat feels rapid. I tell myself it’s just Caleb. I don’t have to be so nervous. My mind flits from one thing to the other. Caleb. Those kisses. I brush my finger across my lips and sigh. I’m going out with Caleb!
IT’S ALMOST 6 P.M. when I hear Caleb’s truck in the driveway. I look out the window to watch him come through the yard. He’s gorgeous and strong, but still has that boyish way about him that makes him so adorable.
He knocks on the door. My heart flutters, and I feel strangely giddy. It’s like we are back in junior high. I open the door. Caleb leans in and kisses my cheek softly.
“Hey, Mindy. You look beautiful tonight—all the time—but tonight especially.”
I say, “I don’t know if I can get used to all this flattery from you. You’re making me blush.”
“Well, get used to it. I finally get to tell you all the thoughts that go through my head when I’m around you—even when I’m not—and I don’t plan on stopping. Well, maybe not all the thoughts ...”
With that he winks, and my cheeks flush.
“Caleb! Okay, well, let me grab my purse. You look very handsome too, by the way.”
And he does. He cleans up well. He looks like he doesn’t just protect trees, but he must bench-press them. The dress shirt he’s wearing hugs his arm muscles. His jeans fit him just right. In high school he filled out playing football, but the life of a fireman has made him rugged and toned beyond what most men achieve.
This line of thinking makes me feel like a schoolgirl. How did we go from wondering about one another to openly talking about how we feel? Caleb stands there looking at me adoringly. And he said we’re “dating.” He plans on more dates. I feel like I have been standing in line at a roller coaster, and now we are careening down a hill at full speed.
He asks me, “Ready?”
“I am. I’ve been ready for this date for longer than I can remember.”
He takes my hand and we head to the truck.
It’s about a fifteen-minute drive to Blacksmith Italian from my home. The sun is setting later these days. I look over at Caleb. Out his window I see the open fields lined with pine trees passing along beside us.
Caleb says, “I want to tell you everything. I feel like I’ve held so much in over the years. I want to share it all, but I don’t want to scare you away.”
I assure him, “I know you better than you think. You are a wildfire in your own right, but you aren’t dangerous, you are just uncontained. You don’t scare me. I love your passion, the way you jump into life with both feet, the childlike way you express your joy, and the serious way you care for everyone and feel the need to protect people.”
“You make me sound like a saint. I’m no saint.”
“No one is. But I do know you. You need to understand you aren’t going to scare me off so easily.”
He says, “Well, in that case, let me tell you what I’ve been wrestling with over the past few months. The wedding brought it all into focus for me. You know I love my work as a firefighter. Jumping fires, and even the work I do now which isn’t as dramatic, garners a lot of respect. It’s an adrenaline rush, and it requires stamina and strength. I take pride in my work and in our t
eam.”
Caleb blows out a breath.
“The thing is, it’s a short-lived career. Being in wildland service takes a huge toll. It’s not a job for a man who wants to settle down. I’m not settling down yet, so don’t go jumping out of my truck while it’s moving.”
I giggle when he says that.
He looks over at me for a moment, smiles and then puts his focus back on the road.
He says, “It’s just I know I will want to settle down. I want to start looking at local stations and asking about positions in one of the three here in town. That life, well, I want you to know. It’s not easy either. I’ll have sleep issues. I’ll see things I never wanted to see in my life. I’ll be getting into the people part of this.
“With wildland it’s mostly controlling and shutting down fires. With urban, we get into rescue and medical situations. Plus, the hours are crazy inconsistent. I want you to know where my head’s at with all that.”
I want him to know my heart, so I take a breath and say, “This is our first date, unless you count lunch after the wedding. Still, this isn’t a normal first date. We’ve grown up together. You’ve been in my life as long as I can remember. I don’t know where this will lead between us. We both have hopes right now. I want you to make the choice that seems best to you. I will support you in that and I can’t say I’ll complain if it’s way easier to get together more often. That would be amazing, really.”
Caleb looks over at me and smiles.
“Thanks. Knowing you agree with me looking local settles some things for me.”
He puts his hand out across the seat and I put mine in it. We ride to the restaurant with a contented silence filling the cab of his truck, holding hands as though we do this every day of our lives. My eyes keep wandering to our fingers entwined together. I can hardly believe this is real.
Blacksmith Italian is a smaller restaurant with little white linen-covered tables for two all through the dining room and some booths around the edges. A wine rack runs along the back wall, and the rest of the walls are brick. It has a casual, but romantic feel.
The Fireman's Perfect Match Page 5
