Page 44 of Burned By Fire

“What, right now?”

He unlocks the car and opens the door for me. “Yes, right now.”

“Okay.”

I’m filled with excitement. Love is crazy, but I want everything with Sol. Moving in together feels like the right thing to do, even if it’s fast. There are so many reasons this is a good idea, and it doesn’t matter if it’s unconventional. Sol’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and our baby needs its dad.

We drive to the Burton building, and we take the elevator to my floor. I pack a larger overnight bag, ready to start the move. He carries the bag for me, taking hold of my hand. When we go back into the hall, Jackie is waiting for us.

“You’d better treat my girl right,” she says, eyeing up my bag.

“Don’t you worry, I will. I love your niece, and I’m going to spend every waking minute proving it,” Sol says.

“You’re a good guy, Sol, and I have faith in you.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.” He gives her a genuine smile.

“So, I believe congrats are in order?” Jackie asks, and I smile brightly.

Reaching into my handbag, I pull out the picture to show her. “Our newest family member,” I say.

“I bet she’s a firecracker,” Jackie says.

“He will be a brave firefighter,” Sol says. I laugh at their banter.

“We’ll see,” Jackie says with a wink at me. Sol was right earlier. They are the people who will support me.

“I’m moving in with Sol,” I say.

“It’s about time,” Jackie replies. Her smile lights up, and I race to hug her. She hugs Sol too, and I’m grateful for the love shared.

We say our goodbyes for now and head back to Sol’s house, or should I say my new home. I’ll collect my car and the rest of my things over the next week, but as we get closer to the house, I realize this place already feels like home. I have a toothbrush, a side of the bed, and a favorite spot to sit in. I never imagined my crush on Sol would give me a chance at forever.

Once we arrive, Sol carries my bag inside before coming back to pick me up. He holds my back in one arm and my legs in the other. I let out a yelp. “What are you doing?” I ask.

“I’m giving you a proper welcome by carrying you over the threshold,” he says.

My heart swells. “You’re an old romantic.”

“I’m practicing for our wedding day.”

I laugh. “As long as you don’t drop me.”

He starts to walk fast, and I let out another yelp. When we get inside, he kicks off his shoes, and I do the same. He shuts the door with his foot and carries me upstairs. He goes to the bedroom and gently throws me down on the bed.

“You may laugh now, but you’re mine, Ember, and I’m never letting you go.” He climbs on top of me, and I pull him into a passionate kiss.

“I like the sound of that.”

His tongue massages mine as we continue to make out until we’re both breathing heavily. He pulls me into his arms, and I know this is where I belong.

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