Page 43 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

The fire chief's gruff voice crackled through the phone, his words hitting me like a physical blow. "Trevor, we've got a massive fire in the neighboring town. All hands on deck. We need you here ASAP."

I closed my eyes, my stomach dropping as the reality of the situation sank in. "How bad is it, Chief?"

"It's a big one, son. It could take up to five days to fully contain and extinguish. I'm sorry to call you in like this, but we need every firefighter we've got."

Five days. The words echoed in my mind, a heavy weight settling on my chest. Five days away from Amelia, away from the life we were building together.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I understand, Chief. I'll be there as soon as I can."

As I hung up the phone, I turned to face Amelia, my heart heavy with the words I knew I had to say.

"Amelia, I..." My voice faltered, the regret thick in my throat. "There's a massive fire in the neighboring town. They need me there. I have to go."

I watched as understanding dawned in her eyes, followed by a flicker of fear that she quickly tried to hide. "Of course, Trevor. They need you. Your job is important."

Her immediate support and unwavering belief in me only reinforced what I already knew in my heart—that she was the perfect partner for me, the one I wanted to face every challenge with.

"I'm so sorry. This isn't how I wanted tonight to go." I pulled her close, wrapping my arms around her. The intensity of the moment struck me, her slight trembling against my chest a testament to her fear for my safety. I wanted to reassure her, to promise that everything would be okay, but the words stuck in my throat.

"Trevor, please be careful," she whispered, her voice muffled against my shirt. "I... I need you to come back to me."

Her plea nearly broke my composure, filling me with a surge of love and determination. I knew, without a doubt, that I would move heaven and earth to make it back to her.

I tilted her chin up, our gazes locking. "I will, Amelia. I promise. Nothing will keep me from coming back to you."

With that, I leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. I poured every ounce of my unspoken words and intentions into that kiss, trying to convey all the love and longing I felt for her.

As I reluctantly pulled away, I silently vowed to return to her to finish what I had started. The weight of the ring box in my pocket was a tangible reminder of my promise, which I intended to keep no matter what.

I brushed a stray tear from her cheek, offering a small smile. "I'll be back before you know it, Amelia."

She nodded a flicker of curiosity in her eyes despite the gravity of the moment. "I'll hold you to that, Phillips."

With one last lingering look, I turned and walked away, my heart torn between my duty and my desire to stay with her. But I knew that to build the future I envisioned with Amelia, I had to ensure the safety of those who needed me.

Chapter nineteen

Amelia

Isat at the table in the back where Trevor had planned a surprise for me moments before he was called to the fire. I slowly drank my coffee, wearing his flannel shirt, which held his distinct smell. My eyes drifted to the spot where we'd shared our last embrace.

Had he planned to propose? The thought danced through my mind. Hero whined softly beside me, his expressive brown eyes mirroring my own longing. I reached down to scratch behind his ears. "I know you miss him too, buddy."

I pulled out my phone, rereading Trevor's last text for the hundredth time. "Reception is spotty out here in the mountains. I'll call when I can. Miss you already."

Four days. No calls. No updates. Just an aching silence that grew heavier with each passing hour.

I needed a distraction. I rose from the bench and headed back to the house, Hero at my heels. There was work to be done. The talent show, hastily organized to support the firefighters' families and boost morale, was this evening, and I needed to finish the floral arrangements.

At Petals & Blooms, I lost myself in a whirlwind of blooms and greenery. Vibrant sunflowers for optimism. Delicate baby's breath for everlasting love. Sturdy oak leaves for strength. Each stem I wove into the centerpieces carried a silent prayer for Trevor's safety.

As my hands worked, my mind wandered to the past four days - a blur of planning and preparation. Emily and Susan had been my rocks, their unwavering support a balm to my frayed nerves. Mayor Fletcher had thrown himself into the organization with gusto, rallying the town. Frances made a blog post to inform people about the event and try to get entries for the talent show. And Grace had somehow managed to arrange childcare for children under five in a backroom of the community center.

I stepped back and surveyed my handiwork—a riot of color and texture—before heading to my room to get dressed.

I stood in front of my closet, my fingers brushing against the soft fabrics as I searched for the perfect dress. Tonight, I needed more than just a pretty outfit - I needed armor to make me feel strong and capable even as my heart ached with worry.

My hand landed on a familiar deep blue dress with little white daisies on it. A smile traced my lips as I pulled it out, the memories it held stirring my heart. I bought this dress the day I opened Petals & Blooms, and it has been my go-to piece ever since.

---