Page 53 of Saved By the Firefighter

And there it is—the weight on my chest fully lifts.

I glance over to Ellie, her eyes glistening. She's dabbing at them with a delicate napkin. "I never knew he could be so... eloquent,” she says. “Seriously, who kidnapped my brother and replaced him with this new version?”

The corner of my mouth tugs up in a half-smile. "Guess he saves it for special occasions."

My thumb brushes over the back of her hand, and I'm struck by how right it feels to just be here with her—this woman who's seen me at my worst and is still sticking around. The music shifts, a slow, melodic tune filling the space.

"May I have this dance?" I ask, standing and offering my hand.

"Of course," Ellie replies, placing her hand in mine, and we make our way to the dance floor.

Ellie rests her head on my shoulder, her body molding to mine as we sway to the music.

"That was beautiful," she whispers. "Marcus cares for you, and I’m so glad he finally got past his stubbornness."

"I know."A lump forms in my throat, gratitude and love and joy tangled into an ache. I press a kiss to Ellie's hair, breathing in the sweet scent of her. "I love you."

She tilts her head up, eyes shining. "Jake."

I kiss her then, a soft, lingering kiss.

The music shifts to something lively, and Charlotte barrels into us, grabbing our hands. "Dance with me!"

Laughter spills out as we spin Charlotte between us, the three of us twirling and moving to the beat. Charlotte's joy is contagious, wiping away the last shadows of grief and pain, leaving only light. And I grin at my future wife.

My family.

We pile into my truck when it’s close to nine, Charlotte half-asleep in Ellie's arms. I drive us home through the dark, familiar curves of the road unwinding before me.

Home. The word settles in my chest, warm and bright.

When we pull up to the house, golden light spills from the windows into the night. Ellie stirs beside me, her hand finding mine over the center console. I give it a squeeze, then I hop out, circling around to help Ellie, but she's already opening the door.

"Jake, I can waddle inside by myself," she teases.

Charlotte yawns from the backseat and mindlessly climbs out, walking toward the house, probably to her room, like a zombie.

I turn my attention back to Ellie. "Indulge me," I grumble, though the truth is, I need this—need to carry her over the threshold, to stake my claim on this new life that's still so hard to believe is mine. So before she can protest further, I scoop her up in my arms.

"Practicing?" she asks, laughter in her voice as I stride up the porch steps.

"Got to be prepared for every scenario," I say, deadpan. But as I cross the threshold and set her down gently, the symbolism isn't lost on either of us.

"Good practice," she approves, standing on tiptoe to press a soft kiss to my lips.

Ellie and I read Charlotte a story and then tuck her into bed. After that, it’s time to finally retreat to our own bedroom.

Once behind the closed door, I make good on what I mentioned earlier, easing Ellie out of her dress and doing things to her that bring my name to her lips, again and again.

After, as I’m falling asleep with my arm draped protectively over Ellie, my thoughts are only of our future.

Also by Roya Kingsley

Did you like this book? Then you’ll LOVE Firefighter's Secret Baby, A Small Town Friend's To Lovers Romance by Roya Kingsley!

Life was simple until Asher, the grumpy firefighter next door, became my unexpected protector.

But it doesn’t matter how smoking hot he is; I’m here for work to write an article on the town’s Fire Chief, not for some small-town romance.

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