Page 52 of Saved By the Firefighter

Tears sparkle in Olivia's eyes as she clears her throat and takes her turn, the sunlight catching the soft waves of her hair like a halo. "Asher, when I moved here to write about Cedar Ridge's charming fire chief, I didn't expect to fall head over heels for one of its grumpiest residents." Everyone chuckles.

"Life with you has been the most unexpected adventure," she says, her voice strong and clear, "and I vow to continue that journey with patience, kindness, and support. To believe in us, even on the days when we might find it hard to believe in ourselves, to be your rock when the world feels unsteady. I look forward to our future, to every challenge and triumph we'll share, because as long as we're together, I know it's going to be an incredible ride."

They exchange rings, and I'm really struggling to keep it together, my vision blurring with tears. Jake leans over, kissing away a tear that slipped out, his touch an anchor. I smile when I see his eyes are also misty. The glance we exchange speaks volumes, and in his brown eyes, I see our tomorrow—the joy, the challenges, and the endless love that awaits us, a future so bright it takes my breath away. I squeeze his hand, and he responds with a reassuring pressure.

"By the power vested in me…I now pronounce you husband and wife." The officiant's voice brings me back just in time to witness Olivia and Asher seal their vows with a kiss.

The applause that follows is thunderous, the sound of a community coming together to celebrate the love of two of their own. As the new Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery walk up the aisle, their joy is infectious, their smiles bright.

Jake pulls me close, and his lips find mine in a kiss that's sweet and full of promise, a preview of our own happily ever after. In his embrace, I'm at peace, the happiest I've ever been, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. Gratitude swells in me like a tide—I'm so thankful fate led me to the house next door, to Jake, my ruggedly handsome firefighter who taught me that love doesn't always need to be guarded, that sometimes it's worth the leap of faith.

He whispers, "You're next," and my heart flips in the best possible way.

Epilogue

Jake

I'm sitting at the reception table, my fingers drumming against the linen as I try to focus on anything but Ellie. She's off at a distance chatting with a few women, her laugh carrying. Charlotte is at the kids' table, having fun with Sophia.

I smile at how happy both my girls are. But damned if I can’t shift my focus to anything or anyone except Ellie.

Ellie’s dress clings to her in all the right places, a soft pink fabric that complements her caramel eyes and the loose tendrils of brown hair. Every time she shifts or turns, the light catches on her glasses, and it's like a damn signal beacon reminding me she's there. I feel guilty for the thoughts running through my head—thoughts about getting her alone, away from this crowd, out of that stunning dress.

The reception hall is alive, pulsating with energy as guests mingle. But none of it compares to the way Ellie blushes when she catches me staring. It's not like I can help it, and hell, now I don’t have to pretend I’m not looking.

She says something to the women she’s talking to and then walks over to me. I catch her around the waist, pulling her close and gazing up at her with what’s probably a heated look.

She taps lightly on my chest. “Jake, stop. You look like a dog in heat and we’re at a wedding.” But her coy smile betrays her, color rising in her cheeks.

I pull her down onto my lap, murmuring in her ear, “Later, I hope to hear my name on your lips again, only you’ll be begging me to keep going.”

She gasps, her cheeks turning even more pink. “Jake!”

My hand slides up her thigh, squeezing gently. “What? Just being honest.” It doesn’t matter what’s happening around us; all I see is Ellie. We’ve been through hell to get here. And now, I get to love her openly. Best feeling in the world.

Before things can escalate and I carry her off to a secluded area—because I would—Marcus stands up, clinking his fork against his glass with a grin that says he's about to put on a show. The room quiets down, everyone's attention drawn to the best man. I brace myself. Here we go.

After he opens by thanking everyone and talking about the great ceremony, he starts to get into the meat of his speech. "First off," Marcus says, a mischievous glint in his eye, "let's talk about the time Asher broke his leg.”

“Let’s not,” Asher cut in, and everyone laughs.

Marcus looks appalled. “You don’t want me to tell everyone how you broke your leg in junior year of high school in the most lame way possible?”

Asher only gives him a menacing look.

Marcus turns back to the crowd. “Well, it was because he tried to impress a girl by jumping off the school roof onto a trampoline. Only, he missed and landed on the grass. You can’t make this stuff up.”

Asher groans while Olivia gives him a look like she hadn’t realized Asher had ever been a dumb teenager.

"But in all seriousness," Marcus continues, "I've seen Asher go through a lot. We've been through thick and thin, but nothing changed him quite like meeting Olivia. To see someone as gruff as him turn into putty whenever she walks into the room...it's something special. Olivia saw beyond Asher’s prickly exterior to the caring man inside. And over the years, I’ve watched as their love transformed Asher into a better man, a man capable of profound joy and tenderness. You two are made for each other, and I know you’ll have a lifetime of happiness together.” "

He scans the crowd, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than the rest. "Just a side note before my big send off: as I was writing this speech and reflecting on my relationship with Asher, I realized that brotherhood comes in many forms. I know another brother of mine who knows a thing or two about tough exteriors hiding big hearts. This man has been through hell and back, yet here he is, standing strong. Him and Asher are a testament to what love and family can do. And family has to stick by one another, even through arguments and differences. As I stand here, I’m immensely thankful to Asher and to all of my brothers."

Marcus looks at me, his eyes misty, and I know he means every word. Damn. I blink back the sting in my eyes, offering Marcus a nod. Our friendship means everything, a lifeline that pulled me from darkness. I’m as thankful as he is that we made it through the challenges.

"Here's to love that transforms us, to family that holds us together, and to friendships that become as solid as blood ties." The room erupts in applause as Marcus raises his glass. “To Asher and Olivia. May you support each other, learn from one another, and find new reasons to fall in love every day. Cheers!”

“Cheers!” The crowd echoes.

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