Page 34 of Sparks Fly

HALLIE

Hallie strides through the familiar doors of Fire Station 3, her chest swelling with pride and anticipation as she returns to work after months of grueling recovery. Kaia had been there every step of the way, of course. The lieutenant smiles at the thought of her sexy, live-in nurse, of the gentle pressure of Kaia’s hands guiding Hallie through physical therapy exercises, the soft brush of her lips against Hallie’s forehead as she soothed her through the pain and frustration.

When she eventually pauses outside the captain’s office door, Hallie takes a deep breath to center herself before raising her fist to knock. The gruff, “Come in!” that answers sends a jolt down her spine, the nerves creeping in. She has spent weeks being anxious about this first meeting back at work, knowing that Captain Hewitt had suspected she and Kaia had been involved for a while before the train crash.

As Hallie enters the office, her breath catches in surprise to find not only Captain Hewitt but also the district fire chief, Curt Walters, waiting for her. She feels her pulse quicken, palms growing damp as she tries to read their stoic expressions. This is highly unusual.

“Lieutenant Hunter,” the Chief Walters greets her, a warm smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Damn good to see you back. Have a seat.”

Hallie sinks into a chair, her mind racing with possibilities—good and bad—as Hewitt leans forward, hands clasped on his desk.

“Hunter, we asked you here today because, frankly, we’ve been blown away by the caliber of firefighters your Probationary Field Training program has produced.” The captain’s voice is filled with unabashed admiration, making Hallie’s cheeks warm.

Chief Walters nods vigorously, his gaze intent on Hallie’s face. “I’ve been keeping tabs on this rookie class. Their teamwork, discipline, technical skills—it’s outstanding on all fronts. All thanks to your formidable leadership.”

Hallie blinks rapidly, overwhelmed by the unexpected praise. She feels a lump form in her throat, this is the validation she’s worked so tirelessly for all these years.

“Thank you,” she manages, fighting to keep her voice steady. “I gave it everything I had.”

A beat of silence follows as the chief exchanges a loaded glance with Hewitt. Hallie barely remembers to take a breath, apprehension bearing down on her in the dimly lit office.

“Well, Hunter,” Chief Walters begins, leaning forward in his seat, “we didn’t just call you in here to blow smoke up your ass. We have an opportunity we think you’re ready for, if you want it.”

Hallie’s blood is roaring in her ears, her mind tripping over itself trying to grasp what the chief might be saying.

Captain Hewitt’s face splits into a wide grin. “Congratulations, Captain Hunter. The promotion is yours; you’ve damn well earned it.”

The world seems to stop spinning for a moment, Hallie’s breath seizing in her lungs as the title registers.

Captain Hunter.

After years of pouring her blood, sweat, and tears into this department, into this job. After fighting tooth and nail to prove her worth in a constant swarm of skeptical men… This is really happening.

Speechless, all Hallie can do is nod, a disbelieving laugh bubbling up from her chest as Hewitt and Chief Walters both chuckle at her stunned reaction.

“Now, normally we’d be falling over ourselves to keep a leader of your reputation in this district,” Fire Chief Walters continues, his expression turning pensive. “I’ve got open positions across multiple departments that would kill to have you.”

He leans forward then, an almost conspiratorial gleam in his eye that sets Hallie’s brain buzzing with curiosity. “But something tells me you might be interested in another opportunity, a little further afield.”

Hallie tilts her head, intrigue warring with the elation still simmering in her veins. “Further afield, Sir?”

The chief shares another meaningful look with Hewitt, “Have you heard of Phoenix Ridge? Busy town, about an hour across the state line.”

Hallie shakes her head, her brows furrowing as she tries to place the name. It’s not ringing any bells. Why would the chief be talking about a job in another state when he just said there are open captain positions closer to home?

The chief’s grin widens. “Well, turns out they’ve got a real trailblazing fire department over there. First in the country to be all female, top to bottom.”

Hallie thinks her heart might actually have stopped in her chest. An all-female department? She’d never heard of such a thing.

“Their chief has caught wind of your achievements through the grapevine,” Chief Walters continues. “She thinks you’d make a great addition to the department, if you’re interested.”

Hallie sinks back in her chair, mind reeling as she tries to wrap her head around the whole thing. To have the opportunity to lead a team of women who understand the challenges and triumphs of making it in this field. To shape the future of a department that values their skill and dedication above all else. She’d pack a bag right this minute.

A shuddering breath escapes Hallie’s lips, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes as she meets the chief’s patient gaze. “I’m definitely interested, Sir,” she manages, voice thick with barely restrained emotion. “This… this sounds like an incredible opportunity.”

Captain Hewitt claps his hands together. “You deserve it, Hunter. You’ve more than earned a command of your own. You’ll be sorely missed, but I know you’ll do great things over there. Montgomery too, of course.”

Chief Walters nods. “I’ll put you in touch with the Phoenix Ridge brass. If you decide it’s the right move for you, just say the word and the job is yours.”

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