Page 39 of A Gift for her Festive Firefighter

“Holly,” Cade began, “Could I have another scoop of yams with the ‘firefighter’ marshmallows that I begged for? I love those things, and I can’t reach the casserole dish and…”

“Of course,” she answered quickly, moving to take his plate and dish up another serving… and gave him a sideways glance, meeting his little smile just as he winked at her. The yams were nearly a dark brown on top, exceedingly crunchy, and everyone had politely taken a spoonful – except Cade. He was on his third big helping and covering for her in case someone said something.

Could this sweet man be any more perfect?

She handed him back the plate – and he leaned forward in front of his friends and kissed her quickly.

“Thanks, princess.”

Yeah, she was utterly in love with her fireman.

Chapter 15

CADE

His stomach was slightly upset during the football game, and he had popped several bags of popcorn that Jude brought over so they could start stringing the garland during the football game. Digging out his emergency sewing kit, he strung a needle for each of them.

“What’s this for?” Jude asked skeptically. “We’re not eating the popcorn?”

“Ta’ lance that big ol’ zit on your forehead,” Rodney teased, causing everyone to chuckle as he went down the line of lawn chairs, handing each of them a bowl of popcorn, needle, and thread.

“I thought we could watch the game and string some garland… you know, fun and festive stuff while we digest our incredible meal,” he smiled, handing Holly a bowl and needle before sitting down beside her with his own. “Thanks for cooking, Holly. It was amazing. I think I’m gonna pack a big ol’ turkey sandwich for dinner at the station tomorrow when I go back to work.”

“You know there was a lot of turkey left…” Rodney drawled, looking at the other guys before peering forward to look at Holly.

“Dude, back off,” Cade laughed. “She’s taken and not making you a sandwich. I didn’t even ask her to make me a sandwich. Hello? We are perfectly capable of making our own food and know it…”

“Yeah, Rodney,” Holly smirked. “I’m not your mama nor your maid.”

“See?” Cade grinned, loving her sass, only to see her turn to him and wink as she lowered her voice, speaking to him.

“But for you, captain - I’ll pack you a big lunch and one for dinner with the leftovers. All you’ll have to do is microwave it and eat it in front of Rodney.”

“Hear that?” Jude guffawed, slapping the other man on the shoulder.

“Watch the needle!”

“String your popcorn, nitwits…”

“I swear. Rodney, you are needy – and on your own for dinner tomorrow.”

“I think Rodney should cook.”

“What? Hey! Whyyy?”

“Have you had his food? Why would you want to do that? The man likes salting everything – including his salad.”

“Ughhh,” Holly flinched audibly next to him, rearing away from the other guy who shrugged. “You salt your salad?”

“Just don’t watch him eat,” Cade suggested between laughs. Everyone was smiling, light-hearted, teasing, and having a good time. His home that had felt so very empty this morning, felt alive and welcoming, and it felt wonderful. Knox was lying on his puppy blanket, chewing on the corner, and watching his ‘weird and crazy human’. For the first time in forever, he didn’t miss Ember Creek – and that surprised him. Digging out his cell phone quickly, he shot off a text message.

Happy Thanksgiving, Reese!

You too, brother! Happy Thanksgiving. Things going a little better now that you are settling in?

Very!

Cade held up his phone and took a photo of all of them – but mostly he wanted a photo of him with Holly to share with his friends back home. He sent the photo, and one more text messages, before hurriedly putting his phone on silent and tucking it in his jeans.

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