Page 70 of Passions Ignite

Zoey laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Probably not. We’re going to be legends at the station.”

Lux grinned. “I always wanted to be remembered for something. Maybe not quite like this, though.”

“Hey, fame is fame,” Zoey teased. “I’m just glad we’re both here to tell the tale.”

Zoey’s smile softened as she closed the distance between them, pressing a gentle kiss to Lux’s lips. The moment was brief but filled with unspoken promises and relief.

As they pulled apart, Lux’s eyes shone with happiness. “You sure we won’t go on a vacation up that mountain sometime?”

Zoey chuckled, resting her forehead against Lux’s. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” Lux replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zoey’s smile widened. “Yeah, I really do.”

Zoey squeezed her hand and gazed into her eyes. “I love you, too.” Zoey smiled and Lux felt her insides flutter.

She loves me.

26

ZOEY

It’d been a week already. She spent most of the time with her parents and colleagues, who never stopped dropping by to see her. No matter how much she reminded them that she was better now, they still wouldn’t stop with the gifts.

Zoey stood at the city hall’s entrance, taking in the event’s grandeur.

The room was filled with people dressed in their finest, the soft hum of conversations blending with the clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter. The walls were draped in deep red and gold tapestries , giving the entire room a warm, almost festive feel.

The town organized the event to honor the bravery and dedication of firefighters and emergency responders, and tonight, Zoey and Lux will be among those recognized. Zoey felt a mix of pride and nervousness bubbling up inside her as she glanced around the room, searching for a familiar face.

She spotted Lux standing a few feet away in full best uniform. She was so striking looking and conversing with a tall man who looked like her. There was no mistaking the resemblance—thesame strong jawline and intense blue eyes. Zoey knew instantly that this had to be Lux’s father.

Zoey observed their interaction, noting the ease with which they spoke and how Lux’s eyes softened when she looked at him. It was clear that they shared a deep bond, one built on years of love and mutual respect. Zoey felt a pang of something she couldn’t quite name—perhaps a mix of admiration and longing—watching them together.

As if sensing Zoey’s gaze, Lux turned and caught her eye. A smile spread across Lux’s face, and she waved Zoey over.

Zoey made her way through the crowd of people, her heart beating a little faster as she approached Lux and her father. When she reached them, Lux’s father turned to face her, his expression warm and welcoming.

“Dad, this is Zoey,” Lux said. “Zoey, this is my father, Robert Valentine.”

Zoey extended her hand, her smile a little shy. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Valentine.”

Robert Valentine took her hand firmly, his smile reaching his eyes.

Lux’s sharp blue gaze met Zoey’s eyes and Zoey saw all the warmth of love in her eyes and she liked it.

Before she could find her voice to say anything else, the sound of a microphone being tapped filled the room, drawing everyone’s attention to the stage at the front of the hall, the legendary Phoenix Ridge Fire Chief Becky Thompson stood there, her presence commanding and authoritative, yet there was a warmth in her eyes as she looked out over the crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the chief began, her voice carrying easily across the room, “tonight, we are here to honor the bravery and dedication of those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. We have faced many challengesthis year, but our team has remained strong, committed, and unwavering in their resolve.”

Zoey felt a surge of pride as she listened to the chief’s words, knowing that she and Lux were part of that team. It was humbling to be recognized for something that had become integral to her identity.

The chief continued, her voice steady and filled with conviction. “Tonight, we want to pay special tribute to two of our own who showed extraordinary courage by putting their own lives at risk to save civilians and then determination to survive in the face of overwhelming odds when they were trapped by the forest fire. Lieutenant Zoey Knight and Chief Pilot Lux Valentine, please join me on stage.”

Zoey’s heart skipped a beat as she heard her name. She glanced at Lux, who gave her an encouraging nod. Together, they made their way through the crowd, the significance of the moment settling over them.

As they stepped onto the stage, the applause was deafening and echoed off the hall’s walls. Zoey felt a rush of pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of accomplishment. But more than that, she felt an overwhelming sense of connection to Lux, who stood beside her, a steady presence amid the chaos.

---