Page 107 of Deck the Fire Halls

“Occupants?” I asked. “No injuries? Smoke inhalation?”

“Two occupants, both got out. Delaney here,” she said, rubbing the lady’s back. “And Chucky. He’s over there.”

I looked over to the fire engine and sure enough there was one guy not in protective gear. It was hard to tell with the flashing lights and raging fire, but I assumed that was Chucky.

“There was smoke coming from the ceiling,” Delaney said, not to anyone in particular. Then she sobbed. “Then there were flames and Chucky knew what it meant. He screamed at me to get out but it went up so fast. He pulled me out.”

Chrissie went back to rubbing Delaney’s back. “Oh, he’s a good one, that man of yours.”

Delaney nodded, crying, watching as her house went up in flames.

The three of us stood there, unable to do anything but watch. My attention turned to the firefighters. To Soren.

I could pick him out. The way he gave orders, instructions. The way he moved. How he pulled the hose, how he helped hold it as water burst out of it.

How he yelled at Chucky to get back. He wasn’t wearing the right gear.

Chucky stood there, helpless, his hands on his head, watching as the flames engulfed his home. Then he shot a look back in our direction and came running, collected Delaney in a hug.

Then we all watched in silence as Soren and the team did their best. But there was no saving the house. I remembered Soren saying their house was old and they’d been doing renovations...

Old houses went up like tinder.

So I’m sure Soren’s efforts became about containment, ensuring outhouses and garages were saved.

And if I’d been worried about Soren’s safety before, I was wrong. If anything, I got to see firsthand just how capable he was. How safe he was, and how damn good he was at his job.

I stayed until the blaze was almost out, but knowing they’d be here for many hours yet, and knowing there was no injuries—and knowing no one was setting foot in that smoldering and gutted house for a few days yet—there wasn’t any point in my staying.

But just then, Soren ran over. He was infull firefighter gear, sweating under his helmet, and heaven help me, I’d never seen a more attractive man.

He went to Chuck and Delaney, putting one gloved hand on her shoulder, his other to Chucky’s face. “You okay, brother?” He asked.

I couldn’t hear what Chucky said, but Delaney began crying again and Soren put his hand to her hair.

And I was wrong again.

The compassion, the empathy, the pure heart that man had,thatwas the most attractive he’d ever been.

Then he looked at me, his gaze softening. “Hey,” he said.

“Hey. I just wanted to make sure everyone was okay. Chrissie’s got it all under control. I was just gonna head off.”

He nodded. “Okay. I’ll be...” He turned back to the dwindling fire and billowing smoke. “I’ll be a long while.”

“It’s okay,” I told him gently. “You’re where you need to be. I’m not going anywhere.”

His nostrils flared and he nodded quickly before looking back at the firetruck. “I have to go.”

“I’ll leave my door unlocked for you,” I whispered. “Doesn’t matter when.”

He gripped my arm tight, scanning my eyes as if he was searching for something, trying to say something, but in the end, he gave a nod and walked away.

I went home, showered, and making sure my front door was unlocked, I went to bed. It’d been a whirlwind of emotions. First, like I wasn’t excited enough for the Christmas dinner, then it became a surprise wedding. Such a beautiful, joyous moment.

Only to be cut short by a raging house fire.

Soren’s work partner, his best friend. His brother, as he’d called him tonight.

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