Page 115 of Deck the Fire Halls

The night went on, thankfully without any kids or deputy’s going into the river, and before too long, thecrowd dwindled and parents took their kid’s home with threats of needing to be in bed so Santa could visit.

I was taking the tinsel off the firetruck when a familiar voice came up behind me. “Excuse me, captain. I was hoping you could help me.”

I jumped down and laughed. “Of course, good doctor. What can I do for you?”

He drew his bottom lip between his teeth. “Could you take me home? When you’re done here with your very big truck.”

I laughed. “Oh, I think I can arrange that. Or,” I said, “I can give you a ride in the firetruck up to the fire hall, then I can walk you home.”

He grinned. “Serious?”

Hell yes, I was serious. “Climb in.”

Then, like he was an excited kid, he climbed up, smile wide. I got in behind the wheel and gave the horn a honk and set the lights to flash, no siren, to warn any stragglers to get out of the way.

It was a short, slow drive up the bank of the park and down Main Street, and when I pulled the truck into the fire hall, Rob was grinning, ear to ear.

I shut it all down and cut the engine. “Fun?”

“Yes.”

“Never did that as a kid?”

He shook his head. “Never.”

That might have explained the smile. “I need to get out of this uniform,” I said.

He sighed. “Shame.”

I snorted. “Doctor,” I pretended to admonish him. “If there weren’t strict rules about civilians being on thepremises and security cameras everywhere, I’d totally do you here.”

“Oh,” he said, blushing. “I didn’t mean that...”

“I know you didn’t,” I said. “But I did. We really need to go home. And I could make a crass joke about needing us both to come before Santa does, but I’m a good boy.”

He laughed, his eyes dancing. “A good boy? You’re on his naughty list for sure.”

“I plan to be tonight,” I said. “We need to get home.”

He climbed down and waited by the truck for me to get out of my gear. He was smiling at the tinsel and baubles hung around the station. “Are you ready, doctor?” I asked.

He nodded quickly. “Very.”

He linked his arm through mine as we walked back to his place. The crowd was gone now, all the world quiet. Christmas lights twinkled inside houses, snow flurries skirted the air.

“Would you look at this place?” he said, marveling at the beauty of it.

“Did you have a good night?” I asked.

“I had a wonderful night.” Then he slid on the sidewalk and I laughed as I kept him upright.

“I should get you some snowshoes.”

He clung to me as we walked the rest of the way, and once we were inside with our boots off and our coats hanging on the rack, Rob took my hand. “Can I make you a hot cocoa or anything? Did you eat tonight?”

His thoughtfulness made me smile. “I’m fine.” I pulled him a little closer. “What I need is you.”

Hehummed. “Just need?”

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