Page 108 of Deck the Fire Halls

I was so grateful that everyone was okay, but still... what an awful thing to have happen.

Homes, possessions, and material things could be replaced. Sorely missed, maybe. But people were irreplaceable, the most important things. That those we love are safe.

Like Soren.

I loved him. I wasinlove with him. The only thing I needed was for him to be safe. Nothing else mattered.

I was disappointed when I woke up alone. I couldn’t deny that. But I understood that he’d probably gone home to crash after being at the house fire site until all hours of the morning. Hell, he could probably still be there.

And I’d meant it when I’d said I’d leave my door unlocked for him, and it didn’t matter how long it took. Like I meant it when I’d said I wasn’t going anywhere.

He had a job to do, and that was something I understood all too well. Not to mention that his best friend needed him right now. So I went about my morning, made breakfast, had a shower, and did everything I could to not think about what Soren may or may not have been doing. If he needed anything, if there was anything I could do, or if, perhaps, I should go over to his place and ask.

But then a truck pulled up out front and two guys went into Soren’s place. Then two minutes later, another truck with one guy. Then five minutes afterthat, the Hartbridge Fire Department 4WD and Doug went in.

Well, I certainly couldn’t go over there now.

Oh god, a sinking realization hit me. What if something happened after I’d left. What if someone was injured? What if it was Soren?

Oh dear lord, what if something was wrong?

Then I noticed the sheriff’s cruiser pull up and a cold dread seeped into my belly... until Colson and Braithe climbed out. Colson went next door to Soren’s, and Braithe headed to my house.

I opened the door before he could knock. “Oh, hi,” he said.

“I saw you coming,” I admitted. “Please come in. I’ve been watching all the vehicles pulling up next door.”

“Yes, Colson was coming down and I knew you lived next door, so I thought I’d drop in and see how you were. And also thank you for the amazing Secret Santa gift. I almost cried when I opened it. It couldn’t be more perfect.”

“Oh, I’m glad. Soren did the Union Jack. He has more patience than me, apparently. And skill for such things.”

He gave me a curious look. “Have you not spoken to Soren? If you’re watching next door...”

“Not since last night. I left after midnight. They had the fire almost out and I didn’t want to get in anyone’s way. Did something happen?”

I don’t know why I asked him, but maybe Colson had heard.

“No, not that I know of. Chuck and Delaney stayedat Soren’s last night. Nowhere else to go,” he said with a frown. “Everywhere’s booked with the holidays.”

God, I felt so foolish. “Oh, of course.” Of course they’d be staying with him. “I worried something had happened, and I didn’t want to go over there and for his colleagues to think I was being nosey.” I shrugged. “Still not sure on acceptable dating etiquette, or small-town etiquette. Or any of it, to be honest.”

Braithe gave me a fond smile. “You’re doing fine. All I know is Colson and Ronnie, the police chief, and Doug and Soren have to go back to the burned-out house this morning. It’s investigative procedure or something. But all the guys are coming to see Chuck and Delaney, that’s what they do.” He gave me a reassuring smile. “When Colson went in the frozen river last year, all the police on duty came around to check on him.”

“He went in the frozen river?”

Braithe nodded. “He did. Saved a boy’s life.”

“Oh my god.”

“At the Christmas street party. You’re coming to that, right?”

“Uh, I think the kids at the center were talking about that, yeah.”

His eyebrows did a little flick. “Soren will be there in the fire engine, in full uniform.”

I had flashbacks of him last night, in full uniform, sweaty, barking orders... “Well, then I should probably go.”

He laughed. “It’s a great night. Lots of families, street food, Santa photos.”

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