Page 29 of My Mail Order Valentine

"Give me and Evie a chance, Elena."

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I reach out to see what it's about. There's another fire, and the team needs me. This is the worst possible time for this to happen, but like I said, I'm committed.

"Please think about it. I was going to get Evie from Mrs. Brown, but I've just been called to another emergency."

Elena's face shows panic and fear.

"But you were just released from the hospital. Surely, the captain can give you a few days off."

"We're short-staffed. They need me."

Resignation shows in her face now and she seems to make a decision.

"I'll drop you off at the station and then go get Evie."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Let's go."

We ride in silence all the way to the station. My heart aches that I'm making her go through this again so soon, but she seems oddly determined, which gives me hope. My coworkers welcome me with open arms, and we get started as soon as I gear up.

I spend the rest of the day fighting a stubborn fire with the crew. In the end, we managed to get control of it, and no one was hurt. I can't stop thinking about Elena, though. The only thing that gives me peace is that she's with Evie right now. They've created a bond in the past few weeks that Elena has been here and I'm counting on that bond making a difference.

At the station, I start to chicken out and consider spending the night there, but the captain gives me that look and insists he'll drop me off at my house. After all, that’s where I need to be; that's where my girls are.

The house is silent when I come in, but there are a few lights on, telling me Elena is still awake or waiting for me. The last one scares me a little bit because I'm going to stand my ground and keep my commitment to the Hope Peak Fire Department—my commitment to my parents.

Chapter 10

Elena

Ihear the front door open and am filled with happiness that Hunter made it through his shift without injury. At least, I hope he hasn't been hurt. I suppose I'll find out when I see him. I'm hiding in Evie's bedroom and waiting for him to find me.

Today has been tough. I have a lot on my mind about the brief conversation I had with Hunter, and I've come up with an idea to tackle this fear that grips me whenever Hunter gets called into work.

I hear him rummaging through the kitchen cupboards. Is he hungry? Maybe I should offer to make him some dinner. Before long, I hear footsteps approaching. The door is open, and he leans silently against the doorframe, watching me.

Evie is fast asleep and I don't want to wake her, so I gather my courage and get up and walk towards Hunter. When I get to the door, he's blocking me with his strong, muscled body. I do a quick inspection and he seems to be okay.

After a few seconds, he moves aside so that I can pass, but he doesn't follow me. I guess he wants to check on Evie. He's been away now for five days and must be desperate to see her. I go to the kitchen and make myself some warm milk, being extra careful.

I've developed a habit of keeping anything flammable away from the fire when I turn on the stove. I took detailed notes each time Hunter shared his lessons on fire safety, and I created a checklist that I've memorized. Unless I'm extremely distracted, I won't start any fires in the near future.

My chest swells as I remember how patient Hunter has been with me after all those accidents. He's a good man with solid values. I sit down at the dining room table and sip my milk. After a few minutes, Hunter walks out of his daughter's room and comes to sit across from me.

"Thanks for getting her. Mrs. Brown means well, but she's older, and I worry Evie runs her ragged."

"Yeah. I realized I was being a baby about everything and decided it was time for us to come home."

He looks at me as the words sink in. Then, his face fills with hope.

"Please don't give me hope and then take it away," he whispers.

I exhale loudly and reach for his hands across the table.

"I've thought of something. I asked Claire to give me the contact information for the significant others on your crew, and I'm going to talk to every one of them. I want to know how they deal with their loved ones going into danger every time they go to work."

"You think that will help?"

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