Page 29 of Spring Break with a Fire Chief

“It’s not about being smart. It’s just about realizing what’s in front of you.”

Sarah, the chief nursing officer, steps up to the podium and takes the mic. “Everyone! Gather around! I’m so excited to officially kick off the day! We’re going to start by announcing the honoree of this year's Spring-Break-A-Thon!”

Everyone claps and moves closer to the stage. The guys and I move up front but hang off to the side and I watch as Madeline steps on stage holding one of those large donation checks.

“We want to start off with a donation of our own. Madeline, would you like to do the honors?”

She stands next to Sarah, hiding the check from everyone. “Good morning, all! I’m so happy to be here today to present this check. As you know, it’s been a few years since I’ve been a nurse here at LBH. In that time, I’ve done travel nursing all over the country. It’s been so rewarding and I couldn’t have done it without the hospital donors and your help along the way.” Hereyes search the crowd until she spots me. “And now that I’ve come home, the remaining money that was being used for my travel is being put right back into Love Beach. I’m so honored to be able to present this check for fifteen thousand dollars to this year's honorees, our very own Love Beach Fire Department! Chief Donnelly, would you like to come to the stage?”

The crowd cheers and the guys clap and congratulate each other. I’m stunned until Maddox gives me a shove. “Get up there! They're waiting for you!” I watch Madeline the whole way, her smile leads me right to her. As I take my spot next to her, she turns the check around and Sarah hands me the mic.

“Uh, wow!” I laugh, a bit shocked to be standing in front of all these people. “This is amazing and I thank you all for nominating us to be this year’s recipients.” I turn to Madeline. “And to the staff of LBH, you guys make us look good and we’re thankful to work hand in hand with the best.”

We stand for pictures but honestly the only thing that replays in my head is her saying “now that I’ve come home.”

Chapter 17

Madeline

The day was fantastic. My heart was so full giving that check to the fire department. And saying the words “I’ve come home”felt even better. It felt natural. And that’s exactly where I want to be.

“I think this is a record. In the five years I’ve been running this Spring-Break-A-thon, we’ve never pulled in this many donations. It’s amazing.”

I chuckle and add the last of the checks to the tally, and whistle. “Wow, you're right. I don’t ever remember it being this high. The town loves their firemen!”

“Do you?”

I look up. “Do I what?”

“Love your fireman?”

I drop my hands and sigh, while Sarah grins at me, already knowing what I’m going to say. “I do.”

She squeals. “So this means you’re going to accept my offer?”

Early yesterday morning, Sarah presented me with a contract offering me the position as head nurse practitioner. The role changes within the hospital and also the finality of it being mylast position, scared me. Between that, the cottage and changing my license plates over, all the acts together suddenly brought on a panic attack. Because what if I’m doing all this and Ryan can’t forgive me for leaving? What if he can’t take me back one hundred percent because he’ll always think I’m going to run again?

Then I spent the day in the town and realized, even if I’m not with Ryan, I love it here. And knowing I can make myself happy will only make the transition easier and let me know wherever I am, it’s going to be okay. If I’m in a good place first, I can only bring more good to everyone around me. You know the old adage about once you’re happy with yourself everything else just falls into place.

I nod and she scrambles to hug me. “This is so amazing. I’m so happy you’re choosing to stay here. Can I announce it tomorrow at the ceremony?”

“Might as well go all in, right? No need to hide anything now!”

“Okay, let’s get out of here. The dance is soon and I imagine you’ll need to get ready for your date.” She gives me a know-it-all smile.

“I’ll see you there!”

I curled my hair, put on makeup and slipped into the sexiest dress I could find. I feel tonight is a complete turning point and I’m ready to dive in. I can’t wait to tell him I’m accepting the nurse practitioner position and making Love Beach my home. A knock on the door has me running towards it. And when I open it, I lose my breath. Standing in a tan suit with a white button-down shirt, with the top two buttons open, is Ryan Donnelly. And I've never seen him look sexier.

“Wow,” I breathe out.

He leans against the doorframe and his eyes wander my body. I instantly feel my nipples pebble under my dress as if he physically touched them and my heart begins to race at the look in his eyes.

He pushes off the door and approaches me with intention.

“The guys were talking about their claim to fame earlier.”

“Do I want to know what that entails?” I back up as he continues to prowl toward me.

---