Page 31 of Spring Break with a Fire Chief

“I love that dress, Poppy.”

She places her hand over Jace’s that is resting on the table. “Thanks. It’s nothing special.”

“Told you,” Ryan whispers in my ear and I giggle.

“Oh, Madeline! I’m so glad you’re here. Can you come with me quickly? I have a hospital matter to discuss with you.”

“Oh, Sarah, no one is working tonight. Leave Maddie alone,” Candee tries to dismiss her.

“No, it’s okay.” I stand from my chair and follow Sarah. “What’s up?”

She turns to me with excitement. “We’re all set! I spoke with the website designer earlier today and went over placing you as the head nurse practitioner and moving Naomi to the travel nursing position. She’s so excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to travel with her new little family.”

“I love this for her. Her little baby is going to be a world traveler by the time she’s one!”

“It still leaves a hole for us within the department when she gets called out but I think with you in charge, it’s going to be a seamless transition.” She grabs my hand. “I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am that you've chosen to stay. What did Ryan say?”

“He doesn't know yet.”

“Why? What are you waiting for?”

“I just want to make sure I say it in a way that’s genuine. I want him to know I’m doing this for both me and him, you know?”

“Well, do it soon, the website goes live at midnight and you know this town. There will be no rest once it hits.” She checks her watch. “Oh, let me go welcome everyone so we can begin the night. I'll talk to you later.” She runs off and I head back to ourtable. Ryan stands when I approach and pulls out my chair. As I lower myself into it, he whispers, “Can you feel me?”

I bite my bottom lip and shake my head. “Just behave yourself.”

“Never.”

“Is everything alright with Sarah?” Candee asks.

“Oh yes. She just needed to bring me up to date with something.”

“So Madeline, what's the next move at the hospital?” Bill asks as he pours water for Candee.

“It’s not official yet but there’s a bit of restructuring happening.” I feel Ryan tense beside me. “Some people are moving into new roles, here and abroad. We have to wait for final contracts but the changes will be good.” I glance at Ryan who’s staring blankly at the table.

“Well that sounds exciting. Where does that leave you?”

Ugh, Bill. Stop with the questions. “It leaves me stepping back into a position I know well.” I see Ryan shifting in his seat and I touch his hand. “Hey, what's wrong?”

He shakes his head. “What kind of restructuring?”

“Just roles at the hospital. We can talk about it later.” I don't want to tell him here. I want it to be the two of us, I want him to feel everything I’m feeling when I tell him I’m staying and that I'm in love with him.

“Hey, hey! What a great table we get to crash!” Maddox and Marigold come and sit down with us.

“Are you sure this is your table? I don't remember seeing you here in the seating arrangement.” Ryan holds the chair next to him so Maddox can’t sit down and I chuckle.

“Nope. I double checked. It had Baylor right next to the top dog. Last I checked, that’s you. Fire chief is your claim to fame right?”

Ryan narrows his eyes at him and I put my hand on his leg and whisper, “He’s just teasing you.”

“Oh I know what he’s doing.” He lets go of the chair and Maddox falls into it.

“Son, you’re late,” Bill reprimands him.

“We had to stop by the bakery quickly.”

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