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The music from the string quartet glides into the house. “That’s my cue to take my seat.” Mom reaches in for one more hug.

An aisle of flower petals extends from our patio door, through the rows of white chairs where the guests sit, leading to Boss.

Cam stands opposite Boss, on my side of the aisle, with her bouquet in hand and a genuine smile on her face. There is a line of eight men in their dress blues standing tall beside Boss, with Deacon as his best man.

As I walk over the path of flower petals with my dad at my side, all I can see is him, my man—and all I can feel is the overwhelming sense of love.

* * *

Boss holdsme close as we dance on the makeshift dance floor. Our friends and family dance around us.

Another blast sounds, and we look up at the fireworks released into the sky from somewhere nearby. Our party has been highlighted by frequent blasts of color.

“It’s like the world is having a party for us.” I hold the back of his neck, rubbing his skin with my thumbs.

“That or catching shit on fire,” he scoffs. “People never learn.”

“Well, it’s romantic, nonetheless.”

“Was today everything you wanted?” He holds me in his stare.

“It was more,” I say in all honesty. “So much more.”

He presses his lips to mine. “Good.”

I look at Tiny, who stands at the bar we’ve set up, and watch as he grabs a bottle of water. He catches my stare and tilts the beverage toward me in cheers.

“Yeah.” I rest my cheek against his face. “It was perfect.”

He kisses the top of my head. “I agree.”

“Lieutenant,” Cinder calls out from behind his DJ equipment, lowering the song’s volume. “There’s a call for you.”

Boss leaves me to pick up the phone. He places the phone to his ear, his face tightening. With a couple of terse nods, he says something into the cell phone before sliding into his suit pant pocket.

“Alright, men…second shift needs help. Let’s head out. Meet at the station and get suited up.”

“What?” I look around confused.

“You didn’t notice that none of them were drinking?” Cam stands at my side. “I knew something was up. Deacon said today of all days they needed to be ready to help if needed.”

Boss jogs toward me and takes my hands in his. “Sorry, babe. We were just called in. Backup needed. More fires than men on duty. Just one of those things.”

“Um…okay,” I answer, still in a daze from the recent turn of events.

He presses his mouth against mine in a firm kiss. “I love you, wife. I’ll see you soon.”

“I love you. Be safe!” I yell as he jogs away.

“Always,” he calls over his shoulder as he jumps into Deacon’s car, and they speed off.

I shake my head; a small chuckle leaves my mouth as the taillights fade out of sight.

My chest expands with overwhelming love.

I guess this is my life now, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

EPILOGUE

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