Page 1 of The One Who Risked it All

CHAPTER 1

Elijah

Ithought about skipping the vow renewal. That I’d even considered missing it probably made me a bad brother and a terrible person. But what else was new?

I was glad Nathan and Rebecca had worked through all their issues–with more than a little help from me, thank you very much. My little pep talk with my big brother was exactly what he needed to pull his head out of his you-know-where. But that didn’t mean I wanted to sit and watch them get all gooey-eyed over each other.

“Well, if it isn’t Minden’s finest pyromaniacs–I mean, firefighters,” I quipped, striding up to Bryce, Jake, and Matteo as they lounged on one of the park benches. The autumn breeze ruffled my hair, carrying the scent of barbecue and laughter from the nearby pavilion.

Bryce was another captain at the department, like my brother, and Jake was his best friend. The two were practically inseparable. Matteo was their rookie. He’d been around for almost two years, so calling him a rookie wasn’t exactly accurate anymore, but he was still the newest guy on the team.

Bryce rolled his eyes. “Har har, Eli. Just because you can’t resist playing with matches doesn’t mean the rest of us have a death wish.”

“Hey now,” I protested, clutching my chest in mock offense. “I’ll have you know I haven’t set anything on fire in at least…” I pretended to count on my fingers. “Twelve hours.”

Jake snorted. “Yeah, and that’s only because you’ve been on duty.”

The firefighter/firestarter joke was a long-running bit at the station, ever since I caught the grill on fire that one time. Well, and that other time with the microwave noodles. But no one had seen that happen.

I was pretty sure, at least.

I couldn’t help but grin, my gaze wandering to the festive scene unfolding under the pavilion. The trees surrounding us were a riot of reds and golds, leaves dancing on the breeze like nature had decided to provide the confetti for the party. Strings of twinkling lights crisscrossed overhead, casting a warm glow on the faces of friends and family gathered to celebrate my brother’s vow renewal. The ceremony at the church had been small and intimate, but it seemed like the whole town was here to celebrate now.

Considering how much the entire population of Minden had been whispering about the separation, it was only right that they came to affirm the newly-reunited couple. Nathan hated all the speculation. I, on the other hand, wasn’t new to that kind of scrutiny. The town had certainly done its fair share of chattering about my indiscretions—real or imagined—over the years.

“You know,” I mused, leaning against the back of the bench beside them, “I’m starting to think these lovebirds are just rubbing it in our faces now. I mean, who needs two weddings? Actually, who needs a wedding at all?” I amended with a smirk.

Bryce, who had fallen head over heels for his high school bestie when she came back to town the spring before last, chuckled. “Spoken like a true bachelor. Some of us actually enjoy settling down, you know.”

I arched an eyebrow. “Okay, okay. Don’t forget to take your dentures out before bed tonight, Grandpa.”

Jake nearly choked on his drink, and I felt a surge of satisfaction. It was moments like these, trading barbs with my fellow firefighters, that made me feel most at ease. But as I watched the celebrating crowd, a familiar ache settled in my chest. I pushed it aside, plastering on my trademark grin.

“Well,” I said, clapping Matteo on the shoulder, “I’m going to see if I can’t rescue some of those cupcakes before Alex sticks his fingers in them all. Y’all have fun.”

As I sauntered toward the pavilion, I allowed myself a moment to imagine a different life, one where I wasn’t just the charming, quick-witted younger brother, but something more. Then I shook it off, determined to lose myself in the celebration and the comfort of my easy banter. After all, wasn’t that what I did best?

I wove through the crowd, my ears perking up as I caught the familiar gruff tone of my father’s voice. Instinctively, I slowed my pace as I passed out of his line of sight.

“I’m glad you came to reason, Nathan. I knew you’d do the right thing and stand by your family.”

“Thanks, Dad. I know it wasn’t easy for you to stand by and give us time to sort it out. But we needed it.” I could see the profile of Nathan’s face tucked behind the wooden column as I eavesdropped.

“Well, now I just need your brother to get his act together,” Dad grumbled, his words piercing through the cheerful chatter around us. “When are you going to talk some sense into him?”

I winced, my fingers tightening around my drink. Of course, Dad would be harping on about me to Nathan. Golden boy Nathan, with his perfect life and his perfect wife.

“Dad, come on,” Nathan’s voice was soft, placating. “Eli’s doing fine. He’s got a good job, he’s—“

“Running around like a frat boy,” Dad interrupted. “He needs to grow up, settle down. Like you did.”

I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to step out and defend myself. But what would I say? That I was perfectly happy with my life? I wasn’t even sure that was true anymore.

My gaze drifted across the pavilion, and suddenly, there she was.

Carla. My breath caught in my throat as I watched her laugh with my sister-in-law, her dark hair catching the late-afternoon sun. She looked… Man, she looked beautiful.

Memories flooded back, unbidden. The way her eyes used to crinkle when she smiled at me. The softness of her hand in mine as we walked through the halls. The electricity of our first kiss, hidden behind the bleachers of the football field.

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