Page 60 of The One Who Risked it All

But Carla’s smile was radiant as she turned to me. “I love it. But how did you manage all this?”

I rubbed the back of my neck, sheepish. “Well, I had some help. Your parents are up at the house, actually. They set everything up for me.”

Carla’s eyebrows shot up. “My parents? Really?”

“Yeah.” I chuckled. “Turns out they don’t hate me as much as I thought.”

As we settled onto the blanket, I couldn’t help but marvel at how far we’d come. From clandestine meetings under the bleachers to this moment, with our families finally starting to come around. It felt like a small miracle.

Carla’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “This is really beautiful, Eli. Thank you.”

I looked at her, the firelight casting a warm glow on her face, and felt my heart swell. Maybe I wasn’t such a screw-up after all. I pulled Carla close, savoring her warmth as we leaned against each other. The cocoa was rich and comforting as we sipped it, our breaths mingling in the frosty air.

“You know,” I said, breaking the comfortable silence, “if someone had told me a year ago we’d be sitting here like this, I’d have laughed in their face.”

Carla chuckled, the sound warming me more than the fire. “Me too.” She was quiet, and I could practically hear the gears turning in her head. “Eli, can I tell you something?”

“Anything,” I said, meaning it more than I ever had before.

She took a deep breath. “I’ve been thinking a lot about our families lately. This reconciliation... it’s like a weight I didn’t even know I was carrying has been lifted.”

I nodded, encouraging her to continue.

“It’s just... for so long, loving you felt like I was betraying my family somehow. But now?” Carla’s eyes met mine, shining with unshed tears. “Now it feels like we’re free. Like we can finally just be us, you know?”

My heart gave a giddy leap, betraying my cool exterior. Carla had just said she loved me. I wanted to hear it over and over again. Maybe I could have her record it on my phone. I’d make it my ringtone.

I pulled her closer and pressed a kiss to her temple. “I know exactly what you mean,” I murmured, marveling at how far we’d come and how much further we could go, together.

I took a deep breath, feeling a surge of emotion I’d rarely allowed myself to experience, let alone express. “Carla, I... I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am for you. For your support, your patience...” I trailed off, searching for the right words. “You’ve seen me at my worst, and you’ve never given up on me.”

My mind flashed back to all the times I’d pushed her away, all the stupid stunts I’d pulled to prove I didn’t need anyone. To prove I didn’t need her. I had been dead wrong. I needed her like I needed air.

“You know, becoming a firefighter was supposed to be about proving something to my dad,” I admitted, my voice low. “But somewhere along the way, it became about proving something to myself.”

Carla’s hand found mine, her fingers intertwining with my own. “I’ve always seen the good in you, even when you couldn’t see it yourself.”

I felt a lump forming in my throat. “I don’t think I realized how important you were to me until I almost lost you. I was such an idiot.”

Carla laughed softly, the sound warming me more than the fire ever could. “Well, I can’t argue with that,” she teased,before her expression turned serious. “But, Eli, the man you’ve become... I’m in awe of him.”

I raised an eyebrow, trying to lighten the mood. “Even with all my dorky dad jokes?”

“Especially with those,” she replied, her eyes twinkling. “Do you remember that cocky boy in high school who thought he could solve every problem by flashing a grin and flexing his muscles?”

I groaned. “Please, don’t remind me.”

“He’s still in there,” Carla said, poking my chest gently. “But now he’s part of this incredible man who runs into burning buildings to save people, who’s working on mending fences with his family, who’s...” she paused, her voice softening, “who’s not afraid to be vulnerable anymore.”

I felt my cheeks flush, and for once, it wasn’t from the cold. “I’m still working on that last part,” I admitted.

“I know,” Carla said, squeezing my hand. “And that’s what I admire most. You’re trying, Eli. You’re growing. And I’m so proud of the man you’ve become.”

I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. Carla’s words hit me like a ton of bricks, but in the best way possible. I gazed at her, taking in the way the firelight danced across her face, highlighting the flecks of gold in her dark eyes.

Around us, the night was alive with a gentle symphony. The fire crackled softly, sending sparks spiraling into the inky sky. Above, stars twinkled like a million tiny diamonds, their light reflecting off the still surface of Raccoon Lake.

My heart raced as I realized what I wanted – no, needed – to say. This was it. I had to tell her everything. I was in so far head over my heels for this girl, I wouldn’t ever hide it again.

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