Page 106 of Stuck with my Brother's Firefighter Besties

It was time.

Time for us all to work out if we wereall in.

Time to make this official…

I swallowed hard, my hands twisting together as the three of them watched me, their expressions varying but equally intense. Jaxon’s sharp blue eyes locked on me with a mix of curiosity and concern, Ryan’s steady green gaze softened with quiet patience, and Colt’s lips twitched, as though he was fighting the urge to crack a joke to break the tension.

This was it.

No turning back.

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” I started, my voice shakier than I’d expected. “About… us. About everything that’s happened. And what I want.”

Colt leaned against the edge of the table, folding his arms, while Jaxon moved closer, his jaw tightening. Ryan simply waited, his calm presence giving me the courage to keep going.

“And?” Jaxon prompted, his tone careful, as though bracing himself.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to meet their eyes.

“I know this isn’t exactly the easiest situation. It’s… messy, and it’s unconventional, and there’s a lot that could go wrong. But the truth is…” I paused, steadying myself. “The truth is, I don’t care about any of that. I care about you. All of you. And I want this to work.”

Ryan’s eyes widened slightly, his breath catching, while Colt let out a low whistle. Jaxon, ever the steady force, crossed his arms as he studied me.

“Go on,” he said, his voice low.

I felt my cheeks flush, but I pushed forward. “I know what I’m asking isn’t simple. It’s going to take effort. Compromise. But I love you—all three of you—in your own ways. And I want to try. If you’re all willing to, that is.”

There.

It was out.

The vulnerability felt like a weight pressing against my chest, but I held my ground, refusing to let the fear take over.

Colt was the first to speak, his gray eyes glinting with both humor and sincerity. “Damn, Lila. You don’t do anything halfway, do you?”

A nervous laugh escaped me. “Guess not.”

“Good,” Colt said, stepping closer. “Because neither do I.” He reached for my hand, lacing his fingers with mine. “I’m in. All the way. I’ve been in since the moment you walked back into Medford looking like trouble wrapped in a pretty package.”

I felt tears prick my eyes, but before I could respond, Jaxon stepped forward. His hand cupped my chin, gently lifting my face to meet his intense gaze.

“You’re sure about this?” he asked, his voice soft but firm. “Because once I’m in, Lila, I’m not walking away. Not ever.”

My throat tightened, but I nodded. “I’m sure, Jaxon. I want this. I want you.”

Something flickered in his eyes, and then his lips captured mine in a kiss so tender and yet so possessive that it made my knees weak. When he pulled back, there was no doubt left in his expression.

“That’s all I needed to hear,” he murmured, brushing his thumb over my cheek before stepping back.

I turned to Ryan, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, his arms folded as he leaned against the counter. His green eyes searched mine, filled with an emotion so deep it took my breath away.

“This won’t be easy,” he said finally. “People are going to talk. Nate is going to lose his mind.”

“I know,” I said, taking a step toward him. “And I’m prepared for that. I’ll handle Nate. And the town. I just need to know… are you with me?”

Ryan exhaled slowly, then nodded. “Yeah, Lila. I’m with you.” He unfolded his arms and pulled me into his embrace, holding me so tightly I thought I might break—and not in a bad way.

As I rested my cheek against his chest, Colt let out a low chuckle. “Well, I guess this means we’re official, huh?”

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