Page 24 of Stuck with my Brother's Firefighter Besties

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite pair! How’s life treating you, Lila? I haven’t seen you for a very long time!”

I returned her smile, though it wavered just a little.

“It’s been… eventful,” I said, trying not to let too much show. “But I’m back now, for better or worse.”

Mrs. Cooper wiped her hands on her flour-dusted apron and nodded knowingly. “It’s always an adjustment, coming home after so long. But it’ll settle. You’ll see.”

I hoped she was right.

Biscuit let out an impatient bark, earning a laugh from her. “And you, young man, still as demanding as ever, I see. Let me grab him a treat.”

She disappeared behind the counter, and I knelt down to ruffle Biscuit’s fur.

“You’re spoiled rotten, you know that?”

He wagged his tail in agreement, completely unrepentant.

Mrs. Cooper returned with a small biscuit shaped like a paw print and handed it to me with a wink. “On the house. Call it a welcome home gift.”

“Thanks,” I said, standing and glancing at the display case. “And I’ll take one of your famous maple donuts. For me this time.”

Mrs. Cooper beamed as she bagged the donut. “Ah, that’s the spirit, dear. A little indulgence never hurt anyone.”

As she handed it to me, her expression softened and I could almost feel her eyes boring into me.

“You know, Lila, I was talking to your dad the other day. He mentioned how you’ve had a rough go of it lately.”

I stiffened slightly, but she went on, her tone gentle. This was the only issue with small-town life. No secrets.

“He said you’ve been keeping to yourself. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that. But sometimes, when life knocks us down, it helps to shake things up. Do something unexpected, something… fun.”

Her words struck a nerve.

I smiled politely, but my mind was already spinning.

Fun.

The ski trip was supposed to be fun, wasn’t it? Fresh air, snow, and… Jaxon and Colt.

Mrs. Cooper must’ve noticed my hesitation. “When I first moved here, I didn’t know a soul. It took a lot to step out of my comfort zone, but you know what? Some of the best memories I’ve ever made were from saying yes to the things I wasn’t sure about.” She patted my hand, her warmth seeping into me. “You might surprise yourself.”

I nodded, murmuring a thank-you as Biscuit and I made our way back out into the crisp air.

Her words stayed with me as we walked home, weaving into my thoughts like a thread I couldn’t pull loose.

Back at the house, I paced the living room, Biscuit watching me like I’d lost my mind.

“What do you think, buddy?” I asked, throwing myself onto the couch. “Am I crazy for even considering this?”

Biscuit tilted his head, his ears perking up as if to say,Go for it.

Before I could overthink it any further, I grabbed my phone and called Nate.

He answered on the second ring, his voice already smug. “I knew you’d come around.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Don’t push your luck. I’ll come, but only because I think Biscuit could use the fresh air.”

Nate laughed, clearly not buying my excuse. “Whatever you say, sis. You won’t regret it. It’s gonna be great, I promise.”

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