Page 45 of Blazing Hearts

Romily’s eyes sparkled. “Catch!” she declared, pointing toward the empty space of the lawn where a game of catch was already starting to form. Ember and Josephine had already taken their positions, tossing a football back and forth while Scotti had a few more burgers on her plate and leaned back to enjoy the moment.

“Your turn!” Romily exclaimed, grinning up at Mallory with an infectious joy.

Mallory caught the ball with a chuckle, throwing it to Ember, who caught it easily and tossed it back. The game was lighthearted, the kind of play that made time feel like it slowed down. For a few minutes, they forgot about the complexities of life and simply existed in the moment—throwing, catching, laughing.

The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, painting the clouds in soft pinks and oranges. The drinks were flowing, and Mallory and Kara took their glasses of iced tea and lemonade, clinking them together in a quiet toast. It wasn’t for anything special, just a moment to celebrate where they were and how far they had come.

Ember looked over at them with a raised eyebrow. “You two are making us look bad,” she teased, nodding at their effortless connection.

Kara grinned. “Just trying to keep up with you all,” she teased back, tossing a playful glance at Josephine, who was caught up in a conversation with Naomi about their most recent casework.

As the evening unfolded, the laughter grew louder, the stories more outrageous. The group’s bond felt unbreakable, like a thread that had woven itself tightly together over time. Kara and Mallory joined in the conversation, with Kara showing off a trick she had learned during her recovery—an impressive display of fire-eating, which made everyone clap and cheer.

Josephine was the first to challenge Kara to a one-on-one game of horseshoes. “I bet I could beat you,” Josephine said with a smirk, tossing the ring to the side as she readied herself.

Kara laughed and accepted the challenge, her competitive spirit alive. “You’re on. But don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she teased.

With the sun setting in the distance, the backyard glowed with strings of fairy lights, casting a warm, inviting ambiance over the gathering. The air had cooled, and the laughter of their friends and family filled the space. It felt timeless—like nothing could ever interrupt this moment of peace and connection.

* * *

Later, after dinner, as the final game of cornhole wrapped up, the group gathered around the fire pit, a light breeze keeping them all comfortable as they roasted marshmallows and made smores. The fire crackled, and the flickering flames illuminated their faces, each one reflecting a quiet happiness that spoke volumes.

Mallory sat beside Kara, her legs tucked under her, feeling more at home than she ever had. Kara’s hand found hers again, warm and steady. They exchanged a glance, their fingers intertwining effortlessly.

“We did this,” Kara said softly, her voice low and filled with quiet pride. “We built this life. This family.”

Mallory nodded, her heart full as she looked around at their friends—Ember, Josephine, Scotti, and Naomi. They weren’t just friends. They were a testament to what happened when love, trust, and time worked together to create something lasting. And it was only just beginning.

“Together,” Mallory agreed, a smile spreading across her face as she squeezed Kara’s hand.

---