Page 73 of Rescued Heart

Zack cleared his throat. “You’ve never brought a girlhometo us before.”

Eddie rolled his eyes. No, the one girl he’d planned to propose to had laughed in his face before she could meet his crewmates. Then he’d gotten serious about Bible study and changing his flirty ways. “Don’t start. This is work.”

“Work, right.” Zack chuckled. “That’s how it sometimes starts.”

“She can’t be what I’m looking for. Despite what movies showcase, a famous actress doesn’t fall for the boy next door.”

“What about for the hometown hero?” Zack rubbed a spot above his brow. “Plus, I found giving God the job of looking for my future spouse works out best.”

Eddie exhaled. Probably a bit too loudly. “God knows that because of my unstable past, I need a solid future. Not one built on half-truths, deals, and wishes.” He’d had plenty of that as a child. He’d wished that his family would get back together. Wished his mom would stay out of jail. Wished for things that only prevented the truth from sinking into his young mind.

Eddie inspected the film crew setting up in front of the smoke house. “I’m afraid to ask, but do you know if the chief was even called about all this?”

Zack raised his brow at one of the sound guys unloading a light reflector. “He was called by the mayor himself. All our training needed to be postponed for the movie crew. We’ve never seen so many people running around. It’s more chaotic than last Easter’s egg hunt at the park. But the chief won’t take it out on you. He wants Bianca safe almost as much as you do. We all are rooting for you two.”

Eddie bristled. “You know it’s only pretend.” All of the rescue squad plus Macon knew the truth about why Eddie had been hanging out at the film set. “Her being with me. You guys wasted too much time and energy on that class you so helpfully provided me.”

Zack laughed. “That class was entertaining once we got you bandaged up from your road rash.” Then he sobered. “Bianca’s a good actress, but I don’t think she’s always pretending with you. We know you’re not an actor, so…”

Eddie put on the fake uniform helmet. “Yeah, well, it’s not like she has a future in Last Chance County.”

One of the reasons he needed to keep his head on his shoulders.

Zack patted Eddie’s back. “Remember, don’t limit God’s plans. He has everything worked out. The future might surprise you. It sure did with me and Naya.”

Zack may have gotten his happily ever after with his long-lost friend he’d made in foster care, but Eddie needed to focus on the kids he mentored. Their needs were more important than his dating life.

“A small town isn’t the kind of place a movie star lives long-term.” Eddie checked his phone. No new texts or calls. “Plus, I’ve got other stuff to worry about.”

Zack faced him. “Like what?”

Eddie crossed his arms. “My mother called.”

Zack narrowed his eyes. “What does Mary want?”

Eddie slipped his phone back into his pocket. “She hasn’t left a message or text, other than the one from the other day that I told you about.”

Zack frowned. “Next time she calls, I’ll answer…if you want?”

A good friend. But not needed. “She knows the deal. She can text.”

Leo put a megaphone up to his mouth. “Places, everyone.”

Eddie pulled on the fire suit. “Guess this is it.”

Zack winked. “Might be the beginning of your film career.”

Eddie turned toward the cameras, but then over his shoulder said, “Maybe you should think about going into comedy.”

Zack’s laugh lasted until Eddie made it all the way over to Leo.

Leo gave him a once-over. “The suit fits. Good. So, you enter. Find Bia in the back room. Carry her out. Easy peasy. Let’s get this in one take, everyone.”

Carter came over and snapped on his own firefighter helmet that matched Eddie’s. “Don’t mess up by staring at the cameras.”

Eddie clenched his jaw. “I’ll just pretend I’m a real firefighter.”

Carter whipped around. “Acting is harder than it looks.”

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