Page 34 of The Hotshot's Prize
With his steady support, his belief in me even when I doubted myself, I’ve managed to rise higher than I ever dreamed. Wildlife magazines, conservationist foundations, even a few of the larger news syndicates have picked up my work. I’ve chased storms and migrating herds, captured animal behavior most photographersonly dream of, and Zack’s been right beside me every step of the way.
He’s more than my partner. He’s my other half. My calm in the chaos and the chaos in my calm.
And tonight…is the reveal.
The culmination of a year’s worth of chasing the impossible, displayed in a gallery that’s getting both national and international attention. Just thinking about it makes my palms sweat.
There’s a soft knock at the door.
“Come in,” I call, my breath catching even before the knob turns.
Because I know who it is.
Zack steps inside in a tailored dark suit, shirt open at the collar, no tie, just the right level of rugged elegance that makes my knees weak. His hair is slightly damp from a shower, and his grin is lazy, like he’s got all the time in the world to look at me.
And he does look at me. Slowly. Thoroughly. Like he’s remembering every inch of my body under this gown.
“Wow,” he breathes, crossing the room in long, purposeful strides. “You look like a dream I never want to wake up from.”
I roll my eyes, blushing. “You’re just saying that.”
“No.” He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me flush against him. “I’m saying it because it’s true. And because I missed you.”
“We were apart for less than one day,” I tease, but my voice is softer now. There’s a current of something behind his eyes. A flicker of mischief, and something more.
He brushes a strand of hair from my face. “Yeah, well…I had some business to finish.”
My stomach knots. “Zack…don’t tell me—”
He grins, his eyes brimming with excitement. “I’m done, baby. Finished the contract yesterday. I wanted to tell you then, but I figured tonight would make a better memory.”
“You’re serious?” I whisper, blinking fast.
He nods. “No more fire lines. No more months apart. I’m yours. Full-time.”
I throw my arms around him with a squeal, hugging him tightly as the weight of relief and excitement crashes into me. “Oh my God! Zack. I can’t believe it.”
“That’s not all,” he says, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes. “Remember that device I told you I was developing? The one that detects dangerous backdraft patterns?”
“Of course,” I say, breathless. “You said it could save lives, give crews a tactical edge.”
“Well…it got approved. Government’s rolling it out across the states. I’ve got full rights and licensing, and I can manage everything remotely. Which means…” He pauses, smiling like he’s got the best secret in the world. “We’re free.”
“Free to do what?” I whisper.
He grins. “Whatever the hell we want. Chase rhinos in Kenya. Photograph snow leopards in the Himalayas. Wake up in different time zones and make love under different stars. I’ll carry your gear, cook your meals, and remind you every day how much I love you.”
I’m speechless.
Just for a second.
Then I throw myself into his arms again. “Zack, that’s…that’s everything I ever wanted.”
“And you’re everything I’ll ever need,” he says, kissing my forehead.
There’s a knock on the other side of the door, followed by a muffled voice. “Ella? Ten-minute warning!”
Zack pulls back with a smirk. “How much time do you actually have?”
