Page 98 of Her Silver Fox Firefighters
We’re survivors.
Most importantly, we’re unstoppable when we’re together.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
OLIVIA
Two whole years.
It feels like only yesterday that I triggered Mrs. Jackson’s alarm when I snuck into her house like a thief in the night, fleeing deadly danger from my past. Now, I’m married, sharing my life with three amazing men and the mother of beautiful fraternal twins.
We’re sitting in front of a podium just outside the fire station, surrounded by friends and family. It’s a special occasion, and all of the firefighters have donned their ceremonial uniforms for it.
“My God, they look good in their uniforms,” Chloe whispers in my ear.
“Don’t I know it,” I reply with a giggle.
Members of the fire house stand proudly as the county’s fire chief pins the brass bugles to Dax’s collar. The sun shines generous golden rays upon him as he smiles, honored and overwhelmed by this new distinction.
Beside him, Leo and Beck shine with pride for their best friend, their brother-in-arms. Luke is at computer camp for another week and was a little sad that he couldn’t be here, but he’s loving the experience. We’ll celebrate together when he gets back.
“Congratulations, Captain Dax Chesterfield,” the fire chief says.
Immediately afterward, one of the young Truck candidates rings the fire station’s ceremonial bell.
“Congratulations!” Leo exclaims.
“Way to go, Captain Chesterfield!” Beck chimes in.
A wave of applause thunders across the crowd, emboldened by the firefighters themselves. My heart fills with pride and love for my husband.
In the eyes of the law, I’m Olivia Chesterfield. In the privacy of our close-knit circle, however, I’m Olivia, wife of Dax, Leo, and Beck in equal and adoring measure. Mother to Anabelle and Anthony, both comfortable under the shade and about to doze off in the stroller beside me.
Chloe and Carlos have gotten closer, especially over the past year. I’m pretty sure he’s going to pop the question soon enough. I already helped him pick out the perfect ring for her.
Everywhere I look, I see hope renewed.
I see the joy in living. Life was never meant to be easy. I know that, but it is meant to be spent among the people who love me the most. My tribe. My family.
“Cheers for Captain Chesterfield!” I shout, as we all stand and offer another round of applause.
He’s overwhelmed and so cute when he’s blushing. Dax rarely blushes, but this is truly a special moment. He worked hard to get to this point, and I know it means the world to him.
“This is the highlight of his career in the fire department, isn’t it?” Chloe asks, watching as Dax’s fellow firefighters take turns shaking his hand and congratulating him while the local reporters snap plenty of photos for tomorrow’s newspaper.
“It is, and it’s well deserved,” Carlos says. “I can’t think of anyone better to lead the Ember Ridge Fire Department, to be honest. Dax is a team player; he’s fair and well respected by his crew. He keeps a cool head and is never reckless. They haven’t lost a single firefighter since…”
“Since the warehouse fire,” I finish, picking up on the hesitation in his voice. “Yes, I know. It’s a good thing.”
“And one of the reasons he was considered for the promotion to begin with,” Carlos replies. “We’re looking at a safer community now that he’s in charge.”
By the time it’s our turn to congratulate my husband, the twins are sound asleep, not giving a rat’s ass about all the people talking and laughing around them. They’re heavy sleepers, and not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for that particular advantage.
They can be a handful, too. Two handfuls, for that matter.
However, I love them more than anything in the world, and Lord knows I’m enjoying watching them grow into the most amazing little human beings. In the meantime, I’m trying to focus on the present—the ceremony and the conversation we’re going to be having very soon.
Finally, we reach my husband, and I’m able to kiss Dax and hold him tight for a moment, while Carlos and Chloe stay back with our kids.
