Page 75 of Inferno
Stan smiled quietly. “But at the end of the day, we all respect and appreciate the job everyone does, and we all know and understand that it takes teamwork to ensure successful rescue operations. No man is an island unto himself, so I humbly accept this award on behalf of all the dedicated men and women who strap on their boots every day and put their lives on the line. And I proudly share this recognition with my comrades at Engine Company 8—”
He paused, grinning crookedly as the men—and Dora—saluted him with a rowdy chorus of howls that drew more laughter.
As the audience settled down again, Stan continued soberly, “Firefighters are often hailed as heroes, but throughout my career, I’ve met so many people whose courage in the face of extreme adversitypersonifiesheroism. People like the Campbells, who lost their home but not their ability to see the silver lining in the storm they’d weathered. I’m moved and inspired by them. And I’m eternally grateful to my beautiful wife, Priscilla, who’s always been there for me, who’s given me fifteen of the best years of my life, and who blessed me with five of the most amazing children any man could ever ask for.” His achingly tender gaze held Prissy’s. “Thank you for making our home a refuge from life’s storms. I love you, baby.”
I loveyou,too, Prissy mouthed back, her heart overflowing with pride and adulation as she gazed at him.
“I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve the good people of this community,” Stan concluded, once again addressing the room at large. “God willing—” He paused, his voice hitching with emotion. After another moment he continued huskily, “God willing, serving you is a privilege I will enjoy for many more years to come. Thank you all, and God bless.”
The crowd began cheering and clapping as Stan moved away from the podium. Suddenly he reconsidered and stepped back to the microphone. “One more thing,” he added. “For those ofyouwho live in the Coronado School District, please come out on Tuesday to vote yes on the bond proposal. Our schoolchildren need your support.” He winked. “Thank you kindly.”
The audience laughed, then collectively surged to their feet and saluted him with a rousing standing ovation as he strode back to his table, where Prissy awaited him with tears shimmering in her eyes.
He handed his plaque to Mr. Campbell, then captured Prissy’s face between his hands and lowered his mouth to hers as a roar of cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.
Half an hour later, they were still stealing tender kisses as they swayed together on the dance floor beneath a twinkling canopy of lights and paper snowflakes. Lost in their own private world, they were completely oblivious to the other couples slow dancing around them to the Gap Band’s “Yearning for Your Love.”
“I’m so proud of you,” Prissy murmured, her arms wreathed around Stan’s neck as his big hands encircled her waist, holding her closer than close.
He smiled lazily. “You know I couldn’t leave that stage without putting in a plug for the bond election.”
Prissy smiled. “That was wonderful of you, and very much appreciated. But you know that’s not what I was talking about. I’m so proud of you for winning the award tonight, and for everything you’ve accomplished in your career. But most of all, sweetheart, I’m proud of the absolutely amazing man you are. I must be the luckiest woman in the world to have you in my life.”
His expression softened. “I’mdefinitely the lucky one, Pris,” he said huskily. “And I meant every word I said in my speech.”
“I know,” she whispered. “Why do you think I consider myself so damn lucky?”
Stan gazed wonderingly at her. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, darling.With all my heart.”
They shared another deep, stirring kiss.
As they slowly drew apart, Prissy sighed with blissful contentment. “Every time we dance together at a formal affair, I’m reminded of our prom night.”
“Me, too.”
They gazed into each other’s eyes, awash with memories of that magical night when their lives had forever changed. The details were embedded in Prissy’s memory as vividly as if their prom had been held yesterday. After she and Stan were crowned prom king and queen, they’d taken to the floor to dance to Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman.” When the romantic ballad ended, Stan had shocked Prissy—as well as their friends, classmates and teachers—by suddenly dropping to one knee and proposing.
Stunned, she’d gasped and clapped a trembling hand over her mouth. As Stan gazed earnestly at her and literally professed his undying love, tears had flooded her eyes.
Without thinking she’d blurted, “Yes, I’ll marry you!”
Because even at the age of eighteen, she’d known that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Stanton Wolf.
As husband and wife smiled nostalgically at the memory, Stan lowered his head to hers, and their lips met and clung. They simply couldn’t get enough of each other.
“Get a room, you two,” Kelvin and Roxanne teased as they waltzed by.
Stan and Prissy laughed.
“You know,” Stan drawled, eyes glinting, “that’s not a bad idea. Weareat a hotel.”
“What about the kids?”
“They can fend for themselves for one night.”
Prissy laughed, shaking her head at him. “I don’t think so.”
