Chapter 34
THIRTY-FOUR
N aya sat in her car parked by the firehouse and refreshed her email inbox. The spinning circle stared back at her.
“Any word?” Ingram’s voice echoed through her phone speaker.
Today was Thursday. Two days after the fire at Ethos and Roger’s and Hudson’s arrests. Today was also the day she’d find out who her boss had selected for the promotion.
Drew had told her to take a couple of days off work to recoup, and she’d spent the past forty-eight hours sleeping and rearranging her office space at home, thanks to the painting Zack had helped her do last week.
Naya squeezed her eyes shut, then opened her left eye a smidge. The blurry phone screen came into focus.
She opened both eyes and skimmed the list of emails with the blue dot next to them—a reminder of all the to-dos she had to check off her list.
She scrolled through the list once more.
“Nada.”
“It’s early. Maybe he’s still making his pick.”
“After everything that’s happened, I don’t think I want the promotion.” Sure, the story her boss had originally assigned them could make headlines. Given the people involved and the impact on the community, it probably would. But she’d forfeited that information and handed it over to Tucker. Would the human-interest piece she had submitted instead be compelling enough? It certainly wasn’t what Drew had originally assigned her. “So why am I holding my breath for this decision?”
“You’re a gifted storyteller. You want hope to shine through, and you do it by sharing people’s journeys.”
“That’s exactly what I want to do, but that goal hasn’t been my focus so far.” She’d pursued enough stories where her life was on the line. It had meant discovering stories that would keep people’s attention. And people tended to focus on bad news. No wonder the search for truth had grown exhausting.
“The Lord will show you the way forward. Keep praying and trusting.”
“Right back at ya. How are you doing with everything?” Naya glanced in her rearview mirror, and the sun gleamed off the glass.
The urge to watch her back lingered, and it would be a while until a sense of safety became the norm again.
“Every day gets better. The hardest part is reconciling the Will I want to remember from the good times while we were dating, and the Will who was involved in the massive cover-up and affair.”
“However I can help, I’m here. And so is Jesus. He’ll show you the way forward.”
“I actually just submitted an extended leave of absence from Ethos.” A smile filled Ingram’s voice.
“You deserve it, girl. What are you going to do with all the time?”
“Buy a plane ticket and go visit relatives in India. It’s been too long. I need to get away from the memories here for a while.”
“That sounds like a great idea.” Naya still hadn’t worked up the nerve to drive by Ethos for fear that it would trigger the memories of what she’d almost lost.
Who she could have lost.
The firefighters had worked hard to contain the blaze at Ethos, but the repairs would take months.
The Lord’s grace had been evident over the whole situation. He’d taken the trials and the tragedy of the past and brought something good from them. He’d kept them safe. He’d shown her how to stand up for the truth. And He’d brought Zack back into her life.
She still couldn’t believe Zack had worked to get them out safely and even put his own life on the line to protect her. They’d even worked together.
As a team.
One more scenario that confirmed the kind of man Zack was—selfless, humble, and courageous.
A man she could see herself loving and building a life with.
It might have only been two days since she’d seen Zack, but she couldn’t wait to spend time with him and talk.
“Let me know when that trip is booked, ’cause I need to give you a giant hug. If Coco needs a place to stay too, I have the space.” Naya got out of her car. She grabbed two bags from the backseat and slid them on her arm.
“So, you like my cat?” Ingram chuckled.
“He’s cute. We’ve bonded.” Thanks to the few nights she’d stayed at Ingram’s place in the past week.
“I’m sure he’d be happier with you than boarded up somewhere.”
“Then it’s settled.” Naya ended the call and headed into the firehouse.
Zack wasn’t due on shift for another hour and a half, so that should give the crew plenty of time to pull off their celebration plan to welcome him back. Thanks to Tucker’s and Hudson’s confessions about the article, everything had been cleared, and Zack’s suspension had been lifted.
Naya couldn’t wait to see his reaction when he came into work today. She’d even parked in the alleyway so he wouldn’t spot her vehicle when he arrived.
“Let me grab that.” Eddie met her at the front door and took a few of the bags.
“Thanks for helping me put this together,” she said. They made their way into the common room and spread out the supplies. A “welcome back” banner, streamers, photos from different events at the firehouse, and cupcakes.
Izan made his way into the room. “Just tell us what we can do.” He clapped his hands.
“Right there with you,” Ridge and Bryce said.
The girls followed in behind and nodded their agreement.
Even the foster kids, Karson, Carlos, and Andrew, were here and ready to jump in.
Naya gave instructions for the setup, and within an hour they had everything finished. She stood in the entryway and assessed the display. “This looks great, guys. Now for the last step.” Naya walked over to her purse and pulled out markers and cards. “I thought it would be fun for everyone to write down something they admire about Zack.”
“With all due respect,” Izan held up his hands, “you’re basically asking us to throw away our man cards.”
“A man card?” Karson puffed out his chest. “I want one of those.” He took a card from the stack and sat at the table.
“Me too.” Andrew snagged a marker and paper. “Real men share their feelings. That’s what Zack does with us.”
The crew chuckled and their faces softened. “I suppose I’ll take one.” Izan walked over to sit next to the teens. This was what Naya wanted Zack to witness. The admiration and respect everyone had for him. Not only did he make an impact each day, but he was part of this family.
Ten minutes later, the front entrance chimed.
“Places, everyone,” Naya whispered and waved her hand.
Zack stepped into the room.
“Surprise!” everyone shouted. A few whistled.
“What’s all this?” Zack glanced around.
Eddie crossed the room first. “You’re an essential part of this team, man. We’re glad you’re back.” He slapped Zack on the shoulder and guided him over to the table.
“Does this mean we can dig into those desserts now?” Ridge darted past the rest of the crew.
Amelia swatted at his hand. “Not so fast.”
“There’s something else we want to give you.” Bryce stepped up and handed Zack a frame. “Congratulations.”
Zack scanned the words and his eyes widened. “Really? I passed my hazmat training?”
“You completed all your training hours. And you certainly applied what you learned with your quick action to get yourself and Naya out of Ethos with that butane rocket.” Bryce slapped Zack on the back. “There’s no one else I’d want on my crew overseeing the hazmat unit. You’re officially the team leader.”
Karson, Andrew, and Carlos walked over to Zack and handed him a patch. “This makes it legit too.” Andrew slapped his own chest. “For your uniform.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Zack’s Adam’s apple bobbed.
“Say we can celebrate with dessert,” Ridge piped up.
Zack laughed. “Go for it, dude.”
Amelia gave Ridge a side-eye, but he shrugged. “You heard the man.” Ridge picked up a cupcake.
“Let’s bring it in.” Eddie waved people over. The guys and girls circled around Zack and wrapped their arms around each other. Ridge laughed at something that was said, and Eddie smiled.
Naya stepped back to give everyone space. Zack had found his place among the team, and she couldn’t be happier. He deserved this. After all the loss, he’d found his home.
A few seconds passed, then Zack separated from the group and headed in Naya’s direction.
His eyes locked with hers, and even in the midst of a crowded room, he still managed to make her palms sweaty. Everything dulled to a hum around her, and Naya held her breath.
“Who do I have to thank for this surprise?” A smile tugged on his lips, and the new stubble along his jawline added an extra dimension Naya liked.
Naya couldn’t take all the credit. “It was a joint effort.”
“Thank you, Nay.” The way her nickname rolled off his tongue made her mind go blank. She cleared her throat. “I, uh, have a card for you. Although,” she winced, “I was told those are a serious offense to one’s man card.”
Zack laughed, then his face grew serious. “Looks like I’m about to take a hit then.”
This man had a way of making any situation memorable.
He tucked the card in his pocket, then took her hand in his. “Come with me for a sec.” He guided her out of the room, through the hall, and outside into the parking lot.
Naya turned her back to the sun so she didn’t have to squint.
“Ah, much better.” He gave her a hug, and Naya breathed in his fresh pine scent.
She leaned back but kept her hands clasped in his and looked up. “What is?”
“You. Me. With a moment to ourselves.”
Despite all the excitement inside, Zack had still seen her. Naya wanted to melt in his embrace and forget about all other responsibilities. “Thank you for not forgetting about me.”
“You’re pretty unforgettable.” Zack tilted her chin and ran his finger along her jaw. “In all the best ways. The thought of losing you again…” His forehead creased. “Thinking I might lose you again is terrifying. I don’t want that to happen.”
Naya squeezed his hand. “Neither do I.”
Zack rocked back on his feet. “Do you have any plans tomorrow?”
Naya’s breath caught, but she told herself not to jump to conclusions. “Depends on why you want to know. I’ve had enough excitement to last me the rest of my life.”
“I suppose I could figure out how to make a date extra boring.” Zack cocked his head. “Let’s see. We could?—”
“A date?” Naya interrupted him. Giddiness coursed through her head and brought with it the most pleasant lightheaded sensation. “That’s some excitement I’m willing to have.”
“Well, in that case, can I pick you up tomorrow afternoon at four?” He winked.
A month ago, Naya would have had reservations about saying yes because of the way Tucker—and Zack, or so she’d thought—had treated her.
Zack had changed her mind and shown her that godly, and attractive, for that matter, men still existed.
“I’d be honored.” Naya grinned and wrapped her arms around Zack’s neck.
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Zack lowered his head and sealed his lips to hers, light and unhurried.
Naya leaned into his frame and closed her eyes, letting everything else fade into the background.
Zack had fought for her, and she was ready to return the favor. She wasn’t going to let him walk this path alone. Whatever the next several months brought, Naya wanted to stick by him. And she prayed tomorrow would just be the start.