Epilogue - Flint
Two months later
It’s been slow in the firehouse all day, but I have three hours left on my shift.
Chief Brock walks into the kitchen. “Today’s moving day?”
I nod. “Yeah. Luckily I don’t own a lot of shit.”
“Get a head start and leave now…nothing’s happening here.”
“Famous last words…” The phone starts to ring. Zander walks over to answer it. He’s proved himself many times this winter, and he only has a couple of weeks to go before he’s a fully-fledged firefighter.
“Snowflake Falls Fire Department,” he says. I stand, but don’t put my coat back on. Less important calls come through on the phone, rather than the alarm sounding, but I want to make sure before I leave.
Zander’s listening, a smile spreading across his face. “Sure, I’ll be down there in ten minutes.”
He shakes his head as he hangs up. “You know that new bakery? A couple of streets over from the town square.”
“Oh yeah. Folks were gossiping about it. Wondering how anything could challenge the dominance of the Candy Cabin.”
“It’s the owner, Kyla. She’s got a problem with her fire alarm…thinks it’s a ghost. I’ll handle it. Good luck with the move.”
“Thanks, dude. Hope you get some free donuts, at least.” I shrug my coat on, heading out to my car.
I’ve already loaded it up, but I stop off at my apartment to do a final check. Once I’m satisfied that I have everything, I drive the winding road up to my girl’s cabin. As always, excitement flutters in my chest as I get closer. Poppy does something to me. She makes me feel like I have family now, like I’m an inextricable part of her life. And I love it.
Scamp bounds out when he hears the car. He sits, like I’ve trained him, until the car’s engine is off and I’m out. We’ve been working on his training every day and he’s been on several rescue missions with me up in the mountains.
Poppy comes outside, wearing a red and white checked apron. “You’ve brought all your stuff?”
I nod, gazing at her. She’s so goddamn beautiful I can’t help gawking.
She smiles. “I was just speaking to Kimiko. We can finalize Scamp’s adoption next time I’m at the shelter. He’s ours.”
I whisk her into my arms. “Wonderful.”
She laughs. “I couldn’t be prouder of this failed foster experience. And I’m glad I cut down my hours at the shelter. They have some new recruits, so I don’t think they miss me.”
I kiss her. “Of course they miss you. Who wouldn’t?”
“Come inside. I’ll show you the new decorations I’ve made. And you can sample my apple-cinnamon cake and give me your verdict.”
I pull her closer for another kiss. “Have I told you that I love you?”
“About a hundred times a day. But I never get tired of hearing it.”
“I love you, Pixie. Now let me bring my stuff inside, so you can never get rid of me.” I wink at her.
She laughs. “I love you too. And I’m never letting you leave. You should be scared.”
“I’m terrified,” I say, bending my head to kiss her soft lips again.