Bonus Epilogue
ELI - TWO YEARS LATER
Chief Roberts stands in front of everyone with me at his side. The entire station, all shifts and their families, are here today for this. Most importantly, my wife and daughter sit front row, pride and love beaming from them as they watch.
“Most young men don’t know what they want to do until later in life, or they come into this job after having some kind of exposure to it.
However, Eli here, well,” Chief Roberts chuckles, “he knew from the time he was in the third grade that he wanted to be a firefighter. Some people would say he was just dressing up or playing pretend. But that passion and drive never wavered. He went to college and earned his degree in fire science. When he joined the department here in Fox Grove I saw in him so much potential because for Eli it’s not just a job, just like the other people in this station. ”
Everyone gathered nods in agreement.
“We are a family, a passionate one. This place is a commitment to community, service, and it’s also .
. . a safe haven.” He looks at Wren, who grins at him.
“Nobody knows that more deeply than Eli. That love and commitment to our community, the leadership as a captain, and exemplary skills he has as a firefighter make him the perfect candidate to step up and take my place as the new Fire Chief. In a small town, we have to fulfill different roles and put on many hats as leaders. We are a department that is small but knows how to show up for each other and the people of Fox Grove, and I could not be more proud to have served with each and every one of you.”
“Thank you, sir.” I shake his hand as the mayor of Fox Grove stands to swear me in as the new Fire Chief.
After vowing to honor and serve, protect and lead, and faithfully perform the duties of the office of Fire Chief, Kendra comes forward and pins my new badge to my dress uniform.
I kiss her chastely and she says, “I am so proud of you.”
Family dinner at the fire station was the way I wanted to celebrate my promotion. We had all chipped in to have Gino’s cater the meal so nobody had to worry about being stuck cooking and could just enjoy the day like we have done many meals before.
The fire spouse chat—led by my wife of course—organized the day and hung a huge hand-painted banner that read Congratulations, Chief Hargrove.
“You truly are the fire station daddy of all daddies now, aren’t you?” Rem asks, standing next to me and looking up at the sign.
“Oh shut the hell up.” I laugh, grinning at him.
“Seriously, I am so damn happy for you. I know that there is no better man for the job, and I am so proud to be here in this station with you.” Rem shakes my hand, and I do my best not to let tears well up in my eyes.
We have been through so much together, and he is my brother by friendship and bond.
“Dada!” Wren scurries up to me, chased by Kendra.
“Slow down, peanut!” I say. “No running in the fire station, remember?”
“Yeah, but I ’wiv here.” She squishes my face in her hands.
“Not really, but running feet are for outside. Okay?” I squint my eyes at her, trying so hard to be stern and not to laugh.
“Ohhhhkay. Hey, Dada?” Wren asks excitedly.
“What is it, peanut?”
“Mama and I gots you a present!” She wiggles excitedly in my arms.
“You did?” I look over at Kendra and smile at her.
“We sure did,” she says and hands Wren a red gift bag with tissue paper fluffed perfectly out the top.
“Can you help me open it?” I ask Wren.
“Yes! It’s a mug,” she declares and Kendra groans.
“Honestly, I am shocked she hasn’t spilled the beans before today,” Kendra says, running her hand down Wren’s long, dark brown hair.
I pull out a white mug with black polka dots, with the word “Chief” in bold red in front of the Fox Grove department shield. The black dots are all a bit uneven and have a little indent to them when I look closer.
“Wren helped me,” Kendra explains.
“Wike this, Dada.” Wren takes her tiny fingers and presses them into the black dots all over the mug.
“Her fingerprints,” I choke back.
“Well she is the fire station baby.” Kendra grins and winks. “And you don’t have a station dog, so I did a Dalmatian-inspired print and used Wren’s fingerprints. That way even when you’re here you still have a little piece of her with you too.”
“God, I love you so much.” I wrap my arms around her and kiss Kendra, licking the seam of her lips so she lets me deepen it. Whoops and cheers go up around us, and we pull back from each other smiling.
“I love you too, Chief,” Kendra says with a sassy smirk.
The End.