Deck the Fire Halls

Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ROB

Chuck’s house. Soren’s partner, his best friend.

God, please let everyone be okay.

My instinct was to go, to follow. To see if anyone was injured or needed assistance. But I was standing in Jayden and Cass’s house, at their wedding, and I was so new here. I didn’t want them to think I was being rude...

Then Jayden was in front of me, smiling, his hand on my arm. “You want to go?”

I nodded. “Someone could be hurt. I’m a doctor. I should go... I’m sorry. This was all so beautiful and such a joy to witness. Thank you for inviting me.”

He grinned. “You’re welcome.”

“I feel bad for leaving.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he replied. “Go make sure everyone’s okay.”

“Come on,” Braithe said to me. “I’ll walk you out.”

I gave a nod and went with Braithe. He basically put me in my car. “I’d like to say it gets easier,” he said. “ Every time Colson gets a call out, but it doesn’t. Soren will be okay. He’s very good at his job.”

It hadn’t even really occurred to me that Soren could get injured. I’d seen many emergency service workers injured on the job over the years, but it never really...

Oh hell.

I’d never considered my Soren could be injured.

“Tell everyone I said thank you, and I hope you like your gift,” I told Braithe. “Sorry I can’t stay.”

“I’m sure it’ll be lovely,” he said. “Drive carefully now.”

“I will.”

And I did make sure to stay under the speed limit, even though my mind kept racing, reenacting every accident that came through my ER, putting Soren in their place.

Or Chuck and his girlfriend.

I could only hope that they got out. Not only for their own sake but also for Soren’s. He’d be devastated if the worst should happen.

As I drove into town, the fire engine screamed out of the fire station, siren and lights flashing.

Soren’s on that truck.

I followed, turning onto my street. I raced into my house, grabbed my medic bag, and raced back out. I’d heard Colson say the name of the road and I had a vague idea of where it was, but I didn’t need directions. People stood in the street, all facing the same way, the red lights fading out of view.

I followed, and soon it was all I could see .

Flashing red and blue lights everywhere and a giant orange blaze against the black night sky.

I pulled off the road, grabbed my bag, and then spotted the paramedics. I felt a little foolish to think I’d be the only one there but also very relieved.

The back door was open, lights on inside, but the bed was empty. Thank god. The paramedic had a blanket around a woman who was watching the fire, her face strewn with ash and tears.

“Hello,” I said, addressing the paramedic. “I’m Doctor O’Reilly. I was with Soren and Colson when they got the call. I wasn’t sure if I was needed...”

The paramedic woman smiled at me. “Name’s Chrissie. I think we’re good for now.”

“Occupants?” I asked. “No injuries? Smoke inhalation?”

“Two occupants, both got out. Delaney here,” she said, rubbing the lady’s back. “And Chucky. He’s over there.”

I looked over to the fire engine and sure enough there was one guy not in protective gear. It was hard to tell with the flashing lights and raging fire, but I assumed that was Chucky.

“There was smoke coming from the ceiling,” Delaney said, not to anyone in particular. Then she sobbed. “Then there were flames and Chucky knew what it meant. He screamed at me to get out but it went up so fast. He pulled me out.”

Chrissie went back to rubbing Delaney’s back. “Oh, he’s a good one, that man of yours. ”

Delaney nodded, crying, watching as her house went up in flames.

The three of us stood there, unable to do anything but watch. My attention turned to the firefighters. To Soren.

I could pick him out. The way he gave orders, instructions. The way he moved. How he pulled the hose, how he helped hold it as water burst out of it.

How he yelled at Chucky to get back. He wasn’t wearing the right gear.

Chucky stood there, helpless, his hands on his head, watching as the flames engulfed his home. Then he shot a look back in our direction and came running, collected Delaney in a hug.

Then we all watched in silence as Soren and the team did their best. But there was no saving the house. I remembered Soren saying their house was old and they’d been doing renovations...

Old houses went up like tinder.

So I’m sure Soren’s efforts became about containment, ensuring outhouses and garages were saved.

And if I’d been worried about Soren’s safety before, I was wrong. If anything, I got to see firsthand just how capable he was. How safe he was, and how damn good he was at his job.

I stayed until the blaze was almost out, but knowing they’d be here for many hours yet, and knowing there was no injuries—and knowing no one was setting foot in that smoldering and gutted house for a few days yet—there wasn’t any point in my staying.

But just then, Soren ran over. He was in full firefighter gear, sweating under his helmet, and heaven help me, I’d never seen a more attractive man.

He went to Chuck and Delaney, putting one gloved hand on her shoulder, his other to Chucky’s face. “You okay, brother?” He asked.

I couldn’t hear what Chucky said, but Delaney began crying again and Soren put his hand to her hair.

And I was wrong again.

The compassion, the empathy, the pure heart that man had, that was the most attractive he’d ever been.

Then he looked at me, his gaze softening. “Hey,” he said.

“Hey. I just wanted to make sure everyone was okay. Chrissie’s got it all under control. I was just gonna head off.”

He nodded. “Okay. I’ll be...” He turned back to the dwindling fire and billowing smoke. “I’ll be a long while.”

“It’s okay,” I told him gently. “You’re where you need to be. I’m not going anywhere.”

His nostrils flared and he nodded quickly before looking back at the firetruck. “I have to go.”

“I’ll leave my door unlocked for you,” I whispered. “Doesn’t matter when.”

He gripped my arm tight, scanning my eyes as if he was searching for something, trying to say something, but in the end, he gave a nod and walked away.

I went home, showered, and making sure my front door was unlocked, I went to bed. It’d been a whirlwind of emotions. First, like I wasn’t excited enough for the Christmas dinner, then it became a surprise wedding. Such a beautiful, joyous moment .

Only to be cut short by a raging house fire.

Soren’s work partner, his best friend. His brother, as he’d called him tonight.

I was so grateful that everyone was okay, but still... what an awful thing to have happen.

Homes, possessions, and material things could be replaced. Sorely missed, maybe. But people were irreplaceable, the most important things. That those we love are safe.

Like Soren.

I loved him. I was in love with him. The only thing I needed was for him to be safe. Nothing else mattered.

I was disappointed when I woke up alone. I couldn’t deny that. But I understood that he’d probably gone home to crash after being at the house fire site until all hours of the morning. Hell, he could probably still be there.

And I’d meant it when I’d said I’d leave my door unlocked for him, and it didn’t matter how long it took. Like I meant it when I’d said I wasn’t going anywhere.

He had a job to do, and that was something I understood all too well. Not to mention that his best friend needed him right now. So I went about my morning, made breakfast, had a shower, and did everything I could to not think about what Soren may or may not have been doing. If he needed anything, if there was anything I could do, or if, perhaps, I should go over to his place and ask.

But then a truck pulled up out front and two guys went into Soren’s place. Then two minutes later, another truck with one guy. Then five minutes after that, the Hartbridge Fire Department 4WD and Doug went in.

Well, I certainly couldn’t go over there now.

Oh god, a sinking realization hit me. What if something happened after I’d left. What if someone was injured? What if it was Soren?

Oh dear lord, what if something was wrong?

Then I noticed the sheriff’s cruiser pull up and a cold dread seeped into my belly... until Colson and Braithe climbed out. Colson went next door to Soren’s, and Braithe headed to my house.

I opened the door before he could knock. “Oh, hi,” he said.

“I saw you coming,” I admitted. “Please come in. I’ve been watching all the vehicles pulling up next door.”

“Yes, Colson was coming down and I knew you lived next door, so I thought I’d drop in and see how you were. And also thank you for the amazing Secret Santa gift. I almost cried when I opened it. It couldn’t be more perfect.”

“Oh, I’m glad. Soren did the Union Jack. He has more patience than me, apparently. And skill for such things.”

He gave me a curious look. “Have you not spoken to Soren? If you’re watching next door...”

“Not since last night. I left after midnight. They had the fire almost out and I didn’t want to get in anyone’s way. Did something happen?”

I don’t know why I asked him, but maybe Colson had heard.

“No, not that I know of. Chuck and Delaney stayed at Soren’s last night. Nowhere else to go,” he said with a frown. “Everywhere’s booked with the holidays.”

God, I felt so foolish. “Oh, of course.” Of course they’d be staying with him. “I worried something had happened, and I didn’t want to go over there and for his colleagues to think I was being nosey.” I shrugged. “Still not sure on acceptable dating etiquette, or small-town etiquette. Or any of it, to be honest.”

Braithe gave me a fond smile. “You’re doing fine. All I know is Colson and Ronnie, the police chief, and Doug and Soren have to go back to the burned-out house this morning. It’s investigative procedure or something. But all the guys are coming to see Chuck and Delaney, that’s what they do.” He gave me a reassuring smile. “When Colson went in the frozen river last year, all the police on duty came around to check on him.”

“He went in the frozen river?”

Braithe nodded. “He did. Saved a boy’s life.”

“Oh my god.”

“At the Christmas street party. You’re coming to that, right?”

“Uh, I think the kids at the center were talking about that, yeah.”

His eyebrows did a little flick. “Soren will be there in the fire engine, in full uniform.”

I had flashbacks of him last night, in full uniform, sweaty, barking orders... “Well, then I should probably go.”

He laughed. “It’s a great night. Lots of families, street food, Santa photos.”

“Really? ”

“Yes. And it’s Clay’s dad. And let me tell you,” Braithe said with a pointed look. “Picture a silver fox lumberjack, and then put him in a sexy Santa suit.”

“Oh.”

Braithe laughed. “Yeah.”

“Gunter never told me that.”

He waved a hand at me. “He probably shouldn’t think of his father-in-law in that way.”

“True.”

Just then there was a knock at my door. I rushed to open it, hoping it was Soren. But no, it was Hamish.

“I come bearing gifts,” he said, holding a gift bag.

“Come in.”

He stepped inside. “Oh my god,” he said. “Your house is so lovely. It’s just the cutest thing.”

“Oh, thank you,” I said, a little embarrassed.

“I have your Kris Kringle gift, and I also brought some cookies,” Hamish said. “But I mean, I also want all the goss on the house fire. Please tell me no one was hurt.”

“No, thankfully,” I replied. “But the house was totally destroyed.”

Hamish put his hand to his heart. “Oh, those poor people. Especially just before Christmas. I’m sure Ren will help organize something for them. Everyone in this town will look after them.”

I waited for a punchline, given that Hamish was notoriously funny, but there wasn’t one. He was serious. This town would look after them, and I loved that.

“Anyone for coffee?”

“Yes, please,” Hamish said. “You need to open your gift because you had Jayden as your Secret Santa and he makes the best stuff.”

“Oh, Hamish,” Braithe said, following us into the kitchen. “Did you not know about their surprise wedding?”

He gasped. “No! I can’t believe he kept that from me. I’m going out to his place after I leave here to catch up with his parents. Oh my god, as soon as I saw them, and then the minister, I just knew!” He shook his head. “I’m still not sure if I should be offended he didn’t tell me or impressed that he managed to keep it a secret from me.”

I chuckled at that. “Are they having a honeymoon? Or are they perpetually busy?”

Hamish put the gift bag on the kitchen counter. “They’ll be working through the holiday period, then having a short honeymoon in Australia with Jayden’s family.”

“How lovely,” Braithe said.

Hamish sniffed. “Well, I’m still mad that I didn’t know. I told him he’s making me lunch as penance. Though his real penance is me wearing that godawful sweater that I thought was funny, and it will now grace every wedding photo of his for all eternity.” He sniffed. “And now I will be wearing casual suit attire to every dinner we have in case anyone else wants to spring a surprise wedding on us.”

Braithe sighed. “It was so beautiful though.”

“It really was,” I agreed. “I was sorry to have to leave.”

Hamish dismissed it with a wave of his hand. “Everyone understands. After all, it’s to be expected when we have one deputy, one firefighter, and a doctor in our midst.”

I smiled as he handed them both a coffee and made one for myself. Hamish took a container from the gift bag and opened it. Inside were Christmas sugar cookies in all shapes: stockings, trees, snowflakes.

“You made these?” I asked.

He nodded. “Every Christmas.”

The icing and decorations were so pretty. I plucked a red stocking cookie off the top. “Thank you.”

“And this,” Hamish said, taking a heavier box from the bag, “is for you and Soren. Your couple was Jayden and Cass, so you know whatever is in this is amazing. I totally didn’t peek.”

I laughed because it was obvious he totally did.

Inside the box were four small mason jars with ribbon tied around the lid and a small tag. “Gingerbread syrup.” I read one tag as I took the jar out. It was heavy, the contents dark. Then another jar was full of what looked like marmalade. I read the tag out loud. “Spiced oranges.” Then I remembered the rule of the gift exchange. “He made these?”

Hamish nodded. “He’s very clever. Well, Jayden makes the stuff, Cass jars it and does the labels.” Then he took out the two remaining mason jars, which were the same. “Two of each. For you and Soren, because you don’t live together, obviously, so you each get your own pair.”

Braithe sipped his coffee. “You know a lot about them for someone who didn’t peek.”

I chuckled and Hamish told him to shush .

“These are...” I wasn’t sure what to say. “Perfect.” I cracked the lid on the gingerbread syrup and inhaled the aroma. “Oh my god.” I offered them each a sniff. It was out of this world, and I couldn’t believe these were for me. “I feel bad that all I did was salad servers.”

“No, they’re perfect, you don’t understand,” Braithe said, then made a point of showing me his socks. One USA flag sock, one UK flag sock.

“He cried,” Hamish said.

“I got a little teary,” Braithe said indignantly.

Then there were loud footsteps across my front porch and the door opened. “Rob?” Soren called out. He was wearing his work pants and a gray T-shirt under his fire department jacket.

I put down my coffee and poked my head out from the kitchen just as Soren came stalking in. He didn’t stop, didn’t even hesitate. He threw his arms around me, picked me up, buried his face in my neck, and held me so tight. “Oh,” I said, breathless.

Oh wow.

“I was going to come over,” I whispered. “But I didn’t know if I should. I didn’t want to distract you in front of your crew.”

Soren set me back down, his hands quickly cradling my face. “I’m sorry. I was going to come see you last night but Chucky and Delaney are staying at my place and by the time I got them home, it was far too late. I have to go now, back down to the fire site. I’ll be gone all day. I just... I just needed to see you. After what you said last night...” He shook his head, his eyes imploring.

What I’d said last night .

I’m not going anywhere . . . I’ll leave my door unlocked for you . . . Doesn’t matter when.

Soren swallowed hard. “It meant so much. I needed to tell you that. It was exactly what I needed to hear.” He pressed his lips to mine, my heart squeezing...

Until someone cleared their throat.

“Don’t mind us,” Hamish said.

Soren’s head snapped up. He’d clearly not even realized they were there, standing in the kitchen doorway, watching, smiling.

“Oh, I didn’t know...” he said, now smiling at me.

Hamish bit into a cookie. “No, please continue.”

Soren laughed, his eyes soft when they met mine. “I won’t be done till late. There’s a whole procedure.”

“It’s okay. I’ll make you dinner.” Then I remembered... “I’ll make enough for Chuck and Delaney too. I’ll bring it over.”

He exhaled loudly, his smile a little sad. “You’re amazing. But I have to go.”

“Okay. Go be the best captain you can be.”

He kissed me again, and when he got to the door, he stopped. He paused for a second, then turned around and came right back, took my face in his hands, and kissed me, hard. “I love you, Robinson O’Reilly. There is no perfect time to say that but I cannot leave without telling you. I love you.”

My heart stuttered to a stop, as did my breath. “Oh.” Then of course, my emotions manifested into tears, and I nodded. “I love you too. I do.”

He grinned, and outside a car horn honked. He growled at the sound but kissed me again. “I have to go. See you later. I’ll text you when I’m heading home.”

“Okay.”

He raced out the door, down the steps, and ran to Doug’s waiting truck.

And I stood there, my hand to my heart, finally able to breathe, to think.

He loves me. He told me he loved me, and I said it back to him, and I was teary and sweating for some reason.

I think I laughed.

I turned around and Braithe was grinning at me, teary-eyed himself.

Hamish cocked his head, squinting at me. “Your name is Robinson?”

I spent the afternoon on cloud nine. As if I were walking on air, breezing around my kitchen, cooking up a storm.

When Soren texted me to say he was finally heading home, it was after four. I gave him time to get through the door at least, and then with a carry bag in each hand, I went over to his place.

He opened the door, sighing and smiling all in one. He pulled me inside, cupped my face, and planted a kiss on my lips. “Hey.”

Realizing only then that Chuck and Delaney were in the living room watching, I blushed ten shades of red. “Oh, hi.”

They both kind of waved. They both appeared exhausted, drawn out, and I had to wonder if Delaney had stopped crying yet.

“I made food,” I said, holding up the bags. “Enough for a few meals, so you don’t have to worry about cooking. I’m very sorry about your home,” I said to Chuck and Delaney. Sorry felt such an inadequate thing to say.

Soren took one of the bags, looking inside. “You made all this?”

“I did. There’s chicken and potatoes, some meatballs and pasta, soup. I figured anything reheatable would be best, given the next few days will be long and busy.”

“Thank you,” Chuck said. “It’s very generous and kind.”

“You’re more than welcome.”

“Come through to the kitchen,” Soren said.

I followed him and set the bags on the counter, and he wasted no time in pulling me into his arms. He just held me, his arms around me like a vise, his lips at my neck. “I’m so fucking grateful for you,” he murmured.

I smiled and when I pulled back, he reluctantly let me go. He kept his hand on my waist though. “Been a long day, huh?”

He nodded, and I noticed then just how tired he looked. “Their whole house is gone,” he whispered. “We saved the sheds, so they have their truck and some farm gear, but nothing else. Not even any clothes. I put them in my room, told them my wardrobe was theirs.” He shook his head. “I hate that we couldn’t save anything.”

“It’s not your fault,” I whispered.

He shook his head. “I know. It looks like an electrical fire,” he murmured. “Started in the roof. There was no way... thank fuck Chuck knew what to do.” He shook his head. “The only thing he could do was get them both out. It went up like a box of matches.”

I pulled him back in for a hug and rubbed his back. “I’m glad he has you.”

Soren sighed deeply, letting me hold him. “I meant what I said before,” he said softly. Then he pulled back and his eyes met mine. “And I’m sorry for just blurting it out. I was trying to find the right time, but then last night happened and you were there, saying exactly what I needed to hear. You’re exactly what I need in my life. I do love you. Pretty sure I did the second I saw you in those flamingo pajamas. I was a goner at first sight.”

I chuckled. “I love you too.” I let out a shaky breath. “I’ve never said that to anyone before, so it’s kinda scary and overwhelming for me. But you have to know, me moving here, to this town, and finding you was the best decision I ever made.” My eyes burned but I refused to cry. “It’s as if this town, as if you, are fixing something in me that you didn’t break. I feel... alive. Happy.”

He smiled, his gaze soft and warm. “I fucking love you.”

I kissed him softly, but then something he said clicked. “When you said you gave them your room... Where are you sleeping?”

“On the couch,” he said quietly. “It’s fine. More than fine. Just until we can get them a new bed. I can’t have them sleeping on the couch while I have a queen-sized bed to myself.”

“Sleep at my place,” I offered. “Just until you get them organized.”

He smirked, his tired eyes slow blinked. “Your bed, huh?”

Then his stomach rumbled, making me laugh. “Have you eaten anything today?”

He made a face which told me no, he hadn’t.

“Then let’s get you fed.”

We settled on the pasta for dinner and the four of us sat at Soren’s dining table and ate. They were all so exhausted, but I was pleased by the end of the meal that Delaney had given Chuck a few sad smiles.

With the belly full of carbs, they were a hot shower away from sleeping for twelve hours. Soren wasn’t much better.

Once we’d cleared the plates away, Soren came out with an overnight bag.

“Whatcha doing?” Chuck asked.

“Gonna sleep at Rob’s,” he said. “I’ll just be next door if you need anything.”

Delaney frowned, teary-eyed again. “No, we can’t kick you out of your own house.”

Chuck quickly pulled her in for a hug. “It’s okay, baby. Pretty sure it’s not an inconvenience for him.”

Soren chuckled. “No, it is not. I spent more nights at his place these last two weeks than here anyway. Believe me, it’s no hardship.”

She relented a small smile. “I really do appreciate everything, Soren,” she said, gesturing to the clothes she was wearing. Which were clearly men’s sweats. “Everything.”

“Anytime.” Soren held the door for me. “See you both in the morning. Use anything you need. I would say that includes my condom and lube supply—” Then he held up his overnight bag. “—but I’m taking it all with me.”

“Oh my god,” I mumbled, face flaming.

Chuck laughed, holding Delaney in a warm embrace. “And I would say have fun, but I think we all now know that’s a given.”

Soren laughed as we left, closing the door behind us. And when we got home, I’d have liked to think we were going to put a dent in that condom and lube supply, but he was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open.

“You need a hot shower,” I prompted. “And sleep.”

He pouted. “I need to hold you all night.” Then he shrugged. “And just for the record, if I happen to wake up and you’re naked and pressed against me, I will not object. I also will take that as an invitation, so if you don’t want that, maybe wear some pajamas.”

I snorted. “Naked it is, then.”