Embracing Today, a firefighter romance: (The Trading Yesterday Series, #3), Kahlen Aymes [essential reading txt] 📗

Every fire crew on the range had been called in and the reporters were kept a good distance away, but their station helicopter had aerial shots of the scene. The red and orange flashing lights of the trucks were scattered up and down the path of the fire, and more of police cars on the roads created barricades so traffic was turned away. There was one reporter who managed to get through and was stationed as close as possible by two of the trucks where there were men and women working to hook up one of the tanker trucks. Water was being pumped at high pressure onto one section of the fire.

The screen flashed with an “exclusive report” logo and the women in the studio transitioned to young woman on scene. I couldn’t help but stare at the screen.

“The dark of night might make rescue efforts more difficult, and we will continue to try to talk to one of the firefighters to ask about their progress,” the woman said but was soon rebuked.

“Get out of here!” An older man in full fire gear came forward waving his arms. “You news people should not be here.”

“Can I just get a statement?” the reporter asked. “Any news on the lost crew?”

“You people. We’re kinda busy, lady” he shook his head, clearly disgusted. “Get out of here. We have enough to do without worrying about your crew. They’ve evacuated the town, so you need to leave and let us alone to do our job! Now!”

“People want to know! Just a couple of questions,” the reporter pushed.

“No. Get out of here, now or I’ll have you arrested.”

Teagan rose and grabbed the remote, changing the channel. “How on earth did those reporters even get in there? The footage showed the roads blocked off by police.”

“Reporters are paid to get the story,” Missy said. “But when people’s lives are at stake they need to back off.”

“Thank goodness, you and Jensen only go into locker rooms,” Teagan said. “What should we watch? Let’s watch a chick flick! It will get help and keep us occupied. Let’s get your mind focused on something else. Do you have Netflix?”

I nodded, reaching for the remote. Soon I had Netflix pulled up and was searching through the movies. “What should we watch?”

“Something funny,” Missy suggested.

I settled on a romantic comedy about a couple who have a wild one-night stand and the woman won’t see the man again and his quest to convince her. I didn’t think I’d be able to concentrate, but both of these women were trying so hard to make me feel better, I’d make a concerted effort.

“Thank you, both. I don’t know what I’d do without you. If I were here alone, I’d probably be a mess.”

“What are friends for?” Teagan asked with a smile, settling in to watch the movie, draping her legs over the arm of the chair as she faced the screen. The big screen TV was the one thing that Uncle Leonard splurged on.

“Friends?” Missy scoffed in amusement. “You two are my sisters! We’re family.”

Teagan nodded, her smile brightening. “Agreed.”

“I’m grateful every day for the circumstances that made us a family, and now you’ll be part of it, Marin. The children adore you.”

“I feel the same about them. They’re great kids.”

“Remi would tell us to just have faith in your prince, Marin.” Teagan laughed.

The movie was starting but I found the two women more engaging. “What’s the story about the damsel thing?” I asked, for the first time feeling a bit more at ease.

“The first time I met her, Remi told me that Jensen needed me to be his damsel,” Missy added. “I found her so beguiling. I think I fell in love with her before Jensen!”

“She asked me if I was Ben’s damsel, too.”

Teagan laughed out loud. “Well, I’m raising a strong young lady, who loves fairy tales. And let’s face it, we all want our men to be strong protectors. That’s what makes fairy tales great. So, we had a conversation about girls being strong. I told her it’s okay to be a damsel occasionally.”

“Right! Because the boys need to protect us to feel empowered, so we have to let them,” Missy explained. “But I have to be honest, sometimes we really do need them.”

“Exactly!” Teagan agreed. “But I want my girls to grow up knowing they can do anything they want on their own.”

I found the entire story so perfect. “But they can rely on their fathers.”

“Yep,” Teagan nodded. “Though, I’m seeing Dylan already take care of Remi already. He’s such a little gentleman.”

Missy beamed. “I raised him right, but Jensen, Chase, and Ben have all been huge influences on him. I’m thankful for all of them, because his birth dad was such a selfish asshole.”

“They’re so cute together. They spar a little, but I can tell they adore each other,” I said.

“They’re best friends and they stand up for each other. I’m very proud of them,” Teagan added.

“I’d offer you some wine, but women who are preggers are exempt!” I smiled, my worry easing. “Though I would have advised against the horseback ride, no matter how gentle the horse.”

Missy grimaced. “I know, that was why I hesitated today, but as far as the wine, it doesn’t mean you can’t! Just leave it to me to completely raid your kitchen,” All smiles, Missy rose and rushed into the kitchen, soon returning with sodas for her and Teagan, and a glass of chilled white wine for me. She made one more trip, finding a bag of Doritos and a box of Zingers. “Sweet or salty?” She held them up, teasing us with them.

Teagan’s face twisted wryly. “Are you kidding? Both. Duh.”

Soon we were all passing the snacks around and getting engrossed in the movie. I felt truly thankful for the fire that brought Ben, and now this wonderful family, into my life. I felt blessed for the first time since Uncle