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

Teagan and I had arranged for a public grand opening event that would include a live country and western band, a pony/horse ride and bouncy houses for little kids, and a bonfire. Though, due to concerns from my personal fireman, we wouldn’t be allowing the roasting of hotdogs or marshmallows due to the size of the crowd and the age of the youngsters. Instead, we’d hired Arlene’s Diner to cater in a selection of salads, baked beans and she was setting up a large gas grill and serving smoked pulled pork, grilled chicken and burgers. There would be an assortment of cookies and a big tub of watermelon sections on ice for dessert. We had an assortment of soft drinks, tea, coffee and the option of wine or beer for the adults.

“Did the bouncy houses come?” Ben asked, taking three cookies from the bag.

“Yes, they are setting them up right now.”

“This is going to be a blast. I can’t wait until the family arrives,” he said proudly. “Remi and Dylan asked if we could sleep out in one of them tonight.” The dimples in his face appeared as he flashed me a smile. “If they are too full of air it will be like sleeping on a basketball.”

“It will only be a couple of hours until they arrive,” I answered. “I’m excited to see them.” We’d seen them a few times throughout the year; they’d come out here twice and we had gone to Atlanta when Missy gave birth to Joshy, and it was the first time we were able to meet little Bliss.

“I’m excited to see them, too. Jacey can stay out with us this time, I think. He’s three now.” His answer confirmed what I already knew; he’d committed us to a camp out in the bouncy house.

“Yes,” I agreed.

“Dude,” Davis shook his head. “If it were me, I’d be figuring out how I could stay out there with my lady. Alone.”

Ben laughed. “Well, that’s because you haven’t met those kids. They are amazing!” He reached up and patted my behind. Siri snorted. “Okay, girl. You get some love, too.” He rubbed the side of her neck with his other hand, never letting go of me. “I think that’s a good idea, though.”

A slow smile slid across my lips. Ben’s eyes were hidden by his Ray-Bans, but I knew the blue eyes held a mischievous glint, as he openly flirted with me.

“I gotta say,” Davis began, “Working out here is hard, but not as hard as fighting fires. Maybe Ben had the right idea.” He took off his cowboy hat and ran a hand through his dark hair before replacing it on his head. I could see it was damp with sweat.

I nodded, my hand reaching down to wrap around Ben’s forearm. His hand was still resting on the back of my saddle by my lower back. Touching each other whenever we were close had become natural and second nature; like breathing.

“I’m thankful,” I admitted. Ben had quit the fire department and was working with me to build the ranch full-time but was still a member of the volunteer squad and did go out when needed. It was still a worry, but I’d come to accept that fighting fires, and being a hero, was just part of who Ben was, and I loved all of him. My heart was full, and I was proud of the man he was. I felt cherished every day.

“Just say the word, buddy,” Ben said, giving my butt a pat, then walking over to the bed of his truck to remove four shovels and a post hole digger. “If this first season is anything to go by, we’re going to be busy as hell, and if we have to expand, who knows? God willing, we’ll need a shit load of help. That goes for you two, too.” He nodded at Jake and Mark. “Right, boss lady?”

Ben was teasing me, but I had to admit there was a certain satisfaction to seeing this all come together. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” I said.

“Oh, Ben, I love you, Ben,” Davis teased in a sing-songy voice. The men burst out laughing. “Ben, you’re so strong!”

I couldn’t help but smile and roll my eyes. “Okay, Davis, enough of you. I meant any of you! If you’re not careful, I’ll tell Gina you’re into Ben and not her.” They started dating a few months ago after a few more of our group nights at the Moose.

“She knows better,” he chuckled. “Believe me!”

The men still had several evergreens to plant beside the huge boulders we’d had delivered to make the entrances more elaborate. Siri shifted beneath me, anxious to move around. “It’s time for me to get back. I need to make sure the cabins are in order for our guests.” We’d invited some of our friends to stay at the cabins for the weekend after the grand opening celebration.

Teagan and Chase would share one with Jace and Bliss, Missy and Jensen with Joshy, Gina with Davis, and Mark with his girlfriend. Jake was still single, so he’d have his own, but Chase had also invited his parents and siblings who would round out the trial group. It was designed as a test run for the staff.

Remi and Dylan had requested a campout in the bouncy houses tonight, but Saturday night would be spent in the cabins with their parents. Ben and I would have our own. I was looking forward to both of the coming evenings.

“Don’t stress. It’s just our family and friends. It doesn’t have to be perfect, tonight.”

“But I’d like it to be,” I answered.

“I know, but don’t stress. I’ll see you later, sweetheart,” Ben walked over to say goodbye, and I leaned down to kiss him. He removed his hat and once again his arm slid around my hips, and he offered a pat. “Be careful.”

“Thanks for the refreshments,” Jake called, stuffing one last