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

“And what’s wrong with that?” Gina poked him in the chest.

“Ow! Did I say anything was wrong with it?” Davis protested.

I couldn’t help the grin that graced my face. I couldn’t be happier that things were working out with Gina and Davis. Her fiery spirit was just what my best friend needed.

“Marin and I are planning on making a thank you toast soon, so grab a drink from the bar.”

When the pair left my side, I walked up to the band and nodded at Marin. When the song they were playing ended, the band waited for us to come up to the stage. My hand reached for Marin’s and my fingers threaded through hers. The lead singer handed me the microphone, but I passed it off to my girl. Jensen walked forward and handed us each a glass of wine as if on cue.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may we have your attention? We just wanted to say thank you for making tonight such a wonderful evening and such a success! I hope my Uncle Leonard is looking down from Heaven and proud of what we’ve done with the place. We look forward to hosting your events and seeing your families with us for a stay at the ranch. We’re so excited for what the future holds for the Teton Valley Ranch.”

Marin handed the mic back to me as the crowd clapped.

“Also, we’ve had a lot of support from our family and friends, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t thank all of you. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks to my friends, Davis, Jake and Mark who have put in a lot of sweat into the build, and to our family who have offered financial and moral support, we are truly grateful, especially Remi and Dylan who offered so many incredible ideas.”

The crowd cheered and clapped again, the sound echoing through the large space.

“Free weekends for life!” Davis shouted from the back of the room. “And we’ll consider it even!”

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Jensen added.

“Hey, hey now,” I answered. My words admonished but my tone was teasing. “Let’s not get crazy.”

The room burst into another round of uproarious laughter.

“Now, we have a surprise for Marin. If you’ll be so kind as to indulge us for about three and a half minutes. If you know this one, join in.”

Marin’s eyes widened, full of questions. “What’s going on?”

Chase, holding Jace on his hip, along with Missy, Teagan, Remi, Dylan, Davis, Gina and the rest of my firefighter friends all joined us on the dance floor, making lines in behind us. Chase’s brother and sister’s families all joined in, as well. Apparently, Remi and Dylan had made it a mission to teach everyone possible the fun line dance.

“Tell them Dylan,” I said, holding the mic down for him.

“We all learned a line dance for my new Aunt Marin. Uncle Ben says it’s an oldie, but a goody! She learned it from her Uncle Leonard when she was about our age, so we gotta keep it in the family. But friends are okay, too.”

Remi, who was standing beside Dylan, leaned forward. “It’s the first line dance Uncle Ben did with Auntie Marin, too, so we’ve all been practicing and practicing so we could show her how much we love her!”

The crowd all burst into a chorus of exclamations.

“It’s the watermelon song!” Dylan announced gleefully.

“He means, The Watermelon Crawl,” Remi corrected, excitement lacing her voice.

Marin’s mouth dropped open and her hands came up to her mouth before her eyes filled with tears. I stood next to Marin and she gave me a tight hug. “Did you teach them?”

“Yeah. On Skype, no less.” I laughed and she smiled up at me, her eyes glassy.

“Thank you,” Marin whispered. “I love you.”

“Back at you.” I winked at her, lifting her hand to kiss it just as the music started when Remi and Dylan rushed up to the stage to be in the front line. It was apparent they’d decided that they would lead the dancing. Others in the crowed recognized the song, knew the dance and were soon joining in.

Happiness showed like a beacon from Marin’s eyes and bright smile as the band played the quirky song and we all danced. Jace was giggling as Chase held him in his arms, dancing regardless. Even my mother joined in, standing between her two grandchildren at the front. When the song ended everyone shouted and clapped. Marin hugged me, then went down on one knee in front of Remi and Dylan and hugged each of them with one arm. “This was so special. Thank you, so much.”

“Aw it was nothing,” Dylan said, casually. “It was even kinda fun.”

“Kinda?” Remi lamented with a grunt.

Marin laughed out loud. “Well, I think it was completely amazing.” She kissed each one on the cheek.

Remi pointed at the lead singer of the band and the soft instrumental version of a song I’d picked out just for tonight began to play.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, before we resume the dancing, Ben wanted to say one more thing.” He took the microphone off of the stand and handed it back to me.

I was holding Marin’s hand so she wouldn’t leave the dance floor as it cleared off; everyone resumed their seats or places at the bar.

I rubbed the top of her hand with my left thumb. She looked at me expectantly as turned to face her.

“Marin, I know I shouldn’t be thankful for a fire that changed your life so drastically, but I can’t help it, because it changed mine, too. The minute I laid eyes on you in the back of that ambulance, I knew you’d change me in ways I never imagined. It was love at first sight.”

The candlelight made her light grey eyes sparkle as tears filled them. I was sure she knew what was happening because her throat constricted as she swallowed and that little crinkle between her brows appeared. It happened when she