Page 38 of The Runaway Bride's Vow

Clara had been by the woman’s side since she’d been brought in. She promised Mabel she would help her find an assisted living apartment. Mabel wasn’t sure she liked the idea, but without having her house to return to, she was willing to give Clara’s idea a try.

Brooke and Selena picked him up, since Brooke’s hand was injured and she couldn’t drive for the time being. On the way back to his place, they’d taken a detour to the site of the fire. He’d wanted to get his pickup and see if the chapel had sustained any damage. He didn’t think that would be the case as there was a reasonable amount of distance between the two structures. But he’d been in the firefighting business long enough to know that all it took was one gust of wind and a burning cinder to spread a fire. And there was plenty of wind on the coastline.

Selena dropped them off in the parking lot. She hesitated to leave them, but she had to get back to the bakery. They both assured her they’d be fine.

They moved to the edge of the parking lot and stared at the yellow tape around the debris from the fire. Brooke slipped her uninjured hand into his and gave it a squeeze. He took comfort in her touch.

The house was completely gone. There was nothing to be done with it but to clear the site and build again. He understood it was so much more than a structure that victims lose. It was all of the family photos and heirlooms.

His childhood home had burned when he was nine years old. It had been devastating for his whole family. The firefighters were so kind to them and collected necessities for them. It was then that he’d decided to become a firefighter.

He knew starting over wouldn’t be easy for Mabel, but luckily she would have a chance to make a new life for herself. Brooke and her friends had rallied around the woman, promising to be there for her and do whatever they could to help her.

“I just can’t believe it,” Brooke said.

This time he squeezed her hand. “It could be worse.”

She nodded her head. “I know. I just can’t even imagine what Mabel is going through after losing absolutely everything she owned. The photos of her husband…”

He released Brooke’s hand so he could wrap his arm around her shoulders and draw her close. When her head came to rest on his shoulder, he said, “But luckily, she has a great group of friends watching out for her.”

“Yes, she does. After you drop me off, I’m going to go shopping to get her some new clothes.”

He glanced down at her bandaged hand. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

She shrugged. “It’s the least I can do.”

“I’ll go with you.”

She arched a brow. “Don’t you need to rest?”

He shook his head. “I did enough of that in the hospital. And I’ve been given some time off. So, I have all day to help you.”

“Aw… You’re sweet.” As she gazed up at him, a smile lifted her lips.

He didn’t know until that moment just how much he needed her to smile. She hadn’t done it since before the fire. The warmth radiated from her face and filled his heart.

It reminded him that he still needed to talk to her. “Let’s go for a walk.”

She gazed at him with a concerned look. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

His throat was still a bit sore and he had a little cough, but other than that he felt fine. “I’m good.”

They made their way to the steps behind the chapel that led down to the beach. For a little bit, they walked along the sand in silence. The water lapped against the shoreline as a gentle breeze blew. It wasn’t hot out, nor was it cold. With the clear blue sky and the sunshine, it was perfect, but not as perfect as the beautiful woman standing next to him.

He stopped and turned to her. “I’m sorry I scared you yesterday.”

She gazed up at him. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I called out to you when I saw the fire. I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to you.”

“I’ll be honest, there was a moment there when I didn’t think I’d see you again.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes. “I had the same fear, and I realized that I still have so much to tell you.”

“I have something I want to tell you too.” He gazed deep into her eyes. “I love you, Brooke.”

A tear splashed onto her cheek. He couldn’t tell if that was a good or bad thing. He prayed it was good.

She held his gaze. “I… I was so afraid I’d never get to tell you that I love you too.”

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