Page 15 of Fire Bear

His words made her heart flutter.

Chapter

Ten

The Fire Patrolstation buzzed with energy. Families and groups of friends gathered around steaming pots of chili. Bright posters emblazoned with “Fire Patrol Chili Cookoff” hung from the walls. Children craned their necks to peer at the big engine on display, their parents smiling as Ash waved them in.

A small table held safety brochures, volunteer sign-up sheets, and a donation jar labeled “Station Upgrades,” though a smaller note indicated that half would go to local charities. It made him smile. Hosting this chili cookoff was not just for fun; it was a way to raise funds and build goodwill between the station and the community.

He heard someone call, “Hey, Chief!” from the center of the room. Kyle, wearing an apron that said “Too Hot to Handle,” waved a ladle in mock salute. Erin, Alec, and Jake stood near him, each guarding a pot of steaming chili.

They wore matching aprons with playful slogans, courtesy of the station’s sense of humor. Ash approached them, weaving through a group of neighbors carrying paper bowls filled with chili samples.

Kyle offered a broad grin, brandishing his ladle at Ash. “You know we can’t name a winner without the Chief’s official taste test.”

Ash chuckled. “I wouldn’t miss it.” He eyed the four pots on the competition table. “Which one do I start with?”

“Start with mine,” Kyle insisted, excitement dancing in his eyes. “I promise it’s better than last year. I used more spices this time.”

Jake let out a dramatic sigh, gesturing toward the pot in front of him. “You’ll end up deciding my chili is top tier, but I’ll humor Kyle.” He wore an apron reading “Smoky Perfection.” “Don’t let him fool you. My chili is the only real contender for a trophy.”

Erin stood with arms crossed, wearing an apron that read “Healthy and Proud.” “Both of them are missing the point. My chili is balanced and good for you, but it still has flavor. Wait until you try it.” She cast a pointed look at Kyle and Jake, who had been bragging about their spice levels. They smirked.

Alec stood quietly. He wore an apron that said “Slow Matters.” He caught Ash’s eye and gave a calm shrug, letting the others have their banter. The rich aroma of slow-cooked chili, onions, and spices filled the air.

Ash grinned at the station’s cheerful energy. He had handled plenty of high-pressure rescues with these firefighters, but events like this showed him a different side of station life. He was about to respond when a voice called his name from behind.

He turned to see his siblings entering the rec room. Reed gave Ash a playful salute. Ivy walked beside him, scanning the room with curiosity. Holly followed, wearing a bright blouse that matched the warm atmosphere. The three of them came over.

Reed took a theatrical sniff. “Chili mania in full swing,” he announced, leaning in to give Ash a quick, brotherly hug.

Ivy adjusted her glasses, admiring the pots. “This is wonderful. I can’t wait to sample everything. I’ll try not to pick a winner too quickly.”

Holly laughed. “I’m picking a winner right now, just based on aroma.” She moved down the line with Elias, inhaling the scent of each chili, then scrunching her nose in mock seriousness.

Before Ash could say more, the crowd shifted, and Eliana stepped in. Her gaze locked onto him, and her smile widened. She wore a casual outfit with an orchard logo jacket. She hurried up to him, placing a quick kiss on his cheek. The affectionate gesture made his crew grin.

A wave of delight and mild self-consciousness washed over Ash. He introduced Eliana to his siblings and Elias.

“It’s so good to meet you,” Ivy said, reaching out to grasp Eliana’s hand.

“Now we can double date,” Holly said. Elias grinned at his mate.

“I can’t believe Ash signed up for mate.com and found his mate in one day,” Reed said.

Eliana blushed and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m really beginning to enjoy this whole fate thing.”

Ash stifled a laugh. “All right, time for taste testing. Let’s start with Kyle’s pot but be prepared for big talk.”

They approached Kyle’s station. He invited them to scoop out portions, boasting that his new five-pepper blend created the ideal heat harmony. Eliana took a small sample, blew on itcautiously, and tasted. She widened her eyes, swallowing with care. “That is definitely a blend. You said five peppers, Kyle?”

He nodded proudly. “Some are local, plus my cousin’s special chili peppers.”

Jake drifted over, brandishing a spoon. “Don’t let him fool you. My chili is the real crowd-pleaser, known as ‘Smoky Perfection.’”

Ash ladled a small bowl from Jake’s pot, then stepped aside to allow Reed, Ivy, and Holly access. Reed joked about writing a short jingle for whichever chili made him sweat the most. Ivy tried a spoonful, wincing at the heat, while Holly declared it tangy in a good way.

It was Erin’s table next. She explained how she used fresh tomatoes and cuts of farm-fresh meat. “Just wait until you try it.” She cast a glance at Kyle and Jake, who had been bragging about their spice levels.

---