Page 7 of Fire Bear

He hovered over the “Send” button, heart thudding. Realizing he had stared at the phone too long, he inhaled and tapped. The message vanished, replaced by a small confirmation note that it had been delivered.

In the hush of his truck, he felt every beat of his heart as if it echoed off the windows. He started the engine, pulled away from the station, and headed along a forest road that curved through dense pines. The evening sun painted the treetops shades of brilliant orange.

Moments later, Ash pulled onto a small gravel turnoff where he often stopped to clear his head. Turning off the engine, he listened as the truck’s metal ticked softly in the hush, the day’s heat dissipating into the cool mountain air. From here, the distant foothills of Fate Mountain unfurled in dark silhouettes.

The sunset blazed on the horizon, highlighting the ridges and valleys. It reminded him of why he loved this land. It was quiet, steadfast, and full of mysteries he felt compelled to protect.

He pulled his phone from his pocket. As soon as he unlocked the screen, it chimed. One new message. Heart thudding, he tapped the notification. Eliana had texted him back.

Eliana: Hey Fire Bear, I hope I’m not texting too late. Just wanted to say, I’m excited you’ll come to the festival! How does four o’clock sound?

Ash’s lips curved into a grin. His thumbs hovered over the digital keyboard as he considered how to respond, something warm but not too forward, something fun but not corny. He typed, deleted, then typed again.

Ash: Never too late. I’m off duty now, enjoying the night sky. Hard to focus with a 100% match on my mind. Four sounds perfect. Your orchard must be something special if it’s half as intriguing as your profile.

He hesitated. Did that sound too eager? Then he shrugged. Maybe honesty was best. After a quick breath, he sent the text. A minute later, the phone lit up again.

Eliana: Wonderful! The orchard is definitely special, at least to me. Sometimes it feels like it’s my entire world.

Ash inhaled slowly. Her orchard was her life, just as firefighting was his. The parallel struck a chord in him.

Ash: Sounds like we both have big responsibilities. I’ve seen Hampton Orchard from a distance. It’s gorgeous.

He paused, recalling the brushfire near her property line.

Eliana: It is! I’m usually up at dawn, fretting over each leaf and root. Not complaining, though. I love every minute. Maybe it’s like you and the Fire Patrol?

Warmth spread through him.

Ash: Yes, exactly. It can be exhausting, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Protecting Fate Mountain is in my blood. Guess we share that “unstoppable caretaker” vibe.

A short pause.

Eliana: Ha, unstoppable caretaker vibe. I love that. I’ll have to put it on my website bio.

He couldn’t help but laugh.

Ash: I like the idea of being unstoppable caretakers. I’d love to share a cider or two when you show me around your orchard festival.

He was careful not to come off too strong. He wanted to see her orchard, yes, but mostly, he wanted to meet her. Right now. The desire was startling. A moment passed.

Eliana: I promise you cider, the hard kind.

Ash barked a short laugh.

Ash: I’m definitely looking forward to it.

He tapped send, waiting, heart thrumming. Her next reply came quickly.

Eliana: See you at four. ;)

There was something intangible in that winking emoticon. His chest grew lighter, imagining the orchard festival brimming with visitors—Eliana at the center, waiting with a welcoming grin.

Ash: I’ll be there. I’m excited. Can’t remember the last time I felt this amped up about meeting someone.

Then he paused. Too honest? Maybe.

Eliana: Me too. This orchard festival’s already big, but my 100% mate.com match being there feels like a whole new level.

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