Page 7 of Her Ohio Old Flame

“Yeah,” he said, a flicker of excitement lighting his face. “It’s a new initiative. They’re saying with global warming we’re going to see more wildfires around here. I’ll be one of the first in the region trained for it. The county’s even putting together a specialized unit.”

“That’s incredible.” She was so proud of him. “You’re going to be amazing at it.”

His gaze softened further, his lips curving into a half-smile. “Thanks. It’s weird, though. When I think about fighting fires, I think about staying here in Peaceful. Keeping people safe. But you… you’re going out there to take on the world.”

Asha’s chest tightened at the tenderness in his words. She scooted closer, her shoulder brushing his. “We’re both doing what we’re meant to do. And just because I’mleaving doesn’t mean I’m leaving you. I love you, Zane. We’ll figure this out. Together.”

He swallowed hard, the corners of his mouth twitching into a tentative smile. “I love you, too.”

For a moment, the future didn’t seem so daunting. They sat in silence, the weight of their plans hanging between them but balanced by the quiet certainty that they’d find a way.

“It sounds like a long time,” Asha said, breaking the uncomfortable silence between them, “but it’s not forever.”

Zane nodded, lacing his fingers with hers. “No. It’s not.”

Her mother’s sharp cry of pain pierced Asha’s thoughts, dragging her back to the clinic waiting room. She turned quickly, her heart lurching as she saw her mother struggling to rise from the chair, her hand clutching at her hip, her face twisted in agony.

“Mom!” Asha rushed to her side, easing her back down. Her mother’s breathing was shallow, her fingers trembling as she gripped the armrest. Guilt clawed at Asha’s chest. How could she have let herself drift into memories when her parents needed her so desperately?

“I’m fine,” her mother murmured, her voice thin and wavering as she dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. But the tight lines of pain etched across her face told another story.

“Mom, please, stop trying to do too much.” Asha stroked her mother’s shoulder. She wanted to say more but stopped when the door to the exam room opened.

Dr. Maddy Quinn stepped into the waiting room, her scrubs still crisp and her dark hair tied back neatly. Though hereyes looked tired, her expression was calm, professional, and reassuring. She had the kind of presence that instantly made people feel like they were in capable hands. Asha straightened instinctively, bracing herself.

Asha’s mom gripped the chair tightly as she turned her attention to Maddy. “How’s Harold?” she quavered.

Maddy approached with steady steps, her clipboard tucked against her side. “Your husband’s heart took a hit,” she said. “It’s likely from the shock or smoke inhalation, but we need to rule out any underlying issues. I’d like to admit him to Springfield General for further tests and monitoring. They’ll be able to check his oxygen levels as well.”

Asha’s mom opened her mouth, no doubt ready to protest, but Maddy raised a hand, cutting her off with a kind but firm smile. “And you, Mrs. Williams, need to be transferred as well—for that hip.”

Mrs. Williams shook her head. “But I can’t—Harold…”

“He’s being taken care of,” Maddy said softly, “and it’s time someone took care of you, too.”

Asha leaned down to place a steadying hand on her mother’s arm. “Mom, please. Let’s just get this done. Dad would want you to take care of yourself.”

Her mother looked from Maddy to Asha, her resolve cracking as she gave a shaky nod. “Fine,” she whispered. “I’ll go.”

Maddy’s firm demeanor softened into warmth. “Good. Let me make the arrangements.”

As Maddy left, clipboard in hand, Asha let out a slow, uneven breath. Her shoulders slumped as the weight of the day pressed down on her, heavier now than it had been when she’d first stepped into the clinic. The ticking of the clock on the wall seemed too loud, a cruel reminder of how much time had passed since the fire.

She glanced out the window, where sunlight streamed through the glass, bright and warm against the sterile backdrop of the clinic. Her thoughts drifted unbidden to the man who had carried her father out of the flames.

Zane Parker.

The memory of him was sharp and vivid, cutting through the haze of the day. She hadn’t expected to see him—not like this. Not with soot streaked across her face and panic clawing at her throat. And she certainly hadn’t expected him to be the one to save her family.

Her hands tightened into fists in her lap as she pushed the thought away. She wasn’t here to dwell on the past or whatever Zane Parker might mean to her now. Her parents needed her. That was all that mattered.

But the whisper of his name lingered in the back of her mind.

She hadn’t expected him to be her savior today, but then again, she hadn’t expected to need saving at all.

Chapter Four

The fluorescent lights hummed faintly in the quiet hospital room. Asha sat by her father’s bedside, leaning forward with her forearms on the mattress while holding her dad’s limp hand in hers. Her thoughts were as jumbled as the blankets tangled around his legs. The oxygen mask over her father’s face was both a comfort and a reminder of his vulnerability. He had dozed off mere moments ago, the worry etched into his features softening as sleep claimed him.

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