Page 105 of Stuck with my Brother's Firefighter Besties

The kind of thing that could turn my life upside down even more than it already had.

But when I thought about Jaxon’s fiery protectiveness, Ryan’s quiet strength, and Colt’s playful resilience, the fear didn’t feel as overwhelming.

I wasn’t just drawn to them… Ilovedthem.

Each of them.

And they loved me, too, in their own ways. I could feel it in every touch, every look, every unspoken promise that they would stand by me, no matter what.

If I was brave enough to reach for it.

Biscuit barked softly, breaking me out of my thoughts, and I smiled down at him. “What do you think, buddy? Is it crazy to think this could actually work?”

He tilted his head, as if weighing my question, and let out another bark.

“Yeah, I thought you’d say that.” I sighed, but it wasn’t a sigh of defeat.

It was a release.

After a quick breakfast and a walk with Biscuit to settle my nerves, I got in my car and drove over to find the men.

I had a feeling they’d be at Colt’s place because it was nearest to the police station. I just hoped they were all together.

The closer I got, the more the nerves kicked in.

Determination had been easy in the safety of my room, but now, staring down the reality of telling all three of them what I wanted—what I hoped they wanted, too—felt overwhelming.

When I pulled up, I noticed Jaxon’s truck in the driveway, Colt’s motorcycle leaning against the side of the garage, and Ryan’s Jeep parked next to the curb.

They were all here. Perfect.

Or terrifying.

“Okay, Biscuit,” I said, glancing at him in the passenger seat. “This is it. Wish me luck.”

He gave a small woof, tail wagging, and I took that as a good sign.

I stepped out of the car with my faithful corgi in tow and walked up the pathway, my heart pounding as I knocked on the door.

Colt answered, his face lighting up when he saw me.

“Hey, Trouble,” he said with a grin, leaning casually against the doorframe. “To what do we owe the honor?”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the smile that crept onto my lips. “Is everyone here?”

“Yeah, we’re in the kitchen. Come on in.”

He stepped aside to let me in, his playful energy as comforting as ever.

The house smelled like coffee and bacon, and I found Jaxon leaning against the counter, mug in hand, while Ryan stood at the stove, flipping pancakes. It was such a normal, domestic scene that I almost forgot why I was there.

“Morning,” Jaxon said, his blue eyes locking onto mine. “You okay?”

Ryan glanced over his shoulder, his expression softening when he saw me. “Hey, Lila. You want some coffee? Breakfast?”

I let Biscuit loose to sniff and shook my head, my hands fidgeting at my sides. “No, I’m good. I actually… I need to talk to you all.”

The casual atmosphere shifted instantly. Jaxon straightened, setting his mug down, while Colt’s playful grin faded into something more serious. Ryan turned off the stove, wiping his hands on a towel before leaning back against the counter.

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