Page 236 of Banter & Blushes

The two large bay doors were open showcasing a shiny new fire engine all polished and ready to go, alongside a sparkly new ambulance. “Wow, the County really came through,” Bob smiled at Elva before giving her a nod to begin.

"Welcome, everyone," Elva's voice resonated, warm and clear. "Today, we celebrate not just a building, but a promise to the Landings. We made that promise after last summer and it’s truly humbling to see it come to life today.

Joe, seated in the front row, winked at Elva, a knowing smile on her face. Jill, beside her, gave a thumbs-up. Dozer, sporting a bright red bandana, sat patiently at Mitch’s feet, watching the crowd with his curious big brown eyes.

Elva continued, her gaze sweeping over the faces in the crowd. "This project was a labor of love, a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. And," she looked at the others gathered on the stage, her eyes meeting Mitch’s, "it was a journey of unexpected connections."

A ripple of applause swept through the crowd. The new board of directors and future staff stood proudly, their faces beaming with pride.

Local politicians gave brief speeches, praising the community's dedication and the station's state-of-the-art facilities. “Mr. Mitchell, would you like to say a few words?” Bob turned the microphone over to Mitch. Completely blindsided, he looked at him in shock, “me?”

Everyone clapped waiting for him to speak. He stood stoically poised, with no idea of what to say. “Hello,” he hesitated, staring at the crowd. “I can confidently say that this project and the Landings community who rose to the challenge brought about change that’s much bigger than us. This summer was filled with changes, actually. Maybe more than I care to admit.” He looked across the stage, stopping at Elva. “Here’s to new beginnings.” He quickly handed the microphone back to Bob.

“Aww,” Josephine and Jill both covered their mouths with their hands and exchanged a look. “That is the sweetest.”

“You are all welcome to come in and have a look around. There are refreshments, as well. Thank you all.” Bob fumbled to turn the power off to the microphone before hanging it back up.

Members of the audience stood up row by row, entering the engine bays, marveling at the large rescue vehicles and equipment stocked on the shelves.

A handsome fireman wandered into the building. His hard hair was perfectly parted to one side in a swoop. “Great looking stationyou built here.” Jake extended his hand to Mitch.

Smiling politely he nodded, “thanks.”

Still shaking hands, Jake’s head turned to the side, studying the older man in front of him. “You know, I get it, man. I really do.”

Bringing their hands to a stop, Mitch asked, “what do you get?”

“I mean,” Jake pulled this hand away and rubbed the edge of his neat but scruffy hair on the side of his cheek, “come on. When you’re good-looking men like us, news travels fast. Add in hero status and seriously, we have the girls eating out of the palms of our hands, am I right?” He smiled, waiting for the man to agree.

Instead, Mitch stood polite but annoyed, staring at this young man he’d never met. “I have no idea what you’re talking about or who you are.”

“Where are my manners? I’m Jake Turner. And it feels great to be home.”

“Ah, good for you.” Mitch turned away but stopped himself. Directing his attention back to the fireman. His boots looked just out of the box, barely creased. His navy blue uniform perfectly pressed with his North Shores Station patch freshly attached to his shirt. Mitch couldn’t help but ask, “how long have you had your certs?”

Jake’s chest swelled with pride. “Got ‘em last Fall.”

“So, not even a year?”

“Yeah,” his large smile faded.

“Eager. I can tell,” Mitch laughed before softening and using his hand to pat the back of Jake’s shoulder. “Good luck to you.” He shook his hand one last time before turning away to shake the committee member’s hands waiting to his left.

“Well,” Elva smiled at her best friend Josephine on the landing pad in front of the garage doors. “We did it. It’s all finished now.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Joe motioned that someone was standing behind her.

Mitch’s deep eyes watched her turn. The sun instantly warmed her face. “It feels like just the beginning.”

CHAPTER 18

Drops of rain washed across the beach leaving speckles of wetness on the already matted sand. Elva’s footprints soaked in before releasing, filled to the brim with moisture. Surprised by the rain, she had to admit that she didn’t mind. After the whirlwind day she welcomed the distraction. The dedication went off perfectly. Even perfect still was the ending. But where did it leave them?

“Come here often?” Mitch’s voice behind her startled her back to the present moment. A sudden wet nose nudged her hand and she looked down to see Dozer sitting by her side, his bumper in his mouth.

“Hi,” she turned to greet him. “This is a surprise,” she held her open palms up collecting rain water. “I’m hoping this is just a quick summer storm.” She explained as drops fell harder.

Chuckling Mitch looked up toward the sky and then wiped water from his forehead. “Everything about this summer has been a surprise. But the sun always returns after this, right?”

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