Page 49 of Rescue
Epilogue
I raise my beer and cheer along with the crowd when Penny says yes to Miles. Anyone who has half a brain can see that the two are meant for each other. I might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I can tell true love when I see it. I never would have thought the two of them would make a great match, but now that I’ve seen them together, there’s no denying their love. Miles was decimated when Caroline died. We did our best to hold him together afterward, but as it turns out, brothers don’t know much about healing a broken heart. I never could have imagined that one of my best friends from childhood would be the person to help him overcome his issues, but she’s been a miracle worker. Miles is a whole different person now and I know we have her to thank for it.
Someone turns on a sappy slow song and the newly engaged couple take to the makeshift dance floor for a celebratory dance. I watch as they hold each other close and sway to the cheesy music, not paying the crowd any mind. Miles whispers something in her ear and I see her blush and whisper something back. If I didn’t love them so much, I’d be nauseated. A scene like this would usually send me to the bar for a shot of something strong, if only to drown out the sounds of love pouring into the room, but for reasons unknown to me, I don’t have the urge to do that tonight.
After a minute or two, a few other couples join them on the dance floor including Mom and Dad. I search the room to see if I can find my brothers. I spot Brody immediately across the room in line at the buffet with Ms. Mabel right next to him. I see his eyes bulge at something she says to him, and his face reddens. He looks up and instantly locks eyes with me, silently begging me to come save him. I chuckle to myself and raise my beer at him. His look turns annoyed and, if I’m not mistaken, he gives me the finger under the plate he’s holding.
Still laughing, I continue my search of the room for Mason, but I can’t find him anywhere. I know I saw him right before the proposal, so I assume he ducked out. He’s not great with crowds, and even worse with public displays of affection. I’m honestly surprised he even showed up, except I know he’s done a lot of work here at the cafe in the last year, getting it polished and shined after Penny took over for her Nana. I’m sure he felt like he had to come, though I know no one would have held it against him.
My eyes keep getting drawn back to the bride and groom to be, and I find myself slightly envious. I might be known as a ladies man, and I’ve chased enough tail to earn the nickname, but I’ll admit that what Miles and P have looks awfully good. I’m not saying I’m ready to pick a lady and wife her right here and now. Let’s not be crazy. I’m just saying that finding someone who loves you like they love each other is rare and if I were to find someone like that, I don’t think I’d be able to turn it down.
I love hanging out with my brothers and the guys from the station, don’t get me wrong, but falling into bed with a special lady is unparalleled. Or I think it would be anyways. A few times, once in particular, I thought I’d found someone worth getting to know. As it turned out, she didn’t feel the same way. Can’t say I blame her too much. Maybe I’m just not the settling down kind of guy.
If it’s all the same, I should probably just throw myself into work and make my career the best it can be. I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter and now that I have the job, I’m ready to move up the ranks. That makes this training in the city next month even more important. The more I train the easier it’ll be to get promoted. It’s competitive, but I love a good competition. If all goes to plan, this time next year I’ll be the youngest Lieutenant in the region. I just have to keep my eye on the prize and avoid distractions. That shouldn’t be so hard, right?
