Page 24 of Aspen Heat
"Oh my god, you watchFriends?"
"Best show ever."
"Well, I'm not as manic as Monica was for her wedding. I think between me and my friend Maisie and maybe the Teagarden sisters we might be able to make everything happen."
"Sounds perfect. I want you to have a wedding you'll always remember and keep as the first of the happiest days of your life."
I tug at her arm and she hesitates before agreeing to come into bed with me. I scooch to the side to make space for her and when she lies next to me it's as if we're two pieces that fit each other perfectly. I put my arm around her as she lays her head on my chest.
"I know you're blaming yourself for my injury, but there's no need. Barlowe had it right when he said I know procedure and I knew I was breaking it. When you do that, accidents happen."
"I'm so sorry."
"You need to let it go."
"Okay, just promise me from now on you'll be the best rule follower in the county."
Her words make me laugh out loud. My heart is filled with love for Melissa Stone and I'm going to be so lucky and proud to be her husband.
"I'm not sure I can make that promise. I'll always take care of myself and others, though, to the best of my ability."
"Maybe we should find you a safer profession, then."
"Do you trust me?"
"I do, Aspen. I do."
"Wow, I didn't even need to give you a ring and you're already saying, 'I do'."
"Not funny!"
The doctor comes by and gives us a look but doesn't make Mel leave the bed. He says I need to stay overnight but tomorrow he'll release me. I'm relieved at the news and hold Mel even tighter. We spend the rest of the day making plans and gushing over each other.
I've never met a woman like Mel and my heart is bursting with emotion at having her at my side. I'm not sure what comes next, but with her by my side everything will work out. I'm certain of it.
"I love you, kitten."
"I love you, Aspen."
ELEVEN
MELISSA
Today is an amazing day.I'm serving some lemonade to pass around while the men from the fire department and some volunteers are laying down the foundation for my new house. It's the place where Aspen and I will make our home.
Aspen was suspended for a while and made to take classes and exams and more training, but he's back as a rookie firefighter and hopefully soon a full firefighter. He no longer grumbles and complains when given assignments that are not related to firefighting, but more for the welfare of the community.
I pass around the glasses and am greeted with smiles. I've gotten to know the men from Aspen's unit pretty well and their wives and girlfriends. They've welcomed me into their group and I seem to fit in with them.
They help me calm down when I start freaking out about Aspen's line of work. And they share their stories of raising a family while married to a man that has a dangerous job. They've become sisters of a kind and I enjoy spending time with them.
I find Aspen and hand him the cool drink I have in my hand. He gives me a warm smile and drinks it up in a couple of gulps.
"Wow, I guess I got that drink to you just in time."
"It's scorching hot today, kitten. Thank you."
He's looking especially handsome today and I lick my lips without meaning to. That's always my way of telling him I'm in a romantic mood. He seems surprised at the gesture and his gaze grows heated.
