The Fireman's Perfect Match Read online

  At the hostess stand, Caleb asks for a booth. I guess his motive, and I’m right. As soon as we are seated, he scooches in closer to me, so our legs are touching. A chill of tingles goes up my body when we touch. I’m still feeling like midnight is going to strike and this all will poof away.

  When the waitress comes, I order the ravioli bolognese and Caleb gets the beef tenderloin with glazed brussels sprouts.

  I tell him, “I still can’t believe you drove all the way from Yellowstone just to ask me on a date.”

  “If I’d have known you were going to kiss me like that, I would have come by a whole lot sooner.” He winks.

  “Well, if I knew kissing you was going to lead to all of this, I would have done it a lot sooner too. I feel like we’ve wasted a lot of time.”

  He says, “Yeah. But now we’re here. I don’t want to waste anymore.”

  He runs his finger along my hairline and down my neck, resting his hand on my shoulder and rubbing gently.

  Then he asks, “So, what were you writing on your porch when I walked up and so rudely interrupted you?”

  “That was hardly a rude interruption. And, you can interrupt me like that any day.”

  I give him a small smile and he slightly raises his eyebrows at me.

  I say, “I was planning out the guest teachers for our summer camp. The camp runs for two-week sessions. We have two sessions in a row, so I have four weeks of guests to line up.”

  “You astound me, Mindy. Every time I ask you what you are doing with your time, you are pouring out into someone else. You remind me of Mom that way.”

  “Comparing me to your mom is probably the biggest compliment I’ve ever had. I know you miss her.”

  “I do miss her. During seasons when we’re on fires, my focus is on what we’re doing, but when I have downtime, she and Dad seem to come to mind and I feel tight in the chest and empty at the same time.

  “It seems like Mom’s death hit Jack even harder. I feel guilty about that. It’s not like I don’t miss them. I miss them so badly it kills me. It’s just Jack is more serious about everything. He lets life drag him under. I tend to bob to the top, move on, and make the most of what’s dealt to me. We’re just different that way, but it makes me feel like I haven’t grieved them enough.”

  I tell him, “Everyone grieves according to their own personality. You and Jack are very different—night and day, really. I know you ache for your parents. Don’t ever judge yourself for your ways of coping or grieving.”

  “Thanks. You know, I don’t really talk about them to anyone. It feels good talking to you.”

  He leans over and lightly kisses my forehead. I blush again. I wonder when I’ll get used to Caleb treating me like more than a friend.

  He asks, “Would you want a firefighter to come teach something at summer camp? I can teach fire safety, tell about what we do, maybe even bring some equipment to show. I could even set up a little training on how to spray at the base of a fire, and they could play with a hose to learn. It’s getting close to fire season, but if I teach early in the day, it could work. It would have to be something I could back out of if needed.”

  “That would be amazing! Can I put you in for the first week—this week coming up? What day is good?”

  “Well, how about Friday since I have already been here this weekend. I need to get back and work with the trainees this week. We’ll more than likely be in fires after this week. I’m pretty sure about that, though you never know.”

  We continue a relaxed conversation through supper. What was I worried about? We have such an ease between us. Nothing has changed, but at the same time everything has.

  The waitress comes around as we finish eating.

  “Can I interest you two in dessert?”

  Caleb looks at me as he says to her, “What do you have that has enough chocolate to kill a moose?”

  I laugh. He really does know me.

  “We have a chocolate brownie a la mode, the chocolate lava cake, chocolate panna cotta, and chocolate tiramisu.”

  I murmur, “Mmmmm.”

  Caleb laughs at my reaction.

  He asks, “Well, what sounds good?”

  I say, “One of everything?”

  “Your wish is my command.”

  “No! I’m joking. Let’s get the lava cake, and can we get it a la mode?”

  The waitress says, “Sure thing. I’ll be right back with that.”

  She brings the dessert and sets it between us. Caleb sinks a fork down into the middle to get a bite with the cake, molten syrup, and a little ice cream all together. He reaches across and puts the fork up to my lips. I take the bite off the fork and let out a small moan at how delicious the warmth and flavors feel in my mouth. He watches me while I swallow. We keep eating, him feeding me bites every so often until we’ve finished the plate and are sitting back satisfied and full.

  When we get to Caleb’s truck, he opens the door and gives me a boost as I get up into the cab. He walks around and hops in. As soon as he starts the engine, he extends his hand, and I take it. He holds my hand all the way home like we’ve been dating since high school, not as though this is our first actual date. We drive through town as the sun starts to slowly drop over the mountain ranges surrounding our valley.

  We walk back to my house along the drive and across the yard.

  Caleb says, “I think it’s a great setup the way your house is offset to have privacy. You have the Morgans up front, too. I hope you feel safe living here. I know being a single woman you have to sometimes feel a little vulnerable.”

  “Thanks for asking. You have such a protective heart. You know Bozeman doesn’t really have a high crime rate, even with more people moving in. I have always felt safe here.”

  He walks me up to my porch and doesn’t waste a second pulling me into his arms. His voice is husky and feels richer than the way he spoke before we burned the friend zone to the ground.

  He says, “I just don’t know what to say. I have dreamed of you—of holding you, of us together – and now I have you here. I hope I never let you down.”

  I say, “You have no idea how many girls wanted you in high school, do you? I’m sure when you parade around in that fireman uniform, women fall at your feet. I’m not blind. But, that’s not why I want you. I have always seen through whatever most of them wanted. I want you, Caleb. Always have.”

  Instead of kissing me, he picks me up by my waist and spins me around on the porch. We both laugh, and then the mood turns serious. He pulls me back towards him, running a hand through my hair. His fingertips pull my chin upward. He leans in, putting his other hand on my lower back, and he kisses me delicately as if he’s trying not to break the moment between us. He kisses my lips, then along my jawline. He moves to spots along my neck. I shudder at each graze of his lips on my skin.

  When his mouth comes to mine again, he is more fervent. He seems to be confirming something between us, letting me know I am his. I respond by kissing him with all I have. I want him to stop questioning this, to let him know I’m not better than him, to give him the confidence in us that he needs. We slowly release one another, and I look up through my lashes at Caleb.

  “You take my breath away, Caleb Anders.”

  “Mindy, you’ve been taking my breath away forever.”

  I ask, “Do you have to run off, or can you sit a while?”

  “Are you offering more time with you? I will take what I can get.”

  “I just thought we could sit on the porch and watch the sunset.”

  “Sounds perfect to me.”

  We sit together on the swing at the end of my porch. I lean into Caleb and he puts his arms around my shoulders. I curl my legs up under me. He pushes gently with his feet so we’re swaying softly. We sit like this a while without the need for words, both taking in the way our relationship feels so well worn, yet totally fresh.

  As the sun goes past the tops of the Gallatin Range, I yawn.

  “I better get som
e sleep. I’m running with Shannon before church tomorrow.”

  “Yeah, and I need sleep too. I’m no good on fires if I don’t keep myself alert this time of year.”

  I ask, “Do you want to come to church with me tomorrow? I’m pretty sure Kat and Jack plan on going.”

  Caleb says, “That sounds like a plan. I’ll see you in the morning, then.”

  He stands. We share a hug and another kiss. There’s deep comfort and familiarity in our connection. Caleb heads down my porch steps.

  “Sweet dreams, Caleb.”

  He shouts over his shoulder, “I’ll be dreaming of you.”

  I stand there watching until he rounds the corner of the front house. I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face if you paid me overtime to try.

  When I get in the house, I call Mom. For some reason I feel like I want to share this new development between me and Caleb with her.

  “Hey, Mom. Did I wake you?”

  “No, honey. I’m up. Are you okay?”

  “Very okay. Caleb Anders took me on a date.”

  “Caleb Anders. Well, I’m pretty sure the two of you have been overdue for a date for at least ten years.”

  “Mom! What makes you say that?”

  “I don’t overstep into that part of your life, but I have watched you privately pine away for that boy since at least the beginning of high school. Not that it matters, but I very much approve. You can’t do better than the Anders boys. Margaret was a dear woman. Jack Sr. was a good man. They raised two wonderful boys. As different as snow and fire, but they are genuinely upright men.”

  “Well, Mom. I shouldn’t be surprised that you saw this coming. I wish I had. I never thought Caleb wanted anything other than friendship from me. He’s so outgoing and uplifting to everyone. I didn’t think his treatment of me was special.”

  “Well, maybe we should have talked sooner. He was in those stands at your track meets and even practices when he could be. I saw him watch you. But, probably best you waited for him to mature a bit, you know?”

  “Because Caleb is a bit crazy?”

  Mom says, “He’s just who he is. And yes. He needed to find some purpose and outgrow some of his wild side. But he’s always had a heart of gold, that boy. I’m glad you two are dating. Did you have a nice time?”

  “He took me to Italian and got me chocolate at the end of the night.”

  “What did I tell you. Upstanding, and apparently sharp. Not much you won’t do for Italian food and chocolate.”

  “Mom!”

  We laugh.

  It feels good to let this age-old secret crush out in the open. It wasn’t hard to hold it in, like a treasure. But now, I want to run around telling everyone who matters. I’m bursting with the goodness of my relationship with Caleb.

  I say, “I better go. I have a run with Shannon in the morning before church.”

  “Okay. You rest, dear. We’ll see you for Sunday supper. I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Mom. Good night.”

  chapter nine

  Caleb

  THIS PAST WEEK SIMULTANEOUSLY flew by and dragged on. How can that be? I felt propelled knowing Mindy is mine. Finally, after all these years she and I are dating. Every time I think that thought I break into a smile. Jared usually chucks something at me if he’s around. He’s jealous, I bet. Or happy for me. Or both.

  Thoughts of Mindy keep me unfazed as I train the newer Hotshots and help them learn the things they will need for our upcoming season. We work out hard in the mornings, running carrying packs, wearing our vests, or doing a demanding CrossFit workout and hitting the weights. Then we go over equipment, run drills, and focus on teambuilding and communication.

  I feel like Thursday won’t come soon enough. It finally does, and I leave in the afternoon to head to Bozeman. I’m going to meet Mindy at Kat and Jack’s. Tomorrow I’m working with her at the camp. It’s a quick turnaround, but any time together is worth it. After this weekend, I most likely won’t see her for a while. It depends on the fires.

  On the drive to Bozeman, I call Mindy.

  “Hey there. How’s the cutest schoolteacher in Bozeman?”

  “Hey, Caleb. You do not know if I’m the cutest teacher in Bozeman. Goodness.”

  “I do so know that. As a matter of fact, Bozeman is too small a title. I’ll go with Montana, or the Northern Hemisphere. How’s that?”

  Mindy says, “You need to stop the flattery. I’m seriously blushing now.”

  “Okay. I’ll stop. For now. Though the image of you blushing does things to me. But, back to why I called. I was thinking I want you to get a ride over to Jack and Kat’s for supper tonight. Kat said she’d love to come pick you up. I have ulterior motives. If you are stranded, you have to accept a ride home from me, and that means I get to walk you to your porch. I’m guaranteed time alone with you which I won’t have with my older brother and his wife chaperoning us at their place.”

  Mindy giggles and says, “Well, haven’t you thought of everything?”

  “I know. Call me a brilliant strategist. So, should I tell Kat yes? She really doesn’t mind. She’d love to see you.”

  “If she really doesn’t mind. I don’t want to put her out. I would enjoy sitting on the porch alone with you, too.”

  “You would, huh? Are you planning on taking advantage of me, Mindy Morse?”

  “No! You are too much. You know that? I just thought it would be nice to have some time alone together. Like last time you were here.”

  “Believe it or not, you’re not the first to tell me I’m too much. I’ll let Kat know. I really can’t wait to see you. It’s all I thought about all week. Jared throws things at me hoping he can douse my happiness. No such luck. Tonight couldn’t come soon enough.”

  She says, “I feel the same way, I looked forward to seeing you all week.”

  “That so? Well, I’m glad to hear it’s mutual. I’ll see you at Kat and Jack’s.”

  “See you there, Caleb.”

  “K. Bye.”

  I hang up with her and have to restrain myself from flooring it. The sooner I get to Jack’s, the sooner I see her. I call Kat and tell her it’s a go to pick Mindy up—leaving out the detail of wanting to ditch her and Jack at the end of the evening. This night is going to be special. I have to make the most of every minute with Mindy with the fire season coming on.

  Once I’m at Kat and Jack’s, I get started cooking and send Kat out to play chauffeur. I plan to wow Mindy with my culinary prowess. I’m making spaghetti carbonara, a Mediterranean flatbread, and Caesar salad. I baked caramel chocolate chunk brownies at the station—because the way to Mindy Morse’s heart is via anything chocolate.

  Being a firefighter has its perks—living with guys is not one of them. Having to cook our own meals has its payoff especially when it comes to trying to impress a certain schoolteacher.

  Jack keeps me company in the kitchen while I cook.

  “I couldn’t be happier for you and Mindy. It has to feel so unbelievable to be dating her after all these years of wishing for something to develop.”

  “It’s beyond amazing. To think she had a crush on me all those years too! It blows me away. How did I miss that, Jack? I mean, we could be married by now if I had taken a clue from her—if she had given me any indication. I just thought she was being sweet like she is to everyone, and she thought I was being charming like I am to everyone. Because you know I’m charming!”

  “You’re something—that’s for sure!”

  We laugh.

  I couldn’t feel lighter. The only thing dragging me down is the thought that fire season is coming up right away and that means I basically won’t see Mindy for about three months. Our romantic relationship just got started and now we are going to have a big break with only sporadic and unpredictable opportunities to see one another. But I’m putting that out of my head tonight. I’m going to enjoy every minute of our time together before I have to leave.

  Kat and Mindy show up right
when the food is almost ready. I hear them on the porch. Jack heads out of the kitchen to open the door.

  Mindy walks into the kitchen first. She comes up to me and gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I feel like I’m literally dreaming. Years of her being around me and never kissing me. Now she does that like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

  She inhales and says, “Mmmm. It smells good in here. Something Italian. What are you cooking, Caleb?”

  Kat walks into the kitchen and Jack comes in right behind her.

  Kat says, “It sure does smell good. Caleb, I would say you might even know how to cook.”

  “Oh, I know how to cook. Just you wait. I’ll have all of you begging for more.”

  Kat offers, “Well, what can we do to help?”

  “You don’t have to help with anything. Just hang right there while I get things out of the oven and we’ll settle in at the table in a few minutes.”

  I pull out the flatbread and cut it, take the Dutch oven of spaghetti to the table, come back for the salad and flatbread. Jack fills our glasses while I set out the food. Once we’re all settled around the table, I raise my glass.

  “To finally getting the girl!”

  They all laugh, and Mindy blushes, but she’s smiling big. We pass the serving dishes around the table. I don’t even eat yet. I’m watching Mindy take her first bites. When she closes her eyes and lets out a small moan of contentment, I feel filled up to overflowing. I did it. She loves my cooking.

  I ask Mindy, “So, what do you think?”

  “This is delicious. I mean really good.”

  Jack says, “Yeah, bro. All those years at the firehouse paid off. This tastes like you could have been through training to be a chef. I’m impressed.”

  “Thanks, guys. I’m glad you like it. So, Mindy knows this, but I want to tell you two. I have an application in to the City of Bozeman for a position with any of the three stations in town. I don’t want to start at the bottom of the totem pole. My work with the National Park Service should give me a leg up for a transfer in at a higher level. I’m waiting to hear. With any luck I’ll be working here in the fall.”