“Radar is still clear,” she says, Noah and Emily’s giggles floating outside. “Shouldn’t be coming in for the next couple of hours.”
“Oh my God, you guys. What if he says no?” I ask, scooping some sand into one of the white paper bags and placing the votive inside before lighting it. “What if he doesn’t want to talk to me?”
“He will, Linds,” Lucy insists. “Besides, didn’t your friend who knows Oliver say he’s been moping around ever since you two split?”
“Moping and being willing to hear me out are not the same thing,” I say.
After my mother explained her plan that seemed only mildly crazy at the time, I called Tessa and told her what I wanted to do. She confided in me that Joe told her how sad Oliver was and that he missed me. It didn’t take a lot of convincing to get Joe and the rest of the guys on the crew involved, and now, here I am, waiting to ask Oliver if he has plans for New Year’s Eve by candlelight. More than that, I’m asking if he’s still willing to take a chance with me.
The closer we’ve gotten to the time that Joe will be receiving a nonexistent call about a cat being stuck in a tree, the more nervous I’ve become. A sweeping grand gesture seemed like a good idea a few hours ago, but now I’m freaking out.
A cold drop of water hits me on the cheek, sending another wave of panic coursing through me, binding my stomach in knots.
“Was that a raindrop?” I ask. “Is this a sign?”
“Hey,” Mom says, catching my attention. “You’re doing the right thing, okay?”
“Yes. Right.” I nod and shake out my shoulders.
We hurry to finish setting up, only seconds before we hear the sound of sirens in the distance. Joe said it isn’t something they normally do when responding to a cat call, but for this, he’ll make an exception to give me a heads-up that they’re en route.
“That’s our cue,” Ben says. “I’m going to stash the ladder in the backyard.”
Kayla squeals. “It’s time!”
“I’m proud of you, kid.” My mother reaches out and squeezes my arm. “And I know someone else who would be too.”
Lucy throws her arms around me, rocking us back and forth. “We’ll be up on the porch if you need us.”
“Thank you,” I say.
I blow out a breath and take one last look at our glimmering message before taking my spot at the front of the yard.
Mom’s right. Even if Oliver rejects me in front of my family and half the fire department, it’sstillthe right choice. I’d rather choose the possibility of love than a guarantee of nothing.
The moan of the sirens draws closer and the flashing lights on the truck are casting a red glow over the cloudy sky.
The wail grows louder as the engine comes into view. There’s no backing out now. I can do this. I can?—
A cold shiver collides with my skin, only this time, it’s not from nerves.
It’s a breeze.
Over my shoulder, my family is all smiles, and my mother flashes me a thumbs-up.
The truck rolls to a stop and cuts the siren, and seconds later, Oliver stands in front of me in his uniform. To my surprise, he’s smiling.
“The last time I checked, I don’t have a cat,” he says with a low chuckle. “And though Ace is very agile, he can’t climb trees.”
I shake my head. “Nope.”
His eyes shimmer as he takes in the soft glow of the sea of candles and twinkle lights.
“You did all this?” he asks. “For me?”
“I had a little help,” I say, gesturing back toward my waiting family. “Oliver, I’m sorry I hurt you. What I did…It wasn’t fair to you. I haven’t been honest with you about my feelings or the fact that the real reason I slept through your birthday is because I have a chronic illness and it was flaring up. I should have told you the truth because you’ve done nothing but show me kindness and compassion. I’ve just been so in my head and scared, and the truth is, I think I was afraid because I already knew you were someone I didn’t want to lose. So I panicked and ran.”
“Lindsey—”
