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“Send EMS buses up to the ski lodge,” I scream into the radio.
I start praying as I climb closer to the edge of the burn.
Please, God, keep my men safe.
Maxi
Ididn’t sleep a wink.
I tossed and turned all night, wrestling with whether or not I was making the right decision.
Truth be told, I’ve fallen in love with this town. Every single time I made my way out to the fishing shack, I grew more attached to the place.
Erin called me one of her best friends. I’ve never had a close friend before, much less four.
And then there is Corbin. I never meant to catch real feelings for him, but how could I not? He brought me a fire extinguisher and a fucking bouquet of carbon monoxide detectors, for goodness’ sake. He owns the coolest car I’ve ever been in, and he let me drive it. He’s sweet and thoughtful, he saves lives for a living, and he is the sexiest man alive.
Damn him and those soulful eyes, rock-hard abs, massive cock, and talented tongue.
I never stood a chance.
The least I could have done was waited until he was off shift and sat him down to tell him my plans.
Instead, I blurted it out after he gave me the best day of my life, riding carousels and spending a king’s ransom to win me a gigantic bear.
I’m such a bitch.
The worst part is, I’m no better than Susanna. I’m running, too, and he deserves better.
I pour myself a cup of coffee, click the television on and begin to mentally make a game plan for the day. First, I need to shower and dress. Then I’m going to go by Rocky Pass and let the girls know what’s going on before the real estate listing hits the paper and they see it.
I’m rinsing my coffee mug when the television starts sending out an ear-piercing sound. I walk into the living room to see that Balsam Ridge Emergency Services is reporting a wildfire spreading right now across about four hundred acres on Plott Mountain. It remains very active, and homes could potentially be threatened. Winds are not helping. Around nine fire departments have responded, including the Tennessee Forest Service chopper and air tanker. This fire broke out around two o’clock this morning with immediate response from Valley Fire and Rescue. The Balsam Ridge Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services are also on scene.
I grab my phone and typelocal wildfirein the search engine.
Smoky Mountain News reports an evacuation order has been issued for residents who live on the mountain above Cloverleaf Road. This is due to a fire on Plott Mountain in Balsam Ridge, Tennessee. All evacuees and relatives are urged to gather at town hall to await further instruction.
The news outlet also reports some homes have been damaged and they are working to get additional information from Balsam Ridge Emergency Services.
Panic immediately hits me.
Corbin.
I grab my keys and race to town hall.
I walk into the building, and it is filled with frantic people.
I spot Sara-Beth behind a table, unpacking water. I make my way over to her.
“Oh, Maxi,” she wails.
I go around to her, and she clasps her arms around my neck.
“I just saw on the television. What’s happening exactly?” I ask.
“We don’t know. The last update we got was that some of the men were trapped by the fire. We don’t know who or how many at this point. Hilton and Graham are on their way to the base camp. They’re going to try to get through and find out something,” she cries.
“Oh my God,” I murmur.
