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It’s been too long since I’ve seen you.
Emmy
It’s been less than 12 hours.
She’s turned me into a total sap.
I can’t help it. I’m crazy about her.
But I’m still nervous. Same way I’ve been all week. Somehow it feels like the results are coming soon.
Before I leave, I check again.
Still nothing.
I drive over to Book Smart and as I park, I glance down at the bouquet of no-reason sunflowers on my seat. I love bringing them to her when I know she’s not expecting it.
I pick them up, get out of my truck, and when I walk into the shop, I’m met by a loud shout of “Congratulations!”
There’s a crowd gathered—Jace, Blister, Turner, Clemons, the Captain and Liz are all in a clump, all holding cups of red punch. My family and Emmy’s family are there, along with The Coffin Dodgers, neighbors and friends, and several other people I know from town.
And they’re all smiling at me.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
Emmy steps out from behind the guys from the firehouse and smiles. She glances over at the captain. “Do you want to tell him?”
Captain Donoho gives her a nod, then steps forward, like he’s the mayor about to make a proclamation. “Well, Owen, we know you’re not big on surprises. Or crowds. Or people—” the rest of them laugh. “But we wanted to properly celebrate this milestone.” He levels my gaze. “Because it deserves to be celebrated.”
My eyes flick to Emmy, who looks like she’s about to burst.
“We are pleased to announce that you are all looking at the newest lieutenant of the Harvest Hollow Fire Department.”
A cheer erupts through the crowd. People applaud, throwing arms around each other and raising glasses in the air. Even The Coffin Dodgers seem to approve.
I. . .I did it?
I look at Emmy. She holds both hands up to her mouth, trying to hold in her excitement. She nods at me, smiling with her entire body.
Through my shock. . .I nod back and mouth thank you.
The people in this town, people I gave no reason to believe in me, are here to celebrate my accomplishment. They’re all willing to give me a second chance, and I know I’m going to do my level best to never let them down.
The applause dies down, and everyone is looking at me. No way I’m giving a speech, which Emmy must sense because she steps forward. “Thank you everyone for coming out to help us celebrate this huge accomplishment.” She slips her hand in mine. “We’re all so proud of you, Owen.”
The words wrap themselves around my heart like a hug, and I squeeze her hand. “Thanks, Em.”
She goes up on her tiptoes, gives me a quick kiss, and grins. “You’re welcome, Lieutenant.”
I smile down at her, handing her the flowers and thinking that as much as I love that everyone is here celebrating, I’m going to be really happy when we’re alone.
Emmy turns back to the crowd. “After we take a few pictures, you’re all encouraged to eat lots of cake.”
The chatter kicks up again, and I take the opportunity to focus on Emmy. “This is next level. How did you pull this off?”
She gives a knowing shrug. “I asked the captain to notify me immediately when your results came in, put everyone on high alert, and made all the arrangements for a ‘date to be determined.’” She smiles. “Everyone is so excited to be here, supporting you.”
