“Just beauty,” he replied, his eyes warm on her.
Rolling her eyes, she laughed. “That was kind of corny, but I really liked the compliment,” she admitted. As her mirth settled, she added, “Thank you. I haven’t had much to laugh about lately.”
“No, you haven’t, but I’m hoping that things are going to start looking up for you.”
She met his smile as she took another sip. Turning to watch the sun as it lowered, she shook her head. “Crazy, isn’t it?”
“What is, Maddie?”
“Everything that has happened in the past month. From finding out about my father’s death, having so many people help me get through it all, to meeting you. Not to mention, the casual hookup we began with, which was so out of character for me.” Seeing him lift his eyebrows in a pretend leer, she laughed again. “And then, as we got closer, to discovering that I’d like to explore staying in Baytown longer.”
“Do you feel like you’re moving too fast? Or that we’re moving too fast?” Zac asked, attempting to keep a light tone to his voice, but fearful of her response.
Shaking her head slowly, her brow creased as she pondered the questions. “No…I really don’t.” Taking another sip, she continued, “Sometimes life happens fast. We can go for a long time and have no major changes in our lives, but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Neither is it always a bad thing to have things change quickly. I think it’s about balance. I think it’s about what we do with the changes. I think it also makes a difference if the changes lead to something good.”
“And us…we’re something good?”
Her smile widened as she replied, “To me, I think we’re something amazing.” Hearing his sigh of relief, she asked, “Were you worried?”
Chuckling, he nodded. “Kind of. I don’t want to rush you. I know we’re new…I know some people would say that you shouldn’t make major decisions when life is crazy. But, I know what I feel for you. You get me. You understand me. Our backgrounds are somewhat tragic, but they allow us to understand where each other are coming from. It’s like you’re my other half.”
Her intake of breath was audible, her already wide smile brightening. “Oh, my God, Zac. That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.” She leaned, meeting him halfway, their kiss sweet but filled with meaning.
Interrupted by the server delivering their Thai shrimp appetizer, she grinned as they settled in to eat.
“When will you know about the Captain position?”
“Soon. The town council will let me know next week. At the same time, they’ll talk about the new Fire Chief, if they’ve decided on a candidate.”
“Who would you like to see get it?”
“I don’t know if there are any outside applicants from another area. You’d have to live here to be the Chief, so it’s not like some big city. I’ve really only had Tad talk to me about it and I know he’s got enthusiasm. He’s only twenty-three, but, then, I was around that age when I took the position too.”
“Anyone from another local station interested?”
Shrugging, he said, “None of the other Chiefs have said anything specific. Roger, Chief at Cherrytown, and Terry, Chief at Mooretown, both mentioned having someone who had some questions about the position, but I’ve heard nothing. I’m probably closest to Greg, the Chief at Easton, and he’s said nothing.”
“Well, I’ve only been around Tad a few times, but he does seem enthusiastic about the job.” Grinning, she added, “And I think his girlfriend would be thrilled.”
Barking out a laugh, he agreed. After a moment, he eyed her nervously. “I hate to add one more thing to your ever-growing list of changes, but I’ve been thinking about a change I need to make,” Zac said.
Lifting her eyebrows, she licked the sauce from her lips before asking, “More than the job change?”
Keeping his eyes on her, he said, “It seems like ever since I got back into town from the Navy, I’ve been rather staid. I was pretty young when I took the Fire Chief job, but my experience sold the town council to take a chance on me. And, I had no one but myself to care about, so when they offered the cheap apartment in the back of the station, it was perfect. Rather bare and basic, but worked. With my job heading the fire station and EMT program keeping me busy all the time, a place right there has been convenient.
“I’ve been watching my friends buy houses, or fix up a place, or become involved with someone and get a place together, but I still just stayed complacent with where I was.” Fiddling with his napkin, he said, “I guess one more thing that you and I have in common is that we’re both facing some changes all at once…and I agree, that’s not a bad thing.”
Pushing her now empty appetizer plate away, she gave him all of her attention, reaching over to place her hand on his arm.
“I’ll still be busy as the Rescue Captain, going out on most calls, but I’ll have a little more down time since I won’t be overseeing the entire program. I have no idea who will become the Fire Chief, and I doubt they would want to live in the apartment, but I need a change. So, I’ve contacted a realtor to look at some places in town to rent…a small house, perhaps.”
Eyes wide, she said, “That’s wonderful, Zac. I mean, if that’s what you really want to do.”
“It is.”
“Can I ask if you’re doing this because you want to or because of…um…”
“Because of you?” he finished for her. Seeing her nod, a blush crossing her cheeks, he answered, “I’m not pressuring you into anything, Maddie. I’m doing this because it’s the right time. I won’t lie…I’d love to have a place where we can spend the night and not be afraid of alarms going off or someone knocking on the door. And, if we keep going, then I’d love to think of us finding something together, but I know that’s down the road.”
“I just don’t want you to feel like you have to change anything about yourself for me.”
“I’m not.” Holding her gaze, he linked fingers with her on the tabletop and amended, “Well, not entirely for you. Sure, I’d like a place of my own to bring you to and maybe to share with you sometime, but I needed to do this for me anyway.”
Their meal arrived and they kept the conversation lighter as they enjoyed the food, watching the sun sink into the horizon.
Zac stood on the sidewalk, staring at the small, two level, pale blue house. Like so many of the homes in Baytown, the pastel houses created a colorful beach town feel. The house was small, an older home that had been remodeled. And the rent fit his budget, not being much more than what he was currently paying. With the raise he just received for his years being the Fire Chief, and all the money he had saved over the years, he knew that he would be able to buy a home. But for now, renting was perfect.
His eyes roved over the roof angles, the dark blue shutters, and as the realtor walked toward him, he wondered if Maddie would like it as well. God, has it only been a month that I’ve known her? And I’m already thinking of living with her.
“Mr. Hamilton, nice to see you.”
Shaking her hand, he followed her up the short walk and into the house. The front door led into the large, open living room, the dark wooden floor gleaming. A brick fireplace centered on one wall and the rest of the room was painted a pale bluish-grey. His mind had already hung his flat-screen TV over the mantle.
As she droned on and on about the upgrades and remodeling, his eyes swept toward the smaller dining room. With a crinkled brow, he realized he would need to buy a table with chairs. A hall divided the house and he followed it to the large kitchen, complete with a breakfast bar dividing the area. Yep, my stools would fit there perfectly. The cabinets were painted white and the walls were in a pale yellow.
The addition of a laundry room had been added to the original home and, stepping through, he discovered it led to a back patio in a small, fenced yard. Not much to have to tend, but a great place for a barbeque or just sitting under a tree.
A half-bathroom was tucked next to the kitchen and, mov
ing past, he grinned as he walked up the stairs, his gaze landing on the large bedroom, complete with a huge master bathroom.
“Of course, this house usually rents to a single or couple due to the single bedroom, so for your purposes, it would be great. That’s why the rent is so reasonable.”
“Yeah it would,” he said, his thoughts running to finally getting out of the fire station and into his own place. Turning abruptly, he stuck out his hand. “Where do I sign?”
As soon as the paperwork was completed and he paid the first month’s rent, he headed back to the station. Eager to get a move arranged, his plans were halted by a call out.
26
“I’m sure you’re wondering about my objectives in interviewing for a counselor position,” Madelyn said to Charles as they sat in his office. He had already reviewed her resume, called her references, and they had discussed her specialties.
“I would like to hear about your decision at this time in your life. You see, it isn’t easy to get qualified counselors in this area. We have one itinerant counselor who travels three days a week across the seventeen-mile bridge tunnel from Virginia Beach. I live in Baytown and have for almost ten years. But,” he smiled, “it takes a special person to want to live and work in this area.”
“I understand,” she agreed. “I was forthcoming about my leaving this area when my parents separated, then divorced, and why I had not been back.” Seeing him nod, she continued, “But, I’m sure you wonder if this is a hasty decision and one that I might go back on quickly. While none of us has a crystal ball, I can say that I will not be returning to my job in North Carolina and for the foreseeable future, I want to stay in Baytown. I feel the need to connect with the place I called home for the first fourteen years of my life, as well as continuing the newfound friendships.”
“Do you think this is simply a path in your grief journey?”
Holding his gaze, she replied, “I would be a fool not to consider that part of my desire to stay in Baytown is to connect with the father I lost, not only in death, but many years ago. So, yes, part of this is due to my grief, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, Charles. If my father hadn’t died, leaving everything to me, then I would have never come back here. I certainly wouldn’t be searching for answers because I didn’t even know I had questions.”
He smiled at her reply and nodded for her to continue.
“But I do want to explore, not only the area, but my memories, emotions, and feel that this is the perfect time for a life change.” She stared out of his second-floor window for a moment, a sliver of the bay visible, and added reverently, “It’s as though this place is calling to me. And it’s a call I want to answer.”
Grinning, Charles nodded. “Yes, I quite agree and couldn’t have said it better. I will say that we’re desperate for a children and adolescent counselor. I’ll need to speak to the mental health board, which is run by the board of directors at the hospital. I can get back with you in a couple of days with their decision.”
Standing, she shook his hand enthusiastically. “Thank you so much,” she smiled before turning to leave the building. Walking out into the sunshine, she sucked in a deep breath, before walking down the street toward Jillian’s shop.
“Things are heating up. I think we need to stop…or at least slow down.”
They chuckled. “Heating up. What a choice of words.”
“Stop laughing. You know what I mean. This is getting scary after we did that place where someone was living close by.”
“You know that was a mistake. That man had died and I didn’t think any one was there anymore.”
“What if that woman from the window saw us? She’s with the Fire Chief now. Maybe we should lay low for a while.”
“No! We just have to be more careful, but I’m not stopping. And don’t worry about her. If she saw anything, we woulda known about it. But just to be sure, I’ve got a plan to make sure she stays quiet.” Moving closer, their shoes almost touching, they said, “And you’re right along with me. No backing out now.”
Turning, they walked away leaving the other person’s chest quaking, wondering what they had gotten themselves into.
Driving into town, Madelyn was stunned at the crowds already gathered for the Eastern Shore Annual Fire & Rescue Volunteer town fundraising party. Zac, and the others, had warned her it would be huge since it encompassed all the two counties represented and this year it was held in Baytown. As she managed to find a parking spot along a residential street and walked toward the cordoned off Main Street, she realized it was not only a great fundraiser, but good for local businesses as well. Jillian’s shop had a booth set up on the sidewalk and her employees were selling coffee to patrons in a long line waiting for the tasty brew.
Waving to her, she continued along to the block where the fire station stood, seeing the fire trucks and ambulances out, firemen in uniforms giving tours and letting kids climb into the driver’s seat while their doting parents clicked pictures. Zac appeared busy, but as soon as he saw her, he motioned for her to come over.
Bending to kiss her chastely, he grinned, seeing wide-eyed awe.
“This is freaking amazing,” she gushed, tossing her hand out, indicating the activities all around. “Is all this for the Fire and Rescue?”
“Yep. Baytown does their own separate block party just for us, but this is for raising money for both North Heron and Accawmacke counties. That’s why there’re so many people here today. It’ll go all day and then into the tonight with several bands playing. It’ll raise about ten thousand dollars…at least that’s what we did last year and I’m hoping to top it this year.”
“Well, I’m super impressed.”
“There’s a large chicken farm in Accawmacke and they’ve agreed to match our donations this year, so we could top twenty thousand dollars.”
Grinning, she lifted on her toes to place a quick kiss on his lips. “Do you want me to hang out here?”
“Nah, I’m gonna be tied up here for a little while longer before the next shift of workers comes in. I think Roger’s department comes in about an hour. You want to walk about the town and check out the activities and then swing back here? We can walk to the harbor together to see the booths over there. I think they’re doing an oyster roast.” Zac watched as Madelyn wrinkled her nose. “Don’t like oysters?” Seeing her shake her head, he pulled her in close. “No worries. They have lots of different food.” Nuzzling her neck, he let her go, watching as she walked down the street.
“Looks like you’ve got it bad, Chief,” Tad called out, slapping him on the back. “Guess I’ll soon be calling you Captain, huh?”
“Hopefully,” he replied. Looking at the eager, young man in front of him, he asked, “Did you fill out all the paperwork for the Chief position? I sent in your recommendation.”
Smiling widely, Tad nodded. “Yes, sir, I did. And thank you…if I get the position, I won’t let you down.”
Several more families came by with their small children, all excited to climb into the fire truck, so Tad ambled off, good-naturedly, giving them the guided tour.
Madelyn wandered down Main Street, smiling at the many people she now recognized and visiting in several of the shops. Continually looking down at her watch for when Zac would be able to catch up with her, she bumped into someone. Looking up suddenly, she smiled. “Charles. I’m so sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“No worries,” he assured, before introducing her to his wife and children. His smile genuine, he said, “I was going to call you tomorrow. I know this isn’t a very professional way to do this, but the hospital board approved your employment.”
Eyes wide, she gave a little jump as she grabbed his hand, pumping it up and down. “Oh, thank you. Thank you.”
“Why don’t you come in on Monday and we’ll finish the paperwork and get you acclimated.”
“Sounds perfect,” she beamed. Watching his family move away through the crowd, she could not keep the grin
from her face.
“Hey gorgeous,” Zac whispered in Madelyn’s ear as his arms wrapped around her from the back. Seeing Charles walking away and the huge smile on her face, his heart leaped at the news he hoped she heard. “Anything I should know, based on your expression?”
Clapping in glee, she twisted in his arms to place her hands on his shoulders. “I got the position. I’ll find out the particulars on Monday, but for now…looks like I have a new job in Baytown.”
With a whoop, he lifted her by the waist, giving her a twirl. Catching the attention of a few townspeople, he winked as he set her down. “Come on, let’s grab some food before heading over to the music by the harbor.”
Walking hand in hand, Madelyn’s cheeks began to hurt from the perpetual smile on her face. Glancing to the side, viewing Zac’s profile, she realized she could not remember the last time she felt so happy.
He caught her staring and shoulder bumped her. “What?”
Giving a little shake, she replied, “Nothing really. I’m just happy.”
He stopped, lifting her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles sweetly. “I’m glad, babe. Me too.”
By the time they got their food from one of the many booths and found a group of friends ready to share their blanket, the mayor was up on the podium.
Corwin Banks took the microphone, waving to the crowd as though it were election year. After his words of greeting, he made the announcement that the preliminary figures from the benefit that day appeared to be exceeding what they had been in years past. As the crowd cheered, he grinned as though he personally had donated all the money instead of the community having come together for the fundraiser.
Corwin continued to hold on to the microphone for a few more minutes, touting the benefits of Baytown, particularly the improvements that had occurred while he held office. Finally, as the crowd’s interest was waning, he said, “And, just to let you know, we are proud to announce that the city council has decided that our own Zachariah Hamilton will be the newly appointed Rescue Captain—”
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