Chapter 26

Beth put her cell phone down on the coffee table. She had just talked to her mom, who had invited her and Kyle to their house for Thanksgiving. Beth wasn’t so sure she wanted to take Kyle to meet her parents officially after the initial meeting Kyle had with her mom. Beth had gotten into a fight with her mother over Kyle, and her mom said she wanted to make it up to her.

She rubbed her temples and lay down on the couch. Kyle would be back later that evening after his fire department meeting. Copper was on the floor next to Beth. He looked up at her. Beth stroked his belly, and he wagged his tail in appreciation.

Beth decided to call Claire and run things past her. Claire answered right away. Beth told her what all her mom had said.

“I don’t know. Karen can be a real pain, but maybe she’s turning a new leaf and will be open to your relationship with Kyle. I know you two aren’t real close, but it wouldn’t be that bad, would it?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t talked to Dad much. It’d be good to see him. Mom tends to be overpowering on her own, but he can get her to back off some too. Do you think it’s too soon for Kyle to meet them?”

Claire laughed. “No. I don’t think you need to worry about that. Just make sure you two bring plenty of wine, just in case you need to take the edge off.”

“Good idea. Any idea how late the meeting will go tonight?”

“Probably late. They have elections tonight. Did Kyle tell you they’re letting him be eligible for captain?”

Beth was shocked. “No, he didn’t. Don’t they usually make them wait a few years before they can get elected to that?”

“They agreed his years on the Alexandria department was enough experience and bumped him up. I think he’s really been impressing the senior members of the department.”

Beth knew Claire was right. Despite the accident with Nick, he had been an asset to the department. He knew his way around fires and was seasoned with medical calls as well. She let out the breath she didn’t realize she was holding.

“Well, I’m not sure what to think about that. It scares me, but I think he’d be a great captain.”

“For sure. If he gets it, it’ll be well deserved. You shouldn’t worry, Beth. He knows what he’s doing.”

“Yeah, I guess he does. You know me though. I just get nervous that something could happen.”

“Don’t worry too much. I think the rest of the guys would be on his case if he made any bad choices. He knows it too.”

Beth smiled. The guys of the department acted like a protective older brother to her. They would do what they could to protect Kyle too. She finished up her call with Claire and tried to get ready for bed. She was in bed reading when Kyle came home.

Kyle strolled over to Beth’s side of the bed. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You’re up late. Everything okay?”

Beth nodded. “Yeah. I was just trying to finish this chapter before I called it a night. How was the meeting?”

Kyle ran his hand through his hair, a gesture Beth recognized as a nervous habit.

“It was good. We had elections tonight. There were a few changes in leadership.”

“Good or bad changes?”

He sat down next to her. “From what I can tell, good changes. Butch is still chief. Petey moved up as an assistant chief. Boone is still captain.” Kyle looked at Beth, hesitating.

“Don’t they usually have two captains?”

“Yeah, they do. I’m the new captain.”

Beth threw her arms around him. “I’m so proud of you, Kyle! That speaks a lot for your actions on the department if they trust you that much.”

Kyle let out a deep breath. “I was scared to tell you they were going to add my name to the list of people eligible. I wasn’t sure you how you would feel about it.”

Beth picked up his hand and stroked it. “You’re still a fireman, even without a special title. It might be a little more risk, but it’s a big deal to get promoted by your peers. I can’t let my own insecurities get in the way of your success.”

Kyle lay down next to Beth. “Have I told you how amazing you are and how lucky I am to have you in my life?”

Beth laughed and turned off her lamp. “Good night, Captian.”

She could almost feel the smile on his face.