A Firefighter's Promise

Rachel burst out laughing. “That’s an interesting solution.”

“I knew he didn’t mean it. He was just panicking. The same way he panicked before taking Tina Beuller to the prom...the same way he panicked before going to Yale. He’s that kind of guy.”

“So obviously you talked him back into the wedding,” she said, her attention moving back to the picture.

“Yeah. It didn’t take more than about ten minutes. I got him to the church on time. Never did get all the tape off his tux, though.”

“Sounds like you’ve got an interesting relationship,” she commented.

“You could say that.”

He and Craig had been rivals for most of their lives. From high school grades to girls they dated, the brothers had been neck and neck. And then they’d gone their separate ways. Matt started his firefighter training and Craig headed off to Yale Law School. Their rivalry got complicated then.

“But you’re close?” Rachel asked, pulling him back to the present.

“Yeah, we have each other’s backs.” He shrugged. “He’s blessed. He’s got a good woman there.”

“She’s pretty.”

“Yeah, but it’s more than that. She understands him, and after totally figuring him out, she still wanted to marry him.”

Rachel smiled. “Sounds like he had you working for that marriage, too.”

“Gloria is intent on returning the favor and finding me a wife. She’s the matchmaking type.”

The coffee stopped sputtering and Matt turned back to the counter to pour coffee. He grabbed two mugs, both with fire-station logos across the side. He glanced back to find her still entranced by the information on his fridge. He shook his head wryly. Most people preferred to admire his backyard or the kitchen renovations, but Rachel was different.

“Who’s this?” she asked, pointing to another photo. “Your parents?”

“That’s them. They’re retired in Arizona now.”

“They look nice...”

“What about your parents?” he asked.

“They both passed away,” she replied. “My aunt is the closest family I’ve got.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

She didn’t answer but slowly turned away from the refrigerator and accepted the hot mug of taupe coffee with a smile of thanks. She took a slow sip, her long lashes brushing her cheeks as she closed her eyes in a sigh of contentment.