Page 52 of Ink and Ashes

Holland

I wake the next morning naked and alone in Colson’s bed. My body aches and my eyes are heavy from how late we were up drowning in each other. I wish I could feel guilty for keeping him up, but I don’t. Not when I know he doesn’t regret it either.

Rolling over, I catch sight of a note on his pillow. My lips quirk into a grin as I pick it up to read.

Had to head back out to the fire and didn’t want to wake you. Breakfast is in the fridge. I’ll see you soon, Red. Be safe.

- Lieutenant

I smile, then pull myself out of his extremely comfortable bed that’s only slightly less comfortable without him next to me. I grab the first item of clothing I see—one of his T-shirts—and put it on, then pad my way down to the kitchen.

The first thing I do is grab my phone off the island, checking for any new messages. There’s one from Colson and two from Cass. I navigate to my text thread with Colson first.

LIEUTENANT

Miss you already, Red.

My smile grows. Based on the timestamp, he must’ve sent that right before pulling out of the driveway to head to work. It warms my heart to know he was thinking of me.

I send him a quick text back, then switch to my conversation with Cassidy.

CASS

Morning, Hol! You around today?

I have the day off and was wondering if you want to get lunch!

I let out a content sigh as I reply.

ME

I would love to! Want me to pick you up around noon?

I hit send, then place my phone back on the island and move around to the counter. I start by making some coffee, then open the fridge to find a plate of French toast waiting for me.

I know Colson usually just stops at Cedar Lane for breakfast on his way into work, so knowing he got up extra early to make this for me…

I could almost cry at the thoughtfulness.

I pull the plate out of the fridge and warm it up before sitting down at the island to eat, then pick up my phone to see Cassidy replied.

That would be great! See you then :)

With a smile, I dig into the best French toast I’ve ever had while I scroll my phone, taking a moment to just relax and enjoy myself. It’s been a long time since I felt this way—wanted, appreciated —and I’m going to soak in every minute while I can.

I finish eating and clean up, then make my way to my room to get ready.

Music plays quietly in the background as I head in the direction of Marydale’s after picking Cassidy up. It’s not a far drive, and the place is practically empty when we arrive. The host leads us to a small booth by a window, and we take our seats.

“Thanks for suggesting this. I needed to get out of the house,” I say as I look at the menu.

“Of course. Figured it was time we catch up. With everything going on I feel like I’ve barely seen you.”

I smile up at her, and she smiles back.

“Speaking of leaving the house, how’s it going living with Colson?” Cass asks, and my cheeks heat.

Everyone knows I’ve been staying with Colson for a few weeks now.

After everything that happened, Cassidy also offered for me to come stay with her, but I’d already moved into Colson’s by the time she found out.

When I refused, I could tell she sensed something more going on between her brother and me, but no one knows exactly what that something is.

Hell, until last night, I didn’t either.

I open my mouth to tell Cass everything but stop myself just as quick.

Colson and I didn’t get a chance to discuss how we’re going to tell people we’re together, and I don’t want to share that with his sister without him.

Which means I also can’t tell her I’ve decided to stay in Ember Grove, because she’ll figure out the truth before I even finish speaking.

I settle on simply saying, “It’s been good.”

Cassidy hums as she cocks a brow. “Just good?”

I swallow, but mask it with a laugh. “Yes, Cass. It’s good. He’s been really helpful, and I’m grateful for his hospitality.”

She eyes me a moment longer, but thankfully doesn’t push when the waitress comes by to take our orders.

“Well, good. And how are things going with the investigation?” she asks once the waitress leaves.

I frown. “I’m at a stalemate. I haven’t found anything new, and I’m not really sure where to look next.”

Cassidy’s face falls slightly. “Well, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

I simply nod. “What’s new with y?—”

Before I can finish, Cass interrupts with, “I’m dating Sam.”

My jaw falls open as my eyes widen. I’ve wondered if there was more to their friendship than what meets the eye, but the few times it’s come up in conversation, Cass has been adamant that there isn’t.

I smirk. “What happened to being ‘just friends?’”

A pink tinge fills her cheeks. “We’ve never been just friends.

Sam has been my favourite person since I could talk, and there’s always been a romantic spark between us.

I’ve tried to ignore it, but a few weeks ago, we were hanging out just the two of us, and I just…

went for it. I kissed her, and it was like all the pieces were falling into place. Things make sense when we’re together.”

I smile, tears stinging the backs of my eyes. It takes everything in me not to tell her I feel the same way about her brother.

“I’m really happy for you, Cass. Sam’s great, and I know she absolutely adores you.”

She grins, fidgeting with her napkin on the table. “I’m not sure how to tell my family or anyone at the station.”

My brows pull together. I assumed she would’ve told them already. “Wait, they don’t know?”

She shakes her head. “I’ve had crushes on girls before, but I’ve always dated men. I’ve never officially come out to anyone, and I’m not really sure how to go about it.”

“Your family loves you, Cass, and I know they love Sam too. So does everyone down at the station. Most of them are the most accepting and understanding people I’ve ever met.

Don’t make it more complicated than it has to be.

Don’t label yourself if you aren’t comfortable with it.

Just tell them you’re together. I’m sure they’ll be just as happy for the two of you as I am. ”

“I know you’re right, but that doesn’t make it less nerve-wracking.”

I nod. I can understand that. “Start with Colson. I know you guys tell each other everything, so he should be an easy starting point. I’ll be there if you want me to be. I’m sure Sam will come too.”

She jerks her head. “I would appreciate that.”

I reach across the table, placing my hand over hers. “I’m here for you, Cass, for whatever you need. And I really appreciate you telling me. Though, I’m a little surprised I’m the first person you came to.”

She huffs a laugh. “I love everyone at the station, and I love my family. But I love you too. And over the past few months, you’ve become one of my closest friends. Arguably the closest friend I have next to Sam. I guess I just knew you wouldn’t judge me.”

My throat tightens. “I love you too, Cass. I’ve never had a friend like you, and it means a lot to me to know you see me the same way.”

“Always, Hol. Even when you go back to Toronto, though I wish you wouldn’t leave. You’ll always have a friend in me.”

I smile, but I still don’t tell her I’m not leaving anymore. I need to talk to Colson about it first.

“You’ll always have a friend in me too.”

Before we know it, our food is brought out, and we continue chatting while we both enjoy our meals.

I fill her in on everything we do have in the investigation, and we talk about a bunch of random, unrelated things too.

It feels nice—I’ve never had a girlfriend like Cassidy, and part of me thinks that even if I hadn’t decided to stay for Colson, I might’ve chosen to stay for her.

She tells me more about herself—her childhood, what it was like growing up in a family of first responders—and I share more about mine. She still doesn’t know my true identity, but at this point I feel more myself as Holland Rhodes than I ever did as Hollis Rothwell.

This is who I was meant to be all along.

Another five days pass before the twelfth fire is contained. By day eleven, it merged with a holdover fire that popped up, so it now spans over 15 hectares. They finally managed to control the spread, so now they’re tasked with trying to put it out before we get hit with another.

Aside from the size, nothing unusual has happened with this fire, which only makes me feel worse about the next one.

We’re just over a week out from day eighteen, and I’m scared about what might happen when it hits.

The crew has been stretched thin fighting this fire, and I have a bad feeling that’s only going to continue over the next few days.

They’re back at the station today though, and for the first time in over a week, I’m here too.

The whole town is trying to distract themselves from the reality of the situation right now, so Chief Whitlock thought it would be a good idea to host a big lunch at the station and open it up to the public to try to build morale.

Colson wasn’t crazy about the idea, considering it gives the arsonist even more opportunity to blend in, but the rest of the crew wanted to do it, so here we are.

It’s been a few hours of everyone chatting and eating as if everything’s normal, and I’ve been making the rounds, keeping an extra close eye on everyone who comes and goes.

Right now, I’m standing with Mary, Emmett, and George and his wife, and nothing out of the ordinary has happened. I just hope it stays that way.

I tune out their conversation as I scan the station for Colson. I haven’t seen him in a while, and knowing how against this gathering he was, I worry about him.

When I don’t find him, I excuse myself and head inside.

I make my way upstairs to where some of the crew is hanging out at the dining table, smiling when I see Colson sitting at the head of the table.

He meets my gaze and the tension in his jaw lessens slightly, and knowing my presence alone is enough to give him some peace makes the butterflies in my stomach flutter wildly.