Page 60 of Sweet Hate (If You Dare #1)

HAVEN

W e walk into the firehouse hand in hand, and I can’t help fiddling with the band around my ring finger.

It’s weird in the best way—I can’t feel the other rings I wear, but this one feels different somehow.

Weighted and ever-present. Plus, I’m pretty sure I can direct planes with the glare off the diamond.

It’s the easiest yes I’ve ever said.

This man—my best friend, the biggest pain in my ass, and the perfect person for me. He’s my lobster. We zinged. He even brought me a tambourine . If you know, you know.

I declined the job offer in London, not for Axel but for me.

I had kept it in my purse to remind myself to call them personally to decline, and I hadn’t realized he’d seen it.

When I found out why he’d been in a mood that final morning before he left for work, I felt so guilty.

It might have been the last time we were together, and I blamed myself that he’d been injured because of me.

He said that no part of it had anything to do with me, and I have to believe him, or I’d drive myself insane.

He offered to move with me, much like he did in his proposal, the sincerity in his words humbling me. I love that he would be willing to give up his life and dreams for mine, but I really don’t need him to. Nor do I want to leave his mother or Grams alone.

My father might be all about the fame and accolades, currently on location in Paris filming his new tv show, but for me, it’s about the work. My dream bakery is now open, and people are traveling from miles away to visit. It’s also apparently trending as an Instagrammable space, which is super fun.

I’m excited and happy, any lingering anxiety over being back here slowly disappeared without me even realizing it. I don’t want to tempt fate by saying life’s perfect, but it’s close.

Cap greets us first, shaking Axel's hand, then kissing my cheek.

“Ready, Lieutenant?” He smiles fondly at my guy as he leads him out into the engine room filled with the crew—all decked out in their dress uniform finery, all our friends, Grams, and Axel’s mom.

I take my seat in the front row beside them as I watch Axel, looking sexy as hell in his dress uniform, stand beside his captain for the last time.

He sees me looking and flashes me a wink as he runs his thumb over his lip.

The ridiculously sexy and entirely inappropriate move does things and I happen to be sitting next to his mother.

At least he insisted I wear panties.

His captain clears his throat and addresses the room.

“Firstly, it has been an honor to serve alongside all of you. Your hard work and dedication to both this firehouse and each other is something I am so proud of. Today, I hand over the responsibilities of Fire Captain to Axel Verona. In this role, I have learned the importance of teamwork, trust, and commitment, and I am confident that Axel embodies all these values and more. He has shown true leadership and dedication as lieutenant and unparalleled strength and conduct in difficult situations. I have no doubt that he will continue to do so as your captain. Axel, son, congratulations. I give you the new captain of station 17.”

Pride fills me as the crew stands and hollers, clapping as Axel steps up to accept his role and address the room.

Axel signs the last piece of paperwork in Cap’s office before standing up and stretching.

“Congratulations, Captain,” I look up at my man. He’s done it. He achieved his dream against the odds.

He leans down and plants a soft kiss on my lips, his thumb twirling the engagement ring on my finger.

“Thank you, wife . You know , I’m going to have a new office to christen…” He wiggles his eyebrows with a grin.

“You’re ridiculous. Let’s get back before the others send out a search party.” He laughs and pulls me back for one final fiery kiss, letting me know he meant every word before he leads us back out.

We walk back into the engine room and hear Beckett and Max call out, “Captain.” They’re standing with the rest of our friends, big grins spread across their faces.

“They always look like they’re up to something, don’t they?” I whisper to Axel. He grins down at me and nods. “That’s because they almost always are.”

We approach the group, and Axel gets pulled into a round of back slapping man hugs while Mia and Kim motion me over.

“Haven Blake, why didn’t you warn us his crew were all premium grade Wagyu steak man slabs? I have never been surrounded by so many fine ass men all at once in my life.” Kim’s hushed whisper is not the least bit quiet, drawing side eyed smirks from half the aforementioned crew.

“Kim, lower your voice, you thirsty crow. You’re married, remember?” Mia laughs, nudging Kim in the side.

“Ugh, I know. Which is why I live vicariously through you guys. Now which of these nice firepoles will you be sliding down, Mia?”

Mia giggles, flushing bright red, as she taps her lip, mulling over the question.

“I hear Dr. Fox is quite the giver,” Mia whispers slyly, looking over at Beckett.

Swayze rapidly turns around to glare directly at her, his face like thunder.

Did he hear her? Even if he did, why would he…

That’s an interesting development.

“Oh my God Haven!” Kim’s yell suddenly has every head in the room turning to look at her. “What is this?” She grabs my hand, my ring flashing in the overhead lights.

Mia gasps, her eyes filling with tears as she looks from my finger to my smiling face. Axel grins widely as he comes up to spoon me from behind.

“I dared Haven to marry me. And you know my girl never backs down from a dare.”