Heidi McCahan - The Firefighter's Twins

Natalie’s steps faltered, and she stumbled, wincing more from embarrassment than from the twinge in her ankle. What was he doing here?

Shay waved, a smile lifting one corner of his mouth.

Natalie tried to play it cool while her pulse went all kinds of crazy. Although she hated to admit it, he did look handsome in khaki slacks and a brick red button-down, the sleeves rolled up to reveal his chiseled forearms.

“Hey.” Shay closed the driver’s door. “Is this the fall festival committee meeting?”

She cocked her to head to one side. “It’s supposed to be. The others aren’t here yet.”

“Mind if I join you? I’m not on duty today, but the chief sent me as the liaison from the fire department.”

Rats. Why him? The chief had ignored her email requesting Trent Walker’s help.

He shoved his hands in his pockets. “He said we needed to have a presence at major community events.”

“You must’ve drawn the short straw.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Two of our key members and biggest supporters of the festival had to step down unexpectedly. They’re in Chicago caring for their daughter and her family. We’re going to struggle to pull the festival together without them.”

A frown etched his features. “Unless Chief Murphy tells me differently, the fire department is committed to helping. When’s the festival?”

“In about six weeks. The first Saturday in November.”

“One of the guys mentioned a service project. Is this it?” He angled his head toward the lot nearby.

“Yes.” Natalie glanced at the concrete foundation and exposed wood framework for the walls. Mounds of ugly red clay and large rocks dug up by the construction crew surrounded what would eventually be a three-bedroom rambler. Nothing much had changed since the last time she’d stopped by. Had the volunteers run into a problem no one had mentioned to her?

“Is anyone managing the project?”

“That’s where things get complicated. I guess I’m in charge now.” She sighed and met his gaze again. For the second time in one weekend, the luminous color of his eyes—green rimmed with hints of blue—captured her attention.

A girl could get lost in those eyes.

Shay’s brow arched, waiting for her to elaborate.

Warmth heated her skin. “The house is for a wounded veteran and his family. The big reveal happens during the festival. At least, that was the plan, anyway. Now with Maureen, the former committee chairperson, gone—”

The sound of another car approaching interrupted her. Natalie glanced over her shoulder to see her best friend, Erin, parking beside the curb.

“Wait.” Shay held up his hand. “Before the others get here, I have something I need to say.”

“Oh?” Natalie faced him again and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. This should be interesting . “I’m listening.”

“I—I owe you an apology.”

“For?”

“I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you at the farm. I shouldn’t have been so critical.”

“Apology accepted.” She reached into her bag for her iPad. “Have you heard how Maria’s doing?”

“I have.” He offered a sheepish smile. “She had a healthy baby girl in the ambulance, on the way to the hospital.”

“Whoa. That was quick.”

“Very quick. If it weren’t for that stellar emergency plan of yours, she might’ve delivered in the middle of the party.”

“So you recognize my plan wasn’t so flawed, after all?” She couldn’t resist a subtle jab. Or conceal her smile.

“I do. I mean, I recognize that your plan isn’t so flawed. At all. Again, I apologize for being rude and trying to take control of the situation.”

She lifted one shoulder. It was kind of fun to see him stumble over his words. “Don’t worry about it. But thank you for apologizing.”

“You’re welcome.” He studied the lot again. “Any idea what you still need in terms of building supplies? You’ve got walls up, it’s framed...looks like the subflooring was started. What would it take to finish this in time for the festival?”

About fifty more volunteers and an extra three weeks. She bit back her snide reply as Erin strode toward them, a pastry box and a stack of napkins in hand.

“Hey.” Erin’s curious gaze flitted from Natalie to Shay and back. “What’s going on?”

Natalie pretended not to notice Erin’s nonverbal cues. No doubt they’d exchange a flurry of text messages later about the newest member of their committee. “Shay, have you met Erin Taylor? She and her husband own the coffee shop in town.”

He shook Erin’s outstretched hand. “Shay Campbell. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, too.” Erin let go of his hand and then pressed her palm over the napkins on top of the white cardboard box to keep them from blowing away. “Are you building in this neighborhood?”

“Not exactly. I’m a volunteer committee member from the fire department. Natalie was bringing me up to speed on the status of the service project.” Shay’s arm brushed against hers, and the scent of something clean nudged her nose, like laundry soap and fresh air. Natalie’s stomach tightened. Why did he have to smell so good?

“Was she?” Erin asked, an innocent smile tugging at her lips. “She’s served on the fall festival committee for years. If anyone can whip us into shape and get the job done, it’s Natalie.”

It was Natalie’s turn to fire a pointed gaze Erin’s direction. “That’s sweet of you to say, but Maureen had much stronger contacts for building supplies and coordinating volunteers. I’m all about weddings and hay rides. Lumber and windows? Not so much.”

“Oh, please.” Erin playfully nudged Natalie’s hip with her own. “You’re the logical choice to replace her, especially on short notice. She’s only in Chicago while her daughter’s recovering from her car accident. It’s not like you can’t reach her. If I know Maureen, she’ll find a way to get you all the information you need. This festival was her pride and joy.”

“I just wish we could do more.” Natalie frowned. “We could’ve built three new houses for wounded veterans and their families if we had more resources.”

“You only lost Maureen and her husband. There are plenty of other people in Meadow Springs who will gladly help,” Erin reminded her.

“I’m grateful for the little bit of progress we’ve made. I’m just afraid we won’t finish in time.” Natalie’s declaration was punctuated by more car doors slamming. Missy Josephson hurried over, with Pastor Adams not far behind. Thank You, Lord. Natalie straightened, the tense knots in her shoulders loosening. She was beginning to think they’d forgotten. “Hey. I’m so glad you’re both here.”

Missy’s purse slid down her arm as she leaned in and gave Natalie a quick hug. “I wouldn’t miss it. I’m sorry I’m late. It took forever to get the kids out the door and over to my parents’ house.” She looked at Shay speaking with Pastor Adams and shot Natalie a questioning glance.

“Missy, Pastor Adams, this is Shay Campbell. Shay, this is Missy Josephson and Rick Adams, the youth pastor from Meadow Springs Community Church.”

Once introductions were finished, and they’d all gathered in a half-circle, Natalie perused her notes quickly. “Thank you for coming. I’m sure you’ve heard two of our committee members have resigned as a result of recent events in their daughter’s life. But we’ve gained a new member, thanks to Chief Murphy at the fire station. I was updating Shay on the building project before you both got here.”

Pastor Adams smiled. “We’re glad to have you, Shay. The fire department’s presence at the festival is always a big favorite.”