Chapter 3

Chapter Three

Colton’s pov

The guilt I felt for not being with my brothers was eating at me. Colby was more than just a fellow firefighter to me. As close as we were I felt he was like a real brother to me. Now I am sitting here in a packed waiting room waiting to hear who is dead or hurt.

I looked around to see who all was here. Thinking it would give me some clue as to who might be here. I was in shock when I saw Joslyn here. She was holding onto a woman I knew very well. She was the wife of one of my buddies from the fire house Neal. That meant he was here. I walked over to let Lacey know I was sorry about all of this.

“Hey Lacey, I am sorry to see you here. Have you heard anything yet?”

“Hey Colton no I haven’t heard anything. Were you working tonight?”

“No actually I was on a date with an amazing woman.”

“Well I am glad you weren’t there. Do you know who else is here?”

“All I know is Colby was one of the ones that have been hurt.”

“Oh no Colton is he okay?”

I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I didn’t care who seen. These were my family, and some were hurt possibly even dead. I should have been there, and I wasn’t. It was killing me.

“I honestly don’t know. No one is saying anything. I should have been there with them.”

Joslyn came over to me and put her arms around me. Lacey looked from me to Joslyn. She looked shocked but happy in a way. I can’t believe Joslynn and I knew the same people, yet we never met.

“Wait a minute the two of you were on that date, weren’t you?”

“Yes, this is the amazing woman I finally talked into giving me a chance.”

“Well you were persistent. As for you saying you should have been there no one would have wanted that. Neal and your friend will be okay.” Joslyn said.

She was truly an amazing woman. Once the smoke cleared and we knew everyone was okay I was going to prove to her I was worth her time. Lacey looked at with a smile on her face. I knew she approved because she knew me so well.

Lacey was one of the few people besides Neal and Colby that I trusted. I really hope that Neal is okay. The love that those two have is something I strive for. Maybe just maybe Joslyn and I could have that one day.

As a firefighter it’s hard to have a relationship. No one wanted to be with a man that could go off to his death every time he left for work. I knew Joslyn understood all of that. Now knowing that she is friends with Lacey and Neal means she understands it more than I ever thought. I needed a girl like Joslyn. Coming home to someone like her would make my life complete.

Joslynn’s pov

I was shocked to see Colton here. He could have been at work tonight and been one of the ones hurt. I was so glad he was on the date with me. I could tell he was struggling. I just hope he didn’t regret our date.

He told Lacey that he should have been with his fellow firefighters, and it hurt hearing him so tore up. I am glad he’s okay. Seeing how he was with Lacey showed me he was a good man. Lacey kept bragging about him. She said I had one of the good ones. Colton was defiantly a keeper.

He told me his best friend Colby was also here, but he didn’t know how bad he was. He sat in the waiting room with me holding my hand. We were just waiting to hear anything. I couldn’t figure out why no one knew anything yet.

I looked around at all the families here and my heart broke for them. It wasn’t easy doing the job they did. Never knowing if the call they are sent on could end their life. I have the upmost respect for firefighters.

Colton looked exhausted. I really hope his friend, and Neal are okay. I knew this was going to be a long night, so I decided to go get some coffee. I let go of Colton’s hand, so I could go.

“Where are you going?” He asked.

“I thought I would go get us some coffee since it seems like it’s going to be a long night.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“No, it’s okay stay in case they have news about your friends. I will get it.”

“You’re an amazing woman Joslyn.”

He pulled me into his arms, and I felt as if I was home. Being in a man’s arms had never felt this right before. He kissed me on my forehead, and I blushed. I couldn’t wait to go on another date with him. After tonight I was more than ready to be with him. Any girl would be lucky to have a man like him.

I hurried to get coffee and rushed back. Lacey was crying in Colton’s arms when I got back. I was scared to see what they had found out. Lacey needed Neal to be okay. This baby needed its daddy.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes, Neal has a broken leg and minor burns, but other than that he’s okay. I am heading back to see him now.” Lacey said.

“Oh, Lacey that is the best news. Give him a kiss for me.”

“I will and thank you Colton and Joslyn for being here for me. Joslyn you can go home if you want I will be staying here tonight.”

“Okay call me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

Lacey walked off to go be with the man she loves. I could tell she was so happy. I can’t imagine what either of us would have done if Neal had been worse off. He was family to me. I looked up at Colton and smiled.

“So, I guess I will call you when all this is over.” Colton said.

“You can, but I’m not leaving.”

“Your friend is okay now, so I figured you would go.”

“Now what kind of person would I be if I wasn’t here with the guy I liked?”

He looked up with fresh tears in his eyes. I could see the pain he was trying to hide. There was no way I was going to leave him here to deal with this alone. He needed me even if he didn’t know it.

“Joslyn, I care so much about you. I fell for you before I could put a face to the amazing personality. Tonight, has shown me that life has no guarantees. I don’t want to just go on dates. I want you to be my girl.”

I didn’t even have to think about it.

“Of course, I will be your girl. We have been getting to know each other for a while now, and I care deeply for you as well.”

He bent down and kissed me. We pulled apart when we heard a throat clear. I looked up to see a doctor. By the look on the man’s face I could tell he didn’t have good news. I held Colton’s hand a little tighter. He needed me more now than ever, and I was not going anywhere. He was my firefighter, and I was his girl.