Page 40 of Rescue My Heart
Finally, they slipped into the car, fingers intertwined. As they drove through the familiar streets of Phoenix Ridge, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the town. Arriving at the event, they stepped out together, hearts racing with the thrill of the night ahead, ready to embrace whatever awaited them.
At the charity event, a sense of warmth and joy filled the air, enveloping everyone at Phoenix Ridge’s city hall. Soft lighting gave the room a welcoming glow, and tables lined with raffle items, homemade desserts, and photo displays of the firefighters in action brought the community together in celebration andgratitude. Mazey and McKenna had arrived hand in hand, surrounded by the comforting presence of their friends, and Mazey’s grip on McKenna’s hand was steady and assured.
Mazey took in the decorations, admiring the floral arrangements and twinkling lights strung across the ceiling. She leaned over to McKenna and whispered, “I’m not sure what’s brighter, the lights or the smiles on everyone’s faces.”
McKenna smiled, glancing around. “That’s just Phoenix Ridge,” she said softly. “People here show up for each other. They always have.” She squeezed Mazey’s hand. “Just like you showed up for me.”
Mazey’s eyes sparkled. “I’m just happy I finally found a way to be a part of all this,” she replied, nodding toward the cheerful crowd. “It’s strange, though. I used to worry so much about how I’d look in public. But now, it’s different.” Her eyes met McKenna’s, warm with unspoken words. “Now, it’s like all of this makes sense.”
As they moved through the crowd, people paused to greet them, offering kind words and gentle smiles. Some cast quick, approving glances at their joined hands, while others stopped to express gratitude for the work McKenna had done for the fire department and, in hushed tones, their appreciation for Mazey’s role in putting Phoenix Ridge on the map with her show.
“Good to see you both!” Josephine called, walking up with Ember beside her. “How does it feel to be the most talked-about couple here?”
Mazey laughed, glancing sideways at McKenna. “A little surreal,” she admitted. “But…kind of wonderful.”
Josephine grinned and hugged Mazey. “You’re both doing great. Plus, this event wouldn’t be the same without Phoenix Ridge’s newest celebrity and her firefighter-in-shining-armor.”
Mazey blushed, nudging McKenna. “Look at that, celebrity status by association.”
McKenna chuckled, pulling Mazey closer. “I’ll take it. But really, all this attention, does it ever feel strange for you?”
Mazey thought about it, nodding slowly. “It used to. I used to feel like I was being watched and judged all the time.” She squeezed McKenna’s hand. “But now, it doesn’t feel so scary. I feel like I have a home, a place where I don’t have to hide.”
As if on cue, Ember appeared, patting McKenna on the shoulder. “I hate to break up this love fest, but the raffle’s about to start. You two ready?”
They shared a look, and Mazey grinned. “More than ready.”
Ember led them toward the center of the room, where the event’s emcee was beginning the evening’s announcements. When he spotted Mazey, he gave her an approving nod.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here tonight! We’re thrilled to have a special guest with us tonight: our very own Mazey Snow! She’s here with one of our local heroes, McKenna Adams, who I think many of you know is a bit of a hero around here, both on and off the job!”
The crowd cheered, and McKenna felt Mazey’s hand tighten around hers as she beamed at the warm reception. She leaned closer to McKenna, murmuring, “I think that hero title fits you better.”
McKenna chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. “Guess we can share it.”
As the raffle went on, McKenna watched as Mazey laughed with friends, chatted easily with locals, and waved to fans who recognized her from the show. McKenna couldn’t help but marvel at how much Mazey had blossomed, her confidence a new light that radiated from within.
When the emcee began the closing remarks, he invited Mazey to the front for a few words. Mazey glanced back at McKenna with a shy smile before stepping up to the mic. The crowd quieted, eager to hear her speak.
Mazey cleared her throat, casting a quick glance at McKenna before addressing the crowd. “Thank you all for being here tonight. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this at home in a place before, and that’s saying something, considering I’ve lived all over,” she said, her voice warm and genuine. “Phoenix Ridge has become more than just a place on a map for me. It’s home, and it’s because of all of you.”
She paused, her gaze drifting back to McKenna. “I used to worry so much about what people thought of me. I tried to be what everyone wanted. But I’ve learned something very special here in Phoenix Ridge, and from McKenna.” Her voice softened. “I’ve learned that sometimes, the most important thing is just being with the people you love, no matter what the world thinks.”
The crowd applauded, some people giving them knowing smiles. McKenna’s heart swelled with pride, watching Mazey speak so freely. She could see the transformation in her, how the walls Mazey once put up had softened, revealing the kind-hearted, resilient woman she knew so well.
After the applause died down, Mazey returned to McKenna’s side, slipping her hand back into hers. “You did great,” McKenna whispered, squeezing her hand.
Mazey smiled, looking at her with an expression that held years of unsaid words. “I had a pretty great reason to be brave.”
They spent the rest of the evening mingling, surrounded by the warmth of the community. The lights dimmed, and soon enough, the crowd began to thin out. Ember and Josephine stayed behind, helping McKenna and Mazey tidy up after the event. They worked in a comfortable silence, punctuated by gentle laughter and easy conversation.
Ember and McKenna moved a few tables, chatting softly as they went. “You know,” Ember said, glancing at McKenna with a smile, “I’ve never seen you this happy before.”
McKenna shrugged, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Guess I just found the right person.”
Ember’s gaze softened. “I’m glad you did. You two are good for each other.”
Across the room, Mazey was deep in conversation with Josephine, who had her usual mischievous grin on. “How’s it feel, being Phoenix Ridge’s newest sweetheart?” Josephine teased.