Page 41 of Rescue My Heart
Mazey laughed. “A bit overwhelming, but… in the best way.”
Josephine gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. “It’s amazing seeing you this happy. You deserve it.”
Mazey glanced over at McKenna, her smile widening. “I never thought I’d find this,” she said softly. “I never thought I’d be brave enough to let myself.”
When Ember and Josephine finally said their goodbyes, McKenna and Mazey were left alone in the now-quiet city hall, the lingering warmth of the evening settling around them. They moved to the small, decorated stage, where they had stood earlier, facing the crowd together.
McKenna leaned against the edge of the stage, looking out at the empty room. “This place is so different when it’s empty,” she murmured.
Mazey moved closer, resting her head against McKenna’s shoulder. “I think this night is going to stay with me for a long time.”
McKenna wrapped her arm around Mazey’s shoulders, pulling her close. “You know, I was thinking… When I first met you, I didn’t think we’d be standing here like this. Everything about us felt… impossible.”
Mazey looked up, her gaze warm. “Maybe we’re just good at defying the odds,” she said softly.
McKenna smiled, her heart swelling as she looked at Mazey. “I don’t know what’s ahead, but… I know I don’t want to do it without you.”
Mazey reached up, brushing a soft kiss to McKenna’s cheek. “Then we won’t. No matter what comes our way, we’re in this together.”
The room seemed to hold its breath, as if honoring their quiet moment of promise. Outside, the town was quiet, the stars scattered across the night sky like tiny points of light. They left the hall hand in hand, stepping out into the cool evening air.
As they walked to their car, Mazey paused, tilting her head up to look at the stars. “You know, I used to dream of seeing my name in lights,” she said softly. “But now… now I just want to make a life. Here, with you.”
McKenna smiled, pulling Mazey close. “We’ll make it, one day at a time,” she promised, pressing a gentle kiss to Mazey’s forehead. “You’re stuck with me.”
Mazey laughed, wrapping her arms around McKenna. “Good. Because there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
With their arms around each other, they walked into the night, ready to face whatever came next, together, in a love that felt as endless as the stars above.
EPILOGUE
Five years had passed since Mazey and McKenna found their way back to each other, and life in Phoenix Ridge had never been sweeter. The sun streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating their cozy home adorned with photographs capturing their adventures together: hiking trips, community events, and lazy Sundays spent wrapped in each other's arms. The walls also proudly displayed Mazey’s awards, glistening trophies that celebrated her talent and perseverance, each one a testament to the dedication and love she poured into her craft.
As they navigated the ups and downs of life, they had adopted three lively cats: Luna, a sleek black feline with mischievous green eyes; Jasper, a fluffy tabby who loved to curl up on their laps; and Pippa, a spirited calico with an attitude as vibrant as her coat. The trio added warmth and chaos to their lives, often vying for attention during quiet moments at home.
This particular morning, Mazey was bustling about the kitchen, preparing breakfast while humming a tune that McKenna recognized from one of Mazey's hit shows. The aroma of coffee filled the air, mingling with the scent of pancakessizzling on the stove. McKenna entered, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, her firefighter's uniform hanging over her broad shoulders. “What’s cooking, superstar?” she teased, wrapping her arms around Mazey’s waist.
“Just trying to impress my favorite firefighter,” Mazey replied, glancing back with a playful smile. After breakfast, they settled onto the couch, mugs of coffee in hand, discussing their plans for the day. McKenna’s heart raced as she recalled the news she had received earlier that week. “So, I got some pretty big news,” she said, trying to sound casual, though her excitement was palpable.
Mazey perked up, her eyes brightening with curiosity. “What’s going on? Tell me!”
“I’m getting a promotion,” McKenna announced, barely able to contain her grin.
Mazey gasped, clapping her hands together in delight. “No way! That’s amazing, babe! You totally deserve it!”
McKenna felt a rush of pride swell within her as Mazey's enthusiasm washed over her. “Thanks! It’s a huge responsibility, but I’m ready for the challenge. I want to make a real difference in our community.”
Mazey beamed at her with admiration. “You’re going to be incredible. Just think of all the changes you can implement! The department is lucky to have you.”
As they celebrated McKenna’s achievement, they shared playful banter about what her leadership would look like. “Just promise me you won’t start making us do fire drills at home,” Mazey joked.
“Only if you promise to keep dinner off the stove,” McKenna shot back with a laugh, leaning in to steal a kiss.
After breakfast, they spent time in the living room, surrounded by the trophies that Mazey had won over the years. Each one gleamed under the warm light, a testament to herhard work and determination. Mazey stood in front of them, her fingers tracing the edges of one of the trophies. “I still can’t believe I won this for Edge of the Abyss,” she said, her voice filled with wonder. “It feels like just yesterday I was clinging onto that cliff.”
Just as she spoke, Pippa, their mischievous calico cat, darted into the room with a burst of energy. In her playful frenzy, she leaped onto the shelf, her paw swiping at the nearest trophy. Time seemed to slow as the golden statuette teetered precariously before tumbling to the ground with a resounding thud.
Mazey gasped, instinctively reaching out, but it was too late. The trophy hit the floor, the sound echoing through the cozy living room. McKenna rushed over, a mix of concern and amusement in her eyes. “Well, there goes your award-winning career,” she teased, trying to suppress a laugh.