Wilde Fire (Forever Wilde 3)

“I’m putting together a model train set for him as a surprise, and I built a little version of your house for the town. I thought I’d paste photos of you guys in the windows. Is that too corny or what?” I’d asked.

She’d reached out and squeezed my arm. “He’s going to flip, Otto. I’ll find something for you tonight and bring it over after Seth leaves for work.”

Now that she was there helping me set things up, I could tell she was distracted.

“You okay?” I asked.

She looked up in surprise from where she was sweeping up some spilled grass particles from the town square piece. “Yeah, um… hey… do you think… I mean, do you think I could ask Seth to keep Tisha a few extra days next weekend?”

“Of course. He’d love it. And if he has to work, I’m around. I can always get Sassy to come help if you’d feel more comfortable—”

She held up her hand. “No, no. I trust you, Otto. It’s just… I’ve been invited out of town for the weekend and feel a little strange telling Seth about it.”

“Jolie, he’ll be happy you’re doing something for yourself. Trust me on that. You going to tell me where you’re going?”

I’d noticed the blush on her face and wondered if I was being too personal.

“Daevon Hays and I have been seeing each other a little bit. You might have heard about it at the firehouse?”

I blinked at her in surprise. “No, not at all. Although, now that you mention it, he has seemed extra happy lately. But I only started back to work on Monday.”

She flushed even redder and looked down. “Yeah, well, anyway… he and his sister invited me to go their family’s condo down near Galveston to spend the weekend at the beach.”

“That sounds like fun. I’m sure it’s no problem for us to have Tisha. You guys go and have a good time. You deserve a break.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate that. And thank you for what you did for Hal. I didn’t get a chance to tell you but… that was really big of you. I can see why Seth cares about you so much.”

“The feeling is mutual, Jolie. And thank you for trusting me with Tisha. She’s a special young woman. You should be really proud of her. You and Seth have done a great job raising her,” I said.

She met my eyes and beamed before shocking me with a big hug. It was over almost before it started, but it was heartfelt and marked a change in our relationship. After that, I felt like maybe the four of us plus our extended families could give Tisha Walker the best life possible.

When it was time for Walker to get home late that night, I had the train running and all the little town lights on. The lake house lights were mostly out and when his keys hit the table by the door, I spoke up so I didn’t spook him.

“Surprise,” I said softly.

His head snapped up in surprise. “What’s all this?”

“This is what I’ve been working on for you and why I didn’t want you coming into my place the night of the fire. When I was in Dallas, I remembered how you and I had always daydreamed about having a house with a model train set, so I figured it was time.”

“Otto, look at it,” he said in an awed hush as he approached it slowly. The little engine raced around, past Sugar Britches bakery, the sheriff’s office, the Pinecone, and the post office. Then it turned down by Ritches Hardware and headed out toward the lake, which was on the floor over by the huge windows of the family room that looked out over the real lake.

“We can add to it as we want. This is just a start,” I began, knowing I was probably going to babble nervously until I was sure he liked it.

His eyes flicked up to mine and that’s all the answer I needed.

“This is the most amazing thing anyone’s ever done for me,” he said. “Thank you. Fuck, Wilde Man, you’re gonna make me cry worse than when we read each other’s letters the other night.” He squatted down to look at the tiny buildings and details. “Look! There’s Tisha’s house and Doc and Grandpa’s barn… Oh my god, there’s Gulliver,” he said with a laugh before looking back up at me.

“You like it then?” I teased.

He stood up and walked over to me, sliding his hands around my waist and pulling me close. “I love it. It really is the most amazing gift, Otto. The best thing you could have given me.”

It was now or never.

Okay, that wasn’t quite right. But it was now because I just couldn’t wait any longer.

I reached in my pocket and pulled out the rest of his gift, presenting it to him on my open palm while his arms were still around me.