Fire and Desire

Three months had passed since the terrifying building collapse, and Ryan had made incredible progress in her recovery. As she pulled up to the firehouse on her motorcycle, she couldn't help but notice the stark difference between this day and her first day on the job. As soon as she climbed off her bike, she saw Sophie waiting for her, a bright smile lighting up her face, her eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and hope.

The entire firehouse crew had been eagerly waiting for Ryan's arrival, knowing that today was the day she was supposed to receive word from her doctor about returning to work. The suspense had been building throughout the shift, and everyone was on edge, hoping for good news.

When Ryan walked inside, she made sure her expression gave nothing away. Her teammates gathered around her, their eyes searching for any hint of what the doctor had said. Ryan could feel the heat of their concern, making her even more eager to share her news.

Sophie, unable to contain her anticipation, approached her not wanting to wait any longer. "So, what did the doctor say?" she asked, trying her best to sound casual, but her voice betraying her excitement.

Ryan held her gaze, maintaining a serious expression for a moment before a broad grin spread across her face. "I've been given the all clear!" she announced, unable to contain her own relief. As confident as she was in how she felt, she was nervous that she’d be hit with a curveball and remain on medical leave a little longer, but thankfully that wasn’t the case.

The team rushed forward to hug her and offer congratulations. Their relief and joy were infectious, and Ryan felt a surge of gratitude for the incredible support she had received during her recovery.

“I still have to wait on my official return date and all the paperwork to be signed, but as soon as it is, I’m back baby!” She celebrated.

“Speaking of paperwork, we have some of our own to complete,” Sophie nodded toward her office, her eyes full of eagerness to get her alone.

“Leave that door open!” Jordan called out, which caused a snicker from the team since they were now fully aware of Ryan and Sophie’s relationship.

“Keep talking, and you’re going to be on detail duty!” Sophie playfully warned her. 

Ryan happily followed Sophie into her office and shut the door behind her. She took a quick moment to close the blinds before she turned. Her eyes were greeted by Sophie's beautiful smile that melted her heart as she walked over to her. Sophie held her by her waist and pulled her in.

“I couldn’t do this in front of everyone…” She said softly, her voice filled with emotion, before she leaned in and kissed Ryan passionately. They lingered within the kiss, nibbling at each other before Sophie reluctantly pulled away. “I’m so relieved that everything checked out…” she admitted, once she released her from the kiss.

“I told you I felt fine, baby. I’m good, Soph.” Ryan assured her, her heart swelling with love for the woman who had been her rock throughout her recovery.

“I know, but I like having confirmation.” Sophie, now fully recovered from her own injuries, felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over her as she wrapped her arms around Ryan. Sophie pulled back slightly. "We need to fill out some paperwork to protect both of us and the firehouse since I'm your Captain. Just in case something happens, we don't want any legal issues."

Ryan nodded, understanding the importance of the paperwork. "I get it. We have to be professional and cover all our bases." She wrapped her arms around Sophie’s neck. “Although let’s be clear, nothing is going to happen. You’re stuck with me Captain Moore.” 

Sophie held a soft smile, but continued. "There's also the possibility that one of us might be asked to transfer to another station."

Ryan sighed. "I would hate that, but as long as we're together, they could send me to the moon, I don't care. Nothing will keep me from you." 

There was a look that appeared in Ryan’s eyes that Sophie couldn't quite describe. It was sudden sadness, but also seemed like a mix of so many other emotions. Sophie's heart tightened with concern, and she decided to ask point blank, not wanting to worry herself more by trying to guess. "What’s that look about?"

Ryan hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. "I want to ask you something." She sighed, the tone of her voice was soft and almost vulnerable. "Next month, you know my mom will be gone a year. I know the closer the day gets, I won’t be in any state to go visit her, but I really want to do it, just to talk to her and tell her how I’m doing. I was thinking about going today…Will you go with me?"

Sophie was taken by surprise, but also deeply honored. It said a lot about where they were in their relationship; Ryan was no longer trying to shield her from her feelings, but inviting her to help her through them, and that was huge.

"Of course, Ryan," Sophie replied gently, her voice full of love and support. "We can go after our shift." Her eyes met Ryan's, and she could see the relief, which confused her a little since she would have never thought to say no.

Ryan nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "This is not how I ever imagined you two would 'meet,' but it would mean a lot to me for you to be there since I haven’t had the strength to go since I buried her."

Sophie wrapped her arms around Ryan, pulling her into a comforting embrace. She knew that sharing this part of her life with Ryan was a significant step for both of them, and she was determined to be there for her. “Ryan, you know, whatever you need, I’m here for you,” she assured her. “I have to confess, I’ve been to your mom’s grave.”

That obviously surprised her. “When?”

“A few days after you left, I was so worried about you. I don’t know what I thought it would accomplish. I think a part of me was hoping I would find you there, but when I didn’t, I just ended up asking her to continue to take care of you and watch over you. I promised her that if she helped you find your way back to me, I would take care of you and make sure you were okay.”

Ryan's chest immediately warmed, just feeling the love within Sophie’s words. “I’m seriously the luckiest woman in the world,” she whispered, her voice layered with emotion. Her statement was sealed with a sweet and tender kiss.

There was a knock on the door that interrupted them. They pulled apart and Sophie told them to come in, their trucks were due for inspections that day, and the inspector was there. Luke had come to let her know.

“I’ll be out in a second,” she told him before turning her attention back to Ryan. “We should celebrate your approval back to work tonight. You think you’ll be up for a couple of drinks at The Hold Up?”

Ryan nodded. “Yeah, let’s do it. I might need it after we leave the cemetery anyway.”

Sophie gave her a knowing smile, understanding the potential emotional weight of the day. She gave Ryan one last reassuring kiss before she exited her office with Ryan behind her, who left so the team could get back to work.

***

Ryan and Sophie stood side by side at the gravesite, the atmosphere heavy with emotions as they looked down at the headstone bearing her mother's name. The silence around them was deafening, and Ryan was initially unsure of what to say, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions coursing through her. Sophie sensed her struggle and gently took her hand, offering a silent reminder that she was not alone.

After a few moments, Ryan found her voice. "Mom, I miss you so much, every day," she said, her voice trembling. "Sometimes, I still pick up the phone to call you, and it hits me all over again that you're gone. But I'm having more good days than bad now." Ryan paused, taking a deep breath. "I know you were with me during the building collapse. Your love and my stubbornness to never leave Sophie again pulled me through." There was a somber soft chuckle. Tears welled up in Ryan's eyes. 

Sophie cupped Ryan’s hand in hers, stroking the back of it in comfort. Ryan welcomed the silent reassurance and squeezed her hand gently. “You would absolutely be teasing me about how open this one here has me.” Ryan smiled looking over at Sophie. “I love her so much mama.” She returned her gaze to Cora’s head stone. “You would love her too. Everything that you always use to fuss about, that I needed, I have it.“ Ryan lovingly assured her. 

For a few moments, they stood in silence. Ryan was overwhelmed by her feelings as she laid into Sophie. There was a mix of sadness and gratitude that fell over her, but even so she felt a sense of peace wash over her, knowing that her mother was watching over her, and that she had Sophie by her side. 

“I love you mama. I just wanted to come and talk to you, and let you know I’m going to be okay. I didn’t think so for a long time, but I know that I am.” Sophie gave her a sweet kiss of agreeance to her temple. 

***

When Ryan and Sophie arrived at The Hold Up, they found the crew already there, waiting for them and a few rounds in.

"Damn, how did y'all start the party without the guest of honor?" Ryan teased as they approached the table their teammates shared.

"We ordered for y'all, so catch up!" Jordan slid shots over to Ryan and Sophie.

"Okay, you're forgiven." Ryan laughed as she took both shots back to back. "Next round is on me," she offered, wanting to make a toast and thank them all for their unwavering support over the past few months. She took their orders and headed to the bar to get the drinks.

Sophie joined the crew at the table, her eyes following Ryan as she walked away. She found herself unable to look away, captivated by her presence. Jordan watched her sister's infatuation with amusement; she had never seen Sophie like this before. Even during their secret relationship, Jordan had felt as if she barely saw her sister. Now, she understood why. There was no way Sophie could have hidden the depth of her feelings for Ryan for so long.

"You're like a love sick puppy," Jordan teased Sophie.

"What?" Sophie asked, surprised by her sister's comment since she didn’t realize she was being watched.

"What?" Jordan mimicked her, grinning cheekily. "Seriously though, Soph, I've never seen you this smitten. I’m happy for you."

Sophie blushed, smiling sheepishly. "I can't help it. She's just…so amazing. She’s so special, J. You don’t feel this way about just anybody, you know?"

Jordan nodded, understanding her sister's sentiments. Ryan returned with a tray holding their drinks. She passed them around and held up hers.

"I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you. The last few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges, but I couldn't have made it through without your unwavering support," Ryan began, her voice heavy. "From visiting me in the hospital, to making sure Sophie took care of herself while she was helping me recover, your love and kindness, you don’t know how much it’s meant to me. You've become the siblings I never knew I wanted, but I definitely needed and I’m so grateful."

As she spoke, her eyes glistened with appreciative tears. The heartfelt words struck a chord with everyone present, and a few of them had to wipe away their own tears.

"Damn, Ryan, you're just going to try and make us all emotional?" Luke said, clearing his throat and attempting to laugh off the mist forming in his eyes.

They all raised their glasses, toasting to their bond. Each of them shared words of love and encouragement with Ryan, letting her know they felt the same way about her, and that they would always be there for her because that’s what family did. 

“Dance with me…” Sophie stood up and held out her hand to Ryan. ICU by CoCo Jones was playing, and she just wanted to get lost in a moment with her love. There wasn’t anyone else dancing, but she didn’t care.

Ryan didn’t hesitate to indulge her. She took Sophie’s hand and joined her. Sophie pulled her close, holding her by her waist while Ryan hugged her around her shoulders. They shared a sweet, tender kiss, before Sophie kissed her shoulder and then the side of her face.

As they swayed to the music, their friends watched them, commenting about how happy Sophie seemed and how she just glowed. Ryan leaned in close to Sophie, whispering sweet nothings in her ear, and Sophie responded with a loving smile. Their connection was undeniable and radiated throughout the room.

Jordan couldn't help herself, she was unable to resist, teasing her sister and Ryan. "You two are so damn cute, it's almost sickening!" she joked, but the warmth in her voice made it clear that she was genuinely happy for them. The rest of the team chimed in agreeing with her.

Ryan whispered to Sophie. "You're so beautiful," which made her blush. Sophie kissed her in response, because she didn’t have the words to describe how she was feeling. The way Ryan was looking at her filled her with so many emotions that she felt overwhelmed.

“Why don’t you get us another round?” Ryan asked her.

“Are you trying to get me drunk so you can have your way with me?” Sophie teased.

“Of course.” Ryan grinned.

Sophie chuckled, softly, and gave Ryan another quick kiss before she went over to the bar. Jordan noticed all of a sudden Ryan seemed to get nervous. She took a deep breath, and reached into the pocket of the flannel shirt she wore. At first, she couldn’t tell what was in her hand until Ryan adjusted what she was holding.

“Oh my god,” Jordan gasped and eagerly nudged Mary next to her, who squealed.

Sophie could hear the gasp and whispers behind her, which made her turn around. Immediately she was caught off guard when she saw Ryan standing there holding a ring.

“I wasn’t sure when, or how I was going to do this. I was waiting for the perfect moment, but there is no such thing,” Ryan began, her voice trembling with emotion. The look in Sophie’s eyes made her feel even more emotional. "Sophie, from the moment we met, I knew there was something special between us. Through everything, even in my darkest moments, the one thing I could never get away from was how much I love you, and I can't imagine my life without you in it. I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much you mean to me. Life is so unpredictable, we don’t know how much time we have, and we're reminded of it every day. I want to make every single moment with you count. So, Sophie, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Tears welled up in Sophie's eyes, her heart swelling with so many overjoyed emotions. Words that described what she was feeling escaped her, so she simply nodded vigorously until she managed to choke out a heartfelt, "Yes, Ryan, yes! I will marry you baby!"

The room erupted in cheers and applause from their friends, and strangers onlooking who were overjoyed for them. Ryan slipped the ring onto Sophie's finger, and they shared a passionate and emotional kiss that seemed to last forever.

When they finally pulled apart, their eyes glistened with tears of happiness. Their friends gathered around to congratulate them. Hugs and words of love and support filled the room, further intensifying the already overwhelming emotions.

As the night went on, the celebration continued with more dancing, laughter, and heartfelt toasts to them. Ryan and Sophie never strayed far from each other, their love for one another evident in every glance, touch, and smile they shared.

Jordan watched her sister and her future sister-in-law, feeling a mixture of joy and pride. She knew how much they had both been through, individually and together, and she couldn't have been happier to see them taking this step forward in their relationship. Sophie and Ryan eventually found themselves alone on the dance floor once more. They danced slowly, wrapped up in each other's arms, lost in their own little world.

"I can't believe we're engaged," Sophie murmured, her head resting against Ryan's. 

"I know," Ryan replied softly, and then leaned up to kiss her fiancé once more. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

Sophie looked back at her, her eyes full of love. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Sophie, so much it just leaves me speechless sometimes," Ryan said, her own eyes mirroring the love she saw in Sophie's. "We both know that's not easy to do," she laughed.

They continued to dance, savoring the moment and the new chapter that had just begun in their lives. They knew that there would be challenges ahead, but together, they felt unstoppable. Their love, their bond, would carry them through anything that life had in store for them.

As the night went on, the warmth of their love burned brighter than any fire, fueling their desire to face the future as one. And as they danced like there was no one else in the world but them, Ryan and Sophie knew that their journey together was just beginning, ignited by the unbreakable love and bond that connected them and would see them through anything.