Chapter 15

15

MAZEY

S everal months had passed since production wrapped up on Edge of the Abyss, and Mazey had spent most of that time relishing the peacefulness of her life with McKenna. The final day of shooting had been filled with excitement and relief; there were no major mishaps after the infamous river scene, and Mazey’s confidence on set grew with each day. To her surprise, the director even reached out afterward saying he’d loved her work and had a good feeling the show would be a hit.

Today, Mazey got an email saying they had edited and polished the first episode, and she could hardly contain her excitement. She hurried to the fire station to find McKenna, already imagining the scene they’d create at home, a cozy viewing party with their friends. She found McKenna on her break, sipping a coffee, and shared the news with a beaming smile.

"They just sent me the first episode!” Mazey said, grinning.

McKenna’s face lit up in response. “That’s amazing, Mazey. We should do a viewing party! Celebrate the big debut.”

Mazey’s eyes sparkled at the idea. “I love it. Let’s invite everyone. We can set up the living room, put out snacks, and make it a real event.”

Together that night, they planned every detail, arranging chairs and blankets to make the space comfortable and homey. McKenna took charge of decorations, jokingly insisting that popcorn garlands were essential, while Mazey picked out a movie-theater-style assortment of snacks. They shared moments of laughter as they worked, pausing now and then to share a glance that said everything about how far they’d come.

As they prepared for their friends, Mazey couldn't help but reminisce. She glanced over at McKenna, who was carefully arranging snacks on the coffee table, and found herself smiling.

"I was so nervous when we first met,” Mazey said, breaking the comfortable silence. “You were this mysterious firefighter who barely looked my way. And here we are…setting up for a party in our house."

McKenna chuckled, her eyes softening as she looked over at Mazey. "I remember. You looked like you’d rather be anywhere else but on that cliff.”

Mazey laughed, shaking her head. "And I didn’t realize I’d just met the person who’d change everything for me."

Guests began to arrive just as they finished setting up. Ember and Josephine were among the first, bringing a celebratory bottle of champagne and their usual cheerful energy. Soon, the living room was filled with friends from the fire station and a few cast members from the show. There was a warm buzz in the air, conversations and laughter filling every corner of the room.

When everyone had gathered and settled in, Mazey stepped forward, holding up a glass. “Thank you all for coming,” she began, smiling at each friend. “This show has been a journey, one that’s pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. But more than anything, I’m grateful for all of you. And, well, especially McKenna.” She paused, her voice catching as she glanced at McKenna, who was looking back at her with quiet pride. “Without you, I don’t know if I’d have made it through some of those days.”

McKenna just shook her head, a small smirk on her lips. “Well, let’s not forget who’s saved who more times,” she quipped, sparking laughter throughout the room.

“Alright, alright,” Hallie Hunter chimed in. “Let’s get to it. I want to see Mazey hanging off that cliff again. For nostalgia’s sake, of course.”

With everyone settled and laughing, they pressed play, and the room went silent as the screen lit up with the opening scenes of Edge of the Abyss. Mazey watched herself on the screen, her character navigating high-stakes moments in breathtaking locations, and then, finally, the infamous cliff scene arrived. The camera panned to Mazey’s character, gripping the edge of a cliff, her face contorted in fear and determination.

Everyone in the room cheered, laughing and making jokes about that day on set. Someone even mimicked her panicked shouts from the scene, drawing more laughter. McKenna leaned over, nudging her with a grin. “Can’t believe you survived that day and still agreed to a second date with me,” she teased.

Mazey grinned, squeezing McKenna’s hand. “Couldn’t let you off that easily, could I?”

When the episode ended, applause and cheers filled the room. Friends surrounded Mazey, congratulating her on her performance, throwing out compliments and teasing remarks alike. She graciously accepted the praise, laughing along with everyone. Eventually, she gestured to McKenna and said with a smile, “I wouldn’t be here without my personal superhero saving me…countless times.”

Everyone laughed, clinking glasses and toasting to their favorite real-life love story.

As the evening wound down and people started to head out, Ember and Josephine stuck around to help with cleanup. Ember caught McKenna’s eye as they gathered empty glasses, smiling knowingly. “Looks like things turned out alright, huh?”

McKenna smiled, nodding. “Yeah. Better than I could’ve imagined, really.”

Ember leaned in slightly, her tone softening. “Remember when you came to me for advice about all this? You were ready to give up. I’m glad you didn’t.”

McKenna chuckled, glancing over at Mazey, who was laughing with Josephine across the room. “I don’t know what I’d do without her. I owe you for keeping me patient.”

Ember patted her shoulder with a warm smile. “Just remember this the next time I’m asking for advice. Which, let’s face it, will probably be about cars.”

They shared a laugh, then moved back to their cleanup duties. Meanwhile, Mazey and Josephine were wrapping up a conversation of their own. Josephine’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. “You seem…different, Mazey. Happier.”

Mazey smiled, glancing over at McKenna. “I am. I didn’t realize how much I was holding myself back until now.”

Josephine nodded knowingly. “It’s obvious, seeing you two together. You’re good for each other.” She paused, then added with a playful grin, “And I have to say, it’s nice to know McKenna’s finally met her match.”

Mazey laughed, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “She keeps me grounded and safe,” she said, smiling to herself. “I never thought I’d be this open, but here I am.”

Ember and Josephine gathered their things, hugging both Mazey and McKenna goodbye. “Don’t forget about the charity event tomorrow,” Ember reminded them with a grin. “You’re our guests of honor.”

McKenna laughed, giving her a reassuring nod. “We’ll be there. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

As their friends left, Mazey and McKenna were finally alone, standing in the quiet, cozy living room that just hours ago had been filled with laughter and love. Mazey looked around, letting out a soft sigh of contentment. She turned to McKenna, wrapping her arms around her waist, her face relaxed and peaceful.

“Tonight was perfect,” she murmured, resting her forehead against McKenna’s. “I don’t think I could’ve imagined anything better.”

McKenna brushed her fingers gently through Mazey’s hair, her voice equally soft. “I feel the same. I’m just really, really happy we’re here.”

Mazey looked up, her eyes shining with warmth and affection. “You know, it’s funny. I used to think love like this only happened in movies. I didn’t realize I could actually have it.”

McKenna’s arms tightened around her, her gaze filled with sincerity. “Then I guess we’re both living a dream,” she replied softly. “Because I never thought I’d find someone like you.”

They stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, reveling in the quiet peace that surrounded them. It was a feeling neither of them wanted to let go of, a feeling they’d fought hard to earn. And now, with every whispered word, every shared glance, they knew they’d keep fighting to hold onto it.

McKenna leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Mazey’s lips, her heart swelling with the certainty that this was where she was meant to be. They had finally found their way to each other, through every doubt and every fear, and nothing felt more right.

Mazey pulled back slightly, a smile tugging at her lips. “So, tomorrow?”

McKenna chuckled, nodding. “Tomorrow, we keep building this life together. One day at a time.”

The next day when McKenna returned home, the air buzzed with excitement as they prepared for the evening’s event. They shared light conversation, discussing everything from their day’s highs to their hopes for the upcoming gathering. Laughter filled the room as they helped each other choose outfits, a joyful blend of anticipation and nervous energy swirling around them.

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 and gratitude. 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.

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.