Loving A Firefighter (Loving Series) by Susan Leigh Carlton Read Free Book Online Page B

to see the pictures.  Are you in any?”
     
    “A few.”
     
    “These are commendations aren’t they?”
    “Yeah.   We’ve had a lot of fires in the family.”
     
    “You didn’t tell me you had anything like these.”
    “It sounds like bragging when you talk about it.  It’s part of the job.”
     
    “The mayor of Dallas doesn’t give you an award for just doing your job.”  She looked at his face.  He was embarrassed.  She didn’t apologize.
    “Mr. Reynolds spoke up.  “Carrie, firefighting is a dangerous job.  All of us are family and an individual does not like to take credit.  We’re a team and we do what has to be done.  If you go looking to do something just for recognition, you could get someone killed.”
     
    “Chip, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to embarrass you.  I can see awards here for everyone in the family.  You shouldn’t be ashamed.  I appreciate what you do.” Good bye, Mr. Reynolds. It was nice meeting you. I enjoyed the evening.”
     
    “Goodbye Carrie. Come back sometime when you can give him the slip.”
     
    She laughed and said, “You’ve got a date.”
    * * *
    About 4:00PM, one afternoon, Mrs. Tompkins called Carrie and asked her to meet with her in her office at 4:15.
    Wondering what this was all about, Carrie was there at the set time. 
    “Have a seat , Carrie,” and indicated the chair in front of the desk.  “Your work and the way you approach it has come to the attention of the producers.  I’m really going to miss the research you do for us.”  She noted the stricken look on Carrie’s face and said, “It’s nothing like that.  The station needs a field reporter and we think you would be great in the position.  It would mean a substantial increase in salary and you would also be getting some camera time.  Are you interested?”
    “Am I interested?  It’s a dream come true for me.  I can’t believe it’s coming now the way my luck has been lately.  When would I start?”
    “Immediately.   We will start you off in human interest until you get comfortable with it.  Incidentally, your salary will be increased this pay period to $104,900 annual.”
    Carrie’s jaw dropped.  “This is incredible.  I can’t tell you how grateful I am and I won’t let you down.”
    “We wouldn’t have made the move if we didn’t think you could do it.  Now get out of here and go home.”
     

Chapter 8
    Carrie didn’t want to call Chip since he was working and he might be on a run, so she waited for him to call her.  He finally did at 8:17PM.  She picked up the phone on the first ring.  “Have you had a quiet day today?” she asked.”
    “Yes we have. Haven’t had a single run all day.  That’s the way I like it too.  What about you?”
    “I was hoping you’d ask.  I’m changing jobs.  I’m going to be a field reporter and will be getting on-air time.  They asked if I was interested this afternoon.  I start tomorrow.  It doubles my salary.  I’ll be able to move from this place to a real apartment or town home.”
    “I’m really proud of you and so happy for you honey.”
    “That’s twice.”
    “What’s twice?” 
    “ That’s twice you’ve called me honey.  I’m walking on air right now.  This is a big step toward my dream.  If you’ll let me, I’d like to take you to dinner tomorrow night.  How about it?”
    “Sounds like a plan.  You will let me drive?”
    “Of course.  I love your truck.  It beats my Toyota any day.”  There was a loud, blaring sound in the background.  “What’s that sound?”
    “We’ve got a call ”.  I have to go.  “Seven okay tomorrow?”
    “Yes, and be careful.”
    She watched the news, hoping not to see any reports of a major fire.  She couldn’t stand it if anything happened to Chip now.
    The next day
    At 6:55 on the dot, there was a knock at the front door.  Looking through the port, Carrie could see it was Chip.  She opened the door and was in his arms as soon