He swallowed hard. He closed his eyes and the memories surrounded him. The smoke thickened. The fire was expanding. His stomach took a nauseous lurch.

“On the way out the door, part of the floor gave way. I fell.” He heard Hannah’s swift intake of breath, but he kept his eyes closed and kept going. “Later, I learned that there were a lot of painting supplies in the cellar. The owner is an artist. Anyway, the fire had started down there with a bunch of flammables. And then I…I got caught in a flash of fire.”

Hannah gasped.

This time he did glance at her, finding tears streaming down her cheeks. He felt awful for making her cry.

He rushed on to say, “They resuscitated the dog.”

“What about you?”

He cleared the lump in his throat. “I was trapped. My team got me out.”

She swiped at her tears. “I don’t know why I’m crying. I wasn’t even there.”

They both knew she was thinking of her father, who hadn’t been as lucky as Ethan. He drew Hannah to him and held her for a moment.

She pulled away. “How bad was it? I mean afterward.”

“I spent some time in the hospital with a broken ankle and some burns. It took me some physical rehab to be approved to return to work. Just when the paperwork came through, I found out about Aunt Birdie.”

“Are you worried about going back to work?”

He shrugged. “It’ll be different.”

Her voice lacked enthusiasm. “So you’re all set to go back home?”

He drank the rest of his cola. “Not yet. I have Spring Fling to attend and a bakery to finish.” He hadn’t intended to share any of this with her, especially when she wanted to keep distance between them. He swallowed hard. “Speaking of which, it’s time to get back to work.”

“That’s right. I have a mirror crying out for some help.” She quickly gathered their garbage. Then she turned back to him. “Thank you for sharing that. I know it wasn’t easy.”

“But it was worth it. If I’m ever going to make another rescue, I have to face what happened to me.”

She nodded in understanding. “Are you good with us working together?”

“I wouldn’t want it any other way. Do you know where to begin with the mirror?”

“I watched some videos online last night. I know how to strip the paint so that’s where I’m going to start. I have to run out and get some supplies. Can I get you anything?”

He shook his head. “I’m good.”

“I have my phone, if you change your mind.” She deposited the garbage in a black bag and then headed out the door.

Ethan was still sitting there. He ran his thumb over the spot where her hand had once been. He missed the softness of her touch. He hadn’t even left Bluestar, and he knew he was going to miss everything about this place—most especially Hannah.