Chapter 30

“Oh, shit!” She jumped out of bed. Gus was shaking, and so was she. Fear was running through her veins, and she didn’t know what to do.

She finally took a deep breath and calmed herself down, just like she had to in the classroom.

She pulled out Gus’s travel box and put him in it, so he was safe. He didn’t like it, but at least she didn’t have to worry about running after him.

She quickly got her purse and threw her phone and charger in it, coughing from the smoke as she went.

She went to her jewelry box and pulled out the velvet pouch that held her Gram’s pearl necklace, put her mom’s diamond studs in with them, and threw that in her purse along with her passport.

She picked up Gus and her purse, stepped into some flip-flops, and went to the living room, pulling out her beloved photo album before leaving.

The hallway outside her apartment was filled with more smoke, screaming, and running. She quickly walked with others down the three flights of stairs to find chaos at the bottom.

There were firefighters and hoses everywhere, as well as police officers and ambulances. The building next to hers was engulfed, and the two floors above her were on fire.

She moved back as directed and watched as her floor started burning, rooted to the ground in disbelief as she lost her home.

She set Gus down and dug out her phone as she fumbled around, trying to hit the buttons, but her hands were shaking. She finally found the number and hit it.

Liam was sleeping and cursed when his phone rang, thinking it was the office. He reached over and picked it up, not looking at the screen.

“Hello?”

Before anyone could say anything, he heard roaring on the other end and sirens going off. He sat up in a panic and looked at the screen, seeing Maggie’s beautiful face. His heart dropped.

“Maggie! What’s going on? Where are you?”

“Liam! There’s a fire! Help me!”

“Oh, fuck! Maggie, are you out of the building?”

“Yes!”

“Good, stay there! I am coming to get you right now!”

Liam jumped out of bed, scaring Rupert who had been sleeping on the end. He threw on a shirt, socks, and shoes before running out of the room, grabbing his phone, and racing down the stairs.

He jumped in the SUV and sped as fast as he could to Maggie’s place. He prayed the whole time, asking God to keep her safe because he loved her and wanted to marry her.

He was stopped by police as he saw the flames and smoke overtaking the area.

“Sorry, sir, we are not letting anyone through,” the young officer said.

“Please! My girlfriend just called me!” Liam pleaded.

“Sorry—”

“Liam?” a voice asked.

Liam turned and saw a friend from the local sheriff’s office.

“Jake! Please let me through! My girlfriend called me, she lives here! I need to get to her!”

“Let him pass, Jones. I’ll vouch for him.”

“Thanks, Jake!”

Jake nodded as Liam ran to where he could see people standing. He looked around and finally saw her to the side, watching. He walked up behind her and said her name.

Maggie heard his voice and turned, sobbing. He took her in his arms and just held her, kissing her head as she cried.

“Are you okay, darling? Are you hurt?” he asked.

She shook her head, unable to form words. He just held her as she calmed down and looked at him.

“I’m sorry, Liam! I didn’t mean it tonight, I love you! I’m sorry—”

“Maggie, it’s okay! Let’s not worry about it. I’m just so glad that you are safe! I love you!”

She stood in his arms for another minute before she pulled away.

“Are you ready to go?” Liam asked gently.

“Yes, please.”

Liam directed Maggie to where he left his car. He gave Maggie’s name and contact number to Jake before putting Gus’s case in the back seat and helping her into the car.

He drove her to his house, keeping her hand in his as he went.

He pulled into the driveway and let her in the house. He let Gus out, and the cat immediately took off for the laundry room where his food and water was.

He took Maggie’s hand and led her upstairs, sitting her on the edge of the bed.

“Do you need anything, darling? Water? Food? Shower?”

“No, I just want to go to sleep.”

Liam climbed into bed next to her, covered her up, and pulled her close to his chest, smoothing her hair down and whispering how much he loved her. She quickly drifted off and fell into a deep sleep.

He pulled out his phone and called Mike, telling him what happened and to let Makayla know. Mike would call the sub coordinator for the school and tell her that Maggie would be gone for at least two days.

Liam called Brett and filled him in. He was very worried but promised that he would be over to see her in the morning.

Liam went back to bed and slept on and off until six in the morning, when he finally got up, letting Maggie sleep in.