Maya's Next Step

Chapter 126

Maya POV

"You're serious?" I asked Gibson is disbelief.

"I'm afraid so Cap, just had the call through," he informed me, a frown across his face as well.

"I promised Elva a fun few days of Christmas activities," I sighed, slumping down in my chair and resting my head in my hands.

"I'm sorry Maya, there'll still be time for all that stuff," he said, trying to reassure me.

"You know she'll understand," he added.

"She shouldn't have to understand, that's the point. She should have her mom at full disposal," I retorted.

He nodded, knowing no matter what he said, the situation wouldn't improve.

He'd just told me that all the time requests the team had put in for the holidays had been denied on the basis that bad weather had been forecast and B shift would need back up from the rest of us.

"I swear Dixon is only doing this to spite us," I said frustratedly.

"He's just being a Scrooge," Jack agreed.

"How am I gonna tell Elvie our plans will have to change," I said, running my hands through my hair.

"Look, you were meant to be home baking cookies now right?" He asked.

"Yeah but I'm here,"

"But she's still upstairs making gingerbread with the team. She's still making Christmas memories," he pointed out.

"Just not with her mom," I replied quietly.

"Look, I'll cover your main captain duties, I'll call you if I need anything. Go spend time with your girl," he said warmly.

"Are you sure?" I asked, not wanting to put extra work on him.

"Sure I am, go before the weather gets worse and we get called out," he laughed l, ushering me out of the room.

"I owe you one, thanks Gibson," I smiled.

Before heading up to the beanery, I quickly phoned Carina and left her message. I could've believe the few days off I'd arranged to spend time with Elva were being cut short before they'd even started.

I hated the thought of disappointing my girl.

She deserved to have the most special Christmas. This was going to be a chance for her to make so many memories.

I pushed open the door to the beanery to be met with the smell of gingerbread. There were Christmas songs blasting through the speaker and Elva was twirling around the room with Andy.

I stood and watched for a moment as Travis took the cookies out of the oven and Vic snapped some pictures of my best friend dancing with my baby.

So maybe they weren't conventional memories but they were memories nonetheless.

Elva would have a firehouse Christmas and she was going to love it.

My phone buzzed with a message from Carina.

My love 💕
I know you feel terrible but we will make it all magical for the bambina. I promise.

I smiled and pocketed my phone, walking over and taking Elva by surprise, I scooped her up from behind and placed her on my hip.

"Mommy!" She squealed, laughing loudly as I began to dance with her in my arms.

I placed her on the floor and took her hand, spinning her around like a little ballerina.