The moving truck rumbled down the street, carrying the last of the items that were making their way to the penthouse. Maya and Carina watched as the crew unloaded everything, their muscles aching from the long day, but there was a sense of satisfaction knowing they were almost done. The apartment that had been Carina's for so long was now nearly empty, with only a few items left that would be sold before they could close this chapter of their lives.

As the last box was carried into the truck, Maya turned to Carina, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. "That's it," she said with a sigh. "We've officially moved everything we need."

Carina smiled, leaning into Maya for a quick kiss. "It feels good, doesn't it? Finally having everything in one place."

Maya nodded, her arm wrapping around Carina's waist. "Yeah, it does. One last step—cleaning the apartment, and then we're done."

They both felt a sense of accomplishment as they climbed into the car, ready to pick up Alex from his sleepover with Ben and Miranda. As Maya started the engine, the weight of the day's work began to fade, replaced by excitement for their evening together as a family.

But just as they were driving, Maya's phone rang. She glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing as she saw the Fire Chief's name.

"It's the Fire Chief," she said, glancing at Carina. "I wonder what he wants."

Carina raised an eyebrow, slightly curious but not overly concerned. "Maybe just checking in?"

Maya answered the call, her tone professional as she greeted the Chief. "Hey, Chief. What's up?"

The Chief's voice came through the line, direct as always. "Bishop, I need you to come into the station tomorrow for a meeting. We need to discuss something important."

Maya frowned, surprised by the request. "Tomorrow? I'm still on vacation for a few more days…"

"I know," the Chief replied, his tone leaving little room for argument. "But this can't wait. It's important, and we need to meet in person."

Maya exchanged a glance with Carina, who gave her a reassuring nod. "Alright," Maya said, a slight edge of curiosity in her voice. "I'll be there."

"Good," the Chief said. "See you tomorrow."

As the call ended, Maya set her phone down, her mind buzzing with questions. "I wonder what that's all about," she muttered.

Carina reached over, placing a comforting hand on Maya's leg. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about," she said softly. "Maybe it's just a routine check-in. Besides, we'll have tonight to relax and spend time with Alex before you head back."

Maya nodded, grateful for Carina's calm reassurance. "Yeah, you're right. Let's just focus on getting Alex and having a nice evening."

The sun had started to set by the time Maya and Carina pulled into Ben and Miranda's driveway. It had been a long day of moving, but they were both excited to pick up Alex and head back to the penthouse to start their evening together. As they got out of the car and walked up to the front door, they could hear the familiar sounds of children's laughter drifting from inside the house.

Maya knocked on the door, and after a few moments, Ben opened it with a warm smile. "Hey, come on in!" he said, stepping aside to let them enter.

Carina smiled as they walked into the house. "How was Alex?" she asked.

Ben chuckled. "He's been great—except for the fact that he and Pru have been inseparable since they started playing. Getting him to leave might be a challenge."

As they moved into the living room, Maya spotted Alex and Pru sitting on the floor, surrounded by toys, giggling as they built a tower of blocks together.

"Mommy! Mamma!" Alex called out happily when he saw them, though he made no move to get up. He and Pru were clearly deep in their game.

Maya smiled, crouching down next to him. "Hey, buddy! Ready to head home?"

Alex's face scrunched up, his little brows furrowing. "Nooooo," he whined. "I don't wanna go yet! Pru and I are playing."

Pru looked up at Maya and Carina with a shy smile, clearly happy to have Alex as her playmate.

Carina chuckled softly, exchanging a glance with Maya. "It looks like someone's having too much fun," she said, kneeling beside them. "But it's time to head home, tesoro."

Alex pouted, his arms crossing as he sat stubbornly on the floor. "But I don't wanna leave yet," he insisted. "Pru and I are building the biggest tower ever!"

Maya grinned, trying to hide her amusement at how serious Alex was about his tower. "That's pretty impressive," she said, admiring their work. "But you know what? We have a surprise waiting for you at home."

Alex's eyes flickered with interest, though he wasn't completely sold. "A surprise?"

Carina nodded, her voice playful. "That's right. But we can't tell you until we get back home."

Alex looked from Pru to Maya and Carina, clearly torn between wanting to stay and the allure of a potential surprise. After a moment of hesitation, he finally sighed dramatically. "Okay… but can we come back and play again soon?"

Maya ruffled his hair with a smile. "Of course, buddy. You can come back and play with Pru any time."

With that reassurance, Alex stood up, though he gave Pru a quick hug before heading toward the door with his moms.

Ben and Miranda watched with amused smiles as the family made their way out. "Good luck with the surprise," Ben teased with a wink.

As they buckled Alex into the car, Carina leaned over to Maya with a grin. "What's our surprise for him, by the way?"

Maya chuckled, shaking her head. "I have no idea," she whispered back. "But we'll figure something out."

The car ride home was anything but quiet as Alex chattered non-stop about all the fun he had with Pru. His excitement was contagious as he recounted their games, the toys they played with, and how they built the tallest block tower he had ever seen.

"And then Pru knocked it down, but we built it again!" Alex exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement from the back seat.

Maya smiled, glancing at Carina with amusement as Alex's stories poured out one after another, his energy seemingly endless. "Sounds like you two had quite the time," Maya said, her voice full of warmth.

"Yeah, Mommy! It was the best!" Alex continued, his little hands gesturing as he spoke.

Carina chuckled softly. "I'm so glad you had fun, tesoro," she said, turning to give him a smile.

As they pulled into the penthouse's garage, Alex barely waited for the car to stop before undoing his seatbelt and eagerly hopping out. "Come on, let's go!" he urged, his excitement now shifting to whatever surprise his moms had mentioned on the way home.

Maya and Carina followed behind as Alex bounded ahead, his small feet moving quickly through the hall. The second he reached the door to his room, he flung it open and stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide with awe.

His superhero room was completely set up—walls painted with his favorite characters, shelves filled with his toys, and in the center of the room was his big new bed, neatly made and ready for him.

For a moment, Alex was speechless, his wide eyes taking everything in. Then, suddenly, he let out an excited squeal and ran straight for the bed, climbing up onto it with a beaming smile. "This is my surprise?" he asked, his little hands patting the soft blankets.

Maya and Carina exchanged a knowing glance, both smiling as they leaned in the doorway. "Yep, buddy," Maya said with a playful grin. "This is your big surprise—your brand-new bed in your superhero room."

Alex bounced happily on the bed, his joy radiating through the room. "It's awesome! I love it!" he declared, his excitement bubbling over once again.

Carina stepped closer, laughing softly. "We're so glad you love it, tesoro," she said, ruffling his hair affectionately.

Alex's smile was infectious, his energy filling the room as he continued to explore his new bed and room setup. "This is the best surprise ever!" he said, settling into his bed as if testing it out for the first time.

Carina stood at the stove, tapping her foot impatiently as she rifled through the kitchen cabinets, her frustration building. "Maya, where is that pan I need?" she asked, her Italian accent becoming more pronounced as her annoyance grew. "I can't cook without it!"

Maya, sensing Carina's growing frustration, walked over from the living room, trying to be helpful. "I've got these pans," she said, pulling out a few that were already stocked in the penthouse. "They should work, right?"

Carina took one look at the pans and shook her head, her lips curling into an amused but exasperated smile. "Tesoro, these are bachelor pad pans. They're barely good enough to make scrambled eggs, let alone a proper meal."

Maya laughed, shaking her head. "That makes sense, because this place was definitely a bachelor pad before you and Alex moved in."

Carina raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she leaned against the counter. "And now you expect me to cook for us with these?" she teased, holding up one of the flimsy pans.

Maya grinned, stepping forward to kiss her on the cheek. "Alright, alright. I get it. My pans aren't up to your high culinary standards. Let me help fix that."

Without another word, Maya began rifling through the boxes that had yet to be fully unpacked from the move. "I'm pretty sure the good pans are in here somewhere," she called over her shoulder, determined to find what Carina needed.

Carina watched with an affectionate smile as Maya dug through the boxes, her frustration beginning to melt away. It didn't take long for Maya to find a box labeled "Kitchen Essentials," and after a bit of rummaging, she pulled out a sturdy, professional-grade pan.

"Found it!" Maya exclaimed triumphantly, holding up the pan like a trophy.

Carina laughed, relieved and amused by Maya's determination. "Thank goodness," she said with a smile. "Now I can actually make dinner without worrying about burning everything."

Maya grinned, handing over the pan. "I don't want you frustrated in the kitchen, especially not when you're cooking for us. I'll make sure we get the right tools from now on."

Carina leaned in, kissing Maya softly. "Grazie, amore. Now, stand back and watch how a real meal is made," she teased with a wink as she turned back to the stove.

— — —

Maya dropped Alex off at preschool. He had run off excitedly to join his friends, leaving Maya standing in the parking lot, her heart racing as she prepared for the meeting she couldn't stop thinking about. The call from the Fire Chief had been unexpected, and despite Carina's reassurances, the uncertainty gnawed at her.

When she arrived at the fire station, she took a deep breath and walked inside, trying to calm the nerves bubbling up inside her. As she entered the Chief's office, her stomach flipped when she saw not just the Fire Chief, but Captain Andy, sitting there as well.

"Bishop, come on in," the Fire Chief said with a neutral but warm tone.

Maya nodded, stepping inside and taking a seat across from them. Her heart thudded in her chest as she waited for the conversation to begin. What was this about?

The Chief cleared his throat and glanced at Captain Andy before speaking. "First of all, I want to acknowledge the strong leadership we've seen from you at Station 19," he began. "Both Captain Andy and I agree—you're one of the best lieutenants we've got."

Maya felt a flicker of pride at the compliment, but the anxiety still churned inside her. She glanced at Andy, who gave her a small, encouraging smile.

The Chief continued, "That being said, Station 19 has a rather abnormal number of lieutenants at the moment. It's rare, and we need to make sure every one of you has room to grow."

Maya swallowed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as she waited for the other shoe to drop.

"Station 15, however," the Chief said, leaning forward, "currently has an opening for a captain. And we've been thinking… we want to offer you that position."

Maya blinked, her mind going blank for a moment. Captain? Her mind reeled at the word, barely processing what he had said. It felt surreal, like she wasn't actually sitting there, listening to this life-changing offer.

Silence filled the room for a beat, and the Chief gave her a moment to take it in. "It's a big step, we know. You don't need to decide right now. You can finish out your vacation and give us your answer when you're ready."

Maya stared at him, stunned, her thoughts racing. Captain? At Station 15? Her mind buzzed with a mix of emotions—excitement, nerves, pride, fear. She had worked so hard to get here, to be seen as a leader, but this offer was beyond what she had expected.

Finally, finding her voice, Maya nodded. "I… I'm honored," she managed, her voice shaking just slightly. "I'd like to take the next few days to think about it."

The Chief smiled. "Of course. Take your time. We want you to be sure about this."

Maya took a deep breath, still trying to wrap her mind around it. "I'll finish out my vacation," she said, her voice a little stronger now, "but I can tell you… I'm excited."

Andy grinned at her, clearly proud, while the Chief nodded, satisfied. "We're glad to hear it. Enjoy the rest of your time off, and let us know your decision when you're ready."

With that, Maya left the office, her head spinning but her heart full. Captain Maya Bishop… It had a nice ring to it.

Maya's mind raced the entire drive home, the word captain repeating in her head over and over again. She couldn't wait to tell Carina, to see the look on her face when she shared the news. As she pulled into the penthouse parking, she barely turned off the engine before hurrying inside.

Carina was in the middle of unpacking a box in the living room when Maya burst through the door, her eyes wide with excitement. "Carina!" Maya called out, practically bouncing as she kicked off her shoes and rushed to her wife's side.

"Tesoro?" Carina's voice was curious, her eyes full of warmth. "You're back so fast! How did the meeting go?"

Maya, practically vibrating with excitement, crossed the room in a few quick strides and took Carina's hands in hers. "Carina, you're not going to believe this," she began, her voice bubbling with energy. "The Fire Chief… he offered me a promotion. To the captain at Station 15!"

Carina blinked, her eyes widening as the words sank in. "Captain?" she repeated, a slow smile spreading across her face. "You? A captain?"

Maya nodded vigorously, unable to suppress her grin. "Yes! I mean, I was completely shocked. They said Station 15 needs a captain and they want me!"

Carina let out an excited gasp and immediately wrapped her arms around Maya, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Amore! That's incredible!" she exclaimed, her voice full of pride. "You've earned this, Maya! I'm so proud of you!"

Maya's heart soared at Carina's words, feeling a surge of emotion as she hugged her back tightly. The past few months of challenges and self-doubt felt worth it now. She had worked hard, and it was all leading to this moment.

"I couldn't believe it when they said it," Maya admitted as she pulled back slightly to look into Carina's eyes. "I didn't even know what to say at first. But now… I can't stop thinking about it. I've wanted this for so long."

Carina placed her hands on either side of Maya's face, her eyes shining with pride and love. "You're going to be amazing, tesoro," she said softly. "You've always been a leader, and now you get to do it as captain. I'm so excited for you."

Maya grinned, her heart still racing with excitement. "I asked for a few more days to finish out my vacation and think about it, but... I already know I want to take it. I want this."

Carina's smile grew even wider, and she gave Maya a playful nudge. "Of course you do! You were born to lead, amore. And now you'll be Captain Bishop."

Maya chuckled, the sound filled with joy. "Captain Bishop… I like the sound of that."

Carina laughed softly, her hands still resting on Maya's shoulders as she leaned in for a kiss. "I think it sounds perfect," she whispered, her lips brushing against Maya's.

As they kissed, the excitement between them grew, the moment charged with the promise of a bright future. When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless but beaming.

"You're right," Maya said, her voice soft but full of certainty. "This is the right step. And I'm going to crush it."

Carina grinned. "You'll do more than crush it—you'll own it. You're going to make an incredible captain, and Alex and I will be cheering you on every step of the way."

Maya's heart swelled at the thought of her family supporting her through this next chapter. She glanced around the still-chaotic penthouse, the unpacked boxes scattered about, and let out a contented sigh. "First, we finish this move," she said with a laugh. "Then, I'll step into my new role."

Carina chuckled, brushing a hand through Maya's hair. "One thing at a time, tesoro. But I'm here for all of it."

Maya pulled Carina into another hug, holding her tightly as the weight of everything began to sink in. This was the beginning of something huge, not just for her career, but for their family.

"I love you," Maya whispered.

Carina smiled against her shoulder. "I love you too, my captain."

With excitement still buzzing through the air after sharing the news with Carina, Maya looked around the room, her eyes landing on the sound system that had been hastily unpacked. An idea struck her, and she turned to Carina with a mischievous grin.

"Wait here," Maya said, darting across the room.

Carina raised an eyebrow, watching as Maya fiddled with the system. "What are you doing, tesoro?"

Maya didn't respond immediately, but a moment later, the familiar, upbeat opening of "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors blasted through the speakers. Maya spun around, her grin widening as she reached out to Carina, wiggling her fingers in invitation.

"Come on," Maya called over the music. "We need to celebrate! Dance with me!"

Carina let out a small laugh, shaking her head slightly as she stood rooted in place. "Maya… we still have unpacking to do," she said with a playful sigh, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.

Maya wasn't taking no for an answer. She danced her way over to Carina, grabbing her hands and gently pulling her toward the center of the room. "Just for a minute," Maya pleaded with a wide grin. "We need to mark this moment! It's the best day of my life, and I want to share it with you."

Carina, still reluctant but amused, allowed herself to be pulled into the dance. "Okay, fine," she conceded, shaking her head with a smile. "But just for a minute."

As the music picked up, Maya twirled Carina playfully before pulling her into an energetic dance. At first, Carina was stiff, rolling her eyes in mock reluctance, but Maya's joy was contagious. Before long, Carina's reluctance melted away, and she was fully immersed in the celebration, laughing as she danced alongside Maya.

They twirled around the room, their bodies moving to the beat of the song, the earlier stress of unpacking forgotten. Maya's laughter filled the space as she spun Carina around again, their hands linked as they celebrated not just the promotion, but the life they were building together.

"See? Isn't this better than unpacking?" Maya teased, her eyes gleaming as she pulled Carina close.

Carina laughed, her earlier hesitation completely gone. "Okay, okay, you were right. This is better."

As the song's chorus blared through the room, they danced together without a care in the world, their hearts light and full of joy. They knew that this was just the beginning of many more celebrations to come, and in this moment, nothing else mattered except their love and the happiness they shared.

When the song ended, both of them were breathless and laughing, the room buzzing with the energy of their impromptu dance party. Carina, still holding Maya's hands, smiled warmly. "You always know how to make a moment special," she said softly, her eyes full of love.

Maya grinned, pulling her into a quick kiss. "That's because every moment with you is special."

As the last note of "Best Day of My Life" faded away, the energy in the room still hummed from their spontaneous dance party. Both Maya and Carina stood there, slightly breathless and grinning from ear to ear. The celebration had been perfect—a joyful way to mark Maya's big promotion and the next chapter of their life.

But Carina, ever the practical one, glanced around the room at the still-packed boxes that surrounded them. She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Okay, tesoro, that was fun," she said, giving Maya a playful nudge. "But we really need to get everything unpacked."

Maya sighed dramatically, but there was a playful glint in her eyes. "Do we have to? Can't we just dance our way through the rest of the week?"

Carina chuckled, rolling her eyes fondly. "Maybe you can," she teased, wrapping her arms around Maya. "But I have to go back to work tomorrow. I don't get the rest of the week off like you do."

Maya's smile faltered just slightly, the reminder of Carina's work schedule bringing her back to the present. "Oh, right," she said, glancing at the boxes and then back at Carina. "I guess we should get as much done as possible today, huh?"

Carina nodded, giving her a quick kiss. "Exactly. I'd rather not come home from a long shift tomorrow to a mountain of boxes."

Maya grinned, her playful spirit returning. "Alright, I get it. No more distractions," she said, grabbing a nearby box. "Let's get this place set up."