Page 23 of Ember’s Heart

Ember

W hen I enter my house, I find Mom and Dad in the family room sitting next to each other on the sofa, Dad with his arm around Mom. Even after all the years they’ve been married, you can still see the love they have for each other. It’s the kind of love I want someday.

Both of them look up, smiles lighting their faces when I walk in.

“Hey, sweetie,” Mom says. “Did Lila have fun at the book club?”

“She did,” I reply, sinking onto the plush armchair across from them.

“Lila was in her element. And Avery and I ran into Lori, who was working, and she shared with us her plan for a women’s book club, which Avery and I are excited to help her form.

” I quickly fill them in on Lori’s idea for the book club and our plans to meet at Rose’s Bean and Brew.

“That’s a wonderful idea,” Mom says, her eyes already lighting up. “ A book club! Oh, maybe I’ll join! I’m sure Paula would love to too!”

Oh, God, Mom and Colton’s mom reading some of the same types of books Avery and I read, I thought, an internal groan escaping me. The image alone was enough to make me cringe. I did not want to think about the possibility of my mom and dad acting out scenes like that . Nope. Too much.

Dad let out a loud laugh, his eyes full of humor as he glanced at me, clearly amused by the horrified expression plastered across my face.

I didn’t know for sure if he knew why I was silently cringing, but he continued to chuckle, clearly amused by my mortification at the thought of Mom and Paula discussing anything beyond gardening or cooking.

“So Dad,” I say, changing the subject “Lila’s coming over later with Avery. She’s really excited to help you feed the horses.”

“Well, I’ll make sure to hold off giving them snacks until they get here.

The other week when she was over, she helped brush the horses, and did a great job.

That little girl is a joy to have around.

” He pauses for a moment before continuing, “Speaking of doing a good job, your mother and I have been surprised with how well the cooking videos have been. The comments keep coming in and everyone seems to be enjoying them. You’re really doing an amazing job with everything you’re working on, Ember. We’re so proud of you.”

A wave of pride washed over me. “Thanks, Dad. It means a lot to hear you say that. It’s been a lot of fun. And the meal kits are getting a great response too.”

Just then, he glanced at his watch, then stood up. “Alright, I’ve got to head out. Garrett needs a hand with something, and then Owen and I are heading into town to get some supplies. We shouldn’t be too long.” He kissed Mom’s cheek, gave my shoulder a squeeze, and headed out the back door.

Mom turned her attention to me. “So,” she began softly, “how are you really feeling about tonight? About Colton?”

I sighed. “Honestly, Mom? I’m scared. I want to believe him. More than anything.” I swallowed, a lump in my throat forming. “But I don’t know if I can fully open my heart up again. What if… what if I let myself fall, and he just leaves again? What if it’s too much for him, or for me?”

Mom reached for my hand, wrapping her fingers around mine.

“Ember, honey, it’s completely natural to feel that way.

But here’s what I know,” she pauses to grip my chin with her fingers, turning my face towards her.

“Colton has been through hell and back, and he’s finally facing it.

That takes immense courage. And you, my strong, beautiful girl, you’ve built an amazing life for yourself. You’ve grown so much.”

Dropping her hand away, she sits back on the sofa.

“Love isn’t about never getting hurt. It’s about communication, about understanding that sometimes, people make mistakes, and they need a chance to make amends.

He’s telling you he wants to get help, Ember.

He’s taking responsibility. That’s a start.

Don’t go into this date with your guard up so high that you can’t see what’s truly there,” she continued, her voice gentle but firm.

“Let yourself be open to the possibility. And if, after all of it, you decide it’s not right for you, then that’s your decision.

But don’t let fear stop you from exploring what could be. You deserve happiness, Ember.”

Chewing on my lip, her words swirling around in my head, but there was still a question I needed to ask her. Ever since my conversation with Colton it’s been weighing on me. “Mom,” I start, my voice hesitant, “I… I’ve been wanting to ask you something, but I don’t know how to ask. ”

“Just ask, Ember. Whatever it is.”

Taking a deep breath, I just blurt the words out. “Did you know about Colton’s injuries? The extent of them? That he almost died?”

She doesn’t hesitate. “Yes, Ember. Your father and I knew.” She must see the shock and hurt flash across my face, and before I can continue, she holds a hand up stopping me from saying anything.

“And before you say anything else, just know it was the hardest thing for your father and I to stand by and watch you in pain. But it wasn’t our story to tell. It was Colton’s.”

“Earth to Ember.” Avery’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

Ever since my conversation with Mom earlier all I could think about was what she said, her confirming that she and Dad knew about Colton.

I’m not sure how to feel about that. While I partly understand it wasn’t their place to tell me, it doesn’t stop me from feeling like the biggest idiot.

“So, which top did you decide on?” Avery asked, her hands already rifling through the clothes strewn across my bed.

I was already wearing the yellow top, loving the way it sat right above my belly button with ties that wrap around my stomach.

But I gestured to the red top hanging on my closet door.

“I’m torn. These jean shorts, obviously, but then it’s between this yellow one, or the red one that ties around my neck,” I said as I turned sideways to glance at myself in the mirror.

“Yellow,” Avery declared instantly. “Definitely the yellow. It’s perfect for your ‘first date after years apart’. Save the red for Sunday’s Fourth of July event.”

I nodded, a small smile forming. “Good call.” As Avery helped me put the finishing touches on my hair and makeup, she sighed dramatically.

“You know, seeing you get all gussied up for a date makes me realize I need to find myself a man. A single, not so crazy man. Preferably one who knows how to treat a woman and loves kids.”

“You do,” I agreed, adjusting the top. “And I need to find myself a place to live. My own space. As much as I love being home, it’s time.”

Avery’s face lit up and she smiled from ear to ear. “Well, if all goes right tonight, you’ll be looking for that place with a certain hottie.”

I was just about to retort, my cheeks heating, when the doorbell chimed downstairs.

My breath hitched. He was here. I could feel my heart hammering against my ribs, my stomach was filled with nerves and anticipation.

Avery must have seen the panic in my eyes.

She quickly wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug.

“Hey, you got this,” she whispered. “It’s Colton. The guy you grew up with, the one you dreamed about. This is what you’ve been waiting for, Ember. Just breathe.” She gave me a quick, firm squeeze. “Now go get him.”

Drawing in a shaky breath, I nod before going downstairs.