Page 40 of Ember’s Heart

Colton

I t was Tuesday night, Ember had her weekly book club meeting with the other ladies, including our moms. I had to laugh thinking of her reaction when she told me our moms were going to be joining.

I thought it was kind of comical thinking of our moms discussing sex and whatever else those girls talked about, but Ember didn’t quite find it as funny.

She was more mortified at the idea of discussing the dirty stuff they read about in front of our moms.

Normally I’d just sit at home on her book nights, but tonight Richard and Garrett suggested we have a man night of beer and poker. I couldn’t refuse that offer. So that’s where I am now. Sitting around the kitchen table with Richard, Garrett, my dad, and Alejandro.

I’d invited Alejandro to join us tonight.

It was important to me that I finally introduce him to Ember’s family.

The Carter’s were like my own family, so it meant a lot to me that they met the man who had pulled me out of the darkest corners of my mind.

He fit right in, joking and laughing with everyone.

“Alright, Colt, your bet,” Garrett said, tapping his stack of chips impatiently against the tabletop. I didn’t miss the grin on his face as he surveyed his hand, making me wonder if he was bluffing or holding something good.

I tossed a few chips into the pot, waiting to see what his next move would be. In between turns my mind did what it always did, drift to Ember. I hoped she was enjoying her meeting.

“You’re a little off your game tonight, son,” Richard commented, folding. “Got anything on your mind?” He asked, picking up the pot.

“I’d actually like to say something, if it’s okay,” Alejandro interjected. When we all nodded, he began to talk. “I’m really proud of the progress Colton has made. He’s done a remarkable job facing his demons, and it’s obvious he has a strong support system. That’s crucial for long-term healing.”

Richard nodded, his expression softening. “He’s a good kid, Alejandro. Always has been. Just lost his way for a bit.” His gaze met mine, and there was no judgment, only understanding. It meant more to me than words could say.

“Speaking of building,” I looked at Richard, trying to keep my voice steady. “Richard, I wanted to talk to you about that piece of land. The one on the far side of the property.”

Richard’s eyebrows raised slightly in question. “Ah, yes. What about it, son?”

“Ember and I… we were out there the other day. And we were talking about… well, about building our home there. Our family home.” I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. “I wanted to ask you about buying it. If you’d be willing to sell it to me.”

Richard leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. “You marry my daughter one day, son, and I’ll gift that piece of land to you two. It would be my honor.”

My jaw dropped. I stared at him, speechless. I wasn’t expecting that. The land that would become part of our future, it was more than I could have ever imagined. “Richard… I don’t know what to say. That’s… that’s incredibly generous.”

“Nonsense,” he waved a hand dismissively.

“This land has been in our family for generations. It’s meant to be lived on, to have families continuing to live on it.

And I can’t think of anyone I’d rather see build a life there than you and my Ember.

” He clapped me on the shoulder, a firm, reassuring gesture.

“Just promise me you’ll make her happy, son.

That’s all I ask. That, and give Laura and me lots of grandbabies to spoil. ”

Everyone laughed, including me.

“I will,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I promise.”

The game continued, but my mind was reeling.

Everything was finally fitting into place.

Our future, the one I’d been too afraid to truly believe in, was taking shape.

I excused myself a few minutes later, needing a moment to process the enormity of Richard’s offer.

I left my phone on the table, not expecting any calls.

When I returned from the bathroom, Garrett was staring at my phone. “Your phone was going off, Colt. You missed a call.”

I checked the missed call, seeing Cade’s number there.

“Damn it,” I cursed under my breath, my thumb hovering over the call button.

Richard looked up, his brow furrowed. “Everything alright?”

“Yeah, just… I missed a call from Cade,” I said.

Richard sighed. “I talked to him about three weeks ago. He said he was doing good, but he sounded stressed.” He nodded his head. “He didn’t sound like himself. He was different. But before I could ask anything he had to go.”

My worry intensified. Cade was never one to stress out.

He was the one who always had it together, the one who joked his way through everything.

If Richard noticed it, then something was definitely off.

Is he okay? And why didn’t he call me back sooner?

Is he avoiding me? Did someone else tell him about…

My thoughts spiraled, a familiar knot of anxiety tightening in my gut.

I tried to push it down, to rationalize.

He was probably just busy. He was in the military, things were intense. But the unease persisted.

“So, Colt,” Garrett’s voice cut through my thoughts, pulling me back to the conversation around the table. “Since you’re talking about that piece of land, does that mean you figured out how you’re putting a ring on Ember’s finger?” He grinned, a playful challenge in his eyes.

I ran a hand through my hair, suddenly feeling a little anxious. “I… I’m thinking about it,” I admitted. “I just… I’m scared she’ll say no.”

Garrett burst out laughing, while Richard chuckled, shaking his head.

“You’re scared she’ll say no?” Garrett repeated. “Colton, have you seen the way my sister looks at you?”

Alejandro’s calm spoke up. “From everything Colton has told me about Ember, and I only met her that one time, but it was obvious how much she loves him. She’s been a constant source of strength and support for him. I don’t believe you have anything to worry about, Colton.”

Richard patted my shoulder, his gaze reassuring. “Son, my daughter has been head over heels for you since she was a young girl. You have nothing to worry about. Just make sure you do it right.” He winked. “She deserves a good proposal.”

Relief washed over me. They were right. Ember loved me. She was mine. And I was hers. And now, thanks to Richard, we had the perfect place to build our future. Just the thought of it, of building a home with Ember, a bunch of mini Ember’s running around filled me with hope and excitement.