Page 42 of Ember’s Heart

Colton

L ast night Ember and I had the best night, well one of them. The town had tested the lake, ensuring it was safe for their annual ice skating they planned every year. It was something Cade, me, Ember, Garrett, Owen and all our friends did as kids, and something I missed.

They had a stand for hot drinks and extra skates for those who didn’t have a pair. But what made last night even better was being able to skate around the lake holding Ember’s hand because she was mine.

Waking up this morning, I knew what I needed to do. First, I needed to call her dad and ask him, Garrett and Owen to meet me at The Last Chance tonight. There was something I needed to ask Richard, in person, and I wanted them all to be there.

I tried once again to get a hold of Cade, desperate to talk to him and tell him I loved his sister- and not in a sister way.

But once again my call went straight to voicemail, now I know how Ember felt trying to get ahold of me.

A cold dread was starting to settle in my stomach.

It wasn’t just about my confession anymore, it was about Cade himself.

He had never been this unreachable, not since the really rough patches overseas.

Every unanswered call just ratcheted up my worry .

I spent the rest of the day running around town getting everything ready.

I called Avery, Laura and my mom and asked them to meet me at the park.

I was definitely going to need their help to pull my plan off without a hitch.

I explained to them what I was thinking, and the excitement in their faces was all I needed to know.

They were eager to help me with the finer details and even offered up some of their own ideas, while I appreciated it, I wanted this to be all mine.

Now came the hard part, her dad and brothers. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from them.

It was later that night and The Last Chance was bustling for a weeknight.

My dad and I were here first and waiting at a table for Richard, Garrett and Owen to arrive.

I had already filled my dad in on my plans before we left and he had given me a pep talk.

“They love you, son,” he’d said, “Just be honest. Tell them your intentions. They’ll respect that. ”

My stomach churned with a nervous anticipation as I watched all three of them walk in. This was it, I thought as Richard, Garrett, and Owen headed our way. Each of them taking a seat across from me, Garrett asking a passing waitress for three beers for them and two refills for dad and me.

“Colton,” Richard said, a nod of welcome.

“Hey, Richard,” I replied, then acknowledged Garrett and Owen with a nod. “Thanks for meeting me here tonight.”

“No problem, Colton,” Garrett grunted, his gaze still holding a hint of suspicion. Owen gave me a smile, like he knew something was up. The kid was way more observant than he let on.

Taking a long swig of my beer to gather my thoughts before I started and stumbled over my words, then setting the glass down, I met Richard’s steady gaze. “I wanted to talk to you all,” I said, looking at all of them, including my dad. “About Ember. And about me.”

Richard nodded slowly, while Garrett narrowed his eyes and Owen continued to hold a big smile on his face, enjoying my discomfort. “We’re listening.”

“I know I messed up,” I began, my voice steady, despite my hands trembling beneath the table.

“More than once. I hurt Ember, and I hurt all of you by extension. Instead of dealing with my issues, I ran. I pushed her away. I let what happened to me consume me. And instead of leaning on people, I pushed everyone away.” I took a breath.

“But I’m not doing that anymore. I’ve been in therapy for months.

Alejandro’s really helped me and gave me the tools I need to manage it.

There might be setbacks, panic attacks. But I know now how to manage them.

And I’m committed to that process, for myself, and for Ember. ”

I looked at each of them, making eye contact.

“I love Ember. I always have, and I always will. She’s the only woman I want.

And I want a future with her. A real future.

I want to build a life with her.” My gaze settled on Richard.

“Sir, I’m asking for your blessing. And to you, Garrett, Owen,” I looked at Ember’s brothers, “I want you to know how serious I am. I’m not going anywhere.

I’m here to stay, and I’m going to spend every day proving to Ember that I’m the man she deserves. ”

A heavy silence descended. Richard’s expression was unreadable. Garrett had a look of respect on his face. But it was Owen who spoke up first.

“That’s really good to know, Colton,” Owen said, his voice thoughtful.

“We’re proud of you for everything you’ve done, the change in you over the months is definitely evident.

You’ve worked hard on yourself and I’d be honored for you to marry my sister.

But there’s just one thing. Have you talked to Cade about this?

Does he even know how you feel about her? ”

“No,” I admitted, my voice a little softer.

“I’ve been trying, repeatedly. For a while, my calls just went straight to voicemail, and I’d leave a message.

He tried me a couple times, but I missed his calls and when I called him back it’d go right to voicemail.

Now, when I try, his voicemail is full. I can’t even leave one. ”

Richard’s brow furrowed, a flicker of deep concern in his eyes.

“That’s what’s worrying us,” he said, his voice lower than before.

“No one’s heard from him in a while. I won’t say anything in front of Laura, but I’m genuinely concerned.

And you know how Laura is, she’s been worried sick herself.

I catch her gazing out the windows or pacing the house at night, just waiting for a call.

” With a deep sigh, he leaned back in his seat.

“And with Christmas coming…” His voice trailed off, then his expression softened, a slow smile forming on his face.

“But we’re not here tonight to just talk about Cade tonight.

You invited us here and you laid out your intentions for my daughter, and that means a lot to me.

I’ve watched you grow up, Colton. From a rambunctious boy, tearing up the farm with my boys, to the man you are today.

You’ve faced challenges, and you’re facing them now, head-on. That’s what a man does.”

He reached across the table to take my hand in his, in a firm, reassuring grip.

“Ember’s my little girl. She’s precious.

And knowing what you’ve been through- well, I’m not gonna lie, I was worried in the beginning.

But I’ve seen the change in you. I see your determination.

I’ve always known you had a good heart, Colton.

And if you’re asking for my blessing to marry my daughter, to build a life with her, to be the man she deserves…

then you have it. I’d be honored to call you my son-in-law. ”

A wave of emotion washed over me, a knot tightening in my throat. This was huge. Getting Richard’s approval, it was everything. “Thank you, sir,” I managed, my voice thick with emotion.

Garrett, who had been quiet, nursing his beer, finally spoke.

His gaze was still intense, but the hard edge had softened.

“Look, Colton. Ember’s my sister. My little sister.

And yeah, you hurt her. Badly.” He took a slow swallow of his beer.

“But I’ve also known you my whole life. I know you.

I know you’re a good guy, with a good heart, and good intentions.

And I’ve seen how hard you’ve been working on yourself.

If anyone can make her happy, really happy, it’s you.

Just don’t screw it up again. You get one shot.

You hurt her, and you’ll get more than a punch to the jaw.

” He finished his warning with a curt nod, and a smile to let me know we were alright.

Owen got my attention with a rap on the table, a wide grin spreading across his face.

“Well, I’m just happy to gain another brother.

And honestly, you’ve always looked out for her, even when she was just a little trouble maker getting us guys in trouble.

It’s about damn time you two figured it out.

” He raised his glass. “To Ember and Colton.”

We all clinked glasses, and I finally felt the weight that had been pressing on me for far too long finally lift. I still had Cade to talk to, but I’m sure he’d understand and give me his approval. At least I hoped.

Later that night I stood on my porch, watching the snow come down.

It had been a long, grueling day, but a good one.

I’d gotten Ember’s family approval, and I got my mom, Laura and Avery to help me bring my plans together.

Now I just needed to put everything together.

This had to be perfect for Ember, she deserved everything and I was determined to make asking her to marry me something she’d never forget.