Page 8 of Ember’s Heart

Ember

T he next morning, I was excited to gather my parents and brothers, Garrett and Owen, in the office to discuss the business ideas I had.

Dad, even in his fifties and sporting the same dark brown hair as all my brothers, was in good shape, his eyes twinkling with interest. Garrett and Cade, both spitting images of our dad with their brown eyes, while Owen and I, had my mom’s blue-gray eyes.

They all listened with clear support and a sense of fascination and curiosity.

Mom, as always, was my biggest cheerleader.

“I’ve been thinking about ways to boost our sales and connect more with our customers,” I began, laying out my plans.

“I want to do a ‘pick-your-own’ day, maybe for the strawberries or the blueberries and in the fall for apples and pears. I was also thinking of doing a farm-to-table dinner, showcasing our seasonal produce. But I still have to do more research on that.”

Garrett, ever the practical one, raised an eyebrow. “That sounds like a lot of work, Em.”

“I know, but it could be really successful,” I countered.

“Plus, I have more ideas. I want to start doing weekly live videos on social media, showing the farm, the fields, the people who work here- give people an idea of how everything works. Owen, you’re the tech whiz, you could do the filming and editing. ”

Owen, who seemed excited at the mention of him filming and editing, sat up interested. “Yeah definitely, that could be cool. I’ve been wanting to try out some new editing software.”

I continued, my excitement growing. “And Mom, I was thinking, you could do some how-to videos on cooking and preserving our produce. You’re the best cook I know, and people would love your recipes and tips.”

Mom beamed. “Oh, honey, I’d love that! I have so many recipes I could share.”

Garrett, however, seemed less convinced.

“All that sounds great, Em, but don’t you think it’s a lot to take on?

Especially with everything else going on.

” He shot me a look that had me wondering if he was talking about Colton’s return.

“Look, you know I’ll support anything you want to do, I just don’t want to see you burn out.

You’ve been a little off lately-” he quickly put his hand up stopping me from saying anything.

“Which I get. We all understand,” he finished, and looked down at his watch.

“I need to head out for a bit, but your ideas are good, Em. So yeah, ok, let’s do it.

” He quickly got up, and gave me a hug. “I love you, sis. I know you’re struggling, but you’re tough.

Remember, you always have my support,” he whispered in my ear and left before anyone could say anything.

The rest of us threw some ideas around before my dad and Owen got up to head out too.

I sighed, watching them go. Mom, sensing my unease, placed a comforting hand on my arm. “Don’t worry about Garrett.” She paused, her gaze thoughtful. “You know, for the cooking videos, you should talk to Paula. She’s a fantastic cook, and she has so many wonderful recipes.”

My stomach clenched at the mention of Colton’s mom. Paula had always been like a second mother to me, and she and Mom were best friends. But the thought of seeing her right now filled me with a mixture of dread and longing because it meant I might run into Colton. “I… I’ll think about it, Mom.”

Later that day, I found myself driving into town. I’d decided that I wouldn’t avoid Paula just because Colton was back. It wasn’t fair to her, or to me. I parked in front of the library, took a deep breath, and went inside.

Paula was behind the circulation desk, and as soon as she saw me walk in her face lit up. “Ember! Honey, it’s so good to see you!” She rushed around the counter and pulled me into a hug.

“It’s good to see you too, Paula,” I said, my voice a little shaky.

We chatted for a while before I brought up the subject of the cooking videos, explaining my idea and asking for her help.

As soon as I was finished sharing my ideas, Paula seemed thrilled. “Oh, Ember, that’s a wonderful idea! I’d love to help. Your mom and I could do them together! ”

I hadn’t thought of it, but I loved that idea. “That would be awesome!”

I was hoping I could escape without her bringing Colton up, but I wasn’t that lucky.

As we finished talking, and I was about to head out, she took the opportunity to ask, “I know this is difficult for you, Ember,” she said gently, “seeing him again. But I really hope… I really hope you two can work things out.”

I stiffened, the familiar anger rising in my chest. I needed to shove that anger down because Paula didn’t deserve it. “I’m fine. There’s nothing to work out, Paula.”

Paula sighed, her eyes filled with a sad understanding. “I know he hurt you, honey. But he’s been through a lot. And… and I know he still cares about you.”

Frankly I was tired of everyone saying that. I was tired of hearing how he’d been through a lot. What did they know that I didn’t? That thought made me wonder if Colton had shut everyone else out too. I knew he still talked to Cade every now and again. And obviously his parents. But who else?

I shook my head, refusing to believe her. “It doesn’t matter, Paula. It’s too late.”

I left the library feeling conflicted, Paula’s words echoing in my head.

As I pulled up in front of my house, I saw a familiar truck parked in the driveway.

My breath caught in my throat. Colton was on the porch swing with my mom.

I felt nothing but pure, unadulterated fury.

Colton was on the porch swing with my mom, as if they were just catching up on a lazy afternoon.

How dare he show up here? How dare he act like everything was normal?

Oh hell no! The audacity of it all, the sheer gall, sent a wave of white-hot anger through me, and my temper, as fiery as my name, ignited.

Getting out of my car, I slammed the door shut with a resounding bang. All eyes turned to me, and I stood there, rooted to the spot, my gaze locked on Colton. I was ready to have it out with him, to unleash the years of pent-up anger and hurt that had been simmering beneath the surface.