“That would be perfect!” Lori agreed, enthusiastic. “Sunday’s the Fourth of July, so how about we meet Tuesday evening? We could just chat about what kind of books we’re interested in and make a plan.”
After exchanging numbers with Lori and making plans to meet at Rose’s Bean and Brew, Lori excused herself to get back to work.
Avery and I begin gathering up our stuff, ready to head out, when an excited Lila comes barreling towards us.
“Mommy! Mommy! Look! We read a story about a unicorn that could bake cookies!” Lila exclaimed, her face flushed with excitement. “Can we get ice cream now? Please? Pleasepleaseplease?”
Avery chuckled, ruffling Lila’s hair. “Alright, I suppose we could.”
“I think I’m going to head home,” I say, pre-date jitters washing over me. “I still have absolutely no idea what I’m going to wear tonight.”
Avery’s expression softened with understanding. “How about I come over? I can help you sort through your closet. I’m sure we can find you something to wear that’ll leave Colton speechless.”
Lila, overhearing, bounces up and down. “Yay! Can we? Can we? Please? I want to see the horses! And help Richard feed them! And I can bake cookies with Laura again? Please?” Her enthusiasm was infectious.
I smiled, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. “I would love that. And I bet my mom would love to make cookies with you again.”
Avery grinned. “Sounds like a plan! Ice cream first, then a fashion rescue mission at Ember’s.”
Chapter 22
Ember
When 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 likethat. 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 outthe 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?”
