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 helpedme 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.
Chapter 23
Colton
Istood on Ember’s porch, my heart racing a mile a minute. Taking a deep breath, I try to calm the nervous energy buzzing through me. ‘Come on, just breathe, it’s Ember,’I say to myself as I pull at my simple, clean, crisp, white T-shirt, giving myself a quick once-over. Jeans, boots, the sleeves of the shirt tight around my biceps. I told Ember, casual, nothing fancy.
Before I could get myself any more worked up, I lifted my hand and rang the doorbell. Almost instantly, the door swung open, revealing a smiling Laura.
“Colton! It’s so good to see you!” she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug that smelled faintly of cookies. “Come on in. Owen is in the family room playing cards with Lila, Avery’s little girl.”
As she led me through the familiar hallway, I could hear the distinct sound of giggling and laughter spilling from the family room. Mynervousness spiked. A full house. Just what I needed.
Stepping into the room, I find Owen sprawled on the rug, some sort of card game spread out around him, engaged in what looked like a serious game with a small, bright-eyed girl.
“Colton, this is Lila,” Laura said. “ She’s Avery’s daughter. She comes over to spend time with me and Richard. Lila loves feeding the horses and helping me with cookies,” she continued, before asking, “Who’s winning?”
Lila raised her chin proudly, a triumphant grin on her face. “I am!”
Owen groaned dramatically, holding up a single card with a tell-tale bent corner. “Only because a certain shorty likes to cheat! Any guesses who always ends up with the Old Maid?” He shot a mock-glare at Lila. “Funny how I’m the only one who ever gets her.”
Lila rolled her eyes, and in a serious tone said, “Owen, you’re a sore loser. You need to act your age.”
Laughter sounded throughout the room, and even I couldn’t help but let out a surprised laugh. Lila was certainly a force.
I walked over, extending my hand to her. “It’s very nice to meet you, Lila.”
She shook my hand with surprising firmness, her eyes glimmering up at me with a little mischievousness in them. “Do you want to play next, Colton?”
I chuckled, eyeing Owen, who was still grumbling about the Old Maid. “I appreciate the offer, Lila, but I think I’ll take a rain check. I actually have a date with Ember tonight.”
Just as the words left my mouth, I heard the soft thud of footsteps descending the stairs. My head snapped up, and my breath hitched. There she was. Ember. Just the sight of her stole the air from my lungs.Her hair was swept up in some sort of updo that wasn’t supposed to be messy, but looked messy, whatever girls do today. She had soft strands framing her face, and just a hint of makeup enhancing her eyes, making them sparkle even more. She looked… breathtaking. My heart, which had just started to settle, began to race all over again.
The hum of the truck’s engine, the fresh air coming in the windows, it was comforting as we drove along the country road, the last of the sun starting to fade away. I timed this date perfectly for when the sun set.
“So, how’s everything going?” Ember asked, breaking the quiet. “And how are you enjoying Habitat for Humanity?”
I glanced at her, a genuine smile forming. “It’s good, really good.” I took my hand off the steering wheel for a moment, raking it through the back of my hair and squeezing the tense muscles in my neck. “Actually, there’s something I wanted to run by you.”
