I reached up, cupping his cheek, my thumb stroking gently. “You’ll get there. And I know you’d be great at helping others. It’s who you are. You’re kind, you’re strong, and you can relate to what they’re going through.”
He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “Thank you, baby.”
We sat there for a while longer, just talking, dreaming, planning. We talked about renovations to the old barn, about adding an addition for more horses, about the festival coming up.
“Oh!” I suddenly exclaimed, pulling back from him, my eyes wide with excitement. “I almost forgot to tell you something!”
He chuckled. “What is it?”
“Remember that baker, Emily, I told you about a couple of months back?”
He nodded. “Yeah, you said she was thinking of expanding and maybe moving here.”
“Well, I’ve been talking to her a lot,” I said. “And she’s definitely moving to Rose Valley! She’s looking for the perfect spot for her bakery.” My mind immediately went to the old, vacant storefront at the end of Main Street that had been empty for years. “I was thinking maybe that old store at the end of Main Street. It’s got the parking lot next to it, and it would be perfect. She’s looking into it, and she’s also thinking of doing a food truck until she gets everything set up.”
“Wow, that’s great, Ember. A new bakery would be great for the town. And a food truck would be a smart move to build up a customer base.”
“Right?” I beamed, thrilled that he was as excited as I was. “It’s going to be amazing. A real boost for Main Street. And she’s interested in getting some of her ingredients through us.”
He pulled me closer, pressing a kiss to my hair. “You’re amazing, Ember. I’m so proud of everything you’re achieving. You work so hard for your family’s business and are doing great things.”
I settled into his embrace, enjoying the way his warm, hard body felt against me. I felt safe in his arms. Colton always had a way of making me feel that way. As kids, he always cheered me on and knew what to say when I was doubting myself. With him by my side I felt I could do anything. And I couldn’t wait to see what we would create together.
Chapter 37
Colton
It 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.”
