“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 foreverything 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’vealways 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. Mylittlesister. 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 everythingtogether. 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.
Chapter 40
Ember
The biting cold of December had definitely settled over Rose Valley, painting everything in shades of white. The air had that winter smell to it right before a huge snowstorm. Tonight was the weekly book club meeting at Rose’s Bean and Brew. Avery and Lori were already settled in our usual booth when I arrived, their faces lit up with excitement about our latest read.
“Hey, Ember!” Avery waved, her eyes bright. “You’re just in time. We were just getting to the good part.”
I slid into the booth, grateful for the distraction. “Ohh good. I can’t wait to hear what you guys think.”
“Oh my god, Em,“Because of You”is so good,” Lori practically vibrated with excitement. “I swear, Ellie Gates writes thedirtiest, most smuttiest scenes. I nearly fainted.”
Avery fanned herself dramatically. “Right? Ryker can be my daddy any day! And how about Axel? I can’t wait for the next book,“Watching Over You.” I’m going to lose my mind waiting! How does she come up with this stuff?”
I chuckled, grabbing a menu. “I can only imagine the ‘scientific research’ she conducts!”
Just as Lori was about to launch into something she’d like Axel to do to her, the diner door opened, and in walked Paula, followed by my mom. Both of them beaming with excitement.
“Mind if we join you girls?” Paula asked, smiling from ear to ear.
My eyebrows shot up. “Mom? Paula? What a surprise!” Oh god. The thought of them joining us to discuss a book as smutty as “Because of You”had me blushing furiously. The idea of my own mom reading those sexy scenes was mortifying, but the thought of Colton’s mom reading them? Oh my god, I could feel my face reddening, I was going to die of embarrassment right here in the diner.
“Well, we heard you were discussing suchfascinatingliterature,” Mom chimed in sarcastically, taking a seat beside me. Paula squeezed in next to Avery, the same look on her face. “Laura’s not wrong, girls,” she knowingly said with a look that had me blushing harder. “We’ve both been reading Ellie Gates, and well… let me just say that woman truly has a gift,” she finished with a smirk at my mom, and fanning herself. At that I wanted to crawl under the table. Avery and Lori on the hand seemed to be enjoying themselves, and my embarrassment.
Overhearing what we were saying, Marge, who usually lived behind the counter, took a break from serving coffee. Sliding into the last spot beside Lori, she said, “Abi’s got everything handled,” Marge said, gesturing towards the counterwhere she was taking orders. “So… Ellie Gates, huh?” She asked.
I looked over at Abi. I didn’t know her well, but I knew she went to school with Owen. When her and dad came over for Thanksgiving I got to talk to her and she seemed very nice, but I got the impression there was something between her and Owen.
Marge nodded. “Abi’s a good worker. Real good. Got a lot on her plate at home, bless her heart, but she never complains.” Marge then clapped her hands together. “But we’re not here to gossip, girls. It’s book club night! What’s the verdict on my man Ryker? That’s some deliciousness right there, huh?” She said, making the table bust out in laughter. This was definitely going to one interesting meeting.
The next day was the typical December day, cold and snowy.. I had spent the afternoon running errands with Avery, picking up supplies I needed for brochures and flyers, and I was happy to be heading home so I could change into something warm and fuzzy. Plus, Colton was giving a horseback riding lesson today, and I really wanted to get back and see how it was going before he was finished.
Pulling up to the front of my house, I shut my car, got out and headed down to the riding arena, and the sight that greeted me made my heart swell. Even though it was cold outside, Colton still gave riding lessons. Right now he was in thecenter, surrounded by a group of excited children, and he had the biggest smile on his face.
Leaning against the fence, I continued to watch him as he knelt beside a small boy, helping him adjust his stirrups. “That’s it, buddy,” Colton said, his voice low and encouraging. “You’re doing great. Just remember, the horse is your friend. You gotta trust him, and he’ll trust you.” He ruffled the boy’s hair, and the child beamed up at him.
