When the lesson wrapped up, I walked over, a wide smile on my face. “You’re amazing with them, Colton,” I said, standing on my tippy toes to press a kiss to his cheek. Wrapping an arm around my waist, he pulled me closer and pressed his lips to mine. “Ember,” he whispered in my ear. “It’s so good to see you, Firefly.”
Breaking away from the kiss, I leaned back to look up at him. “So, how was your first lesson?”
He smiled. “It was great. These kids are naturals.”
“I was watching, you were great, Colton. They love you,” I countered. As we headed to the gate to head up to the house, I asked, “Hey, why don’t you stay for dinner tonight? I’m not sure what Mom’s making, but it’s sure to be good.”
He smiled. “Ah, Ember. I appreciate the offer, but I can’t tonight. I’ve got… something I need to do.” He gave me a quick, almost apologetic glance, one that had me raising my eyebrow in suspicion, then turned to lock the gate.
My heart sank a little. I was so tired of saying goodbye to him at the end of the day. I wanted to end our nights together.”Something you need to do?” I teased, trying not to let the disappointment show in my voice. “What could possibly be more important than dinner with me and my family?”
Colton turned back, his gaze steady and reassuring. “Nothing. But there’s something I need to do, Firefly. Trust me.”
Of course I trusted him. He hasn’t given me any reason not to. “I do. I’m just going to miss you.”
Pulling me to him, he kissed me. “And I’ll miss you. But..”kiss…“I’ll…”kiss“see…” kiss “you…”kiss“tomorrow.”
Chapter 41
Ember
The next morning, I woke to the warm sunlight filtering through my curtains. Stretching, I reached for my phone, then paused when my hand brushed against something. My eyes scanned my bedside table. There, propped against my lamp, was a small, elegantly folded cream colored piece of paper.
Quickly grabbing it, I picked it up, my fingers rushing to unfold it. My eyes scanning the words. It was a note in Colton’s handwriting.
Clue 1:
Hey Firefly,
Your journey begins where our new dreams brew. Seek the place where mornings start with a fresh cup of coffee.
My breath hitched with excitement. A scavenger hunt! He was doing a scavenger hunt. Oh my god! This was going to be so much fun.
Dressing quickly, my mind was already racing, and I practically flew out the door, pulling on my warmest boots and coat. The first clue led me, without a doubt, to Rose’s Bean and Brew.
When I walked in, Marge was already behind the counter, wiping it down. She looked up, a knowing look in her eye. “Well, good morning, Ember. You’re up bright and early.” She slid a small, sealed envelope across the counter. “Someone left this for you.”
My hands trembled as I opened it.
Clue 2:
Where tales untold fill every shelf, and she holds a key to stories where dreams take flight.
The library. And the “she” can only be Paula. My excitement bubbled. I thanked Marge, andquickly headed straight for the library.
Just as I knew she’d be, Paula was there, sitting at one of the reading tables, pretending to be engrossed in a book. She looked up with a smile spreading across her face. “Ember! What a lovely surprise. Looking for anything in particular?” She winked, then subtly pushed a bookmark towards me.
Flipping the bookmark over, I read the next clue.
Clue 3:
Where a child’s laughter echoes, and swings reach for the sky, a comforting presence awaits you.
Hmm. I had to think for a moment. This clue had me stumped, then it hit me. Child’s laughter, swings… it had to be the park! Even in winter, the playground was a hub of activity for bundled-up kids. I hugged Paula quickly and hurried out.
As soon as I entered the park, there was my mom. She was sitting on a bench near the playground, bundled in a thick coat, watching a group of kids. She smiled, a little too innocently, as I approached. “Morning, sweetie. Beautiful day, isn’t it?” She held out a small, intricately carved wooden bird. Tucked beneath its wing was the next clue.
Clue 4:
