Page 97 of Forbidden Hearts
My throat tightens at that statement. “And that doesn’t bother you?”
“Not in the least. He walked out when Rowan was two, and we’ve seen him maybe three times since then.”
That makes me sad. “It’s his loss. Not only because you, Grady, and Rowan have grown into being great men but also because he doesn’t know the gift that is Olivia.”
He leans forward, crooking his finger. When I shift toward him, he kisses me twice and then leans back. “What was that for?”
“I just needed to kiss you.”
And I need to remember earlier when he reminded me exactly what we are.
Do not fall in love with Asher. Do not let yourself go there.
“Marshmallow is back.”
He rolls his eyes. “Anyway, going back even further to when I was a kid, I was pissed off at the world, wanting to fight everyone and everything, and then Brynn was born. I don’t know how to explain it, but all three of us changed after Mom brought her home. It was as if we couldn’t be angry because we needed to protect her. Brynlee became the single most valuable thing we ever had. It’s crazy, but it just felt like if we could be better, we could deserve her.”
“Well,” I say, clearing my throat, “if that isn’t the single most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard . . .”
“Are you crying?” he asks as I wipe my cheek.
“No.”
Asher doesn’t say a word before he’s shifting to pull me toward him. Then I’m back in my most favorite place in the world, in his arms.
“I think you are the one who’s soft at heart, sweetheart.”
I nod, not willing to talk and risk actually crying.
He chuckles and runs his fingertips up and down my arm. “We’ve tried to always be there for her, and when I failed, I’ve never really forgiven myself for it.”
I glance up at him. “She loves you. Anyone can see that.”
“She does, and I am grateful for it. I’ve done everything I can to atone for the failure I’ve had with her.”
I place my hand on his chest. “Asher, you haven’t failed her.”
His eyes move to the door. “I have. Once. I failed her, and by the grace of God, she’s forgiven me.”
“She has never said anything even close to that, and she adores you. You came and raised her, loved her, protected her, and have given her everything. I don’t know what you think you failed her on, but I can promise you that, if you actually had, she wouldn’t be able to move on from it. When someone truly fails you, it’s . . . well, it’s hard to forget.”
He kisses the top of my head. “I want to ask you something,” Asher says, his voice even.
I don’t need to hear the words to know what information he is going to ask for. I sit up, pull my legs to my chest, and wrap my arms around them. “You want to know why I left Iowa.”
“Only if you’re able to trust me.”
“I trust you. I trust you more than I ever thought I could, it’s just . . . I’m ashamed.”
He sits forward but allows me some space, which I appreciate. “Ashamed of what?”
“The whole thing. I was so stupid. I was trusting and blind.” I pause, trying to put up defenses so that, when he hears it all, I’m okay with his reaction.
“I am not one to judge. I am sleeping with my boss’s daughter, who is almost fifteen years younger than I am. Fuck, you’re younger than my sister. I flew down here after telling everyone I was visiting a friend who I went through the academy with. I’m lying to everyone, and I can’t find a single ounce of regret. I have made more mistakes than you can ever imagine.”
“Did you ever sleep with a married woman?” I ask.
He jerks back. “No. Never.”
