Page 17 of Ember's Heart
“Trying?” he scoffed. “After all this time? You think you can just waltz back in here and fix everything?”
“No,” I admitted. “I know it’s not going to be easy. But I’m going to try. I owe her that much.”
He was quiet for a minute before saying, “You know Cade said you went through something. He always said to go easy on you, but he wasn’t here to witness the devastation you caused Ember. She thought something happened to you.” He paused for a moment. “When you didn’t write back. She thought you were dead, man.” He gave me a disgusted look, shaking his head. “How could you do that to her?”
Hearing what Owen was saying made me feel so ashamed of myself. “I know, Owen. I’m so sorry.”
Owen’s expression softened slightly, a flicker of something like understanding in his eyes. “Look, I always liked you, Colton. When I was the annoying kid tagging along with his older brothers and their friends, you were always cool. But I saw how much it hurt her. I don’t want to see that happen again.”
He paused, his gaze searching mine. “But…” he sighed heavily, “if you’re serious about fixing things, about making it right… then I’m rooting for you. I just want to see my sister happy. And right now I know she’s not.”
I looked him right in the same colored eyes Ember had, “I promiseI’m going to do everything I can,” I said as I held my hand out to him.
He took a step closer, his eyes intense. “Just don’t screw up again,” he said, as he reached out to shake my hand.
As I was turning to leave, Owen yelled out, “Oh hey, Colton?” I turned back to him. “If you want to get on her good side, she stops and gets a daily coffee over at Rose’s Bean and Brew, and she volunteers her time for Habitat for Humanity,” he said with a sly grin.
Returning his grin, I nodded and thanked him before getting in my truck and pulling out.
I couldn’t help the big smile I had on my face. Thanks to Owen I have a plan on getting my Firefly to forgive me.
Chapter 12
Ember
“Cut!” Owen yelled excitedly, lowering the camera. “That was perfect, Mom. You’re a natural.”
We were in the kitchen, the air thick with the rich aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs. Mom had just finished demonstrating her famous homemade Bolognese sauce, using a mixture of peppers, zucchini, celery, mushrooms and carrots fresh from our farm. It’ll be the first cooking video I post on our social media sites, showcasing Mom’s culinary skills and the quality of our produce. Owen, surprisingly, was a natural behind the camera, his digital media skills coming in handy.
“It’s just like making it for dinner,” Mom said, wiping her hands on her apron. “Which, by the way, is what we’re having tonight.”
Owen grinned. “Mmm, can’t wait. I’m going to start editing this right away,” he said, hooking a thumb over his shoulder indicating he was heading to his room. “I should have it ready for you to upload ina couple of hours, Em.” He gathered his equipment and headed out, leaving Mom and me alone in the kitchen.
I reached for a spoon, eager to sample the sauce, but Mom swatted my hand away playfully. “Patience, young lady. Dinner’s not for a few more hours, and it still has to simmer for the flavors to go through.”
I grinned and waited until she turned away to grab the lid before sneaking a little taste.
“So, how are those farm-to-table meal kits coming along?” Mom asked, turning to me just as I pulled the spoon from my mouth and smiled, “Ember Rose.”
“Pretty good,” I replied, leaning against the counter, after putting the spoon in the sink. “I’ve got the menu planned, all the ingredients sourced, and I’ve even designed the packaging. I just need to finalize the delivery logistics and figure out the best way to handle online orders.”
“Sounds like you’ve got it all under control,” Mom said, her eyes filled with pride.
“Almost,” I admitted. “Just a few minor details to iron out.”
She nodded, then her expression turned thoughtful. “Have you talked to Avery lately?”
Avery had just moved to Rose Valley a couple months prior. She was a single mom, with a bubbly personality and a quick wit. We met at Rose’s Bean and Brew, where she worked part time, and instantly clicked.
“Yeah, we’re supposed to go out on Saturday,” I said. “If she can find a sitter for Lila.” Lila was her incredibly sweet and smart nine-year-old. I loved when Avery brought Lila out to the farm to see the horses, the smile on her little girl’s face was priceless.
Mom’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I’d be happy to watch her! Tell her I’d loveto have Lila overnight.”
“Really?” I asked, not surprised because mom loved having Lila here. She missed having kids running around the farm. “That’s great, Mom! I’ll let her know.” I checked my watch. “Speaking of Avery, I was actually about to head into town. I need to stop by the cafe anyway, so I can tell her.”
“Alright, honey,” Mom said, giving me a quickhug. “Drive safe.”
“Seriously, Ember,” Avery said, leaning across the counter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “It’s been ages, right? You need to get out there. Get yourself some…relief.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Even single moms like me have needs, you know. It’s called self-care.”
