Page 25 of The Wish List
“Another time, Asher. I don’t want the first time I meet your family to be, ah, now. And I am not intruding on your time with your niece. You need to go, and I need to stay here. We’ll be waiting.”
“You promise?” he asked.
“I promise.” His plea made me feel better.
“Fine. You shower. I’ll make breakfast.”
“Okay.”
He kissed me. Softly. “I will miss this. You. Me. AJ.”
“It had to end sometime,” I reminded him. “We couldn’t stay here forever. Life has to go back to normal.” I slipped from his arms, pausing at the doorway when he said my name.
“You have a new normal now. We both do. Do you understand me?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Good.”
* * *
AJ hugged Asher. “See you soon!” he exclaimed.
Asher ruffled his hair. “Only a few days, bud. Then I’ll be back, and we’ll have supper, okay? We’ll start your skating lessons.”
AJ nodded. “Charlie’s dad goes on business trips all the time. He always brings him something fun!” Then he covered his mouth. “Sorry. That was rude.”
Asher laughed. “Nope. I agree. I’ll bring something fun for you.”
AJ clapped his hands in delight and sped off to his room. Asher had explained over breakfast he had to go away for a few days, and AJ had immediately assumed it meant the same as when Charlie’s dad was gone. It was easier than trying to explain everything else, so I had simply agreed with his thoughts. We watched a movie and had one last play in the snow before Asher left. I knew he had to get ready and that he planned on leaving early the next morning.
Asher turned to me. “Come here.”
I slipped into his arms, and he held me close. “A few days,” he said. “It’s only a few days.”
“Drive safely,” I replied. “Let me know when you get there, please. I checked the weather report, and tomorrow looks okay for driving.”
He smiled down at me. “Will you worry?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll call. And text.”
“Use Bluetooth,” I insisted.
He smiled. “I like having you worry about me. Few people do.”
“I will. So, check in. And enjoy your visit.”
“Are you sure you won’t come?”
I leaned up and pressed a kiss to his jaw. “Yes.”
He yanked me tight to his chest and covered my mouth with his, kissing me hard. Deep. Until I was shaking in his arms. “Asher,” I whispered as he dragged his lips to my ear. “It’s only a few days,” I repeated.
“I’m going to miss your mouth.”
“Is that all?” I teased.
