Asher (Ashes & Embers 6)

The corner of her mouth twitches.

Whoa. Did she just smile?

“Can you hear me, babe?”

I stare at her eyes and mouth, squeezing her hand, hoping to feel her fingers move.

Nothing.

“I had a dream about you last night. Were you trying to tell me something? Does your head hurt?” I take a deep breath. “If you can, let me know, Em. Blink, or move your finger—anything. I’ll help you. I won’t let you down again, I promise.”

Ignoring the tears that spill down my cheeks, I massage her hand, silently begging for a glimmer of change.

“Rough day, Mr. Valentine?” Sherry has slipped into the room in that quiet way she does. “The flowers are pretty. Good choice.”

“Thank you.” I swipe my face with the back of my hand.

“You’re doing just fine.” She squeezes my shoulder. “You both are.”

“Have there been any changes?” I ask, not taking my eyes off Ember.

“Not today. But it’s Monday. Nobody ever really wants to do anything on a Monday, right?”

Nodding, I force a smile. “That’s true.”

“One day at a time. That’s all any of us have.”

I stay with Ember all afternoon, watching television and talking to her. I help Sherry move Ember’s frail arms and legs and turn her on her side. I drag my old acoustic guitar out of the closet and play for her, softly singing her favorite ballads.

A young woman named Violet comes in with a big sheep dog—a therapy dog who climbs on the bed and snuggles the patients. They’ve been coming once a month for the past two years. The first time Violet realized who Ember and I were, she jumped up and down then started to sob. Her poor dog was utterly confused, apparently not used to comforting his owner. She promised she’d never tell anyone that she sees Ember and me here. Not that it’s a secret, but very few people are allowed in Ember’s room, able to witness the state she’s truly in.

Our fans know that Ember’s been in a vegetative state since the accident. It’s not like we could hide it or lie about it. Her band had to give a statement as to why she was suddenly gone. Her story was all over the news, and it was a media circus for months. I endured countless interviews, stalkers, crazy-ass rumors, accusations, psychics, and distraught fans. I hated every second of it and welcomed it when people moved on to the next gossip and drama plaguing someone else’s life.

Horrible, but true.

A few miles from our house, a storage unit filled with cards and gifts from Ember’s fans waits for her. Everything untouched and unopened. The cards continued to arrive for years, the number of them diminishing with each year, until the very last card arrived five years ago.

Ironically, that card came with no return address, just a name scribbled in the upper left of the envelope.

Redwood.

Chapter Four

The dreams stopped.

I watch the clouds drift by from the kitchen window. Sipping coffee and missing my wife, barely hearing Kenzi and Tor’s voices. I’ve hardly touched the lunch they brought over.

There’ve been stretches of time where the dreams have stopped before, but I always had faith that eventually Ember would show up to hold my hand or to share another message.

And she always did. Until now.

“We’re pregnant!” Kenzi announces, suddenly jumping up and down.

I blink at her, wondering what conversation I just missed. “What?”

“I’m pregnant!”

I’m shocked, a little petrified, and immediately in love with my tiny unborn grandchild.

This is good news. Reality. This is what matters—not dreams.

I try desperately not to let the quick thought that Ember will probably never meet the baby taint the moment.

My drink slips from my hand, sending shards of glass and fizzy, sugary soda all over the kitchen floor.

"Shit.” I grab a roll of paper towels off the counter. “A baby. That’s great.”

Kenzi kneels down to help me clean, but Tor pulls her up.

“You two sit,” he says, taking the towels from me. “You look like you’re gonna pass out, man.”

“Daddy? Are you okay?” Kenzi’s eyebrows furrow together with concern.

“Me? I’m fine. I’m surprised, that’s all. Are you okay?” I scan her from head to toe. “Have you been to the doctor? Is the baby alright?”

She smiles and touches my hand. “Yes, and I’m fine. The baby is perfect.”

“I’m fine too,” Tor jokes as he sprays cleaner on the tile and wipes it up.

My baby’s having a baby.

Fuck.

I’m going to be a grandfather. Time is going by so fast.

I wish Ember was here. She’d be so excited. Not stunned and unsure what to say like I currently am.

Snapping myself out of it, I pull my daughter into a gentle hug. “I’m happy for you, sweetheart. You’re going to be a fantastic mother.” I let her go and turn to Tor.

He’s been a best friend to me, to Ember, and to Kenzi. I have no doubt he’ll also be the first best friend their child will have.