Asher (Ashes & Embers 6)

“Mom!” She laughs. “That’s great, but I don’t think I want to hear about that. You’re my parents.”

“Oh!” I laugh with her. “Sometimes I forget who you are.”

I’m not sure if she realized she called me Mom—I think it just slipped. It didn’t make me uncomfortable like it did months ago, though. I think if she continues to do it, I’ll eventually be okay with being Mom.

I’m not so sure about being called Gramma, though. That’s going to take some time.

We make it to the store without me running any stop signs, spacing out, or sideswiping anything, so I feel confident I should be able to have my own car again soon. Hopefully Asher will also be convinced after Kenzi vouches for me.

First, we buy some cute outfits for Tia in the children’s store. I quickly become obsessed with baby shoes and buy four pairs for Tia. I certainly don’t think of myself as a grandmother, but I love Tia already, and I’m excited to be a part of her life and watch her grow up. Then, we go over to the craft store across the street, which has become my favorite place to shop. We each buy some cool soy candles, Kenzi buys a variety of cake decorating tools, and I get more paintbrushes. I seem to have a growing obsession with brushes.

We can’t resist walking by the pet store in the strip mall, so we venture inside and buy toys for Diogee, Kitten, and Teddy.

“Teddy will love this!” I hold up a soft squirrel stuffy that has crinkly material inside. “He’ll love the squishy sound it makes.”

“Teddy?” Kenzi looks at me quizzically, then nods rapidly. “Oh, Teddy. I’m sorry, I forgot his name for a sec. Let’s go grab some dog treats before we check out.”

“Are you hungry?” Kenzi asks when we leave the pet store. “Uncle Talon and Lukas own a cafe right down the street. The food is amazing, and they have lots of vegan options. They have lattes, teas, and smoothies too. It’s close enough to walk.”

Now that she mentioned food, I realize I’m hungry. “Ooh, that sounds great. I don’t think anyone told me Lukas and Talon owned a cafe.”

“They bought it a few years ago. There’s live music at night with local musicians. Lukas and Vandal own a tattoo parlor too, just down the road a little ways more.”

“I didn’t know the guys owned all these businesses,” I say as we start walking.

“I think they wanted to invest their money in things because of the inheritance money. I don’t know much about it.”

“Does Asher own any businesses?”

“No, but he’s helped a few financially with loans. Like Tor’s bike shop and Aunt Katherine’s bed and breakfast. He also donates a lot of money to the hospital you were in and the pet shelter that Mrs. Grace runs.”

“Oh.” All of this is news to me, but it only makes Asher appeal to me even more. Helping my sister, his friends, and pet shelters? He just keeps getting better.

“Hey, look who’s here. My favorite niece,” Talon says from behind the counter when we enter the small cafe. He immediately comes around and gives Kenzi a big hug, then gently hugs me. “And my beautiful sister-in-law,” he whispers softly. He reminds me a lot of a younger version of Asher. They have the same eyes, wavy hair, and smile.

“It’s so good to see you. You look amazing. And you.” He turns to Kenzi. “You look incredible. Where’s my little munchkin?”

“She’s home with Tor. Me and Ember wanted to do some shopping, and she’s never been here, so I thought we’d pop over for lunch.”

“I’m glad you did. Everything’s on me. Sit anywhere ya want, and I’ll send Feather over with some menus. You’ve gotta try the berry cobbler with vanilla bean whipped cream. The chef made it this morning, and it’s killer.”

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing big, longhaired guys covered with tattoos acting so domestic.

Shaking my head, I reach up to touch my temple, which is suddenly throbbing.

Talon cocks his head, narrowing his eyes at me with concern. “You okay, bright eyes?”

“Yeah, just a little headache. I think I’m just hungry.”

He squeezes my shoulder. “You’re in the right place. I’ll go grab you some water.”

I smile reassuringly at Kenzi as we make our way to an empty table by the window.

“Did I eat hummus before I fell?” I ask Kenzi as a girl named Feather brings our meals over. We each ordered veggie and hummus wraps—something that Sarah got me hooked on when she made it for me for lunch one day.

“To be honest, I don’t remember. I’m not sure if hummus was as popular back then as it is now.”

“I think I love hummus as much as I love new paintbrushes and tiny baby shoes.”