Asher (Ashes & Embers 6)

“I could hold the mortgage for you, and you could pay me back, like we did with this house. I wouldn’t mind at all.”

“We’ll think about it,” Tor says quickly.

“We’ll definitely talk it over, Dad. It’s just a lot to think about. But we really do appreciate it.”

I smile at my daughter, and she leans over to wrap her arms around my neck. “We love you, Daddy.”

I hold her tight against me. “I know.” Then I let her go and stand to leave.

“I’m going to head over to the hospital and see how she’s doing. I probably should’ve gone there first rather than bothering you two so early.”

Tor also stands and pulls me into a quick hug, slapping my back. “Dude, you can come here anytime. I think it’s better you came here first. Do you want us to go with you? I can blow work off today.”

“Nah, I’m good. I’ll text you later, though.”

They walk me to the front door together, where Kenzi hugs me again and kisses my cheek. “Don’t worry, Daddy, please. Everything will be okay. No matter what happens, we’ll all get through it together, just like we always have. Tell Mom we love her, and don’t forget to text or call me.”

I wink at her before I turn to leave. “I will.”

“Asher, wait...” Tor practically pushes me outside and closes the door behind him. “What the hell was that all about?”

I narrow my eyes. “What?”

“Don’t what me. Bringing up that house? You know I can’t afford that place.”

“I know that, but I can. She’s my daughter. You’re my best friend. I’d like you guys living right across the street. What’s the big deal? It’s only money.”

He pushes his long hair out of his face. “She’s my wife now. It’s a big deal to me.”

“Lemme ask you something, Tor. If Kenzi was married to someone else, and I told you I wanted to buy her a house so she could live across the street from me, in a house that none of her husband’s exes stepped foot in, or slept in, or showered in, or had sex in, and she could have a big beautiful house that she could decorate all on her own, what would you say?”

His jaw muscles clench. “I’d say get her the house, because she deserves it.”

I lean forward slightly. “You both deserve it. A nice, fresh start. Tons of room for your little zoo. Lots of bedrooms. Shouting distance from me.” I grin.

“You’re not allowed to butt in if we fight. Stay on your side of the street.”

Letting out a laugh, I smack his shoulder affectionately. “I can do that.”

He blows out a deep breath. “Only if you let me pay you back. I’m not taking any freebies from you. And if you ever threaten me with it like you did with this house when you found out about me and Kenzi? I’ll beat the shit out of you. Dad.”

Touché.

“Deal.”

“It might take me the rest of my life to pay you off, but I will.”

“I’m not worried about it. Whatever you want. It’ll be nice to have you both close. Especially if...”

If Ember wakes. If Ember doesn’t wake.

His dark eyes meet mine, and he nods. “It’ll be nice for everyone.”

Today I bring a vase of daisies. I don’t know jack-shit about plants, but they seem like a happy flower. The florist I’ve been coming to for almost eight years always chats with me as she carefully snips and arranges the flowers just right. After my fourth visit to her shop, she started tying a ribbon around each vase with a tiny crystal heart charm dangling from it. She said it offered healing and protection.

We’re good friends now, me and the middle-aged couple who own the flower and gift shop. When I can’t make it to see Ember myself, they hand deliver the flowers for me and stay a few minutes to talk to her, then text me a picture of the flowers next to her bed. Two years ago, I bought them a new car to show my appreciation, and they were so excited they cried.

Sometimes the littlest things are really the biggest things to others.

“Happy Monday.” I set the vase on the nightstand. “I got you daisies. Remember the daisies you planted in the backyard?”

I pull the guest chair closer to the bed and sit in it, facing her. Taking her hand, I raise it to my lips for a kiss, then rest it back on the bed, covering it with mine.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t come yesterday. I missed you, though. Did you miss me?”

She’s staring toward the television, her eyes squinting slightly. I glance up at the TV, and reach for the remote that’s attached to the bed.

“Who the hell left the news on? You hate to watch the news.” I switch the channel to Lifetime. “Your favorite channel—all drama, all day, all night.”