Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
If we didn’t, I would care for my son and move on.
I tried to ignore the little voice in my head that asked who would look after me. Asher would be incredibly difficult to move past.
So even though the odds were against us, I refused to think about that.
I woke up in the morning, hearing Asher’s low voice in the kitchen.
“I just didn’t expect you back so soon, Suzy.”
I sat up, pulling my legs to my chest. My heart sank. His sister was home, with his niece. He had told me he would be going to see them for a few days but didn’t expect them back until the new year. We had plans for a fun evening on New Year’s, but listening, I knew it wouldn’t be happening now.
“Of course I’ll come. I promised Bonnie I would, and I don’t break my promises. But why the place in Quebec?”
There was silence, and I heard his sigh. “I see. Makes sense. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
Again, there was silence as he listened. “No,” he said firmly. “I’ll drive myself, and I’ll see you tomorrow. I have something I have to take care of first.”
I heard his phone hit the table, and I shut my eyes at the pain that swelled. He had to take care of us first. Would he be saying “see you soon,” or would it be a “this was a fun break, take care of yourself,” sort of farewell?
I pushed back the blanket, grabbing my robe. I shivered a little. The apartment was cold, and my robe had seen better days. I headed to the kitchen. Asher was at the table, his head in his hands, pulling on his hair. I walked up to him, tugging on his hands. “I like your hair where it is.”
He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close, his head resting on my stomach. “I didn’t mean to wake you. Go back to bed, and I’ll bring coffee.”
I didn’t think I could face this conversation on the sofa. Too many intimate moments had been shared on it. “I’m fine. I’ll get us coffee.”
I bent and kissed the top of his head, and he looked up, unhappy and worried. I pulled away and got the mugs, pouring the coffee and bringing it to the table.
“Your sister must have been up early.”
He nodded. “They flew home ahead of schedule.”
I injected a false note of cheer into my voice. “You must be excited to see Bonnie and have your Christmas with her. I’m sure she is thrilled, knowing she’ll see you soon.”
“They’re headed up to their cabin in Quebec. They want me to come tomorrow. Well, today, actually. But I said tomorrow.”
I stood and went to the counter, refusing to let him see how sad his words made me. I’d known this was coming. He wasn’t going to stay in this ratty little apartment with us forever. He had another life—one filled with other people, very rich people, like him who had cabins and flew to and from places whenever they wanted. I cleared my voice before I spoke. “You must have a lot to do before you go. Do you have time for breakfast with us first? I know AJ would like to say goodbye.”
He was behind me in an instant, spinning me in his arms. “I am not saying goodbye to either of you.”
“Asher,” I began. “I know you have another life—”
He cut me off, lifting my chin. “My other life was empty until I found you and AJ. Lonely. This is not goodbye, Rosie. I have to go see my sister and niece because I promised. I don’t want to leave you.”
“Oh.”
He shook his head. “How could you think that after the past few days?”
“I-I don’t know what to think. We never talked past the holidays…” I trailed off at his intense frown.
He pressed his forehead to mine. “I am not walking away. I thought they’d be at home and I’d drive up in the morning, spend the day, maybe one night like usual, and be back with you fast. But the cabin is a day’s drive, and she wants me to spend a couple days with them, and I hate saying no…”
“I understand,” I replied because I really did. That was his family.
“Come with me.”
“What?”
He stood back. “You and AJ come with me.”
I shook my head. “No, Asher. It’s too soon. I-I wouldn’t be comfortable. I wasn’t invited.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “You’d be welcome,” he insisted. “I want you there.”
I shook my head. “It’s not a good idea.”
“It is to me.”
I pressed a hand to his cheek. “You go see your family. Spend some time with your niece. Asher and I will be here when you get back, if you still want to see us.”
He held my hand to his skin, his voice incredulous. “What kind of statement is that?” he asked. “If I want? Of course I want to see you. I don’t even want to go, Rosie.”