“I’ve seen the worst of humanity and kept my faith in the darkness. When I came to this country, I never thought I’d have the riches I do now: a safe place to live, beautiful grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. I choose love.” She gave them all a fierce smile. “It’s never failed me.”
“Nana, I only hope I have half of your fighting spirit.” Drew hugged her and she held him tighter than normal for a moment, then let him go.
“You do.” Ash kissed his cheek. “You fought for me when everyone warned you to stay away.”
“Except me,” Esther said, her eyes twinkling. “I saw the man you tried to hide.”
“Except you, Esther. You’re right. I owe you more than you’ll ever know.”
“I know I love you. That’s all that matters.”
During the carride home, Drew nudged Ash, who stared out the window. “What is it?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“I meant, what’s the present you got for my grandmother? You never said from the other day.”
“That’s because it’s a secret.” Ash’s silvery eyes gleamed.
“You’re not supposed to have secrets from me. I’m your husband. Tell me.”
“I’d rather not. I want to see your face when I give it to her. Please, baby? Trust me on this one.”
He trusted Ash with his life. “Of course.” But he couldn’t help wondering what Ash had up his sleeve.
Chapter Seven
Much to Ash’srelief, the surgery went well. Drew had come home that same night and was recuperating in bed when the doorman called from downstairs.
“A Rabbi Fine to see you?”
“Send him up, please.”
He hustled to the bedroom to tell Drew, but found him sleeping. He tucked the comforter around him and kissed his cheek. The doorbell rang, and not knowing what to do or say to Rabbi Fine, Ash decided he’d let the man do the talking.
A tall man with a slight beard stood before him when he opened the door. “You must be Ash. I’m Jonah.” He extended his hand and Ash took it.
“Yes, please come inside. Drew, unfortunately, is sleeping. The aftereffects of the surgery and medication. But he came through it well.”
Ash led Jonah to the living room and got him seated. Jonah declined a drink and Ash sat across from him.
“I’m glad it went well. He was so worried, moreso about his grandmother and you than about himself.”
For the first time that day, Ash smiled. “That I can believe. Drew is always more concerned about everyone other than himself. And Esther is a very special woman.”
“She certainly sounds like it. He told me her story, and it’s remarkable.”
“It’s crazy how such incredible tragedy makes some people strong.” Ash thought of his brothers and himself and how they survived their foster father’s abuse and terror.
“That’s the nature of the human spirit. Some people are lucky to have that determination and driving will to live and won’t let anything stand in their way.” Jonah’s warm gaze met his, and Ash could see why Drew had been so drawn to him.
“I was the opposite before I met Drew. I lived a pretty self-destructive life. Looking back on it now, I’m amazed I’m still alive.” Before he knew it, he’d told Jonah about the abuse, the self-harm, and the empty life he had before he met Drew.
“Once I heard Esther’s story, something in me shifted. If a person who’d seen the very worst of life could still believe in love, maybe there was hope for me as well.”
Jonah stroked his beard. “We must always have hope. It’s what’s carried my people for thousands of years.” His eyes twinkled. “Hope and a few miracles along the way.”
“Sometimes I still think it’s a miracle I made it through my youth and found Drew.”
