“Maybe a bit of luck along with that miracle? You finding all your brothers qualifies for that in my eyes.” Jonah’s face turned grave. “Don’t diminish what you went through. It doesn’t disappear simply because you have that safety in your relationship with Drew, which, from the way your faces light up whenever you speak of each other, I can tell is wonderful and strong. I’m sure you have someone to speak to regularly about it?”
“Yes, and he says the same things you did.”
“Rabbis often wear two hats: spiritual advisor and therapist.”
“Ash?” He heard a voice from the opposite side of the apartment.
“That’s Drew. Let me tell him you’re here, and I’ll bring you in to see him.” Ash rose from his chair.
“Hey, Ash? I know I came to offer Drew comfort, but I hope you’re taking care as well. And I hope our talk helped.”
It was peaceful sitting and talking with Jonah. Everything he said made sense, and some of the nerves rattling inside him settled down. For that, Ash would forever be grateful.
“More than you know, Jonah.”
Because of Drew’ssurgery, the holiday celebration had been moved to their apartment, Esther was coming to see Drew for herself, which meant Ash had hired a service to clean the house. Propped up with several pillows on the couch, Drew watched him pace back and forth, his eyes bright with amusement.
“Who would’ve thought Ash Davis would be worried about whether we have the right kind of tea or if the bathroom has hand towels.” He laughed and then winced. Ash smirked.
“Serves you right for making fun of me. I want to make sure Esther’s comfortable. She’s never been here before, and I want everything to be perfect.”
For the first time since he and Drew were together, the family wouldn’t be celebrating the holiday at Esther’s house, as it would still be too painful for Drew to travel. With Esther coming earlier than everyone else, Ash made the decision to give her his gift with only the three of them present.
The doorbell rang and he hurried over to answer it. Esther stood in her warm coat with a bright scarf wrapped around her neck, Tina and Louisa behind her. One of the porters carried two heavy shopping bags.
“Come on in. Hi, Jerry.”
“Hello, Mr. Davis. Where would you like me to put this?”
“In the kitchen would be fine.”
He dug his wallet from his pocket and took out a bill. When Jerry returned, he pressed it into his hand. “Thank you. I have more family coming in a little while. You can tell them to come right up.”
“My pleasure. Your grandmother is a lovely woman. And I’ll let Gregor know. He’s the concierge tonight.”
“Jerry, remember I’m going to make extralatkesfor you and the others tonight.” Esther’s bright blue eyes were merry with laughter.
“Oh, I won’t forget, Esther.” He chuckled. “I hear Mr. Davis helps you, so we all want to taste them.”
Ash’s eyes twinkled as he walked him to the door with his hand on his shoulder. “I’ll have you know I am an excellentlatke-maker. My flipping proficiency is legendary.”
Jerry left, and when he joined everyone in the living room, she had already re-fluffed Drew’s pillows, taken out some cookies, and was rummaging around in another bag.
“Ah, here it is.” She drew out a beautiful silver menorah. “I was waiting for the right time to give this to you. She placed it on the coffee table. “You will have to decide where to keep it.”
“Keep it?” Drew’s brow furrowed. “What are you talking about? This is yours.”
“I know it is. But I’m thinking you should have it. You and Asher. You never know if you’ll have a family one day, and even if you don’t, I’m giving it to you as a Chanukah present.”
“But Rachel—”
“I’ve already given Rachel your parents’ menorah. This is the one your grandfather and I bought when we moved into the house.” Her pink-tipped fingers stroked the intricately swirled silver. “We’ve been lighting this for almost sixty years. Now you and Asher should light it for sixty more together.”
Ash sat next to Drew and took his hand. “Esther, that’s beautiful. And I’m honored to accept the menorah as a family heirloom.”
“I know how much family means to you, Asher. You’re like my blood. You and Michael both. I love you like my own.”
Those words never failed to hit him like an emotional punch in the gut. In his therapy appointments he discussed his continuing feelings of unworthiness of being loved by Drew and Esther. No matter that he and Drew were married, the nightmares still plagued him. The time was right for him to give Esther his gift, and his heart kicked up with a combination of excitement and fear.
