“What? You sound excited.”
“I’m…well, relieved sounds like a massive understatement.”
When I tell her what Jared found out from the report, she bursts into tears. “I can’t…it’s too much to take in.”
We cry together for a minute before she says, “I’m sorry it took so long for the truth to come out. I should have thought to check into it more carefully.”
“You were in so much pain, and I was certain it was my fault,” I say.
“It’s weighed heavy on you all these years,” she says. “Nothing I said could put a dent in your guilt. Sugar, tell me, how do you feel now?”
“Like a thousand-pound weight has been lifted off me.”
“I’m so glad. How sweet of Jared to pursue that for you.”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t he try to uncover it before now?”
“He never knew.”
She sighs. “Oh, darn it. And I told you not to tell anyone.”
I stay silent.
“Ashley, I was worried. With all the guilt you felt, I didn’t want you to go around sharing your beliefs about the heater with people. Because all it would take is one nasty comment to send you spiraling even more.”
“It made sense at the time,” I say. “I do wish I had trusted Jared though.”
“Yes, that boy has always had your best interests at heart.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “And what’s going on with him in Montana? Is being away from home good for you two?”
“Now you’re pushing for intel.”
“Of course I am. I’m your mama. We always think of our children as our babies. I just want the best for you.”
‘I know you do. I’m like any person who’s been through a rough childhood—I’ve got some battle scars. It’s going to take a strong man to handle me for the long haul.”
“You deserve a strong man. You’re a strong woman.”
“Thank you, Mama. I love you.”
“Love you too, sugar. Talk to you soon.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY
Jared
“I want to take you out.”
“Why?” Ashley pouts. “Let’s stay in with Louie.”
“Because…” I play with her wavy lock of auburn hair as she lies on the couch with her head on my lap and Louie on hers. “I want to go on a date.”
“But I like hanging out at our cabin together.”
Ourcabin.
There she goes again with the possessive.
