“We have dessert,” Rebekah announces. “I made brownies. Chocolate is the best.”
My mouth waters. “It sure is.” I haven’t had a brownie since… Nope, not going there. “I’d love one. As long as my jailor says it’s okay.”
I turn to Asher and bat my eyelashes. I know I’m asking for trouble, but I’m feeling brave around his family.
“I would never dream of denying a woman chocolate. Maybe you can wrap up a couple for us to take home, too, Rebekah?”
“We already packed food for you to take back. I figured you’d be busy helping Emma for the next few days. And as much as I was looking forward to having you in the cooking rotation now that you’re home, she’s your priority,” Andrew says.
It would be obvious that he’s the oldest, even if I didn’t know it from my communication with him. You can feel the love, even with all the teasing. It feels like home.
“Thanks, Andrew, I appreciate it. Sorry I was gone for so long.”
“We knew you needed to get away. Are you better now?” Andrew’s concern is clear in his voice.
“Yeah, I think I am,” Asher answers, his voice serious. But then he smiles. A wide, toothy grin that takes my breath away.
I think it surprises his family, too, because the room grows quiet for a moment. I makes me wonder what they mean, but it’s not my place to ask. As much as I feel welcome, I’m not part of this family and never will be.
seven
Asher
My little Raindrop is asleep by the time we get back to my cabin. Conked out as soon as I buckled her in. Her soft snores sound like a purring kitten. It’s adorable. My poor girl has been through a lot today—all because of me. Hopefully, she’ll give me the chance to make it up to her, because, somehow, in the space of a few hours, being in her presence is like coming home. She’s mine. I know it with every fiber of my being, and I won’t let her go.
I pull up in front of the cabin. It’s late, and even the animals are quiet. A full moon glows in the sky, making the porch light unnecessary. After climbing out of the truck and quietly closing the door, I reach into the bed and grab the bags of leftovers Andrew sent home with us. When I see the crutches, I take them, too, and bring everything into the house.
Once everything is in the fridge, I peek out the window to make sure Emma’s still resting. Our sleeping arrangements could prove problematic. Andrew knew it, too, the sly ass. I only have the one bed. I never saw a need to set up a guest room. Emma can use it, but I hate the idea of being away from her, even if I’m just down the hall.
I turn the bedside lamp onto the nightlight setting and take in my room. Bookshelves on one wall, my dresser, and the California king bed with two nightstands. I made most of the furniture in the cabin, only ordering what I needed for the kitchen and bathroom, and the upholstered furniture.
I worked on it throughout that first winter, as I struggled with guilt. Being alone up here for over five years made me rougher. Emma isn’t wrong that I’m more bear than man. Living off the land, hunting, fishing for food, sleeping under the stars until I finished the cabin—it all changed me. I’d always planned on using my forestry degree instead of going into the family business, but the fire altered everything.
Fuck. What the hell am I doing standing here reminiscing instead of getting Emma settled? She’s probably used to scholarly men. Polished, not beastly. I’m not sure I can even change at this point. I’d be willing to try—for her. But will it be enough to make her stay?
She’s still sleeping when I get back to the truck, but she stirs as I lift her into my arms.
Her eyes pop open, and she yawns. “What’s going on?”
“We’re home. I’m just getting you inside so you can go to bed. It’s late, and you’ve had a long day.”
“Sorry, I fell asleep.” Her head rests against my shoulder as I nudge the passenger door closed and take her into the house. Having her in my arms fills the empty spaces in my chest that I didn’t realize were there. How is it that I’ve only known her for a few hours and I can’t imagine her ever leaving? Maybe Doc should have examined me, too.
After carrying her into the ensuite, I shuffle her in my arms. “Raindrop, do you need to use the bathroom?”
“Huh? Oh yes, please.”
“Okay. I’m going to help you. Hold onto me and I’ll get your pants off so you can go.”
“What? I don’t need help. I can do it.” Her cheeks turn the color of dogwood blooms in the spring.
“You can’t put weight on that foot, and your hands are wrapped. You have to let me help you, baby.”
“Are you kidding me right now? I barely know you, you can’t take my clothes off. I’ll figure something out.”
“Emma, you’ll let me help you. If you’re going to argue with me, then the spanking I’ve been threatening you with will become a reality real fast.”
“You’re serious?”
