by J B Reding
After Mary's death, I threw myself into gathering everything I could on Samuel so I could bring him to justice the way he deserved. It took longer than I planned, my grieving making it hard for me to function some days. I hope you know I tried my best with you, but I was lost without her. Seeing her pain when I visited her at Samuel's house killed me a little more each time. But she was a stubborn woman, who wanted to do things her own way. I'm sure you know how that is.
Anyway, when I realized Samuel was onto me, I rushed to compile everything you would need to take him down. Then I let him come. I knew it wasn't the right time to put an end to his monstrous ways; he hadn't burned all his bridges yet, and I knew he would, but it would take time. I let him kill me because I knew you would be okay. I knew you had learned everything I wanted to teach you. I knew you would make it without me. But I couldn't make it without her.
Maybe one day Charles will tell you the story, if he hasn't already. Just get him a little drunk and he blabs everything.
I chuckle, already finding this out for myself. I can almost see my father’s smirk as he wrote this. Charles and he always had a special bond, one that even a woman couldn’t break.
I hope you understand where I am coming from. I hope you can find it in you to forgive me. And I hope you love with every piece of you. Don't hold back. Regrets are the hardest things to live with. I would know. Learn from my mistakes, as a child should from their parent, and try to live without regrets.
I love you, son. I love you so much that it pains me to do what I plan next, and for that I am sorry. But I am a selfish man, and, as I said, I can’t live without her, but you can live without me and you will thrive.
Love,
Dad
P.S. Tell Ember she was the daughter I always hoped for and I'm certain she made a beautiful bride.
I feel as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. The anger is still present, but not as pronounced, but the grief and the confusion has vanished. I finally found the closure I’ve been searching for.
I fold up the letter and place it back in the envelope, then rest my hand against Embers lying against my abs. I breathe in the mixture of her scent and the ocean, letting the calm wash over me.
“Everything okay now?” She asks against my back. I pull her around to face me and press a kiss to her forehead.
“Everything's perfect.” I murmur.
I mean it, too.
With her in my arms, everything is right in the world.
She’s mine.
Just as she was always meant to be.
Author's Note
It has been a long ass journey to publishing this book. A five-year-long journey. It started off as a scene inside my head that was on repeat. Normally I would just read a book that had the same concept but, alas, I couldn't find one. So, I said fuck it and decided to just write it myself. Obviously, the book did not stay on the path it started. It even took several turns trying to be something it wasn’t. But I stayed true to the character’s and their journey. I had no choice. Often, I debated on where it was going, what would happen and, most prominently, why the fuck am I even doing this. But over the years, as my writing changed, the story did too, until we ended up here. Ember evolved and matured with me as I grew into the person I am today. I guess that’s to be expected when you start writing a book at fifteen. Which makes me twenty at the time of writing this. Knowing me, it won’t be till I’m twenty-one that I actually publish, but I like to think that’s a big accomplishment. Especially for someone who hasn’t accomplished much in life but the obvious. So, if you actually stuck around to read this message, I want to say thank you. Thank you soooo. Fucking. Much. for giving my book a chance. A piece of me, a chance. Also, sorry for the potty mouth, but you’ll definitely see more of it in the next book. Which I have started and, hopefully, won’t take another five years.
About The Author
J.B. Reding
J.B. Reding is a lover of books, romance books specifically. Having discovered her first at the tender age of thirteen, it was a life changing experience. Some may even say reading has shaped her into who she is today. J.B. Reding is also obsessed with her mutt of a dog who is an absolute cutie. Then there’s the obvious, like caffeine and family, at least, most of the time :). Family that is. Caffeine is always a must. She’s from the south and lived in England for the first half of her childhood. So, you may see a few slips here and there. Otherwise, J.B. Reding is a pretty simple person. Reading, her dog, coffee, and family. That’s all there is.
The Monsters Series
Watching Ember
Claiming Liz
Chasing Mercy
Keeping Isabel