Me: Baby, please, please don’t hate me. I’m so sorry. I’m going to fix this. I promise I will fix this. I love you. Give Moose a hug for me.
“Are you ready to get your ass handed to you, Dalton?”
The gym on base is packed and I suddenly feel self-conscious. I don’t want to look like a tool in front of all these guys but I need to suck it up. “Where to first, boss?”
Blake nods at someone and starts walking toward the back of the gym, “There are a couple of guys I want you to meet.”
We walk through a door to a separate part of the gym, “Dalton, this is Greg and Wes. Greg lost his arm about seven months ago and Wes lost his leg this past summer.”
“Blake tells me you fucked your leg up real good. I know the struggles, man.” Wes said as he held his hand out to shake mine. “I want to show you some of the workouts that helped me. You down?”
“Yeah, bud. Sounds good.” I shook Greg’s hand and followed them out to the area where all the equipment was located. We headed to the weights first.
“Alright. Let’s start you off on the leg press machine. I’m going to start you out at a low weight. Push yourself, but do not do more than your leg is capable of doing. As with everything, it takes time.”
Greg and Blake took turns spotting each other on the weight bench while Wes set the leg press machine to a low weight. The first few times my legs went in and out, I struggled, but the more reps I did, the easier it got. We went around the circuit and did a handful of other leg machines and then we had a contest to see who could bench press the most weight. I was impressed with how much weight Greg could lift with one hand. These guys are inspiring. After finishing the weights, we headed to the treadmills.
“Alright, Dalton. Let’s see what your leg is made of.” Wes said as he stepped on the treadmill. I stepped on the one next to him while Blake and Greg took the machines on my other side. We walked for a while, slowly increasing the speed. I stumbled a few times, but all in all I felt great.
Wes reached over and hit the button to elevate the incline of my treadmill, “I don’t want you running today, but a little hill work will be good for you.”
I walked for half a mile at a steep incline. When my leg started to shake a little bit, Wes reached back over and brought the incline all the way down, “Great job, man. Cool down and we’re done. I’ll be here tomorrow. Same time, yeah?”
I shook Greg’s hand and then Wes’, “Perfect. It was great meeting you both. Thanks for everything. We will see you tomorrow.”
Blake and I made our way to the truck. On the way home, we stopped to grab some hot wings from one of our favorite restaurants, “Wingin’ It” and headed back to the house.
“Thanks, bro. Those guys are somethin’ else. I needed that. I’m looking forward to going back tomorrow.”
“I’m proud of you, man. You got this. The next time I see you moping around feeling sorry for yourself, I will lay your ass out flat. Got it?”
“Got it. I won’t give up. Not on getting my leg back to normal, or Ember. I can’t live without her.”
Blake gives me a knowing look. I know he’s been in contact with Ember, but he won’t tell me anything other than a casual, “She’s hurt, just give her time.” I’m an idiot, but I’ll make it up to her. I don’t care what I have to do to fix this, I’ll do anything for her.
It’s been two weeks since I last saw Ember. She won’t take my calls or respond to my texts. I’m going completely insane. I’ve been at the gym every day with Blake and the guys. I was sore as hell at first, but my leg is getting stronger by the day. I’m even running on the treadmill now. I met the guys at 0600 this morning, so I have nothing planned for the rest of the day.
I head into the kitchen to make a protein shake when the doorbell rings. I open the door to see Harper standing there. Her hands are in fists and pressed against her hips. “Harper. Hi.”
“Don’t ‘hi’ me.”
Oh hell. I pissed off the pregnant woman. “What’s wrong, Harp?”
Huffing, she waddles closer to me and pokes her finger into my chest, “What’s wrong? You want to know what’s wrong.” Her face is close to mine and she continuously pokes my chest, “You pissed my best friend off and now she isn’t around to help me. So guess what Dalton? You’re coming with me to my doctor’s appointment.”
Oh no. Nope. I’m not watching my buddy’s wife spread eagle on the exam table, “Oh I can’t…”
Harper’s death glare silences me immediately, “Oh you’re coming, but don’t worry, they won’t be poking around in my lady bits.”
“Thanks for that visual, Harp.” These women will be the death of me.
We head outside and I help Harper into my truck. She tried to get in on her own at first, but failed. I quickly realized that laughing at a pregnant woman while she attempts to get into a lifted truck, is a horrible idea. If looks could kill, the grim reaper would have greeted me by now.
Once Harper checks in with the receptionist, she sits next to me in the waiting area, “Are you seriously reading a parenting magazine, Dalton?”
“Why does that surprise you? I didn’t create Harlee, but I love her like she’s mine. I need to learn everything I can. Here’s an article for you, ‘Seven Ways to Eat Your Placenta’. We can grill it up, Harp.”
Harper gave me a disgusted look and smacked the back of my head, “No. Just no. That is nasty.”
“Come on. We can cut it up and put it in a pasta. Like chicken fettuccine with placenta instead of chicken.”
Harper snatched the magazine from me and put it back on the table, “Unless you want to wear my vomit, I suggest you stop talking about placenta primavera.”
“Oh, you made a food joke. Bam.”
“Are you always this childish? How did I fail to notice this before?”
I laughed as the nurse called us back. She asked Harper a bunch of questions and then had her lie back and expose her belly. She squirted a bunch of gel and then placed this small device on her belly. “It’s strong. It sounds great.”
“Is that. Is that his heartbeat?” I asked completely in awe of this entire situation.
Laughing, the nurse said, “Is this your first time coming to an appointment with your wife?”
“Gross. He is definitely not my husband. He is dating my best friend but I made him come with because my husband is deployed.”
The nurse looked at me adoringly, “Well isn’t that the sweetest thing. Oh goodness, he is an active little guy. Every time I find his heartbeat, he takes off.”
I cannot imagine growing another life inside you. I admire women so much. “Can I. I mean. Would it be alright if…”
Harper raised an eyebrow at me, “Do you want to feel him move, Dalton?”
Smiling, I nod and put my hand on her belly. Words cannot describe how amazing it felt to feel him move inside her stomach. “That is so awesome, Harp.”
The nurse handed Harper paperwork and sent us on our way. “I’m starving. They say you don’t really eat for two when you’re pregnant. But that’s a damn lie. I’m always hungry.”
“Come on. I’ll take you out to lunch.”
We ended up at a little Mexican restaurant downtown. I’ve only been here a few times, but the food is great. “I hope you have a gas mask in that giant purse of yours. I’m about to eat a huge burrito smothered in beans. Beans, the magical fruit…”
“Ugg. Stop. You’re disgusting. Seriously, what is your deal? You’re so… happy.”
“I’m doing awesome at the gym, Harp. The guys are kicking my ass and I’m getting stronger every day. Next step, getting my girls back. I love them and I won’t stop until I get them back.”
Smiling, Harper put her hand on mine and gave it a light squeeze, “I know you do. She loves you too. So does Harlee. She needed some time away and you needed time to be self-sufficient. I think all of us smothered you a little bit, and I’m sorry for that. I’m really glad you’re kicking ass at the gym. Keep it up.”
“None
of you smothered me, Harp. I appreciate all the help you and everyone else has given me. Truly I do. I was at my breaking point when Ember came home and saw me fall flat on my face. I never meant anything I said. I screwed up.”
“Hey. Don’t beat yourself up. Everyone says stupid shit they don’t mean. Ember knows you love her.”
After lunch we headed back to my house. Harper gave me a hug and patted my cheek, “You’re a good man, Dalton. Ember’s at her parents’ house. I texted Blake and asked him to pack you a bag. It should be right inside. Go get your girl back.”
“Thank You! Thank you!” I kissed Harper’s cheek and jogged toward the house.
“Hey!” I turn around to face Harper. “Thank you for coming with me today. I hate going alone.”
“Anytime, Harp. It was an amazing experience. Anytime you need me, I’m here.” Harper smiled and got in her vehicle. I found a duffle bag on the porch with a note attached to the top of it.
I owe so much to that crazy son of a bitch. I don’t know what I would do without him. Grabbing the duffle bag, I jog to my truck and head down the road. If I leave now I can make it by 2100. It’s time to be reunited with my girls.
I haven’t been home since Daddy’s accident. It’s great to visit when he’s actually home and not at the hospital. As much as I love spending time with my family, I miss Dalton something fierce. I feel like my soul has been sucked from my body and left in its place is total darkness. I’m that miserable.
It takes every bit of strength I have to keep myself from calling or texting him. Blake and Harper give me daily updates, so at least I have that. Blake told me it would be best if we each had a little alone time. Dalton needed time to gain his independence back, and while it has been difficult these past two weeks, I fully understand why we need some time apart.
It has been really cold out, but Harlee and I have managed to brave the cold nearly every day so we can ride our horses around the arena. She has asked about Dalton numerous times, but I just tell her he had to go on a short trip for work. She seems to be satisfied with that answer.
There is a play tonight at the high school; “Peter Pan”. My parents are taking Harlee to see it, and I’m heading out to dinner with Magnolia. Since my last trip here, I have remained in close contact with her and I’m excited to go out and have some girl time.
“Harlee. Come downstairs please.”
I hear little feet running down the hallway above me, and then Harlee slowly descends the stairs. “You need me, Mommy?”
“I’m heading out to dinner, Sweetie. I want to hear all about “Peter Pan” in the morning. Okay?”
Bending down I held my arms out. Harlee wrapped her tiny arms around me and squeezed, “K, mommy. I’m gonna have fun.”
I kissed her head, blew my daddy a kiss as he sat on the couch, and headed out to meet Magnolia. She offered to pick me up, but I want to head out to my spot tonight. Even though all the fireflies are gone this time of year, I still need a few moments of alone time.
As I pull into the parking lot of Bama Bar N Grill, I see Magnolia standing by the door. I park my truck and head toward her, “Hot damn, look at you. You look extra spiffy tonight.”
“Spiffy? Really, Magnolia. You are too much, girl.”
I give her a big hug and we head inside. After we are seated and place our order, we sip on our mixed drinks and gossip. It’s just like old times, except Magnolia’s not kicking some dude’s ass for winking at her.
“So girl, spill. What’s going on in the life of Ember?”
“I’m practically living at Dalton’s now. Before the guys left for deployment…”
“Wait, practically? You’re either living with him or you’re not.”
“I’ve been staying there for months, but he hasn’t officially asked me to move in.”
“Duh. Alright. So before they left what?”
“Before they left, Austin went completely mental.”
I told Magnolia everything that happened that night. I told her how insane Austin became and how I sought comfort from Dalton. “A few months into their deployment, Dalton was severely injured. We’ve gotten so close these past couple of months. He’s amazing with Harlee and he just completes us, ya know?”
“Of course I know, honey. Cliff is the one true love of my life. Always has been. You’ve got yourself a good man, too. Hold on to him.”
“I take it things with Cliff are amazing? I’m really happy for you Mag. You two were always so cute together.”
“Well, you don’t get voted the cutest couple every year in high school unless it’s true.”
I had completely forgotten about that. I was voted most outgoing and the friendliest. I took pride in having those titles. I never believed in having cliques. I was friends with everybody. I roll my eyes at Magnolia and we laugh.
When the appetizers came, we stuffed our faces with breaded mushrooms and hot wings. When the waitress came back a short time later with our dinner, we each ordered one more mixed drink. “So, I’m having my birth control removed next week. We are going to try and get pregnant.”
“Oh, Magnolia! That is so exciting. You will be an amazing mom.”
“Thanks, Em. We are super excited. Do you think you’ll have more kids?”
I never put much thought into having any more kids. I never wanted Austin to have one more thing to hold over my head, plus the thought of bringing another baby into our messy situation, saddened me. I’m thinking differently now. When I think of my future, I see Dalton running around the yard with our children.
“If you would have asked me last summer, I would have told you that there is no way in hell I am having any more children, but being with Dalton makes me see things in an entirely different light. I would love to have a big family with him.”
Magnolia gave me a knowing smile. Her first husband was abusive, too. She knows where I am coming from. Everyone who knows my situation is very supportive and understanding, but Magnolia literally knows how I feel. She’s been there and she gets it.
“Mmm hmm. Honey, you’ve got it bad for that boy. Where is he anyhow?”
I told her about our fight and how we needed a little time apart. I told her how miserable I am without him and how insane I must be to have fallen in love so quickly with a man after everything that has happened with Austin.
“I’m just waiting by the phone for someone to call and tell me that he has had enough space. I’ve almost left a few times, but we need this. He needs this. He will never get better if all of us are constantly doing things for him.”
“I guarantee he is chomping at the bit just as badly as you are, girl. Lord knows that Cliff and I don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things, but we love each other more than any problem we will ever face. If that boy still looks at you the same way he did last time y’all were here, then baby you’ve got nothing to worry about. He’ll come around.”
Magnolia’s right. When I first left, Dalton sent messages begging me to forgive him. I shed so many tears when I read them. The voicemail messages broke my heart even more. He still texts me every single day, but they are happy messages now. I plan to stay here one more week and then I have to get back to work. If he still needs space after next week, I really don’t know what will happen.
Magnolia and I spend a couple more hours chatting and eating entirely too much food. I wish we could spend more time together, but she has to work an early shift tomorrow. After we say our goodbyes, I head to my favorite spot.
The air is bitter tonight, but the sky is clear and the stars are extra bright. I grabbed my spot light, phone, a handful of blankets including a giant sleeping bag, and a shotgun. I’ve always felt safe here, but it’s dark as all hell and I’ll be damned if I’m going to venture down this trail unprotected.
I lay the blankets out, put the spot light and gun next to me, and snuggle into the sleeping bag. I’m fairly certain that this sleeping bag would keep me warm if I was butt naked at the top of Mt. Everest. I put my playlist o
n shuffle and listen to my favorite songs play while I stare at the sky. All the constellations are visible. People never understand the true beauty of a night sky until they’ve been out in the middle of nowhere, away from the city lights and polluted air.
I have no idea how much time has passed. I have enough songs on my playlist to keep me entertained for hours. As my favorite song finishes, I hear a crunching sound, like an animal or human stepping on twigs. I sit up and reach for my spot light. I have one hand on the shot gun and the other is directing the light toward the sound. When my light finally lands on the intruder, I freeze. Dalton!
“Hi baby.”
I stand there frozen in place. I want to yell at my brain for playing this dirty trick on me, but as he walks closer, I realize that he’s here. He is really here. I feel like I am standing in quicksand. I can’t move, can’t think, all I can do is cry. The tears fall like rain on a spring day. Dalton’s arms engulf my body and I sob into his chest.
“Shh baby. It’s okay. I’m here. I’m so sorry, Em. I didn’t mean any of those things I said.”
“I mi-missed you s-so much.” Damn it. I cannot even form a coherent sentence through my damn emotions.
Dalton held me tighter and rested his chin on the top of my head, “I missed you too. Fuck, I was so miserable and lost without you. I never want to be away from you again.”
We stayed that away for a few moments. Completely lost in the feel of each other’s closeness. When I pulled out of his arms, there was just enough light reflecting off his face to see his smile. I missed that smile. “I don’t want to be away from you again either. It was torture.”
Half of his mouth turned up into a grin as he wiped the remaining tears from my cheeks. I leaned into his hand, soaking in the feel of his touch. He slid his hands behind my neck and his lips came crashing down on mine. If a kiss could create fireworks, we would have an entire light show above us at this moment. His kiss said it all. It was an apology, an “I love you,” and “I missed you” kiss, all at in one.
Ember Skies Page 17