I gripped either side of his jacket at his hips and pulled him to me. Dalton pulled away slightly and whispered, “I love you.” In this moment, I feel whole again. I know we will have plenty more struggles to face, but I believe that our time spent apart, will only makes us stronger.
I kissed him again and gently sucked his bottom lip into my mouth, lightly biting it. His thumb grazed over my lips, his hands felt warm and comforting as they caressed my face. He smiled at me as I whispered, “I love you more.”
He grinned and shook his head no.
Grabbing his hand, I led him to the blankets. We laid down and zipped ourselves inside my monster sleeping bag. It felt so nice to be in his arms, pressed against his warm body.
“How did you know where I was?”
“I went to your parent’s house and they said you went out with Magnolia. I texted her and she said she wasn’t with you anymore, so I came here. It took me awhile to remember how to get back here.”
I snuggled closer to Dalton, breathing in his scent. It’s amazing how many different things you can miss about a person; their scent, touch, voice, taste. I missed all of him.
“I can’t believe you drove all the way here.”
“I can’t believe it took me so long. I’m really sorry, baby. I just…”
Before Dalton could finish, I pressed my lips to his, “Hey, you’re here now. That’s all that matters.”
We talked about the last two weeks. He told me about feeling Harper’s baby move and hearing his heartbeat. It made my ovaries tingle, but mostly it made me love him even more. Not only was he there for my best friend, but he was so sweet about the entire situation.
I never imagined I would have the strength to separate myself from Austin, and I definitely never dreamed of finding someone who loves me and Harlee as much as Dalton does, but I did. The road ahead will be bumpy, but we have each other to lean on and I hope everything works out for the best.
We talked for hours under the stars before heading back to my parent’s house. Everyone was asleep so we curled up on the couch and fell asleep ourselves. I woke up to the smell of coffee and slid off the couch, being careful not to wake Dalton. When I made my way into the kitchen, my dad stood there with a huge smile on his face.
“Morning LB. Things are good I see?”
“Things are great, Daddy.” I said as I reached into the cupboard for a mug and poured myself a steamy cup of coffee.
My dad gave me a knowing look and winked. I heard little feet making their way down the stairs followed by Harlee yelling, “Peaches! Peaches!” I made my way into the living room to see Harlee snuggled against Dalton, her arms wrapped around his neck and the biggest smile on her face.
When Harlee looked up and saw me, she started laughing, “Mommy! He’s here. Did you see? He’s here!”
I sat next to them on the couch and kissed her cheek, “I did see, Honey. He got here late last night. Are you both hungry?”
I busied myself in the kitchen making breakfast for everyone while my parents went out to the barn to feed the animals. Harlee’s pony knickers relentlessly if breakfast isn’t served on time and it echoes all through the house, Rainbow’s knickers are that loud.
Dalton walks into the kitchen with Harlee on his shoulders and kisses my forehead as I crack eggs into the pan.
“What should we do today, Moose?”
“I learned how to go fast on my pony. I hafta show you.”
Since we have braved the cold and ridden the horses every day, Harlee has mastered the art of cantering. She is a natural.
“Why don’t you run upstairs and get dressed while I help your momma finish breakfast.” Dalton lifted Harlee from his shoulders and set her on the ground. She smiled and ran up the stairs.
Dalton came up behind me and pressed him chest against my back. “I have a doctor’s appointment in two days. I’ll have to drive back tomorrow.”
There was sadness in this voice as he spoke. He obviously thinks that I am planning to stay in Alabama for a while longer. “Okay love. I’ll let my parents know we are heading back. I wish we could ride together, but I’ll just follow behind you.”
“I don’t want you to cut your visit short because of me.”
I turned around and grabbed a handful of Dalton’s shirt, pulling him closer to me. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his nose, “Are you kidding? We have been apart for long enough. We are both leaving tomorrow.”
Dalton smiled and pressed his lips to mine. “Good, plus I think Harper might strangle me if I come back without you.”
He’s right. I’ve spoken with her every day, but it isn’t the same. She’s had Dalton and our other friends to help her, Piper has been amazing in my absence, but she needs me. I remember how difficult things get in the last trimester.
After breakfast, we headed out to the barn. Harlee wants to show Dalton how fast she can go and I want to ride Blue one more time before we leave tomorrow. As I helped Harlee pull her pony from his stall, my dad walked into the barn and clapped Dalton on the back.
“Come see the new horse I bought, son. He’ll be a good cow horse once I get him broke. I tried to get my lightning bug to jump on ‘em, but she’s not as brave as she used to be.”
“Hey now, I’m not scared, I just have no desire to get bucked off.”
My dad leans into Dalton and whispers something. I can’t hear what he’s saying, so I just roll my eyes. The new horse he bought is beautiful and he’s very sweet, but I just don’t have the fearless streak I used to when I was younger. It’s a little harder to heal when you have a child to look after, so I stick to riding Blue. I’ve always felt safe on his back.
As I open Blue’s stall, Dalton takes my hand and closes the stall door, “I think you should ride the new horse, babe.”
I looked from Dalton to my dad; my expression told them just how crazy I thought they were.
“Come on LB. He won’t hurt you. Trust me. Goliath is a lot calmer than you think.”
Damn it. My dad saddled up the new horse while I helped Harlee with her pony. Dalton decided to ride Blue since he’s so quiet and the last thing Dalton needs is to injure his leg anymore. I decided to go into the arena first. If this horse flips out, at least no one else will be in here with me. It’s too dangerous.
I readjusted my saddle, put my foot in the stirrup and swung my leg over. I clucked him forward and he lowered his head. Oh hell, this is it. He’s getting himself into the prime position to throw my ass off his back. I could hear my dad laughing by the gate. Ignoring his laughter, I clucked Goliath forward again. After a few calm laps, I bumped him with my legs and asked him to trot. This horse is magnificent. He moves just like Blue did back when we won every horse show we entered. I took him through all the gaits in both directions, then went over by where everyone was standing.
“Well damn, LB. You’ve still got it. He moves like a seasoned show horse.”
“Alright. What’s the deal?”
Laughing, my dad said, “I bought him for Harlee. It’s time for her to move up from that old pony of hers. I figured she could show him this summer. He won a lot of ribbons last year. I’m glad you finally took a leap of faith and rode him, sweetie.”
This man. Always the joker. I realized then that he hadn’t told me the truth because he wanted me to push my fears aside and get on his back. When I showed up here two weeks ago, we had a long talk about my fears with Austin, and even my fears of moving forward with Dalton. Being in an abusive relationship leaves a lot of deep scars, even when the visible ones have faded. I needed this. I needed to step far out of my comfort zone and I did it.
I got off Goliath and hugged my dad. “Thanks, daddy.”
“There was a lesson in all this. You’re brave and strong, LB. Never forget it.”
My dad took Goliath back into the barn while I helped Harlee on her pony. I stood by the fence watching her and Dalton ride. I saw my future. I was finally happy and ready to face any situation that came our way. I am
stronger than my fears.
It has been three months since I’ve been home and two weeks since we left Alabama. I’m officially back to work, but I still have to take it easy. Harper is having some difficulties with her blood pressure and was put on bedrest, so this weekend we are going to move Harper into my spare bedroom and load up the rest of Ember and Harlee’s stuff to finish moving them in here. Austin will be back in a month and Ember needs to be out of there, not that she has stayed a single night in that house since I’ve been back, but still.
Greg and Wes are coming over shortly and between the two of them, Blake, Ember, and myself, we should be able to have the girls completely moved in by dinner. All five of us have a truck, so we should be able to load everything up in one trip.
Piper is staying at my house with the little girls and after we load up all of Ember’s stuff, we are going to pick Harper up. Since Trent will be home in a month, she doesn’t have too much to bring over. I hope not at least. That woman can pack an entire suitcase of clothes just for an overnighter.
The guys arrive and we head out. Once we make it to the house, the guys busy themselves in Harlee’s room, packing up all her toys, clothes, and her bed. When I bought my house, the realtor told me that a four-bedroom house was too much for a single man. I told him he is probably right, but now every room in my house is in use and I am grateful for not settling on something smaller. I’m honestly surprised that Piper hasn’t moved in. I wouldn’t mind if she and Madison decided to. What’s a few more people, were all family anyway.
After loading Harlee’s bed into the back of Wes’ truck, I walk back inside and see Ember standing in the kitchen. The guys went upstairs to grab more boxes as I walked to Ember and wrapped my arms around her waist, “Are you okay, babe?”
“It’s just surreal, you know? Even though he’s gone, I still feel really nervous being in this house. It doesn’t help knowing he’ll be back in a month.”
Turning her around, I grabbed her face and gently kissed her lips, “I’m sorry, Em. I didn’t take into consideration how you would feel coming back here. If you want to head home, the guys and I can handle everything here.”
“You’re so sweet. Thank you. I’m just going to finish packing a couple of things that I am taking from the kitchen and after I finish boxing up what’s left in the bedroom, I’ll head home and start prepping for dinner while you guys finish here. I’ll swing by and get Harper first.”
I kissed her again and went upstairs to finish helping the guys. I’ve never seen a group of men bust their asses like the three in front of me are. No one is bitching or arguing, everyone is just working together to get shit done.
Since my house is fully furnished, obviously, we didn’t have too much to get from Ember’s. Everything of Harlee’s had to go, and Ember only took the things that were important to her. Until Trent is back and Harper can move back home, I have no idea where we are going to put some of this stuff, like Ember’s massive collection of romance novels, but we will figure it out. After about two hours, Ember left to get Harper and the guys and I finished loading up the back of our trucks.
“Your girl has a lot of shit, man.” Wes said as he helped me carry a bookcase to his truck.
“When she told me what all she wanted to take, it didn’t seem like much, until now. We may have to make two trips. I appreciate the help.”
“No problem, buddy. Happy to help. Plus I’m excited to eat a home cooked meal.” Blake and Greg came walking toward us and Wes yelled, “Isn’t that right, Greg?”
Confusion crossed Greg’s face as he replied, “Is what right? I missed it.”
“I told Dalton we were happy to help and how awesome it will be to have a good home cooked meal.”
Greg nudged my arm and smiled, “Hell yeah. Blake said your girl is a badass in the kitchen.”
We all laughed as we made our way inside to figure out how much was left to load. When I first transferred here, never did I think that I would form a bond with so many amazing people. I’m pretty damn lucky to have a great group of friends.
After moving the girls in three weeks ago, life has been hectic. Now that I am back to work and Ember is busy working extra shifts because of a few nurses moving, we have had a difficult time working out a schedule to ensure that Harlee and Harper are taken care of. The doctors are growing increasingly concerned about the pregnancy, so Harper hasn’t been able to do much of anything. I feel terrible for her, but at least she has us to help.
Trent will be home in about a week, but unless he can take leave, he will have to move in here too so that we can continue helping Harper. Ember is at Harper’s appointment with her now, so Harlee and I are heading to the trails to hike with Sniper.
After loading my backpack with water, a collapsible dog bowl, and other necessities, we drive to the trails. I’ve just recently started doing running intervals. I’m still healing and am not trying to overextend myself, but walk/run training is really helping build my strength back up, mixed with all the hard work I’ve been doing at the gym with the guys. Last weekend was my first time back to the trails with Ember. We took it slow, but I was proud at how much I was able to do. After our last fight, I decided to never doubt myself again.
When we make it to the trails, I put the backpack on and we head down the path.
“Peaches, you hafta put Sniper on a leash.”
“Sniper won’t leave your side, Moose. You know that. He’s a good dog. He won’t run away.”
“Oh. Okay. How come we all live with you now?”
Shit. I don’t want to say the wrong thing. “Harper needs our help before the baby comes and your mommy wanted to be around to help her.”
“We used to live with daddy, but he makes mommy cry and he won’t play with me. Why is she so sad when he’s around?”
What do I even say to that? Is there a manual for this kind of thing? Fuck. I walk over to a stump and sit down. Lifting Harlee up, I set her down on my lap. “Not everyone in this world can make us happy, Moose. Some people can make us feel sad, angry, or scared, and sometimes one person can make us feel all of those things at once.”
“Does mommy cry because daddy yells a lot and that makes her feel sad?”
“Your mommy just wasn’t happy at your old house, Moose. She needed to move to be happy again.”
“I’m glad we moved. You make her happy, right Peaches? Yeah, you do.”
I let one damn tear escape from my eye before I reigned it in. The last thing I want is for Harlee to see me get emotional. That would mean a whole new can of worms would open and this conservation was difficult enough to discuss. Harlee never asks about Austin. I was never sure why, but I didn’t want to press the issue. Ember said that he never hit her in front of Harlee, but it didn’t dawn on me that he yelled a lot in front of her. I hate that she has had to go through so much, both of my girls.
By the time we got home from the trail, Harlee and Sniper were exhausted. I took Harlee upstairs and put her in bed. Ember and Harper walked in as I was making my way back downstairs.
“Hey. I just put Harlee down for a nap. How was the appointment?”
Harper gave me a death glare and waddled to the couch, “Being pregnant sucks! There is no way I’ll make it another five weeks.”
“You most likely won’t have to, Harp. You heard the doctor. He wants him to stay in for as long as possible, but if your blood pressure isn’t…”
Harper didn’t let Ember finish before she snapped at her, “Don’t remind me! Ugg. Sorry. I’m just miserable and exhausted.”
I got Harper a pillow and blanket and helped Ember get her settled on the couch. From what Ember has told me, Harper is far enough along to deliver now. It would be a lot safer for the baby if he stayed in longer, but with all her current health problems, it may be better for him to be out.
I made some coffee and after pouring two cups, Ember and I walked outside to sit on the porch swing.
“I have an appointment with a lawyer next week
. I’m really worried about him coming back, Dalton.”
I took Ember’s cup from her and set both of them on the end table next to me. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her into my chest, “I know you are. I wish we could pack up and get far away from him, but that isn’t practical. Whatever we have to face, we will face it together.”
“What happens when he comes to seek revenge or tries to get custody of Harlee? Then what? I’m so scared.”
I think reality has finally set in for both of us. Austin will be back in a week and we cannot even begin to guess what his move will be. If he was hostile before when he had Ember, I cannot imagine how pissed off he is because she finally left him.
“He won’t be able to get custody, babe. Remember what my attorney said months ago? He will never have full rights to her as long as he’s in the service, and even if he got out, the chances of him getting full custody are slim to none.”
When Ember filed for divorce, I contacted an old family friend who has been our family attorney my entire life. He said that Austin would never have full rights as long as he is enlisted and even so, he has no grounds to take custody away from Ember. She is an amazing mother and he would never be able to prove otherwise.
“I know, but that wouldn’t stop him from taking her. Oh my God! What if he tries to take her?”
Ember began to cry into my chest. I hate that I can’t soothe her. What can I do? I’ve reassured her that I would be there to help no matter what, but the truth is I can’t watch her all the time and there is no telling what will happen when he gets back. I guess we will just have to be cautious and take everything as it comes.
“Breathe, babe. We will get through this. He isn’t going to take Harlee.”
My words did nothing to comfort her, so I just held her close to me. Another problem we have is how Austin is going to act toward me at work. I haven’t been able to switch into a different unit, so I’ll have to work side by side with him a lot of the time. We have kept our relationship fairly quiet, with the exception of our friends obviously, but Austin may be the one to tell everyone in an attempt to make himself look like the victim. So many things could go wrong when he gets back, but I need to do everything I can to keep Ember positive and reassured.
Ember Skies Page 18