Absolving Ash

by Chantal Mer

  With more willpower than I knew I possessed, I step back. The irritatingly sexy man with his irritatingly sexy smirk steps forward. Holding my arm out, my hand on his chest, and trying to hide my amusement, I shake my head at him and answer his question, “Yes.”

  Eyes blinking, his sexy smirk turns to a look of confusion. “Yes, what?”

  Chuckling, I roll my eyes and push him. “Yes, I’m sure about you coming with me to meet the guys for breakfast. It’s a couples thing.”

  The tension returns to his face and he straightens.

  My man has come a long way, but his concern about how he may or may not be affecting my career looms over us. I’m learning that he may always need reassurance, and I’m okay with that. Don’t get me wrong, it’s infuriating as hell most of the time, but knowing that his concern comes from a place of love rather than guilt—as it did when we first began this journey—keeps me from wanting to kick his ass. Most of the time.

  “It’s just—”

  “Slater and Noah will be there. We had dinner with them when they were here a few months ago. Layne’s been in contact with you even while he was dealing with his own media nightmare.” I hand him his coat then lift mine from the hook at the front door. “Pressgrove will be pissed if you don’t show up. Every time I talk to him, he asks me for your recipe for the sautéed shrimp from last year’s bachelor auction. And you know if Pressgrove gets the recipe, Walker’s going to want it. It’ll be easier if you give it to them at the same time.”

  Pushing him out the door, I wave to Grinder and Cila—who look at us like we’re the worst pet parents in the history of the world for not taking them—and lock it before I take Ash’s hand and lead him to the elevator.

  In November, Ash asked me and Grinder to move in with him and Cila. I said yes and had all of my clothes and Grinder’s memory foam dog bed at Ash’s the next day. Not that there was much to bring over since we’d been spending more and more time at his place.

  When he asked my parents, sisters and their families, to come to Thanksgiving dinner with his parents, Sophie, and their Gran—who makes the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had in my entire life—I almost passed out. While my mom welcomed Ash immediately, it took Dad a little longer to be as accepting. But once Ash started reciting my dad’s stats and asking him about his time in the NHL, my dad seemed to soften. Even I was taken aback by what a huge fan Ash was of my dad.

  Worse than Grinder, Ash is walking at a pace that will guarantee we’ll be late. I tug on his arm, but he’s worrying his lip, his eye’s darting around, tension rolling off his fine form. I know he’s been preoccupied with the menu and logistics of this year’s bachelor auction, but he seems to want to avoid this breakfast so much that I’m preparing to chase the big baby down the street when he bolts. His attitude makes my chest feel like Grinder’s sitting on it.

  Maybe it was a good thing I rented my place out rather than selling it.

  No. I refuse to go down that path. Ash and I have agreed to always be honest with each other, which has worked well thus far. So, with that in mind, I stop in the middle of the sidewalk. Not noticing, I’m no longer walking beside him, Ash keeps his snail’s pace.

  Before I can hurl, What the hell is wrong with you? at him, I spot my dad jogging toward us. He’s in full game-face mode and immediately my hackles go up. Ash halts. His shoulders drop when he notices my dad, and he begins walking like he’s on a mission, leaving me standing in the middle of the sidewalk with my mouth hanging open.

  My dad beams at Ash and pulls him into a bear hug as soon as Ash reaches him.

  When he releases Ash, Dad pats him on the shoulder, glances at me before turning his back on me. The two of them have their heads together whispering and talking like they’re conspiring.

  What the…what?

  I charge toward them, walking like the old ladies who speed-walk in packs with their gray hair and fanny packs. My dad catches me coming and quickly slips Ash something.

  “Hey, Dad.” I try to act nonchalant but I’m on alert. I don’t know what these two are up to, but something is off.

  “Isaiah.” He pulls me into a hug, much like the one he gave Ash. “Didn’t expect you to be up and out this early.” His eyes shoot to Ash then back at me.

  Meanwhile, Ash looks guilty as hell, shifting on his feet, hands jiggling in his pockets.

  I narrow my eyes; they’re keeping something from me, and I don’t like it. “What’s going on?”

  The co-conspirators peek at each other, both shaking their heads—far more aggressively than the question warrants.

  “Nothing,” Ash says way too quickly taking my hand and giving a tug. “C’mon. We don’t want to be late.”

  I jerk from his grasp. “Asher Delacroix Ariti, we aren’t moving until you tell me what’s going on.”

  He chances a glance at my dad who folds his arms in front of him and gives a firm nod.

  My stomach tightens with the look my dad is giving Ash. My mind races with the possibilities of what terrible news they could have, but I can’t figure out what would bring the two of them together like this. Before I can open my mouth to voice my questions, it falls open.

  Ash is on one knee piercing me with a look of combined hope and trepidation. A platinum band is tucked into a black velvet box, which is on display in between Ash’s big hands.

  My heart bangs against my chest with such force I fear it will propel me into the building we’re standing in front of. For a split second, my eyes meet my dad who has his phone pointed at Ash and me. A crowd of curious faces has formed a circle around us.

  “Isaiah, you know I have a hard time finding words to adequately express how I feel.”

  A sting pricks at my eyes. I can’t take them off of the gorgeous man in front of me. I want to kneel with him, but my muscles are frozen.

  “You’ve given me more than I thought was possible. Your care and kindness, your strength and tenacity, your ability to forgive…”

  “Ash,” I whisper.

  “I love you. Will you marry me?”

  My head is bobbing wildly before he’s finished asking the question, my chest is ready to explode. My stomach flaps and flutters as my knees hit the solid concrete. “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

  The scruff of his beard scratches the palms of my hands as I hold his face, kissing his beautiful mouth. His body sags into mine while his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me closer and closer to him until I feel his heart beating with mine.

  There’s clapping and someone woot-woot-wooting.

  When we pull apart, Ash’s eyes crinkle and his face shines with the smile splitting his face. He takes the ring from the box and places it on my left ring finger before giving me his hand as we stand.

  Back claps and handshakes are passed around as the group of spectators rejoices in our moment with us. When I reach my dad, he’s radiant with delight and tugs me to him.

  “Congratulations, son.” His words are thick with emotion which only amps up my own emotion. “Your mom’s going to be mad she missed this.”

  As he releases me, heat warms my back and a hand rests firmly on my hip. Ash is still grinning like a loon. “God, that was nerve-racking. I was going to ask you later today.” He kisses my cheek and I lean into him. “You’re sure about this? I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

  This man.

  I sigh, but it’s one of contentment—and maybe a tiny bit of exasperation. Wrapping my arm around his waist I tug him closer. “I’ve never been more certain of anyone or anything in my life.”

  Dad takes Ash’s free hand and clasps it between both of his. “Welcome to the family, Ash.”

  My fiancé’s—I love the way my fiancé sounds—watery eyes sparkle with my dad’s words. I have to say there’s a part of me that’s relieved the two of them have made amends. Nothing would have prevented me from being with Ash but having my dad’s acceptance of the man I love makes life easier. And I want my family to love him as much as I do.

&nb
sp; “Thank you, sir. And thank you for picking up the ring.”

  I gawk between the two of them, astonished at what I’m hearing. “You knew about this?” I point my question at my father, whose grin has hijacked his face, turning it into a playland of creases and dimples.

  “They didn’t have the engraving done when they were supposed to. Alejandro had a conflict, so Ash called me.”

  Quickly, I remove the ring and hold it to the light so I can read the inscription. My breath hitches and a lone tear escapes the corner of my eye, only to be caught by my man’s finger. When I glance at him, his gaze swaths me in his love and I can’t help but be amazed at the year we’ve had. I let my finger trace the words as I read them again.

  I will run to you. Always.

  I wrap my arms around his neck. “And I’ll catch you. Always.”

  “Good.” His lips brush mine and I’m uncertain if the warmth encompassing me is from him or the morning sun that is working hard to beat away the chill of January.

  My dad’s voice, infused with amusement interrupts my staring, “You two better get going. You’re already late.” Dad turns and heads back the way in which he came before my life changed in such a drastically delicious way. He calls over his shoulder, “Call your mother.”

  When Ash takes the ring and slips it back on my finger, the weight of it settles and excites me. He kisses my knuckles before folding my hand into the pocket of his coat as we begin walking. “Did you lose your gloves again?”

  “Probably.” I lean into him, having breakfast with the guys no longer holds any appeal. Spending the morning lost in my fiancé is far more desirable. “It wouldn’t be a big deal if we missed breakfast.”

  His chest vibrates and when the heat of his breath hits my ear, I’m close to climbing him right in the middle of the street. “I promise we’ll celebrate later. And for the rest of our lives.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  And I can’t. Sharing a life with Ash is where I belong.

  Acknowledgements

  Writing is far from a solitary pursuit. However, numerous people have encouraged and supported me.

  Thank you to Valley Forge Romance Writers and all of its members. Each of you has inspired me, and the group has provided a forum for learning, creativity, and camaraderie.

  Thank you to Rachel for keeping us organized and on task.

  Thank you to RJ, Vicki, Jeff, and Susan for including me in this project. Working with you has been a pleasure.

  Thank you to Susan. Where would I be without your mentorship, thoughtfulness, pep talks, suggestions, and an overall belief that I could write this story? You are a rock star, but more importantly you have become a dear friend.

  Thank you to Jodi, Jen, Kristen, and Regina for decades of friendship and cheering me on in all aspects of my life. I love you, ladies!

  Finally, thank you to my family. Thank you for not complaining when dinner was pizza and laundry didn’t get folded. Thank you for helping me with plot ideas and names. You are my biggest cheerleaders, and I love you for always and forever, no matter what.

  About the Author

  Chantal Mer is an author and optimist. Her stories explore all types of relationships and what it means to be family. When she’s not writing about strong women, strong men, and strong love, she can be found walking her adorable dog, volunteering at her kids’ school (in the library, of course), teaching at the local university, and reading.

  Chantal lives outside of Philadelphia (home of the Super Bowl LII champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, woot, woot!) with her husband, kids, Toffee the Wonder Dog, and vicious cat, Gracie.

  To learn more about Chantal’s upcoming projects and to keep up to date, check out her website. https://chantalmer.com/

  For sneak peaks and updates, sign up for Chantal’s newsletter.

  Chantal’s Books

  The Friendship Series (M/F)

  Returning To Friendship

  Running From Friendship (Coming in 2020)

  Hiding In Friendship (Coming in 2020)

  Hockey Allies Bachelor Bid Series (M/M)

  Guarding Garrett by RJ Scott

  Loving Layne by V.L. Locey

  Keeping Kyle by Jeff Adams

  Scoring Slater by Susan Scott Shelley

  Absolving Ash by Chantal Mer

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  Visit Chantal’s website to stay updated https://chantalmer.com/