Ember Skies

by Nicky Crawford

After reading almost every book the waiting room had, Harlee decided to watch cartoons in the children’s area. As she walked away, Tate began to fuss. “Dalton, can you hold him while I make a bottle?”

  Smiling, he grabbed Tate from my arms. “I haven’t held many babies. Am I doing it right?”

  Laughing, I reached over and showed him how to support Tate’s head. As I leaned back into my seat, I faintly heard him inhaling my scent, “Are you smelling me, Dalton?”

  With a big grin he said, “You always smell like pink lemonade and sunflowers.”

  My two favorite scents, I’m surprised he could distinguish between the two. “Do you always smell women?”

  Raising an eyebrow he replied, “Do you always smell other people’s sweatshirts?”

  Reaching for the diaper bag I smiled, “Touché.”

  I mixed the bottle and grabbed a burp cloth. When I put my hands out to grab Tate, Dalton shook his head, “May I try to feed him?” Putting the burp cloth on his shoulder, I handed him the bottle. He fed Tate like a pro and took great care in lifting his little body to rest on his shoulder when he needed to be burped. When my mom walked in, she put her hand on her heart and gave me the most adorable expression. She was clearly smitten by Dalton.

  About the time that Alex and Sidney came back into the waiting room, Harlee started to get restless. “Why don’t you all head home for a bit. I’ll stay awhile with your daddy and you can all come back and get me later.” We took turns hugging my mom. I didn’t want to leave her, but I knew she wanted to spend time with my dad without having to worry about us sitting in the waiting room. After Dalton passed Tate to Sidney, he scooped Harlee up in his arms and we headed to the truck.

  By the time we got back to the house, it was almost lunchtime. Sidney and Alex went back to their house for a while, so I heated up one of the many casseroles that invaded the fridge. Harlee was anxious to head out to the barn, but we needed to eat before riding. A hungry Harlee is a scary sight and I knew she would get cranky halfway through riding if I didn’t feed her first.

  Once we finished eating, we cleaned up the kitchen and headed to the barn. Harlee took Dalton’s hand and drug him toward the barn as she went on and on about how amazing her pony is. As they walked into the barn, I went to the gate and called everyone in. I grabbed Harlee’s pony, my horse, and my dad’s horse, and took them into the barn one by one.

  As Harlee stared brushing Rainbow, I introduced my dad’s horse to Dalton, “This is Thunder. He was born here and daddy broke him out himself. He’s quiet when he needs to be, but he has plenty of spunk in him. This horse has been all over hell and back. He’s the best cow horse we’ve ever had. Now my horse, Blue, has never loved chasing cows as much as he loved the show pen. I’ve won more blue ribbons on his back than I can even count. Did you ever show?”

  Grabbing a brush, Dalton started grooming Thunder. The smile on his face told me that he missed being around horses as much as I did. I was pretty surprised to hear that he grew up riding.

  “I did 4-H and open shows as a kid, but mostly did a lot of cow work and barrels before joining the Army. I miss being around horses every day.”

  I gave him a knowing look and headed over to where Blue was tied.

  When I was little I showed at all the 4-H shows, and when I was a teenager, I bought Blue. I spent a lot of hours on his back getting him ready for competitive quarter horse shows. It was a lot of work and more money than I care to admit, but I loved every minute of it. I was sixteen when I started doing big shows and Blue had just turned three. Now my sweet boy is pushing thirteen and he still has the show horse mentality.

  After the horses were saddled, we rode around in the arena for a bit to warm them up. My dad had Harlee on Rainbow’s back every day for the past two weeks and she was getting really good at trotting. My little girl is fearless.

  “Do you guys want to head down the trail?”

  Dalton smiled as Harlee yelled, “Trail! Trail!” Tying a rope to the bridle on Rainbow’s face, I held the other end in my hand so I had control of Rainbow. This pony is old as dirt and very calm, but I still worry. After double checking to make sure Harlee’s helmet was secure, we headed off down the trail.

  I rode in front while I guided Harlee behind me, and Dalton took up the rear so he could keep an eye on her. “It’s so peaceful out here, Em. I’d love to settle down in a place like this.”

  “I really enjoy living in Georgia, but I love it here and miss it all the time. Do you miss being back home?”

  “I miss a lot of things, mostly my friends and family, but I can do without all the snow.”

  “I love the snow, but we rarely get any here. It’s nice to be able to ride outside all year around.”

  We rode for another hour before Harlee started getting tired. After making it back to the barn, we rinsed the horses off with cool water and turned them back out into the pasture. Once inside, I made Harlee a snack while Dalton showered. When he was done, I took Harlee upstairs for a bath.

  “Can I sleep on the couch, mommy?”

  Normally I would make her sleep in bed, but today was an exception. After drying her off and helping her get dressed, I took her downstairs. “Dalton, can Harlee nap on the couch by you while I get cleaned up?”

  Harlee gave him her sad puppy-dog face. When he smiled at me and held out his arms for her, she jumped in his lap and I headed back upstairs.

  I took my time showering. I was so exhausted that I wouldn’t have been able to hurry if I tried. When I was finally clean and dressed, I made my way downstairs. Dalton was laying on his back on the couch while Harlee laid on his chest. Both of them were sound asleep and my heart swelled at the sight. I laid in the recliner and as soon as I relaxed, sleep took me.

  My eyes flew open in fear as a gentle hand wrapped around my forearm. I pulled my arm back and shifted to the other side of the chair. “Babe, it’s me, it’s Dalton.” I leaned my head back and covered my face with my hands as I fought to ward off the flashback. Dalton carefully removed my hands from my face and intertwined them with his. I kept my eyes shut as the tears threatened to spill down my cheeks. “Em, open your eyes. Look at me, baby.”

  When I finally opened my eyes and saw Dalton’s face, I instantly started to relax. “I’m sorry, I was… having a bad dream.” The look on his face told me that he knew I was lying. I was actually having a peaceful dream until his hand touched my arm and it brought me back to the night before the cookout.

  Dalton helped me stand and wrapped his arms around me. I was terrified to let my guard down, but I felt so safe with him. Kissing the top of my head, he said, “Your mom called, we have to head back to the hospital.”

  I stepped back in a panic, “Is he worse? What… What happened?”

  Cupping my face he tilted my eyes to meet his, “Shh baby, nothing happened. He’s still the same. She just wants to grab a bite to eat.” Oh thank God. I thought he declined even more since this morning.

  “Em”? Dalton looked down deep in thought, before meeting my eyes, “I need you to be honest with me.”

  Looking at him with confusion I asked, “Honest about what?” Taking my hand he led me to the couch. When I sat down, he sat next to me with both of his hands on mine, “The fear in your eyes when I touched your arm to wake you up was something more than just a bad dream. Talk to me, Ember.”

  I want to lie. I want to make up some big elaborate story like I have done many times before, but I feel so compelled to tell Dalton my deepest secrets. I told him more on the drive here than I’ve told anyone, with the exception of Harper, but I feel like he should know more.

  When I let out a long sigh, Dalton squeezed my hands lightly, giving me the courage I needed to start talking. “The day before the cookout, I had come home after a sixteen-hour shift. I cleaned the house and decided to take a short nap. I was so damn exhausted and I didn’t hear my alarm go off. When Austin came home, he was livid that I was asleep and hadn’t made dinner. He grabbed my forearm
and pulled me off the couch hard enough to leave bruises, hence the reason I was wearing that tattoo sleeve.”

  Tears welled in my eyes as I relived the nightmare. Dalton tilted my chin up, silently asking me to go on with my story, “He was so angry, Dalton. When I landed on the floor and begged him to let go of my arm, he back handed me across the face. My face hit the coffee table and that is where the bruise came from.” I put my chin to my chest, feeling overwhelmed with weakness and shame.

  “Oh baby, I…”

  Gently pressing my finger to his lip, I cut him off mid-sentence.

  “Why do you think I ran to the bathroom while we were dancing, Dalton?”

  He studied my face as uncertainty flashed in his eyes.

  I subtly raised an eyebrow, encouraging him to answer.

  “I… At first I thought you felt guilty for dancing with me, but when you let me hold you on the bathroom floor, I knew you were fighting an internal battle; a battle that Austin played a large part in.”

  I was fighting an internal battle, but not in the way he thinks, “Dalton, when we danced… I haven’t felt that connected to someone in a long time. I felt safe and cared for, but when you told me how beautiful I am, all of these emotions came crashing over me and I needed to escape.”

  “I want you to always feel safe with me, Ember. I know you have shit going on that temporarily prevents you from leaving Austin. I also know that we haven’t known each other long, but being with you feels so damn right. I’ve never felt so right about anything in my life.” I lean into Dalton’s chest and sob. Unable to say anything, I just let the tears flow as his arms surrounded me. “I know you feel trapped, babe. I get that Austin has made you terrified to leave, but I’m here now. Let me be here for you and help you.” I don’t say anything. I snuggle closer to him, letting his scent and warmth envelop me; hoping my actions are speaking where my words cannot.

  When I was finally able to pull myself together, I freshened up and we headed to the hospital.

  My mom met us in the parking lot and climbed in the back of the truck, “They are running more tests and said it would take a while, so I figured we could get something to eat and then head back and see him. Alex and Sidney are going to meet us at the restaurant.” My mom gave Dalton directions and we headed toward the diner.

  “Do they think he’s brain dead, mom?”

  Reaching forward she squeezed my shoulder and shook her head, “They don’t know yet, Sweetie, but we are not giving up hope.

  After dinner we went to the hospital and took turns seeing my dad before visiting hours were over. The doctors found swelling on his brain, so they are keeping him in a medically induced coma until the swelling subsides. My mom puts on a happy façade, but I know this is destroying her. My daddy is her entire world, besides her children and grandbabies of course. They have been married since they were eighteen and are inseparable. I honestly worry how she will go on if he doesn’t make it. Pushing the negative thoughts away, we hug my mom and head back to the house.

  We have spent the last few days spending half our time at the hospital and the other half doing fun things with Harlee. Between riding horses, playing at the park, reading every children’s book at the library, and running through the sprinklers; we have been plenty busy. Spending time with Ember, Harlee, and their family, has really been an amazing experience. It feels like I have always been a part of their lives.

  Ember’s mom, Alex, and Sidney are at the hospital. The swelling on his brain has gone down a little bit, but not enough to wake him up. The doctors are growing more and more concerned.

  I was sitting in the chair feeding Tate a bottle when Ember came running into the living room.

  “Dalton that was Sidney on the phone. She said to get to the hospital right away. I don’t know what happened. What if we lost him, Dalton? Oh God!”

  Standing up I walk over to her, wrapped my free arm around her neck, and pulled her into my chest, taking great care not to squish the baby between us, “Go baby, I’ll stay with the kids.”

  She looked up at me with tears rolling down her cheeks, “I can’t ask you to watch both kids, it’s a lot of work.”

  “You didn’t ask, I offered. Now go. Be careful.” I kissed her forehead and she ran out the door.

  I watched Ember head down the driveway from the window as a little hand tugged on my pant leg, “Is mommy going to see PawPaw?”

  Bending down to her level I replied, “Yes Moose. She’ll be back soon. Let’s go play outside, yeah?” I decided that “moose” was the perfect nickname for Harlee, plus I love how she giggles every time I call her that.

  I really hope her dad hasn’t lost his fight. Sending up a silent prayer, we head outside. Harlee grabbed a small set of wings from the porch and handed them to me. She wanted to dress like a butterfly so she could chase them around the yard. Apparently, you have to wear wings to get close to them. With the amount of flowers here, the butterfly population is plentiful. I took Tate over to the hammock and held him while we swung back and forth.

  Ember has invaded every one of my thoughts. I’m growing more attached than I ever thought possible. There may be obstacles in our way, big and greedy ones, but being with her makes me feel whole for the first time in my life. When I watch her daughter chase butterflies in the yard while I cuddle her nephew, I see my future; the future I long to have with Ember. I will fight with everything I have to be with her.

  “Daton, I picked you flowers.” I love how she drops the “L” in my name.

  “Thank you sweet girl. Are you allowed to pick Mamie’s flowers?”

  Harlee put her finger to her chin and starred at the flowers, “Umm, yeah silly. She has lots. She won’t miss em.” Kid logic is awesome.

  As she ran off to pick more, my phone rang. Austin’s name flashed on the screen, “Austin, what’s up man?”

  “Bates, we just got orders. We ship out in three weeks.” Holy shit, three weeks. I had an idea that a deployment was in the near future, but this is much sooner than I expected.

  “Shit, that’s soon.”

  “Yeah bro. There’s been some hostile activity and they need backup, plus more supplies.”

  Tate started fussing in my arms as Harlee threw flowers in my lap, “More flowers for youuuuu. They need water or they will die.”

  “Okay, Moose. We will take them inside and put them in water.”

  “They got you on kid duty, Bates?”

  “Sidney called a little bit ago and told Ember to get to the hospital right away. I told her I would stay with the kids. Do you want me to put Harlee on the phone?”

  “Nah, I’ve got to go. Just give her a kiss for me and tell Ember, yeah? I think it will be easier to hear about the deployment if you tell her. I’ll be in touch.”

  How am I going to tell Ember about the deployment? She has enough on her plate as it is. I know she will be upset and I’m not thrilled at the idea either, plus I’m pissed that Austin couldn’t spare two minutes to talk to Harlee. I shoot Ember a quick text to check in and take the kid’s inside for lunch.

  I helped Harlee put the flowers in a cup of water and made us grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of peaches. After checking on Tate, who was sleeping peacefully in his bassinet, I joined Harlee at the table.

  “You need a new name too!” Giving Harlee a confused look, I ask, “A new name? What do you mean?”

  She eyed her food and looked back at me with a mischievous smile, “You call me Moose. You need a name too like… Oh! Peaches. I will call you Peaches!”

  Oh man. I should have made her a sandwich shaped like Batman with a side of nothing. I want to shout, “Give me a manly name,” but there is no arguing with her sweet little face. “Okay, Moose; Peaches it is!”

  After lunch I cleaned up and we headed into the living room. I still haven’t heard from Ember and I was getting worried. “Peaches! I want to put stuff on your face and in your hair.”

  “You want to put what on my face and… Oooh n
o. Are you talking about makeup?”

  Harlee started jumping up and down and ran to the bathroom. A minute later she came back with a kid sized box of makeup and a pouty lip.

  I caved instantly, sat on the floor, and let her give me a makeover. I was going to draw the line after the eyeshadow and that pink stuff women wear on their cheeks, but she insisted I needed bright red lips and hot pink polish on my fingernails. When she moved to my hair and started putting small heart-shaped clips into it, I heard a vehicle pull into the driveway.

  A few moments later, Ember walked in. When she took in my appearance, she covered her mouth to hold in her laugh.

  “Mommy, mommy! Isn’t Peaches pretty?” Scooping Harlee up, she said, “Umm, yes honey. Peaches is very pretty.” By now, Ember cannot control her laughter. Between the gasps for breath and her snorts, she looks like a crazy person.

  “Laugh it up, babe. How could I say ‘no’ to that sweet little girl?”

  Ember walks closer and places a kiss on my cheek, “I’m sorry, Peaches. You look very beautiful. Did you three have fun?”

  Turning to Harlee, I ask, “Moose? Did we have fun?”

  Climbing on the couch, Harlee yawns, “We had a lot of fun, mommy! But I’m so tired.”

  After covering Harlee with a blanket, Ember and I head outside to sit on the porch swing. “How’s your dad? I was so worried. I sent you a text.”

  “He’s awake! The swelling went down so they slowly woke him up this morning. He seems perfectly normal, Dalton. I can’t even believe it!”

  Seeing her eyes light up with excitement made me so damn happy. There is no way I can tell her about the deployment now. She has spent days being sad and I could never be cruel and ruin her happy news. Pulling her in my arms I said, “I am so glad he’s okay. That is amazing news, babe.”

  “Will you come with me tonight? I really want you to meet him.”

  Placing a soft kiss on her forehead, I said, “Anything for you, Em.”

  Ember’s dad has been awake for two days. He is making tremendous progress and will start physical therapy soon. He was very accepting of Ember and my friendship. We talked about hunting, sports, and typical guy stuff. I loved watching him interact with his family. The love he has for Ember’s mom is unreal, and when I’m their age, I hope I am just as hopelessly in love. Fuck, I’m starting to sound like a girly man.