Austin stood up and made his way to the kitchen. We took that as our cue to leave.
On the way back to my house, we stopped by the store to pick up some groceries. Since we would all be there anyway, we might as well make a big breakfast. When we got back, Ember was sitting on the couch with Harper, and Sniper was laying between them with his head on her lap. I guess there goes my “no dogs on the furniture” rule.
“Baby, why are you awake?”
“I rolled over and you were not in bed, so I went looking for you and found Harper on the couch.”
“I’m sorry. We had to… handle things.”
Concerned flashed across Ember’s face as she gently lifted Sniper’s head and scooted from under him and stood in front of me, “Please tell me you didn’t get the police involved.”
I tucked a stand of hair behind her ear and cupped her face. She winced and I noticed the bruise under her chin. I moved my hands to the back of her neck and kissed the bruise and then her forehead, “We didn’t go to the police. We went to talk to Austin. Don’t worry about it, okay? Let’s just enjoy today. The guys and I bought some groceries and we are going to cook an awesome breakfast.”
Ember nodded and a small smile crept across her face. She sat back down on the couch as the guys and I got started on breakfast.
“I guess you guys have heard the news. How am I going to be there for Harper and be involved in the pregnancy when we’re deployed?”
I know how hard it will be to leave Ember and Harlee. I can’t imagine how Trent feels leaving a pregnant girlfriend. “At least she isn’t alone, man. Ember will be there for her, and Blake will be around if they need anything.”
Blake handed Trent a pan and nodded, “I’ll look out for them, plus, you should be home in time for the birth.”
“You’re right, man, and thanks, I appreciate it. What if… nah forget it.”
Blake and I eyed each other, silently wondering what Trent was going to say. I needed to know, “What if, what? What are you worried about?”
“Oh no, man. It’s not that. It’s just, what if we got married? Today? We’ve known each other for years and…”
“I’m ordained!” We both look at Blake in surprise.
“Dude, when did you get ordained?”
“I was going to marry Sanders and his girlfriend, but I got orders here before I could.”
“Oh that’s right. Trent, that’s a sign man. Now you just need to get her to say ‘yes’.”
Ember walked in as I was talking, “Say ‘yes’ to what?” Trent turned a milky shade of white as Blake and I began laughing. “Alright, what are you three up to? Unkey Bake, spill it.”
Blake looked at Trent, seeking silent permission before saying anything. When Trent nodded, he said, “Someone wants to ask a pregnant someone to marry him, today.”
Ember’s face lit up and she ran to Trent, wrapping her arms around his waist, “This. Is. Fantastic!”
“What’s fantastic?” Damn, these women keep sneaking up on us.
Trent walked over to Harper and took her hands. I grabbed Ember and put my arms around her, pressing my chest against her back. Harper eyed each of us, clearly oblivious to what is about to happen. “Harper, I’ve known you for years and even though I was too much of a chicken shit to ask you out, I have loved you for a very long time.” Still holding her hands, he got on one knee. “You have my heart and I cannot even imagine spending a day without you in my life. I know this is crazy, but hell, none of us are traditional, so, will you marry me... today?”
The tears fell as Harper yelled, “Yes,” and wrapped her arms around Trent’s neck. Well then, the day started off shitty, but I have a feeling that the rest of the day will be great.
“Mommy! Peaches!” Harlee came running into the kitchen and I scooped her up.
“Morning, Moose. Are you hungry?”
Harlee excitedly shook her head “yes” and leaned over to kiss Ember’s cheek, “Mommy, you have a boo boo on your face.”
“Mommy went running and fell on the ground.” I said as I kissed her cheek.
“Oh mommy. You hafta be careful.”
Ember kissed the top of Harlee’s head and smiled, “I know, baby. I will from now on.”
We finished breakfast and then we all sat down to eat. We went all out with eggs, bacon, sausage, cinnamon rolls, and pancakes. As we ate, we assigned tasks for the day. Harper and Trent had to pick up rings and their marriage license, Blake is picking up food so we can grill out tonight, and Ember and I are going to get the backyard set up. We assigned Harlee with the task of keeping Sniper entertained. He loves kids.
Harper and Trent ran out to get a few decorations for us to put in the backyard. We didn’t think it was wise for Ember to venture out today. I went into the barn and found my box of clear lights. I have two large trees that are close together in the backyard, and we thought it would look awesome if we wrapped the lights around the trunks and they could get married between them. We have a lot to do on short notice, but I’m glad I get to spend my last day in the states with friends.
By late afternoon, everyone was done running errands and the backyard looked magical. Harper’s words, not mine. Ember and I worked side by side in the kitchen preparing sides and a cake. When Harper went to the mall to get their rings, she picked up a dress for Ember, knowing she didn’t have any of her clothes at my house. I feel a little better about leaving just knowing that she has Harper to watch out for her, as well as Blake.
The ceremony was perfect. Harper and Trent recited their own vows on a whim, and it really brought to light how much they love each other. Harlee took her flower girl responsibilities very seriously and Sniper walked next to her as she threw flower petals everywhere. She would laugh hysterically every time he tried to catch a petal in his mouth. Ember was a vision in the teal sundress that Harper bought, and Harper wore a short white dress. She was glowing, literally. I never understood how people would say that pregnant women have a glow to them, but I get it now.
With the ceremony over, it was time to eat. As I loaded the grill with hamburgers, Ember wrapped her arms around my waist from behind, “Thank you. For everything. I’m going to miss you so much.”
I turned around and pulled her into my chest, “Don’t thank me. You know I would do anything for you. I’ll miss you too, more than you will ever realize.”
“Alright lovebirds, I’m pregnant, starving, and I need some alone time with my husband. Can we hurry the eating part up, please?”
Trent came outside behind Harper and draped both of his arms around her shoulder, “Don’t mind my wife. She’s ready to consummate our marriage.”
“Damn straight I am.”
The food was great and the cake Ember baked was amazing, of course. We said goodbye to the newlyweds and Blake got ready to go out on a date. He just moved here and already has a date. The man wastes no time.
Harlee wanted to play pirates, so Ember and I ran around outside with her until it was bath time. She was barely out of the tub before she fell asleep and we tucked her into bed. This is the last night I get to spend with Ember before we are apart for eight months, and I plan to hold her in my arms for as long as possible.
“What movie do you want to watch, babe?”
“We can stay up all night watching Harry Potter and eating popcorn until we puke.”
“How do you know about my secret obsession with Harry Potter?”
Ember laughed and studied my face carefully, obviously trying to decide if I was lying or not, “Are you joking?”
“No babe, I love these movies, the books too.”
Snuggling against me, she said, “You just get more perfect every second.”
Well then. If I would have known that my nerdy Harry Potter obsession would win her over, I would have mentioned it the first day we met. I put the first movie in while Ember made popcorn. When we sat back down on the couch, I held her close, enjoying the feel of her body pressed against mine.
&nbs
p; We spent the first thirty minutes reciting the lines from The Sorcerer’s Stone verbatim. I think we were equally impressed at how the other could recite the lines word for word.
Halfway through the movie, Ember sat up and looked at me, “What are we going to do, Dalton?”
“With us? Austin?”
“Everything. You’re leaving, and I live with him, and…”
“Stop worrying, baby. We will make this work. All of it; us, your living arrangement, getting away from Austin, everything. I promise. Between all the letters, emails, and video chats, we will get everything figured out.”
“You’re right. I just want to enjoy our last night together.”
I kiss Ember’s forehead and pull her tight against me. I’m worried about her, but at least Austin will be with me. That son of a bitch won’t be able to touch her from another country.
I’ve never slept as well as I did last night with Ember in my arms. Today is the day and saying “see you later” to her and Harlee is going to be painful. We decided that it would be best if Ember doesn’t come with to see me off, as Austin will be there and it would only create a bigger shit storm. Trent and Harper are coming to pick me up and then Harp will come back here to be with Ember.
We spent the morning playing with Harlee. I know she won’t understand why I’ll be gone for so long, and it will only make this harder for all of us. When the knock on my door came after lunch, the reality that I’m leaving finally set in full force.
I scooped Harlee up and hugged her, “Moose, I have to go away for a while. I need you to take care of mommy and Sniper while I’m gone. Can you do that?”
“But you can’t go. You hafta stay, Peaches.”
Harlee started crying and a few tears escaped and rolled down my cheeks, “I’ll be back, Moose, but I have to go. I’ll miss you so much.”
She squeezed me hard and kissed my cheek, “I already misses you, Peaches. I wuv you.”
“I love you, sweet girl.”
I set Harlee down and grabbed Ember’s hand. I could see how hard she was fighting to hold in her tears, but it didn’t work. I brushed them away with my thumbs and wrapped my arms around her neck, “Please don’t cry, baby. I can’t handle it if you cry.”
Ember laughed into my chest and looked up at me, “It feels like I have spent every moment of my life with you. Silly, isn’t it? We haven’t even known each other long, but being a part for eight months will be torture.”
“It’s not silly, baby. I feel that same way. Look at all we have been through together in just a short amount of time. I’ll miss you so much, Ember.”
More tears fell from her eyes and I cupped her face. I kissed her forehead, then pressed my lips against hers. I kissed her with everything I had. I kissed her like I have loved her my entire life and like no other woman in this world will ever compare to her. I poured my heart and soul into that kiss. She kissed me back with so much passion, if I would have died in that moment, I would have died happy.
When we pulled away, she walked to her purse and pulled out a stack of letters. “Each letter tells you when to read it.”
I shuffled through the letters, silently reading the front of a few of them; Open when you get on the plane, Open when you miss me, Open when you need some motivation, and so on.
She put a lot of thought into this. I want to tear them open now and read them, but waiting will give me something to look forward to. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a letter, “I wrote you one, too. Just one, but I will send more as often as I can.”
Ember took my letter and sniffed it, then looked at me shyly, “Sorry, habit. It smells like you.”
I smiled, then hugged her and Harlee one last time. When I turned to walk out the door, I decided it was now or never. Turning around, I walked toward Ember, put my hand behind her neck, pulled her to me, and pressed my lips to hers. I needed her to know exactly how I felt.
When we broke apart, I cupped her face and kissed her forehead, “Ember, I love you. I can’t leave without you knowing exactly how I feel, and I…”
She half laughed, half sobbed as she pressed her lips to mine once more, silencing me, “I love you, too.”
That is the single best thing I have ever heard, “We will be together soon, baby. I’ll call you as soon as I can.” She nodded as I wiped her tears away. I blew Harlee a kiss and made my way out to Trent. I watched my girls wave from the porch as we took off down the driveway. Leaving a giant piece of my heart at home was more painful than I imagined.
“I’ll take care of her, Dalton.”
Looking toward Harper, I smiled. “I know, Harp. Thanks. I know you’ll take care of each other.”
When we made it to base, I hugged Harper and boarded the bus, giving her and Trent another chance to say goodbye.
When Trent finally boarded and sat next to me, he looked about as miserable as I felt. Bumping his elbow against my arm he said, “This sucks, man.”
“Yeah buddy, it does.” It really does.
“Ember?”
“I’m in the kitchen, Harp.”
Harper walks into the kitchen, a sad expression plastered across her face. I know how she feels. I feel… empty. “What are you doing, honey?”
“Baking. I need to bake. I didn’t even hear you pull up.”
Harper came up behind me and put her hand on my shoulder, “We’re going to get through this, right? We will be okay.”
Turning around, I wrap my arms around her neck, “We have each other. Time will fly by, but this sucks. This really freaking sucks.”
“I know, honey. I hate this, too.”
Harper and I spend the rest of the day watching movies and pigging out on junk food. I know I need to get my shit together, but not today. I also need to go home and stop invading Blake’s space, but he insisted we could stay as long as we wanted. After Harper left and Harlee was in bed, I went upstairs and laid in Dalton’s bed. I snuggled against his pillow and unfolded the letter he gave me.
Halfway through the letter, tears were streaming down my cheeks. I miss him like crazy and he just left. Closing my eyes, I cried into his pillow until sleep took me.
I woke up late to the sound of giggling and dogs barking. Two, I hear two different barks. I head downstairs and into the kitchen, “Harlee?”
“We’re outside, Ember. Come meet our new addition.”
New addition? What is Blake talking about? Walking outside, I see Harlee rolling around on the ground with a puppy while Sniper runs after a Frisbee.
“Oh my God! A puppy.” I sat on the ground by Harlee and picked the pup up. I kissed his head and he licked my face. “I love the smell of puppy breath. When did you get him?”
“Sniper is retiring soon, so it was time to get a new pup to train. One of the guys brought him over this morning. This is Chief.”
“What will happen to Sniper when he’s retired?”
“He is going to be spoiled, fat, and lazy. He will live out his days with me.”
Relief washed over me. I thought Sniper would have to go somewhere else. He has been with Blake for over eight years. I can’t imagine how he would adjust elsewhere.
“Harlee and I ate breakfast. I left a plate for you in the microwave and the coffee is fresh.”
“You are a lifesaver. Thanks for everything.”
“I’m here to help. Dalton’s like a brother to me and I promised him I would look out for you girls.”
Smiling, I made my way inside. I warmed the eggs, bacon, and hash browns, and poured a steaming cup of coffee. The next eight months will be difficult, but I’m so lucky to have amazing friends to keep me going.
The past week has gone by painfully slow. Blake and Harper have been taking turns keeping Harlee while I work. Both of them have been a Godsend to us. We tried daycare again, but her reaction was worse than when we got back from Alabama. There is something off about one of the new employees, and if Harlee is uncomfortable, than I definitely am not going to push it.
I
worked a lot of hours this week and wrote letters to Dalton on my break. As I head to Blake’s to pick up Harlee, my phone rings. “Hello”
“Hi, baby.”
“Dalton! I’m so excited to hear from you. How are you?”
“I’m good. I miss you. How is Moose?”
“I miss you, too. She’s good. I was just heading over to your house to pick her up.”
“How are things? Are you holding up alright?”
I want to tell him that the past week has been excruciating, but I don’t want him to be upset. I can’t imagine what he’s going through. “I’m okay. I wish you were here, but Blake and Harp have been helping so much.”
“We will get through this, Em. I have to go. I’ll call as soon as I can. I love you. Tell Moose I love her too.”
“I will. I love you.”
The phone disconnected and I instantly felt empty. I’m thrilled that he was able to call, even though it was short, but I just really miss him.
“Harper, hurry up or we are going to be late.”
“I’m hurrying. Damn. I can’t fit into anything.”
The past four months have flown by. I have been able to video chat with Dalton numerous times, and he calls and writes as much as he can. I haven’t heard a single word from Austin, which makes me feel uneasy. I’m worried that a massive shit storm is brewing, and I’m terrified to be around when it does.
“You looked great in the first outfit you tried on. We are going to your doctor’s appointment, not to a fancy restaurant.” Today is Harper’s ultrasound. She is officially twenty weeks along. Hopefully we will be able to find out the sex. I think it’s a boy and so does she.
Blake has been dating an amazing woman since Dalton left. She has a daughter a few months older than Harlee, and they love to play together. Harlee is at the park with them today while I take Harp to her appointment.
Ember Skies Page 14
