Page 94 of From Asher, With Love

Chris lifts his arms and wraps them around his son.

Asher sits in the chair beside his father’s bed.

“We?” Chris asks. His eyebrows arch before his eyes land on me. My cheeks heat with both Egan men staring at me.

“You’re Charleigh, I assume?” he asks.

I step into the room, nervous as I move to Asher’s side. “I am.” I smile.

“How did you know she was Charleigh?” Asher asks, eyebrows knitted.

“Oh, come on.” Chris coughs. “In the past ten years, you’ve only ever mentioned one woman. It may have been the one time, but a father doesn’t forget the look in their son’s eyes whenthey’re in love. You were heartbroken, but I saw how much she meant to you.”

He wags his finger at Asher when he says to me, “Don’t let my son fool you. He was a wreck when he came to me, and it wasn’t just because of the fire. I didn’t think he was ever going to get over you. He was like a lovesick puppy. Took forever just to coax a genuine smile out of him.”

“Oh, my God, Dad.” Asher groans, heat spreading across his cheeks.

I cover my mouth, unable to hold back my laughter. “Honestly, Mr. Egan. It’s good to know I wasn’t the only one suffering.”

“Oh.” He waves me off. “Call me, Chris. You’re going to be my daughter-in-law one day, after all.”

My heart practically stops.

“Well, that’s if my son doesn’t drag his feet.” He winks at me before turning to Asher.

Asher glances up at me and chuckles. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” I laugh. “I think this is a very interesting and fun conversation.”

“She’s a smart one.” Chris smiles with his mouth closed and breathes through his nose.

“She is,” Asher says, but adjusts in his chair. He places his hand over his dad’s, and his face turns serious. “Now, tell me what the doctor told you again.”

Chris closes his eyes and presses his head back against his pillow. He rolls it to the side and looks straight at his son. The bags under his eyes droop farther. “There isn’t much time.”

Asher’s breath catches and he swallows. “I want a second opinion.” He shakes his head. “I don’t believe there isn’t anything else to be done.” He hangs his head, unable to keep himself together.

“Hey, hey, look at me.” Chris moves his hand out fromunder Asher’s and squeezes it. “Look at me.” Asher does as he says, lifting his head. “I don’t want a second opinion, and there isn’t anything else to be done. I’m tired, son.”

“But, Dad…”

I place my hand on Asher’s back. My heart breaks and tears sting the corners of my eyes. In the few moments since I’ve met Chris, he’s shown more compassion to me than my own father ever did. The love he’s giving Asher is a love I’ve never experienced, and somehow, I feel his loss already, knowing Chris and Asher don’t deserve this.

“Don’t be sad,” Chris soothes Asher. “I’m not. I’ve lived my life, and I’m so sorry my past caught up to you. I’m sorry about Cyrus.”

“Dad, don’t. Stop. None of that matters. I know the truth. I never doubted you.”

Tears line Chris’s exhausted eyes. “I’ve only ever loved you and wanted what was best for you.”

“I know you have.”

“I can go peacefully knowing you’re loved and taken care of by this one.” He nods toward me.

I give a weak smile, sniffing to keep myself from crying.

“I’m proud of you, Asher,” Chris says in a hushed tone. “Don’t ever question that.”

“I promise, I won’t.”

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