Page 89 of Embers in the Dark

My brother just returned to Ohio today. I thought I was going to have to shove him onto the plane. He was incredibly hesitant to get in the damn car I called for him. I do understand the hesitation though. After she coded and was intubated, it was touch-and-go for a while there. As if a miracle came over her, about twenty-four-hours later, she pulled at the tubing and was awake.

The relief we all felt was something I can’t even describe. Baylee’s parents were there by that point and it felt like we all threw a small party once we saw my mom’s green eyes open and look over at all of us. I think I smiled for two days straight. I was simply on cloud nine for multiple reasons.

Baylee is with her now that she’s situated back at the house, along with a home health nurse my brother and I hired to be with her. Luckily my mom didn’t argue with us on this. She agreed it was necessary and Elliott is a kind woman that came highly recommended by the nursing staff at the hospital; she seems knowledgeable about the type of cancer my mother has been diagnosed with. She has also been very optimistic with my mom’s ability to bounce back after what she just went through. I’m feeling more hopeful about her being able to continue treatment after we get her feeling better.

“Okay, so let me get this straight,” River starts, “you’re a veteran, you workout, you have a nice place, you’re now a firefighter, you have that smile, and tattoos. Add to the that amotorcycle, second income with this damn social media platform, and you cook? Why aren’t you married?”

Hunter just stands there with a sly smile and shrugs.

“You’re hiding more, aren’t you?” River asks.

“You guys, you’re here to BBQ, not to braid each other’s hair, am I right?” Hunter says.

“Oh, now you’ve intrigued him. He’s like a dog with a bone,” I say.

“Well, that’s what you’re missing. You need a dog,” River says.

“I hear yours is cool. Maybe I should just take her,” Hunter says.

“The fuck you will. My Lola is exactly that—mine. Who the fuck does this guy think he is?” River says to the group.

“The whole package apparently,” Clay says back. “I bet Lola loves him more than you.”

Oh, not the right thing to say, Clay.Yeesh. I start grabbing a few items to take outside to help Hunter start grilling.

“What did you say to me, brother? Take it back. That was below the belt.” He points at his twin.

“I said what I said.” He laughs as he grabs a chip.

“Ella calling me dada is completely happening now. Before it was a cute little joke, now it’s really happening, Clay. Fuck. You.” He flips his brother off.

“Sure, Riv.” He rolls his eyes.

“You just wait,” he tells him.

“Okay, Riv. I’m shaking over here.” Clay smiles.

“Just you wait. You’ll be crying soon,” he taunts. “And I’ll laugh in your face when she is says ‘dada’ this and ‘dada’ that. And she’ll refer to you as CLAY.” He throws his head back and belts out an evil laugh.

“Okay, you guys. Can we start making the burgers? I’m starving,” I yell over my shoulder in hopes I can stop them from arguing.

“You’re exhausting, you know that, Riv?” Clay says back. “I have no idea how Kennedy handles you half the time.”

I close the door behind me and start putting the items down next to Hunter outside.

“Those two are a lot,” he says looking out at his backyard.

“Believe me, I know. But they’re loyal. I’m still getting to know Ashton, but he’s known them since they were kids so he must be a saint.” I laugh.

“Probably true.” Hunter laughs as he grabs items and gets things started for lunch. “Glad to hear your mom is doing better.”

“Thanks, man. Same. Baylee was my rock during the whole thing,” I tell him. Beyond that, if I’m being honest.

She kept me grounded and I don’t know how I would have gotten through it all.

“Listen, I didn’t get a chance to tell everyone, but—” I get interrupted.

“If I have to hear those two bicker a second longer, I might lose it,” Ashton says as he makes his way outside on the patio.

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