I sigh. “I never lied to you. I was trying to protect you. You were devastated. We all were.The doctors were so sure she was going to wake up. I thought I’d tell you when that happened... only she never did. And the more time that passed, the harder it became to bring it up.”
“And now?”
I shake my head. “I’ve been in limbo for six years. Ashlyn is the first person in all that time who’s made me feelsomethingagain.”
Her voice cracks. “What happens when Mom wakes up? What if she doesn’t remember? What if she still thinks you’re together?”
I push off the counter and step toward her, taking her hands in mine. “Laney… she might never wake up.” My voice is quiet but firm. “Iwishthat wasn’t the case, but we have to be realistic.”
She yanks her hands away. “No.Youmight have given up, but I haven’t. If you won’t fight for her, I will.”
“Laney…” I trail off, dragging a hand down my face. “For the past six years, my entire life has revolved around taking care of you and making sure, with the help of your uncle, that your mom gets the best care possible. I never once thought about moving on. I neverwantedto. But then I met Ash, and for the first time inyears,I want something forme.Is that so wrong?”
Tears spill down her cheeks. “What about Mom?” she whispers, her voice breaking.
I can’t stand to see her cry and pull her into my arms, holding her tightly. “I willalwayslove your mom, Laney.”
She swallows. “But?”
I lean back, looking at her tear-streaked face. “But it’s time for me toliveagain. You’ll be nineteen in a few months. You have your whole life ahead of you, and one day, you’ll fall in love too. And when that happens… I’ll be alone. I want someone in my life. And I think that someone could be Ash.” I squeeze her hands gently. “I think you’d like her if you just gave her a chance.”
She exhales heavily. “So, she’s still talking to you, then?”
“Well… no, not right now. But I’m hoping that’ll change once she’s had some time to think things through.”
Laney steps out of my embrace and wipes her eyes. “Do Grams and Gramps know that you and Mom were planning to separate?”
I nod. “Yeah. They always thought I should have told you. But don’t be mad at them. It was my decision to keep it from you.”
She gives me a sad smile. “I wish youhadtold me. Maybe I’d feel differently about Ashlyn if I’d known the truth. And maybe I wouldn’t feel like the last six years of my life have been a lie.”
Guilt settles in my chest, heavy and suffocating. I hate that she feels like I deceived her. “Shit, Laney. I’m sorry.”
She shrugs, but her expression is unreadable. “I know you’re not waiting for my approval to be with Ashlyn. But even if you were, I don’t think I can give it. I’m sorry, Dad. Iwantyou to be happy, I really do… but this feels like a betrayal. And I can’t do that to Mom.”
Without another word, she turns and heads upstairs, leaving me standing alone in the kitchen. I drop my head and close my eyes, exhaling slowly. I love Laney unconditionally, and I want the best for her. But Iwanta life too.
I don’t even know if Ashlyn will give usa chance after everything. But if she does, I want to hold onto it with both hands. What I told Laney was the truth. I know that if she gave Ash a chance, she’d likeher.
I just hope I haven’t lost them both.
CHAPTER TEN
Ben
It’s Monday morning, and aside from briefly seeing Ashlyn in the faculty room late last week, I haven’t spoken to her since Wednesday night at Eden. I’ve wanted to call her more times than I can count, but I promised to give her space. As hard as it’s been, I’ve kept my word. That hasn’t stopped me from checking my phone every five minutes, though. I’m driving myself insane.
A knock on my office door pulls me from my thoughts. I glance up to see Kat, the school secretary, standing in the doorway.
“Morning, Kat. Come in.”
“Morning, Ben. I just got a call from Ashlyn. Understandably, she won’t be in today, or for the rest of the week. I’ve arranged for a supply teacher to cover her class. They’re on their way in now.”
I frown, unease settling in my stomach. “What do you mean ‘understandably’? Is she sick?”
Kat shakes her head. “I forget you don’t live in Hope Creek. There was an accident on Main Street on Saturday night. Her brother’s girlfriend, Taylor, was hit by a car. She’s in critical condition… I think it’s touch and go whether she’ll make it.”
My chest tightens. “Shit. How did Ashlyn sound?”
