“What is it, baby?” I ask, my voice sleep-filled.
“Ember isn’t here.”
“I’m sure she’s just in the bathroom or something.” Sitting up in bed, I glance at the space next to me.
Amelia shakes her head. “I looked. I looked everywhere. All I found was this.”
She holds out an envelope, and I take it from her hands. The handwriting is Ember’s—I don’t need to open it to figure out what’s going on. Running my hand over my face, I brace myself for whatever the envelope might hold.
“Why don’t you run downstairs and turn on some cartoons. I’ll be down to make us breakfast in a bit.”
“What about Ember? Where is she?” Tears well in Amelia’s eyes.
Pulling her against me, I stroke my hand over her messy hair. “Hey, don’t cry. It’s going to be okay. I promise.”
“You’ll find her, right?”
“What do you think?”
She smiles, pleased with my answer, and exits the room. I sit up in bed and pull the letter from the envelope.
Dear Ryder,
I’m so sorry to leave like this. I knew if I faced you, I wouldn’t be able to go. As much as it hurts, I know this is for the best. I put you and Amelia in danger. I caused you pain. You both deserve better.
You and Amelia are the best things that have ever happened to me. You were an unexpected blessing, and I will always be grateful for our time together.
Please take care, and tell Amelia that I love her more than anything.
Love always,
Ember
Damn her. Damn her and her refusal to be upfront with me and talk to me. Everything was fine.Wewere fine—until yesterday.
I should have known something was up. She was withdrawn and sad despite the amazing night we had the day before. She was home and happy that night. Only one thing changed.
Norah.
Norah and her loud fucking mouth spewing bullshit lies and accusations.
Ember blames herself for what happened with Devlin. Sure, I was upset, but I wasn’t angry with her—I was hurt. Hurt she didn’t think she could trust me with her secret after all we’d shared.
Grabbing my phone, I call Ember. I need to at least try to stop her before she leaves. The number is no longer in service. Fuck. Next, I pull up Rick’s number. The call goes straight to voicemail. With both of them unreachable, it’s clear wherever Ember went, it was with Rick.
One last call to confirm what I already know.
“Don’t make me do this,” Hazel pleads with me.
“I’m not asking you to give me any information, Hazel. I’m only asking you to confirm what I already know. She went back to Nashville, didn’t she?”
“She just needs some time, Ryder.”
“I’ll give her all the time she needs. What I won’t do is lose her.”
“She thinks it’s her fault. She blames herself for the attack… for all of it.”
“I know.”