Free Ash by Julieanne Lynch Page B

of my stubborn, manly willpower not to break down in front of him. How could someone so small have such power over me?
    He crept out from under the bedding, wrapped his arms around my neck, and planted a kiss on my cheek.
    “I think you got me confused with you,” I replied, pulling him over my shoulder and cradling him like a baby.
    He stared up at me, his huge blue eyes opened wide, and smiled, “How?”
    “Because you’re my hero,” I said.
    “Don’t be silly, Daddy.” He giggled. “You’re a fireman, and I’m not a man yet.”
    “But didn’t you know that superheroes come in all shapes and sizes?” I feigned a shocked expression.
    He shook his head. “Nope!”
    “Well, guess what?” I said. “They do!”
    Jake pinched my nose, made a raspberry noise, and burst into laughter. Once he composed himself, he reached up, wrapped his arms around my neck once more, and hugged me tight.
    “I love you, Daddy,” he whispered in my ear.
    His words could have melted the coldest of hearts. He was mine and nothing was ever going to come between us.
    “Guess what?”
    “What?” He beamed.
    “I love you to the moon and back,” I replied, and pretended to wrestle him to the floor. “But I might have to take a detour by Mars.”
    “Mars?”
    “Yes, the middle of darkest space.”
    “Why?” His face grew serious.
    I sat up, crossed my legs, and took his hands in mine. “Because you get the bestest view of your eyes from space.”
    “Wow!” A look of amazement sparkled in his little eyes. “So if you can see me from space that means Mommy can see me from heaven?”
    “You bet she can. She watches over you all the time.” I choked back the emotion. “Think of her as your guardian angel.”
    “Wow, that’s so cool.” His little face lit up. He shouted and jumped to his feet. “Grandma, guess what?” he said, and ran to the door, disappearing from the room.
    My heart sank. I sat back against the bed, rested my arms on my legs, and cried. After my pity party, I collected myself enough to face my mother.
    She stood by the table in the kitchen, packing Jake’s schoolbag and frowned when I walked into the kitchen.
    “How’s the head?” she asked.
    “It’s been better,” I replied, walking over the sink and popping two Advil into my mouth.
    She stopped what she was doing and rested a hand on her hip. “You were in quite the mess last night.”
    “Yeah, I know. I can’t hold my drink like I used to.”
    “You need to speak to Danny,” she said in a flat voice.
    I looked into the living room and glanced back at her. “Why? What’s he done?”
    “He’s been snoring like some wild beast and his hands are down his pants,” she whispered. “It’s not appropriate.”
    I chuckled and sighed.
    “I mean it, Ashley,” she continued. “Wake him up and tell him to wash his hands.”
    This was another reason why my mother would always be a part of my life. She treated Danny the same way she treated me. He was like a thorn in her side, and as much as she’d grumble about his uncouth ways, she loved him like a son.
    I walked over to the door, peered at Danny, who was out for the count, with his hands down the front of his boxers. It wasn’t a pretty sight, but it was something I was used to, especially given all the time we spent together.
    “Hey, sleeping beauty, it’s time to rise and shine,” I shouted, and stepped over to the sofa to kick his foot.
    Danny licked his lips and opened one eye. He let out a moan of complaint.
    “Go away. I’m having a nice dream.”
    My mother appeared at the doorway, her eyes focused on me.
    I turned and looked at Danny, wrapping my hands around his feet and tugging at his legs until he fell to the floor, banging his head.
    “What the hell, man?” he shouted, rubbing the back of his head.
    “It’s time to get up, that’s what,” I said, trying not to laugh.
    Jake moved toward us and jumped on Danny.
    “Hey, kiddo,” Danny said, and tickled Jake. “Your