Page 29 (1/2)

God, I love when she calls me Asher these days I used to think she said it to be mean, but that’s not why She calls me Asher because she can No one else, anywhere, calls h to use that moniker

"Me, of course" I play with her

"Yes, you," she says in her I’m-almost-asleep voice "And I’h under my breath "I’ve certainly needed my share of those"

She sits up a little and she’svery important since all this crazy stuff happened"

"What’s that, babe?"

"You don’t always get it right the first time"

I stare at her eyes as they pool with tears and ht crack in half, that’s howthis year for her The kidnapping Theher alias Which one is she thinking of now?

I scoot down under the covers with her and hold her closer "If I had known he would take you that night, Grace--"

"That’s not it, Vaughn I actually think that do-over was… cathartic In a way," she adds hastily "I ain But it helpedfroe"

I stop breathing What does thatI think it through for a few ive it my best shot "I can’t tell you what happened, Grace"

"Can’t or won’t?"

"Won’t I explained the other night It was perfect It can’t be explained ords Maybe if we had a video, but not ords"

"But you still want to get ain?"

"Do you?"

"I asked you first"

I huff out some air because I want to be truthful with her But hoill she take it? "I wouldn’t mind a party, likethat a new cereuests and a new dress The works But I’ve changed my mind" I look over at her and she’s stunned Her eyes are wide and her mouth is open "I’m sorry, sweets I don’t want a new ceremony It was perfect the first time and I’m sorry you missed it"

Chapter Sixteen

ANewHope