Embers of the Past

By Roberta James

The cabin was her sanctuary, until it became a reminder of all she'd sacrificed.

Olivia's dedication to her grandfather never wavered, but with each passing day, her artistic spirit withered.

Enter Ethan – the firefighter with a heart as warm as the flames he battles.

As they rebuild a forgotten treehouse and navigate the complexities of caring for a loved one, Olivia rediscovers not only the joy of color, but the possibility of a love that feels like coming home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roberta James
• Release date: May 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224972999

Book preview

Chapter 1: The Dying Light

The faded FDNY sweatshirt was a threadbare shield against the October chill seeping into the old cabin. Olivia wrapped it tighter around her shoulders, the scent of woodsmoke and Grandpa Henry's familiar aftershave a bittersweet comfort. He sat in his rocking chair, sunlight tracing the lines on his face, each crease a map of a life well-lived. But his eyes, once as bright as a fire engine's siren, stared vacantly out the window, lost in the fog of Alzheimer's.

Remember when we caught that raccoon in the attic? Olivia's voice was a soft whisper against the crackle of the fireplace. You pretended to arrest it for trespassing – complete with tiny handcuffs!

A flicker of recognition sparked in his gaze, followed by a gentle smile. Then, as quickly as it came, the light faded. Olivia bit back a sob. Every day, more of Grandpa Henry slipped away like embers carried by the wind. Her heart ached with a loneliness that went beyond mere grief.

Tommy, slouched on the worn leather sofa, snorted. Yeah, and I spent the whole afternoon disinfecting the bite. Stupid raccoon.

Olivia glared at her brother, but in his sullen teenage posture, she saw a younger Tommy, eyes wide with fear, waiting for Grandpa's booming laughter to chase away the shadows. Losing his only real parent was taking its toll on him too.

We can't do this alone, Tommy, she said, the desperation in her voice barely contained. Grandpa needs more care than we can give.

The truth hung heavy between them. Lawyers with sympathetic smiles, sterile assessments filled with words she didn't want to understand,