A Light in the Dark (The Ashbrooks Book 5) by M.A. Nichols

Author:M.A. Nichols [Nichols, M.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Nichols Publishing, LLC
Published: 2024-05-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

Darkness swallowed the bedchamber, with only the flickering lamp and candle on the single nightstand to fight back the shadows. Yet propped on the edge of the mattress sat a light—or, the living embodiment of one. The antithesis of the dark void Lucas had seen. His chest squeezed, though he couldn’t tell if it was constricting or if the heart and soul inside him were expanding beyond their capacity, but the pressure built as he held Miss Potts’ gaze and felt her words burrow into his bones, lending him her strength and certainty.

“Mr. Ashbrook,” she began, her voice as firm and steady as her gaze, “are you better now than you were before?”

“Yes.” Regardless of any other uncertainty, that answer came readily to his lips.

Miss Potts looked unsurprised. “And, Mr. Ashbrook, are you committed to remaining true to that change and improving upon the man you are?”

“Yes.”

A smile brightened her expression, her eyes warming as she held fast to his hand. “Then you needn’t continue to flog yourself—”

“That is easier said than done,” muttered Lucas.

“Of course it is. Just because something is simply worded doesn’t mean it is simple to do. Nor does it negate the wisdom in the advice,” said Miss Potts with a wry laugh. “You returned home from Philadelphia for Milo’s sake. That is a simple thing to say, yet to carry it out, you had to set aside the pride and fears that drove you to avoid your home. You had to settle the Costas’ affairs. You had to sort out passage for you and Milo to England and then to Greater Edgerton. A simple statement, yet not so simple to follow through with it.”

Throat tightening, Lucas considered the advice he’d so quickly brushed aside moments ago. There was wisdom there, to be certain.

“And what is the first step one takes towards forgiveness?” he asked.

“I cannot say for certain, but accepting that progress isn’t a consistent upward climb would be a good start. Stop deeming yourself a failure every time you misstep.”

Drawing in a breath that stuttered and shook, Lucas brushed his thumb against the back of her hand. “You may have a point.”

Miss Potts straightened, her grin growing pleased. “Good. For I must say, I do not care for this sullen version of you, Mr. Ashbrook.”

“This version is me,” he said with a frown.

“It is a part of you, but not who you are, and I fear you’ve held too tightly to this aspect of yourself. I prefer the one I’ve come to know of late,” she said, leaning closer, her brows knitted together.

The pressure grew inside Lucas, threatening to burst him wide open as he considered that. In a low voice, he whispered, “I don’t think I care for this version of me, either.”

“Then change it, Mr. Ashbrook,” she said, her tone all determination and fire. “The Mr. Ashbrook I know cares deeply about his responsibilities. Desires more than anything to be a good man. He is thoughtful and kind, wishing never to be a burden on others whilst doing what he can to lift theirs.

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