Ashley POV

“Don’t talk like that,” I protested, clenching my fists. “You’re not going to die anytime soon. You’re still young, and coronary heart disease isn’t a slow-killing illness. You can still live a long and healthy life.”

He chuckled. “I hope you’re right about that. As for me, I know I can’t go until I have fulfilled my duty as a father and watched you marry your mate and the one you love.”

My eyes pricked with tears, the urge to lower my gaze before losing control was overwhelming. No matter how much I wanted to ask Mom. . . no, demand that she stay and help me become...