The shadows were deepening and the pond was dark when we went back up the path to the house.
I was shivering, so Emily built a fire, and we sat there staring through the windows at the setting sun lighting the western sky like a forest fire.
We were mesmerized by flames of a more glorious fire, as the sun lit up the room with its dying rays.
Emily was talking in drowsy tones as we sat dreaming by the fire.
“One of my ancestors built this house you know—after he designed and built the Presbyterian Church just up the road. Some of the stained glass windows at the rear of the house are reclaimed church windows your mother installed as a tribute to my family’s ecclesiastical work.”
“I didn’t know that. Then your family has been involved over the years in the care and maintenance of the property?”
She nodded. “We’re tied—like your mother to this house.”
“That’s incredible! I’m only sad I didn’t know you before.”
She caressed my cheek. “Well, you know me now, and I doubt we’ll ever part.”
“I hope we never do part, Emily. And by the way, I’ve made up my mind—I want to stay on here at The Ashes and continue to restore the house. I hope you’ll stay too and care for the gardens and the black oak savannah.”
“Of course, Jon—I wouldn’t dream of leaving.”
I felt compelled to confess what was on my mind.
“You know it’s only been a short while, but I feel I’ve known you forever. I can’t believe how deeply I’ve fallen in love with you. I want to marry you, Em, and have a family with you, here in this house.”
Her face fell and tears began to trill down her cheeks.
I hugged her and tried to console her.
“Don’t be sad, Em—it’s a happy thought.”
Em looked so forlorn, “It is a happy thought, Love, but you don’t understand.”
I looked at her blankly. “Understand what?”
“I can never leave this house.”
“And why not, Love? If you’re worried about my forcing you to go on a honeymoon or trips to far off lands—I won’t. I’m a recluse myself. I’d be happy to spend eternity with you behind these walls.”
She grasped my wrist tightly, imploring me with her eyes.
“But that’s just it—don’t you see, Jon? I died a century ago and the Emily you know is a spirit bound to this place.”
“Tha-that’s not possible,” I sputtered. You’re a flesh and blood woman as real as any other.”
“I am,” she smiled bleakly, “as long as I remain on these grounds. Is that the future you want, Jon—to be bound with me to The Ashes with no children for your posterity?”
A groan arose from somewhere deep within me.
“Can’t you see, Em—I’m hopelessly in love with you? Nothing else matters to me.”
As Mother said, I always end up doing the right thing in the end.
And since love extinguishes all other choices, Em is now my life and my love forever.
As for Mother, I’ve decided to scatter her ashes as she intended. In some way she’ll be a part of the black oaks and our lives too.
Em tells me Mother may choose the grounds as her haunt, or perhaps continue on to bliss in a world beyond—either way, I wish her well and know somehow we’ve been reconciled.
As for me, my hard shell has been softened by the fires of passion and I’ve been given space to grow like the oaks.
It’s a beautiful thing this hope that rises from the burnt-over earth—it’s beauty for ashes, and joy continuous.
