***EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT*** Gail McHugh's "Amber to Ashes"
Excerpt #1 “What are you, Casey?” Ryder asks over his shoulder as he scrubs his hands with antibacterial soap. “Your little cancer warrior,” she answers with a small smile. “That’s right.” He dries his hands and turns, a proud grin cracking his mouth. “The bravest one ever.” I grab Casey’s hand and hold it tight, knowing nothing I’ve ever seen, heard, or felt compares to what she’s facing. This child’s living with a fear I can’t comprehend. One that’d slay all of my fears put together. “Ready?” Ryder asks, his tone soft and caring, everything it should be. Casey nods, clenching my hand. My heart swells, anxiety building thick in my throat as Ryder slips on a pair of medical gloves and cleans the area around her port with Betadine swabs. Casey looks at me, the cool blue of her eyes misting over. “Are you scared of needles?” “No,” I say, running my free hand along the back of her neck. “Are you?” “I used to be.” She sighs, a single tear slipping down her face. “But...