Page 73 of Caught in the Middle

Many laughs and a full belly later, Emma broached the subject.

“So there’s something I want to tell you guys,” she started.

Cam noticed as several eyes immediately flicked from her to him and back, clearly assuming this news had something to do with them. He saw the surprise in Lulu’s eyes, likely thinking Emma was about to come clean.

Lauren’s head tilted as she cautiously asked, “What is it?”

Emma looked to Cam, who gave her a reassuring smile and nod to continue, probably not helping with any assumptions they were making.

“Well, yesterday I received some exciting and life-changing news.”

Lulu’s eyes widened. “You’re pregnant!” It felt like a shout as others turned to look at their table.

Cam could only describe Emma’s reaction as freaked out. “No! I’m not pregnant,” she said defensively. He couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh thank god,” Lulu sighed. “I was hoping to convince you to join me in Vegas.”

Emma paused. “Why are you going to Vegas?”

Lulu smiled innocently. “Dan’s going for his birthday in a couple of months, so he invited me.”

Henry shook his head but Cam saw him stifle a smile. Suddenly he didn’t know if he could handle having girls should he have a family down the road. He didn’t like the idea of a daughter meeting up with a man in Vegas, or anywhere.

Emma was laughing as she responded. “Well, I still can’t do Vegas but I’m not pregnant.”

“Then what?” Lauren asked.

“I’ve been offered a photography position for the next three months that will include traveling across Europe to different archeological dig sites.”

“Emma,” Henry exclaimed, his smile wide. “That’s fantastic! How did this happen?”

She proceeded to tell them more, everyone smiling and offering bits of congratulations and encouragement. Cam let out a breath. He knew she had nothing to worry about.

“The reason I asked if we could have breakfast together, though, is because I have to fly home today.”

“Today?” Lauren’s tone was a mixture of surprise and something else.

Emma frowned at her. “I know it’s last minute and unexpected, but with this being our last day here anyhow before leaving tomorrow, I didn’t think it would be a big deal.”

Before anyone else could reply, Lauren was already speaking. “Then why can’t you wait one more day?”

Everyone was looking between the two women now, unsure of what to say.

“Because they need me in meetings Monday morning, and I need to get things ready at home.”

“We understand,” Henry said. “That’s just how it works sometimes.”

“How do you just get an offer yesterday and have to be there on Monday? That makes no sense.”

Cam could feel Emma’s back go taut as she sat up straighter. “It came in Monday, but I’ve not been checking my phone since it’s vacation.”

Lauren gave her a look that Cam hadn’t seen on her before. It was far from the sweet and supportive woman he’d glimpsed all week. “I’ve watched you look at your phone numerous times,” she argued, causing Emma’s head to go back at the implied accusation.

Lulu jumped in. “Woah, woah, woah. What’s the big deal if she leaves today or tomorrow? This is a huge opportunity for her.”

Cam felt thankful for the question, and he was guessing Emma did too considering the look of hurt and annoyance mixed over her features. He didn’t understand why Lauren cared so badly when she left.

The woman looked at her sister, then Emma, her dad, then to Asher. They all waited as what he could only assume was a silent conversation passed between the couple. Then Lauren faced the group. “Asher and I have an announcement, too.”

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