Page 80 of Sebastian

“Where is she now?”

“I d-don’t know. But Gage is starting to search for her. We have nothing to go on, but I have this hope for the first time in forever that she’s just going to be back in my arms soon.”

“How old is she?”

“Seven. Her birthday was right before your shower.”

“You were just a baby yourself. And you did so much for me and the shower, Emma, I can’t even imagine how tough that was. I’m so sorry. I wish I had known.”

Emma nodded, pushing her face into her hands and letting the tears fall freely. Her sweet best friend just held her as she finally let herself acknowledge how hard it was to hold hope in her heart after so many years.

“Please don’t feel bad, Daisy,” Emma finally said as the tears stopped. “And please don’t let it put a dark cloud over your day. I wanted to be there to celebrate you and this little bundt cake. I only felt overwhelming happiness for you and Hank that day. Okay?”

“Okay.” Daisy sniffled and Emma pulled her into a hug. “I know things have been scary for a while, but the happiest I’ve ever seen you is when you are with Sebastian.”

“He was going to tell me that he loves me, Daisy. Can you believe that? I haven’t ever felt the things I feel for Sebastian with anyone else, but isn’t it too soon?”

“The heart knows what it wants, Em. It was clear from the very first time I saw you two flirting through your bickering. There’s something special about him.”

“I know. I made him out to be such a villain in my mind.” She laughed without emotion. “And now I know he’s quite possibly the most thoughtful, kind, caring man I’ve ever known. When I think about him, my heart feels like it’s going to shatter right out of my chest.”

“That’s amazing, Emma. I’m so happy for you.”

“He’s probably not going to say those three big words to me now that I want to help catch Marco.”

“I don’t want you to help, and I only know a fraction of how dangerous the guy is. If he’s here to hurt you, you shouldn’t be anywhere near him.”

Emma let out a fit of laughter.

“What? What is so funny?” Daisy asked.

“Seb asked me how you would react if you knew that I wanted to use myself as bait and I nailed it.”

“It’s because I love you.”

“I love you, too, Daisy. But you’re biased and can’t see that I need to do this.”

“I am biased. I don’t want my baby growing up without their auntie.”

“You and the little peanut have nothing to worry about. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Well, if you are a part of the plan to take this guy down, you promise me you’ll have Hank there with you when the time comes. I know you have all those handsome guys to protect you, but you’re family to Hank, and he protects his family with everything he’s got.”

* * *

“Hey Natalie,” her voice shook as she tried to mask her tears. There was something about crying earlier that afternoon with Daisy that had just opened the floodgates. She’d tried several times to shake whatever was aching in her chest, but hadn’t been successful. So, as much as she hated feeling weak, Emma let the tears fall.

Better she gets it all out right then, she decided, when she was alone in her hotel room. There would be no time to get emotional once the plan was in place to lure Marco out.

“Em. Is everything okay? You sound like you’re crying.”

“I’m fine. Did you need something?”

“Oh, I uh—well I was calling about Addie’s recital this weekend. I wanted to see if you maybe wanted to come watch. She’s so excited about it and I meant to have her ask you earlier when we were all together the other night, but got sidetracked. I totally understand if you’re not up for it.”

“That’s so sweet, Nat. Of course I’ll be there.”

“Awesome, Em. She’ll be thrilled. Now, do you want to talk about why your voice is shaking?”

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