Page 68 of Sheriff's City Girl

I shook my head, a wave of emotion rolling over me—some good and some very fucking angry. “I can’t believe you hid it from me. When were you ever going to tell me? Or just keep trying to hide it? Damnit, Emma!” I was trying to keep my voice low, but it was growing more difficult with every passing second.

“I’m really sorry, Mason. I was actually planning to tell you after this…” Tears spilled over, rolling down her cheeks as she stood there, eyes pleading with me. “I just… I just wanted to make sure that you were with me for me.”

“By keeping a baby a secret?!” I exasperated. “I have a daughter I have to break this news to, for heaven’s sake!” My face was feeling hot, and as much as I wanted to be there for Emma—and our baby—I had to get some air. “I’ll… I’ll meet you inside in a minute.”

Her shoulders fell, along with her face. “Okay.”

With that, I stormed off toward the tree line, trying to get my head back in order, and Emma headed toward the Hudson’s house. I had just been thrown a fucking curveball that I was not expecting… And I had no idea if I would be able to give the presentation and keep a clear head now.

Chapter Thirty

Emma

Iwiped the tears from my face as I made my way toward Graham’s house. I wanted to chase after Mason, beg him to understand that I really was going to tell him after the gala. However, I knew that it wouldn’t do either of us any good to keep pushing. He was angry, and I knew that he needed a minute to get himself together…

The slip up couldn’t have happened at a worse time.

“Where’s Mason?” Graham asked me as I entered their luxurious entryway, breathing in the scent of fresh food and whatever else was in the air. It wasn’t unwelcoming, but after everything, it made me feel nauseous.

“He’ll be here in a moment. He had a phone call,” I lied, not wanting to talk about anything that happened out there—especially not with Graham.

“Ah, I see. And how’re you going this evening?” he asked me, his eyes lingering on my tear-stained cheeks. I didn’t know if that was just my head playing with me, or if he really could tell that I had been crying—or maybe he had seen the whole thing. I had no idea.

“I’m doing well. You have such a lovely house,” I said, forcing a pleasant smile as I peered around him, taking in a sea of unfamiliar faces.

“Thank you,” he chimed, standing up a little taller in his tuxedo. “I happen to know that you’ve been here before.”

Oh, good to know.

“I have, but I didn’t come inside,” I clarified, maintaining a nonchalant tone. “I only saw the back of the house, which happens to be just as charming as the inside.”

“Hmm, charming?” He made a strange face. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard that word used in reference to my house. What an interesting adjective.”

“Yes, well, sometimes elegant and charming can go together.” I kept my posture relaxed, even though I hated the vibes I was getting from Graham. He felt… threatening for some reason, though I couldn’t put my finger on why.

“Well, anyway, enjoy your evening,” he beamed. “I’m sure you’ll have quite a time here tonight.” He shot me a wink that made my stomach flip, but I ignored it, giving him a nod and moving on.

I didn’t want to wander too far from the door, hoping that Mason would show up and keep me company. I suddenly felt like I was in a den of vipers, not a gala supporting people in need. I glanced around the absurdly large entry area, complete with a grand staircase—roped off to keep people from wandering. The flooring was marble, and the walls were covered in strange, black-and-white abstract art.

The house was very out of place in the small town.

“Well, you came,” Brittany beamed, her voice like nails on a chalkboard behind me. “I’m so surprised that you showed up. Where’s Mason?”

I turned to see her head tilted, her hair pinned up in an elegant updo, her eyes focused on me. “He’ll be coming in any moment,” I said to her, wishing he would hurry the hell up. I knew that he was reeling…

But I did not wanna do this without him.

“Are you okay?” Brittany studied my face in the same way that Graham had. “You look like you’re upset—no offense of course.” There was a surprising edge of sympathy and concern in her tone. “I know how Mason can be, you know.”

I blinked a few times—what did she mean by that? “It was nothing,” I forced out, instead of prying. She was not on the top list of people to trust… But I couldn’t deny my curiosity.

“It doesn’t look like it was nothing,” she pointed out, her face softening. “Do you need to take a minute? You can come with me to the kitchen? I need to make sure the caterers are setting up.”

I hesitated, glancing back toward the door. Where is he?

I knew he wouldn’t just leave me here, but honestly, it felt like a real possibility at the moment. “Um, I guess I could go with you.” I was incredibly unsure of my choice, but I followed her anyway, hoping that she wouldn’t confront me about the proposal once we were in private—not that I couldn’t handle her.

I was fairly certain I could.

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