Page 103 of Freeing Emily

“Aye,” my ma answers, pulling me with her to stand.

“Good,” the corner of his mouth ticks upward. “Emily, we should probably start getting ready.” He says and my ma looks at me with a grin.

“What for?” I ask, my brows pinching.

“Declan has a surprise for Paige, and we need to get ready if we’re going to make it on time.”

“Uh, okay,” I say turning toward my ma. She pulls me in for a tight hug and then kisses my cheek.

“I’ll see you in a little while.”

She saunters toward the door and gives Liam a gentle pat on the chest before leaving the room. Liam turns to face me the moment the door clicks shut.

“Are you okay?” he asks softly.

I nod. “I think so.”

He strides toward me and cups my face. His thumbs gently stroke my raw skin from the repeated rubbing I did while crying.

His eyes are warm and full of love and pride.

“I’m glad you were able to speak with your ma, Emily.”

I press a kiss to the palm of one of his hands. “Seeing her was different than hearing her voice over the phone,” I whisper, peering up at his hazel eyes.

“Do you think it has to do with the fact that when you were taken, your last conversation with her was over the phone?”

I shrug. “I think that makes the most sense. Seeing her and having her hug me felt like a huge weight lifted and I could breathe easier.”

His face lights up with a smile and he presses a kiss to my forehead.

“That’s amazing, baby.”

“What is Declan surprising Paige with?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Well technically it’s no longer a surprise because he told her, but he is throwing an engagement party for her.”

Every muscle in my body stiffens.

“A-an engagement party?” I stutter.

Liam’s eyes fill with concern and his brows furrow. “Is everythin’ okay?”

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Why can’t I just enjoy a celebration without feeling nervous? What the fuck is wrong with me?

My mind races with different scenarios of what chaos will ensue.

No. It’ll be fine.

I chant that mantra until I start to believe it.

Clearing my throat, I plaster a smile on my face. “Yeah, this is okay. It’ll be wonderful.”

“Will it?”the small voice at the back of my mind asks.

Shut. UP.

---