Page 124 of Engulfing Emma

Brett

Evie: Who was that woman leaving your house?

I go to the living room window and look across the street. Evie is sitting in her bedroom bay window.

Me: That was my sister, Brianna. I told you about her.

Evie: Okay.

Me: You’re not spying on me, are you, squirt?

Evie: No. It’s just that Mom is so happy. I’ve never seen her like this. I don’t want anything to ruin that.

I lean against the window frame and re-read her text a few times, glad to hear that Evie sees a difference in Emma. This past week has been everything I’ve hoped for. We introduced our kids to each other. Leo is enamored with Evie, and she fell right into the role of big sister. Every day I haven’t worked, Emma and I have been together. She even came over yesterday afternoon when Jay was here, working on the Mustang. It’s like we’ve been trying to make up for lost time or something. Maybe we’re both thinking about how, when she goes back to work, our time will be limited.

I love that Evie and I have fallen into this easy friendship that was only made stronger by our trip to Germany. While we haven’t had many late-night conversations lately—mostly because I no longer sneak out of Emma’s room—we do text frequently.

Me: I don’t want anything to ruin it either.

Evie: Can your sister hook me up with concert tickets? And when can I meet her? I’ve never met anyone famous before.

I laugh at the notion, but then it strikes me that Briaisabout to become famous. I doubt she’ll be a household name or anything, but she may get recognized. Suddenly, I feel protective of my little sister. I make a note to talk to her about safety and responsibility.

Me: She’d be happy to meet you anytime. I’ll set up a dinner next week. But I’m not sure your mom would approve of you going to a concert. It’s White Poison. They aren’t exactly a kid band.

Evie: Mom lets me listen to whatever music I like. So they have cuss words in their songs. Who doesn’t? She’d let me go. OMG, can Bria get us backstage passes?

Me: The tour doesn’t start for months, and they don’t play here in the city until the very end. I’ll talk to your mom about it, okay?

Evie: Okay.

Me: Is your mom nervous about tonight? Being a bridesmaid and all?

Evie: I don’t think so. Wait until you see her dress. She’s beautiful.

Me: Of course she is. I’d better get ready. I’ll talk to you later.

Evie: TTYL

She waves to me from her window.

Leo tugs on my leg, and I pick him up, pointing across the street. “Can you wave to Evie?”

I’m not sure he sees her, but he waves frantically, and she waves back, blowing him a kiss before she disappears.

“You like Evie, don’t you?” I put him down and get on my knees. “Leo, do you like Emma?”

He runs to the table and brings back the donkey. I think that’s his way of telling me he does, or at least he likes the gift she brought him.

“I really want you to like Emma. Daddy loves her, you know. She doesn’t know it yet. I’m not sure if I’m afraid to tell her or if I’m afraid she won’t say it back.”

While Emma and I have had a great week together, I can tell she’s holding back emotionally. Then again, we’ve only officially been a couple for seven days—maybe that’s just too soon to be throwing around words like love and commitment.

“She does love you, Brett,” Bonnie says, entering the room. “I can tell by the way she looks at you.”

“I hope so. I think this is the real deal.” I stand up and look at Leo. “Do you think he will be okay with it?”

She sits on the couch, and he climbs up next to her and pages through a picture book. “I think he’d love it. He deserves to have a real family. So do you.”

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