Page 128 of Engulfing Emma

“I hope it raises a lot of money. Carter is so young. He deserves every chance he can get. Brett says if they get enough, Carter might even be able to get several prosthetics, like one for everyday wear and another for playing sports.”

“I’m sure they’ll raise enough,” Ivy says. “You’d be amazed how generous the people in the fire department are. If the benefit doesn’t cover all of Carter’s expenses, I’m sure they’ll pass the boot.”

I have a flashback to when I was little. My dad kept a small, ceramic firemen’s boot in the kitchen. He asked my mom to put her change in it every day. Occasionally, I’d see him open his wallet and put in a few dollars. I thought he was saving for our summer vacation or something, but one day he emptied the boot into a bag and took it with him. Right after, I overheard Mom talking to someone on the phone about a fireman who was sick or hurt. I put two and two together and figured out the boot wasn’t for us at all. The money was used to help people in need. That was when I set up my lemonade stand. I remember being so happy when I put twelve dollars and change into the boot. But the best part of that day was when Dad came home from work and tucked me into bed. He said he heard what I’d done, and he’d never been prouder.

“We should exchange phone numbers,” Sara says. “Maybe we could all get together and go to lunch. Or have a girls’ night.”

“I’d like that.”

We spend the rest of dinner getting to know each other better, and by the time we leave, I feel I’ve made two new friends.

Brett pulls me close in the cab on the way home. “It looked like you enjoyed yourself.”

“I did. Ivy and Sara are really nice, and I like that they have kids. A lot of my friends at school don’t yet.”

He squeezes my hand. “How are you feeling about going back next week?”

“I’m good,” I say. “I took some supplies to my classroom yesterday.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “You did? You didn’t tell me that.”

“Because it wasn’t a big deal.”

“It’s a huge deal, Emma. How was it?”

I think about all the six-year-olds I’ll get to mold this year. “It was pretty great, actually. I’m excited to meet my new students.”

“You’ve conquered all your fears,” Brett says with a look of pride. “You even took the elevator like a real pro tonight.” He kisses my cheek. “My girlfriend is made of steel. Nothing scares her. Maybe we’ll just call you Superwoman.”

I smile even though he’s wrong. Thereisone thing that still scares me. It scares me to death.

~ ~ ~

Becca walks into my classroom, dragging her cart behind her. I drop what I’m doing and give her a hug. “How was the honeymoon?”

“Tiring, and I don’t mean from all the snorkeling.” She glances over her shoulder to make sure nobody is listening. “I have a raging UTI from all the sex we had.”

I laugh. “Sounds like a good time.”

“You have no idea,” she says, smiling.

“Being married looks good on you, Mrs. Kincaid.”

“I think so too. I never thought I could be so happy. You look pretty radiant yourself. We’re two lucky ladies, aren’t we?”

“We are.”

She looks around my classroom. “So, you’re okay being back here?”

“I’m more than okay. I can’t wait for the kids to show up next week.”

“I swear you are the only teacher I know who’d rather be teaching than summering.”

“What can I say? I love it here.”

“I’m glad that bastard didn’t ruin it for you.”

A few more familiar faces appear.

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