Page 40 of Engulfing Emma

“She’s probably happy that Emma is back,” Kelly says. “We missed you last week.”

Becca is almost bursting at the seams with giddiness. “That’s not it,” I say. “Something’s up.”

Before we can take our seats, Becca holds out her left hand so we can all see the brand-new ring on her finger. “We’re engaged!” she shouts.

After we all scream, and fawn over the ring, we settle into the booth.

Jordan takes Becca’s hand and looks into her eyes. “After what happened … well, you just never know how much time you’re going to have with someone, so why wait?”

“When’s the wedding?” Kelly asks.

“End of the summer,” Becca says. “We’ll take our honeymoon the week before we return to school.”

“Seven weeks?” I ask. “That’s not a lot of time to plan a wedding.”

“We don’t need a huge fancy affair. We’re going to get married at Jordan’s parents’ church just outside the city.”

“We’ll help you plan it,” I say. “It will be spectacular.”

“Thanks, guys. That means a lot to us.”

“How have you two been doing?” Michelle asks, motioning to Becca and me. “You know, since the incident.”

Becca and I look at each other. We both know she got over it a lot quicker than I did.

“We’re good,” Becca says.

Kelly stares at me. “Have you been back to the school yet?”

“Not exactly.”

“What does that mean?” she asks.

“I made it to the corner this morning, but I couldn’t go in. I did check on the Shettlemans though.”

“I could go with you,” Kelly says. “Maybe we all could. We’ll meet up and give you support.”

I think of Brett and all the support he’s given me over the past week. “Thanks, but I’ve got it covered.”

Lisa’s eyes sparkle. “What aren’t you telling us, Emma?”

“What do you mean?”

“You got all dreamy-eyed.”

“Huh?”

“You know what I’m talking about,” she says. “Who is he?”

My cheeks pink.

Becca pounces. “You’re blushing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush.” She straightens as realization dawns. “Oh my God, it’s the fireman, isn’t it? The way you talked about him at the police station that night, I knew you wanted him.”

“The fireman?” Rachel asks.

“He helped us,” Becca says. “He’s the one who saved us. It’s him, isn’t it? Come on, Emma, spill.”

“First off, I wasn’t all dreamy-eyed. The firefighter from the incident is the one helping me get back to the school. I get a little farther every day. He’s been great and not pushy.” I see the way they’re all looking at me, like they’re waiting to find out how he swept me off my feet. “Quit looking at me like that. It’s not what you’re thinking.”

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