Page 54 of Engulfing Emma

My sister was only three years old when Mom died. She has no recollection of that day, or the bad times after. She was raised by a single father and her older brother, having little memory of what it was like to have a mother.

I glance at Leo who is banging his toddler-sized fork on his tray. “Okay, buddy.”

I put two pancakes on a plate and cut up a third into small pieces. Then I serve Bonnie and Leo. Bonnie is busy having a conversation with him about the different phases of the moon. I love that she talks to him like an adult.

Bria is pouring the second batch of pancakes when I return to the stove. “Maybe that’s your connection,” she says, thoughtfully watching the pancakes until they start to bubble.

“What are you talking about?”

“You know, the thing that ties you and Emma together. You both lost a parent in the same disaster. Not to mention that you’re both single parents. And you went through the hostage thing together. You have a lot in common.”

“None of that matters if she won’t go out with me.”

“That’s a shame,” she says. “I was hoping she’d be the one to pop your post-divorce cherry.”

Until yesterday with Emma, it had been almost a year since I’d been with anyone and well over two years since I’d been with a woman who wanted me. Amanda and I had sex sometimes after Leo was born. But every time, I felt like it was just a chore for her. Something she needed to check off her list as a weekly or monthly obligation like picking up toothpaste or making a dental appointment.

But yesterday, with Emma—Jesus, I never remember it being like that. Not even when Amanda and I first got together.

Bria is staring at me with her mouth open. She flips the pancakes onto a plate and pulls me into the hall. “Oh, my God. You slept with her.”

I sigh and lean against the wall.

“Don’t try and look all innocent with me, Brett. You had sex with the teacher, didn’t you?”

“It’s not a big deal. It was a one-time thing. She kicked me out right after.”

“She kicked you out? Were youthatbad?” she jokes.

“Very funny. Her daughter was coming home, and she didn’t want her to see me there.”

“Ooo, a clandestine affair. How exciting.”

“Like I said, it won’t happen again.”

“So, you’re just going to give up? Roll over and die because she claims she won’t date a firefighter? That doesn’t sound like the big brother who raised me to go after everything I wanted. Do you know why I’m auditioning to be the backup singer for White Poison? Because of you. You taught me never to give up on my dreams.”

I’m full of pride for my little sister. The things she had to overcome to get where she is today. I swallow the lump in my throat. I blinked and she became this amazing woman. “I’m so damn proud of you,” I choke out.

“We both deserve to do incredible things with our lives. We deserve to be happy. Go after what makes you happy, Brett. Don’t let her silly little rules get in the way. Show her you’re good for her.”

“I’m not sure I know how. It’s been almost a decade since I’ve dated.”

She hooks an arm through mine and drags me back to the kitchen. “I’m practically an expert on dating. I’ll give you some tips over breakfast.”

Chapter Eighteen

Emma

I wonder if he’ll show up today. I know it was bad, the way I kicked him out on Friday. But what choice did I have?

Anxious and on edge, I roll over in bed and pull a pillow over my head.

He’ll show up. Somehow, I know that Lt. Brett Cash is a man who always shows up.

The thought of seeing him again makes my insides burn.

I made excuses to look out the window at least a dozen times over the weekend. Seeing him standing there, bare-chested and holding his son, was … awe-inspiring. But I took great care after that first time, not to be seen doing it. I don’t want to give him the wrong idea. He’s a nice guy. A hero even. But the last thing I want or need is another hero in my life.

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