Page 77 of Sinful in Scrubs

“Because, you know, I am a busybody and have been eavesdropping on everybody’s conversations to find out what is going on. Besides, someone asked my opinion of the triage liaison position. That’s a freaking brilliant idea. It’s not every day my best friend abandons me and returns home as the prodigal child amongst high praises. The board really likes you, by the way. Did James mention the really good news?”

“You mean Kevin getting booted from the board?” Marcus said.

“James said he was asked to step down,” I corrected.

Marcus shrugged. “Something.”

“Asking him to step down sounds civilized. He was more than booted. He was kicked to the curb and told not to come back. Apparently, there was a total falling out and he and his little games are no longer welcome at Manhattan Memorial, or any hosted events.” Sarah dropped her jaw wide and still managed to smile.

“That really is good news. I think we need to celebrate. I’m taking everyone out to dinner,” Marcus announced. “I expect you will be joining us?”

“You expect correctly,” Sarah said.

As we sat in the family-owned Chinese restaurant, my heart swelled. Looking around the table, I saw my grandmother, Marcus’s kids, and my best friend all gathered together. It was the perfect time to share some news of our own.

“Okay, everyone,” I said. “I have a little announcement.” I shifted in my chair, contemplating whether I should stand up or not. As soon as all eyes were on me, I felt a little silly, but I stood up anyway.

Lily gasped. “Oh, my God, you’re getting married! I knew it!”

“Lily,” Marcus called out. “Let her speak.”

I glanced at Marcus, who smiled and nodded encouragingly.

“Not so fast, Lily,” I corrected. “I am not here to announce that we are getting married, but we are going to become a family. I’m pregnant.”

Lily and Sarah squealed like little girls.

“Oh, Emma!” My grandmother clapped her hands together. Her warm smile filled her face with joy.

“I’m going to be a big brother?” Jason asked.

“Yeah,” I said.

“Is it going to be a boy or a girl?” Lily asked.

I shook my head. “We don’t know yet.”

“Can we do a gender reveal party? That would be so much fun,” Lily said. She was talking at the excited high speed of teenagers.

“Oh, we could get those cool smoke bombs. Yeah, Dad, we have to have a gender reveal party,” Jason added. I think they were more excited over the thought of a party than having a new sibling.

“We’ll have to see about the party. But smoke bombs? I do want to add something to Emma’s announcement.”

I turned to look at him, wondering what he could possibly add to the announcement of the pregnancy. My heart stopped as he got out of his chair and lowered to one knee on the restaurant floor beside me.

“Since everyone’s here and we’re sharing all of our good news, it seemed like the right time to do this. I couldn’t imagine asking you without every single one of these people present.”

My throat tightened, and tears stung my eyes.

“Emma, will you marry me?”

Lily practically screamed. “I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!”

She sounded so happy, a completely different kid from the girl who once practically threw a chair across the room simply because I was having dinner at their house. Jason looked almost as eager and anticipatory as his father.

I was speechless. Of course, my answer was yes, but all I could do was nod and sniff back tears.

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