Page 76 of Ten Christmases Without You
“I can’t remember,” she said, not caring a bit about what she was having. “Surprise me.”
While it had been a tough holiday, Emmy couldn’t help but think things were certainly looking up.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
“What if your motherwaspressured to leave her career? You’re fulfilling her dream,” Charlie said to Emmy, the open scrapbook between their drinks.
“I’ve never thought of it like that. I’ve always been so afraid to have to live in her shadow that it never occurred to me to carry on her light instead.”
Curiosity filled his features. “I think you have your own light. It’s not just hers.”
Her heart fluttered. “Thank you. I’m just beginning to figure out where I fit in the world.”
Emmy filled him in on what he’d missed since they’d spoken last. He drank his soda while she sipped her latte, chatting, and it was as if the world had stopped around them. She drank in his masculine build, the lift in his features when he smiled, and the interest in his eyes when he listened to her. They talked for longer than Emmy had planned to stay. She wanted to sit there with him for the rest of the day, but her dad was probably awake by now.
“Want to go with me to the hospital?” she asked, not wanting to let him go for a second.
“Of course.”
“It’s not much of a Christmas this year,” she said, “we didn’t even plan a gift exchange or anything, but at least we’re all together.”
“Yes.”
Emmy grabbed the scrapbook and her handbag. With no time limit on her parking, she left her car in its spot, and they walked the ten minutes to VCU.
They went into the waiting room—their usual meet-up place. Uncle Brian and Jack were already there, getting an update from the nurse at the double doors leading to Emmy’s dad’s hallway. Elsie’s flowered bag full of knitting yarn was open on the floor next to her chair, one rope of it leading up to her busy fingers, a knitted square of pink in her lap. She lit up when she saw Charlie.
“Look who found us,” Elsie said. “Spending time with us every holiday is becoming a tradition. It’s such a treat.”
“Thank you,” he said.
Aunt Charlotte gave a little squeal of delight, smiling broadly at Emmy. Uncle Stephen, dozing next to a sparsely decorated Christmas tree, stirred and opened his eyes.
“I’m glad to see you, Charlie,” Charlotte said. “What are you doing here in Richmond?”
“I thought Emmy could use another shoulder to lean on,” he said.
Charlotte gave him a wink.
Uncle Brian came back to them. “The nurse said they’re just finishing up with his vitals. He’s been stable, and they’re moving him from ICU to a regular hospital room today.”
“That’s wonderful,” Emmy said. Had Charlie brought all the good luck with him? It seemed so.
Uncle Brian rocked back onto his heels happily. “Do we want to take turns going in again so we don’t overwhelm him?”
“That’s a good idea.” Elsie nodded vigorously as she packed up her knitting.
“All right. Emmy, why don’t you go in first? You had the late shift yesterday, so we can work backwards, and Madison can come with us, to give her time to finish her grocery shopping.”
Emmy agreed. “That works.”
“I’ll wait out here,” Charlie said.
But she beckoned him. “No, you can come.”
He gave her an affectionate look. “I’ll pop in later. You need quality time with your dad, I’m sure.”
“Okay. I’ll come get you in a little bit.”
