Page 22 of Beautiful Crazy

“Yeah?”

Wes gestures between the two of us. “Don’t get any ideas.”

Emmett throws his head back, laughing. “Yeah, well, when I’m forced to propose to your sister tonight because we’re clearly living in sin, let’s just remember whose idea this was.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that living in sin part,” I pat Emmett’s chest. “Mom and Dad are pretty easy going that way. I mean Dad is a Detective, don’t forget, but I’m sure they’re just happy their little girl found a good guy.”

Together, the four of us crunch through the pebbles of the driveway and climb the steps to the front door. I’m super excited to see my parents today. With the winter roads, we haven’t been in town since New Year’s.

“Wait till you guys see what I found Mom for her birthday!”

___

Our welcome hugs and excited hellos are filled with love and happiness all around and dinner goes off without a hitch with most of our conversation revolving around Wes and Jenny’s new engagement. Mom was thrilled and Dad gave Wes a big ’atta boy’ pat on the back. Neither one of them seemed upset that they weren’t included, but Wes still made a big deal over Emmett and I supposedly dating now, which also thrilled Mom and Dad. No way in Hell am I going to ruin that secret on Mom’s birthday. So here we are, fake dating for the night. I’m hoping I don’t mess it up by doing something stupid and already worrying about how we’re going to fake break up but still remain best friends.

Thanks Wes.

“So, Emmett, I hear that Beckham is about to tie the knot?” This is as subtle as my mom gets in terms of wanting to change the subject to relationships and checking up on her kids. I know this about her. And by the barrage of questions this evening, it’s a good thing Wes didn’t mention it to Emmett, or he wouldn’t be going along with our fake couple plan this evening. So far, so good though. Emmett has been very attentive and more affectionate than he’s ever been. I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him with a serious girlfriend. Come to think of it…I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him with a serious girlfriend. A few dates here and there but he hasn’t even been on one of those in quite some time. It’s been at least a year or more.

“Yes,” Emmett nods. “He and Hadley are getting married at the end of February. She really wanted a winter wedding with a tropical honeymoon to get the best of both seasons.”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful,” Mom beams. “And with the fall season being so busy for your family, a winter wedding just makes sense. A country winter wedding? I bet it’ll be stunning, don’t you think, Emily? Wouldn’t a winter wedding be magnificent?”

I know what you’re doing, Mom.

“I’m sure it’ll be beautiful, Mom.”

“And will you two be going together?” Mom looks between Emmett and me.

Shit. I never talked about this with Emmett. As one of the groomsmen, he’s going to be busy with the family, and he never mentioned anything to me about it. I open my mouth to answer Mom’s question but Emmett answers first.

“Of course, she’s coming with me.”

What?

I am?

He wraps his warm hands over mine on the table in front of everyone and smiles endearingly at me. His eyes soften and he brings both our hands to his lips, an act that takes me by surprise, especially when heat flows through other parts of me at the same time.

“I wouldn’t want to be there with anyone else. Plus, I need her to make me look good. She’s good arm candy and she knows how to line dance.”

Mom coos. “Aww that’s so sweet.”

“I’m definitely looking forward to the wedding,” Emmett says to my parents. “Our family needs a good reason to celebrate and adding another Fox to our family den is a great excuse to party after a summer of grieving.”

“Here, here.” Dad raises his glass and I squeeze Emmett’s hand, smiling at him in agreement.

Once our conversation dwindles, Mom clears her throat and pushes out her chair. “Emily, will you and Jenny help me in the kitchen? Maybe we can whip up some hot cocoa for everyone.”

“Sure.”

Emmett stands and helps pull back my chair, ever the gentleman. He wraps a hand softly around my waist, his thumb caressing the side of my abdomen, and kisses my temple. For an act of affection that I know doesn’t mean anything, the touch of his hand sends another wave of warmth right through me I didn’t expect.

“Have fun,” he whispers in my ear.

Maybe it’s just his proximity to me tonight or maybe it’s the ease with which he’s treating me like the real love of his life, or maybe I’m just realizing that I haven’t been touched like that in a while…touched, not groped, but I’m pretty sure that warmth I felt is beginning to pool between my legs, rendering me speechless.

I smile lovingly at Emmett and leave him for the kitchen to help Mom with dishes, but not before I hear my dad say, “Wes, my boy, I think it’s time to put Emmett through the old Chesney inquisition.”

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