Page 62 of The Exposed Heiress

Emma pressed a hand into her chest. “Were they safe with Harry?”

James nodded. “Yes. He’s brilliant and had the financial stability to provide a good home and an education for them. He suffers from various fears about leaving his house, but he loves his nephews.”

Emma looked at her father. “It must have shaped them.”

Her father nodded. “I didn’t see them too often, but they seemed to have a happy childhood after that.”

Reaching into her bag, she took out a tablet. “I brought you images of the new collection.” She took a moment to bring up the file for him.

Taking the device in his left hand, he balanced it on his lap and scrolled through the collection.

Emma drew in a deep breath and waited for his criticism. Her father believed in always pushing the boundaries and making each design better.

“Emma, it’s perfection.”

She gasped. “Are you my father?”

He laughed. “I took things too seriously before. This slow recuperation has taught me to appreciate the small things in life. Being able to brush my teeth. Being able to stand up. Enjoying a meal.”

Emma took the tablet from him and slipped it into her bag. “I’d like you to come to Fashion Week. But Mum feels that it might be difficult.”

Her father touched her knee. “I’ll make it. I’ll need my physical therapist to help me, and I’ll still have a cast on my leg, but I’ll get there.”

Emma smiled and looked at him. “You had us worried, Dad.”

He laughed. “I had myself worried.”

She crossed her arms. “I’m sorry I haven’t visited more.”

He shook his head. “You needed to deal with the business. I had good care, and honestly I don’t remember much of the early recovery.”

Emma sat forward. “Each time I asked Jeremy what was happening, he said you were sleeping.”

Her father nodded. “I must have been heavily sedated. But I had seventeen broken bones.”

The nurse came in and said, “Are you comfortable, Mr. Bolles, or would you like to be back in bed?”

Her father said, “I’m fine, Marie.”

Handing him two tablets and a glass of water, she said “It’s time for your pain medicine.”

Her father swallowed the tablets and said, “Thank you.”

The nurse left the room and Emma stood up to stretch her legs. She hadn’t planned on showing her father the collection, but now was happy she had. She glanced out the large windows that overlooked a rock garden.

“Emma?”

She turned and looked at her father. “Yes?”

“Your mother called before and seemed worried about your connection to Leo.”

She turned back towards the window. “It’s over.”

“I know it’s been hard having so much pressure on you about the business and then trying to navigate a relationship. But you need to do what is best for you. Your happiness is the most important thing in all of this.”

Emma turned and grasped the back of the chair for support. “There’s nothing to worry about.”

Her father took off his glasses. “I’m worried. You hold everything inside. Live your life, Emma. Make your own choices. If that’s Leo Bloom, then I’m in favor of it.”

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