Page 51 of Connected By Souls

Grinning like an idiot, I start it up as she purrs to life. “You’re loving this, aren’t you?” She laughs at me.

“Are you kidding me? This thing is awesome. What year is it? 73, 74?” I ask as we make our way to my parents’ house.

“1974. When my dad got it, it was a rust pile, and my mom hated it sitting in her garage, but little by little, my dad worked on it through the years restoring it to its full beauty. It ended up being my mom’s favorite vehicle, and the three of us would take drives on the weekends up in the mountains with the top down.” She smiles at the memory.

“They sound like amazing parents. You’re very lucky to have such great memories of them to keep them alive.” I squeeze her hand.

“They were the best,” I hear her say softly. She turns to me and smiles. “We should take her to the beach soon with the top down.”

“Definitely. She was made to live in Florida.”

“I’m beginning to think we both are.”

We pull up to my parents’ house a little while later. Hurley and Nala find each other and run off to play as we head to the kitchen. My mom is throwing a salad together as we walk in.

“Emma! I’m so glad you could make it.” She comes around the island and gives her a big hug.

Smiling, Emma hugs her back and hands her the flowers. “Thank you so much for having me. These are for you.”

“Oh, they’re beautiful! I know just the vase I’m going to put them in. Thank you.” Turning to me, she gives me a big hug. “How’s my favorite son doing?”

“I’m your only son, Mom, but I know I’m your favorite child. Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” I wink at her.

“Now you know I couldn’t possibly choose a favorite between you three. Each one of you has my heart equally.” She beams at me. Looking between the two of us, she grins even more. “You two sure do look good together. I always wondered who would finally catch my son’s eye enough to bring her home to dinner. I’m happy he was so picky and waited all these years because I adore you already, Emma. You were worth the wait.”

Blushing from the compliment, Emma says, “I can’t believe I’m the first to ever come to a family dinner. How’s that even possible? I mean, look at him. He could have any girl he wanted in this town.”

“Oh, he’s had them lining up, but no one special enough for us to meet them, I guess,” my mom says, laughing.

“Are you two done talking about me, like I’m not even here? I can hear everything you’re saying, but Mom is right. I was waiting for someone special enough to bring over, and you were definitely worth the wait.” I meet Emma’s eyes.

Putting a hand to her heart, I hear my mom sigh. I see Bella rush into the kitchen, saving me from confessing any more feelings in front of my mom and embarrassing myself further.

“Emma, you’re here!” Bella grabs her in a huge hug, and they both laugh.

“I brought you your favorite wine. I thought we could have some with dinner.” Emma gives her the bottle of cabernet sauvignon.

“I knew we would be best friends.” She grabs Emma’s hand. “Let’s start now." Giggling, Emma follows her to get some glasses.

I walk to the fridge to grab a beer, “I’m going to head outside and help Dad with the grill. Are you good?” I ask Emma placing a hand on the small of her back.

“She’s good. I’ve got her. We’ll be out in a few after we help Mom in here and get our wine,” Bella says, waving me away. “Give us our girl time.”

Emma looks at me and smiles. “I’m good. I’ll be out in a second.” Leaning down, I give her a quick kiss before heading outside.

“Now tell us all about the day at the lighthouse, and don’t leave anything out. Well, except for any part that puts images of my brother in my head that I don’t want to imagine,” I hear Bella say as I leave. Laughing softly and shaking my head, I head to the grill to help my dad with the chicken.

Dad and I make small talk as he cooks the chicken on the grill while we sip our beers. “Mom told me that you were bringing Emma with you today.”

“I did. She’s in there with Mom and Bella havinggirl talk.I may never get her back.”

Laughing, Dad says, “So I take it that it’s going good with you two?”

“She’sitfor me, Dad. I’ve only known her for a couple of weeks, but it’s like we’ve known each other our whole lives.” I don’t want to get into the details. Bella and Mav knowing is enough.

“I get that. I knew from the moment I saw your mom that she was the one. We moved in together after knowing each other for three months, despite my parents thinking we were moving too fast, but when you know, you know. We were married a year later, and after three kids and close to thirty years of marriage, she still takes my breath away.”

“I just hope I’m not moving too fast for her. She’s been through a lot, and I don’t want to rush her. I just know I never want to let her go when I'm with her.”

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