Page 100

She smiles, but it dims a little as my mother approaches.
“Emilia,” she says lowly.
“Mrs. Harrington. How have you been?”
“I’ve been quite well, thank you. I’m even better now thanks to the good news you’ve brought.”
Emilia and I exchange a quick look. And then she’s smiling widely.
“I’m sorry I kept your granddaughter away from you.”
“It’s alright, sweetheart. She’s here now. Also, not to sound old-fashioned or anything, but when do the two of you plan to get married?”
I notice Emilia’s eyes growing wide. I open my mouth to reply to her, but Spencer beats me to it, walking into the room with Carson in tow. Those two have grown suspiciously close in the past three days.
“Mother, you can’t say ‘not to sound old fashioned’ and then follow up with the most old-fashioned statement ever,” he points out.
I chuckle. “He’s right. We’re going to take things slow, Mom. But I have no doubt that we’ll get there.”
When I glance at Emilia, there’s not an ounce of disapproval on her face. Only a content, happy smile I’m hoping I get to keep on her face for the rest of her life.
“What are you thinking?” I ask Carson later that day.
We’re seated at the bar, having a long overdue conversation.
“I’m contemplating punching you in the face,” he replies to no surprise at all.
“Want me to stand in place? Let you get in a really good shot?” I ask.
He makes a face. “I don’t need you to stand in place before I can punch you, dickhead.”
“You sure?” I say teasingly.
“Shut up,” he mutters. “This shit isn’t funny.”
I sigh. “I know it’s not. And I’m sorry. I did exactly what you said I’d do. I hurt her.”
He glances at me. “She hurt you, too. I guess that’s what relationships are all about, huh? People hurting each other?”
“Maybe,” I agree. “But I’m going to actively work toward never hurting Emilia again. She’s it for me, Carson. I want to start a family with her.”
“That’s good, Ster. I’m happy for you both. And I wish you all the happiness. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but I was a pretty big advocate when it came to her telling you the truth.”
“I’ve heard,” I say drily.
“Remember that when you ever want to question our friendship.”
“That’ll never happen,” I assure my best friend.
I’m grateful I have him in my life. I’m grateful our friendship led me to the woman of my dreams. But who knows, maybe Emilia and I would have found each other regardless.
“I actually wanted to talk to you about something else,” I tell Carson.
“What?”
“Has Emilia ever told you about her stepfather?”
He frowns. “Yeah, she’s briefly mentioned the deadbeat our mother got married to. Why?”