Page 110 of Emma

Emma accepted it with a small laugh. “Seems like she’s right. Thank you.”

They moved into the living room, where Freya was already on the couch, tugging off her boots and launching into a recap of the market for Carmen and Ben. Emma sat on the edge of an armchair, listening, her hands warming around the mug.

“So,” Carmen began. “I guess Christmas markets are your new thing each year then…”

“I really hope so. Emma bought us sugared donuts, and they were so good. I’ll have to buy you some with my pocket money next time we’re at the seaside. Emma says they sell them there, too.”

“I’d like that.” Carmen tweaked Freya’s nose, then turned to Emma. “Did she behave herself for you?”

“Oh, yeah. No bother at all.” Emma sipped her hot chocolate and winked in Freya’s direction. “Even with all the sugar she consumed.”

Ben settled onto the couch beside Freya and nudged her. “She does have a sweet tooth.”

“Mm. Same here.” Emma’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She quickly took it out, smiling when she saw a message from Vanessa. She would reply to it once she was back in the car. “Freya mentioned that you’re the master when it comes to red cabbage, Carmen.”

“I… Yes. I wanted to offer to bring it, but I didn’t want you to feel obliged to say yes.” Carmen dipped her gaze to the coffee table. “Is there anything at all we can bring?”

“Other than yourself, I’m going to say yes to the red cabbage.”

“With or without shredded apple?”

Emma turned her attention to Freya. “What do you think, kiddo? Apple or not?”

“Apple. It tastes really good with apple.”

“Then it’s decided. Red cabbage with apple shall be added to the menu.” Emma finished her hot chocolate, licking her lips as she lowered it and smiled. “I should head off before my wife thinks I’ve been kidnapped.”

“Oh! Wait one minute, please. I had something to show you.” Freya darted upstairs before Emma had the chance to respond.

When the coast was clear, Emma looked between Carmen and Ben. “I just wanted to say thanks for agreeing to come over for Christmas. It really does mean a lot.”

Ben leaned forward, lowering his hot chocolate to the coffee table and resting his elbows on his knees. “She’s been buzzing about it since you asked. She keeps telling us she finally has a ‘proper’ family like her friends at school.”

Emma’s heart clenched at that. “I want her to feel like she has a family around her. I want her to know she belongs with all of us.Always.”

Carmen’s expression softened further. “She’s beginning to feel it. I know she is.”

“Good. That’s all I can ask for. I didn’t think we’d be this far along when it came to progress, but you’ve both done a great job with her, and she’s a pleasure to spend time with. Really.” Emma rose to her feet and draped her scarf around her neck. “Do either of you have any allergies I should know about?”

“No, nothing,” Ben said, “But I was wondering how you’re fixed for gravy? I’d be happy to step up in that department.”

Emma laughed with relief. “Vanessa will bethrilledto hand the gravy over to someone else. My wife isthecalmest person I know, especially when things are a bit hectic, but Christmas gravy…” Emma shook her head. “I swear she’s possessed.”

Freya came flying back down the stairs, waving a set of folded tartan pyjamas with a grin. “What do you think?”

Emma couldn’t hold back her smile. “Those are perfect.”

“Kay. What size are you?”

“Oh, um…a medium?” Emma wrapped a hand around the back of her neck. “Why?”

Freya turned to Carmen. “Can you take me to the place we got these from so I can buy Emma and Vanessa a pair, please?”

Carmen smiled. “Of course.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.” Emma didn’t want her little sister forking out for pyjamas. And she didn’t want Carmen and Ben to either. “Where did you get them, and I’ll pick them up tomorrow…”

“Please, can I?” Freya asked, pouting in a way that Emma often did around Vanessa. Damn, she was in trouble here. “Please, please…”