Page 67 of Beaten

Emily hugged her. “Thanks.”

“Love you girl.” Ashley hugged her back.

“Love you too.”

AJ said his goodbyes before walking Ashley to her car so they could say goodbye privately. Then he had to go to the Taylor’s, he’d volunteered for the afternoon shift, joking that he’d rather earn holiday pay than be a fifth wheel with us all day. I didn’t care why he was doing it; I was just glad we didn’t have to ask someone to cancel their holiday plans. We understood how hard it was for cops on the holidays because we’d lived it. They rarely had them off, and valued the few they could spend with their families and friends. Dad and I worked more holidays than we had off when we were cops, and with Madi, Jack and Jaden serving in the military, let’s just say our family was used to celebrating the holidays when schedules allowed.I don’t think we’ve had a holiday dinner with all of us in the same room in over a decade.

“Emily, can we talk for a few minutes?” I wanted to clear the air between us.

“Yeah, sure.” She looked nervous, so I put her at ease by taking her hand and leading her to the couch. We had an open floor plan so we wouldn’t have complete privacy, but it was better, less distracting, than talking to her in mybedroom. Thankfully, Jack and Meg took the unspoken hint and went on the porch to look through wedding magazines.

“I’m sorry for what I said last night.” She started to speak, but I wasn’t done. “Please let me finish. I don’t think you’re a mistake. I don’t think we’re a mistake. And I sure as hell don’t think kissing you was a mistake.” Emily’s eyes rounded as they glossed over.

“I thought I was being disrespectful to you by groping you against the wall. We haven’t even gone on a date and I was ready to rip your clothes off and take your right then and there.” I hadn’t intended to be so blunt but I couldn’t take it back, so I continued. “That’s the part that was a mistake. Being disrespectful.” I squeezed her hands. “But you deserve better than that.”

I reached over and wiped away the single tear rolling down her cheek. “I’m not sorry I stopped, but I am sorry for hurting you with my careless words.”

“I forgive you. Can you forgive me for over-reacting?” I didn’t think she needed to apologize but it was easier to accept it and move on.

“Forgiven.” I released her hands. I needed to stay professional. For now. No matter how difficult it might be.

“Thank you.” Her smile turned my insides to mush.

It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this. We talked for over an hour before I heard her stomach rumble softly.

“Want to order a pizza and watch a movie?”

“You don’t have to order pizza,” she smiled shyly, “I’m not very hungry and don’t mind having leftovers again.” Her stomach growled louder.

She might not have minded, but I didn’t want leftovers again. Guessing she wouldn’t argue if I got Jack and Meg involved, I texted Jack asked him what they wanted on their pizza.

They were laughing as they walked into the kitchen. Jack asked, “Dude, did you just text me from the living room?”

I shrugged. “It was faster and easier.”

“I want all the cheese.” Of course she did, Meg always wanted extra cheese on her pizza. Sometimes she’d get pepperoni too, but mostly just cheese.

Jack said he didn’t care, “as long as there’s meat.”

“Em, anything you don’t like?”

“I’m good with all the cheese.” She quoted Meg.

I ordered two pizzas, one supreme and one with extra cheese.

Emily asked Meg about the wedding plans while we ate. Meg practically glowed as she gave Emily all the details. Jack smiled, nodded, and agreed as needed.

“We’re having a small ceremony here in the back yard. I want lots of fall colored flowers. Other than that, I’m not too picky. We’re keeping it small and simple.” Meg didn’t know Jack had always wanted a big traditional wedding, but Meg didn’t have any family, so Jack had embraced the idea of a smaller one. He said the size wasn’t nearly as important as making sure his future wife felt comfortable at her own wedding.Good man. Meg was doing most of the planning, but Jack had a few non-negotiables: having the family pastor marry them, and having the food and open bar catered, so no one had to work that day. Meg was happy to agree.

After eating, I told Emily to pick a movie, and thanks to Meg, we now had a female friendly selection of movies for Emily to choose from. She picked a romantic comedy, then fell asleep a few minutes after it started. I didn’t last much longer.

I woke up when I heard Jack come into the living room to shut off the TV. Half asleep, I didn’t realize Emily was leaning against me until it was too late, and I woke her up when I moved. She sat up with a start and gave a little yelp when she realized she wasn’t in her bed.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

“No need to apologize. I fell asleep too.”

She looked around the room, noticing it was dark outside. “It’s late, I should go home.”

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