Page 35 of Spit Screen

“Well, it is.”

“Mm-hm. What about actors who alsowrite?” she challenges me.

“You are versatile.”

I’m stunned when Emma climbs on top of me. She raises a brow in the fading light and cups my breast.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

“Showing you myversatility,” she replies before descending my body like a cat stalking unsuspecting prey.

“Oh, dear God,” I whisper and grab the sheets.

“Let’s see ifyoucan manage to play a role inmysilent film,” Emma says.

I bite my lip and hear her chuckle. One thing is for certain: Emma has mastered love scenes. Yep. She’sversatile.

CHAPTER SIX

emma

FRIDAY

When I put my unusually hyperactive kids in the car for school this morning, I considered writing a preemptive apology letter to their teachers. Everyone was excited about Tamara and Christie’s arrival. I thought it’d be better not to let the kids in on the surprise thateveryonewould be waiting for them when they got home from school. Hopefully, if they think they have to wait until after dinner to see everyone, they can sit still for at least a little while. Who am I kidding? I’ll be lucky if I don’t get a call to pick up Vicki before lunchtime. The thought makes me laugh out loud.

“It’s been a while since you had afullhouse,” my mother says.

“Mom, my house isalwaysfull.”

“Oh, you always have yourhandsfull, I know that. But you know what I mean.”

I shrug. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“I can tell.”

I’m sure most people would think I’m crazy. Our house is about to welcome four extra adults and three more childrenunder ten. By tomorrow, my brother and his family will be with us, too. It doesn’t bother me. I enjoy having a house full of people. I will admit a softer decibel level would sometimes be welcome. The great thing about our family is everyone is hands-on. No one abdicates responsibility to help, whether wrangling hyperactive kids, manning the grill, cleaning a scraped knee, or picking up after a meal—everyone pitches in. I admit the prep is a lot of work. Mom and I have been cooking for two days. But Addy and my dad have been a tremendous help in keeping the kids occupied.

Addison peeks into the kitchen. “Hey.”

“Hi, love.”

“Dad and I are about to take Noah to pick up Hannah. We’ll take them to the pond until it’s time for Vicki to come home.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to be here?” Emma asked. “Dad can handle the kids.”

“Yeah, hecan. But given Hannah and Vicki’s excitement, I think an extra pair of hands might help.”

I chuckle. “Probably so.”

My mom chimes in. “I’ll pick Vicki up this afternoon,” she offers. “We can meet you at our house and then you can bring the kids home.”

“Are you sure?” Addison asks.

“Unless Emma needs me to stay,” Mom says.

“No,” I reply. “I think this is the last batch of baking for the day. I plan to take a long, hot bath before the masses arrive.” I look at Addison. “Unless you would rather I go with Dad.”

“No. You stay here and spend some time with Tam and Christie.”

---