Page 79 of Love's Cure

“Look at me, Crystal,” said Emmett quietly. “I’m in love with you. I have no intention of our relationship going anywhere but forward. I’ve tried to show you how I felt.”

Crystal liked the way he was gently gripping her shoulders as he earnestly stared at her. She tried to find the right words. “I let her get to me, remind me of other humiliating experiences with your family,” she said. “But, Emmett, I’ve fallen for you too.”

He drew her to him and hugged her tightly. “We can’t let my family ruin what we have,” he murmured before tilting her chin and lifting her face to his.

His lips came down on hers firmly, and as they kissed, she opened her lips to his tongue and felt her body weaken with need. She wanted him pure and simple.

When they pulled apart, they stared at one another, and she met Emmett’s smile with her own.

“I want you in my life,” said Emmett. “Stay with me on this. We know it’s what we both want. Will you trust me?”

Crystal heard the plea in his voice and nodded.

“I hope you’ll help me with my mother,” Emmett said. “It’s time for her to get professional help, but I don’t know how to go about getting her to see that.”

“At some point, I’m going to suggest going to some Al-Anon meetings for you, but for now you need to understand that the choice for professional help has to be hers to make. You can, however, encourage her.”

“Your mother didn’t make the choice?”

Crystal shook her head. “She couldn’t get off the drugs, much less the alcohol.”

“I know this is a big ask, but will you accompany me to visit my mother? You’ll know the right thing to say, help me keep it under control.”

“My presence might upset her,” said Crystal, unwilling to be caught in the middle of the situation unless he promised to support her.

“I’m going to take care of any bad behavior,” said Emmett, wrapping an arm around her. “Don’t worry. I’ll have your back.”

“Okay. This will be the biggest test of all for us,” said Crystal.

“I’ve got you,” said Emmett.

“When are you going to see her?” asked Crystal.

Emmett checked his watch. “In forty-five minutes. Why don’t we walk for a while before heading back?”

“Okay. I always feel at peace here.” She gazed up at the seagulls swirling above them. “The birds, the water lapping against the shore, and the salty smell of the air are reminders of all the best things in the world. How lucky we are to have them.”

“How lucky I am to be with you,” Emmett said, hugging her. His turquoise eyes shone with love. “Now that we’ve agreed to move forward, where do you see us in a year or so?”

“I see us together. We’re in Lilac Lake and we’re going to get married.”

“We’ve already talked about children,” he said. “We don’t want to wait.”

“I agree,” said Crystal. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot.”

Emmett's eyes rounded with surprise. Then he smiled impishly at her. “Are you saying we should get married right away?”

Crystal laughed nervously. “Sooner rather than later. But we need enough time to figure out a lot of things.” She couldn’t hide her excitement.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” said Emmett, brushing his lips across hers.

“Hey! Get a room!” said one of two teenage boys marching by them carrying a frisbee.

“God! That sounds like a great idea,” said Emmett, pulling away and laughing. “How long will you be staying in Ogunquit?”

“The show ends in seven days. I’m staying here with Jerry and Lance. Misty is handling the Café for me, and I want to give her a chance to prove to herself that she can do it.”

“Well, when you’re back in town, there’s something I want to show you at my house.”

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