Page 18 of Switching Places

Except when compared to Logan Beckett. Disliking the trend of her thoughts, she spoke again.

“I’m very fond of David. But I told him I needed to think it over. After all, marriage is a big step. I want to make sure I know what I’m doing.”

Emma heard the sigh across the lines.

“Honey, if you have to think it over, that ought to give you a hint of what your answer should be. I had no hesitation when Gerald asked me.”

“How about when Dad asked?”

“None there, either. But I think the relationship I’ve built with Gerald is far more substantial than what I had with your father,” Peggy said dryly. “You know we’ve been happily married for sixteen years.”

“And what you and Gerald have is what I want. David is sweet and dependable like Gerald.”

“Yes he is, and has a good solid profession that would always provide a steady income, also like Gerald. With your father it was always feast or famine. Of course, lately I understand it’s been a steady feast, for which I’m glad for him. It’s your decision, honey. I could mention Stacey was with him when he stopped by.”

“Stacey? His hygienist?”

Emma asked, puzzled. She’d seen Stacey many times when she’d stopped by for David. The woman worked two days a week. Plump and shy, she’d scarcely said four words to Emma in the years she’d known her.

“She just got back from a vacation and looks stunning.”

“Stacey?”

“Apparently she spent her vacation at some health farm and lost a ton of weight, got her hair cut, new clothes. She looked really pretty yesterday.”

“Mom, I’m detecting a drift to this conversation. If I think I’m going to accept David’s proposal, I’d better get home and defend my man, right?”

Peggy laughed.

“No, if he wants to marry you, he’ll still want that no matter how many beautiful women come through his office. I’m just catching you up on the news.”

“Right. How are Gerald and the kids?”

“The boys are up to their tricks again. Kari is going to spend the night this weekend at a slumber party at Marybeth’s. And you know your brothers, they are threatening to show up and wreak havoc. I think Gerald’s planning to take them camping. I’d like to have a night to myself.”

“Sounds great. Give everyone my love. I’ll be home before long.”

“Enjoy your stay there, darling. And give Lily my love. Tell her we wish she’d come to visit.”

“Mom, she knows that.”

“Then why doesn’t she come?”

“I don’t know. I’ll work on it. Talk again soon. Bye.”

Chapter Six

Emma hung up the phone, a feeling of homesickness sweeping her. Three days gone from home and she missed her family. Life in California might prove more exciting, but it was only temporary. She couldn’t imagine living alone like Lily relying on email and Facetime to keep in touch. Not seeing their mother for years on end, not being a part of her brothers’ and sister’s lives. It seemed a bit lonely to Emma.

Maybe life in the fast lane wasn’t the perfect existence. There was a lot to be said for home and family and love.

Emma called Garcia’s during the afternoon and talked to the hostess. Having a good idea of appropriate dress, she scanned the colorful array in her sister’s closet. Choosing a bright turquoise dress, she found strappy high heels that went with it. She took her time getting ready, anticipation and trepidation warring within as she thought about the night ahead.

Refusing to continue kissing on the beach was one thing, she thought as she wiped away the smear from her mascara with nervous hands, but the truth of the matter was, she couldn’t forget the kiss. His words hovered in the air between them. She had participated. Had wanted more, though she couldn’t admit that to Logan.

And it wasn’t as if he wantedher, Emma Carter. Logan thought he was attracted to her sister.

How would he feel if he discovered she’d tricked him? He’d already commented about disliking liars.

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