Page 15 of Marrying Emma

Conversation floated around the table. Marty mostly listened to stories about therapies at Joyful Hope Stables. It sounded like a great place, and he made a mental note to drop by and visit one day soon. Especially when he saw how passionate Emma seemed to be about it, as well.

Chrissy looked across the table at her little sister. “When is your cardiology appointment next week?” Emma shot her a look that made Chrissy mouth, “Sorry!”

Marty glanced at Emma and waited for her to reply.

“First thing on Tuesday.” She shrugged. “It should be routine.”

“Do you want me to go with you?” Mrs. Laughlin asked.

Emma immediately shook her head. “Nah, I’m good. Thanks, Mom. Although I’ll probably drive my car that day since I’m going into San Antonio.” She kept her gaze on her plate. For whatever reason, talking about her appointment was making Emma uncomfortable and in need of a rescue.

Marty patted his left thigh. “I have a lot of appointments, as well. They usually consist of a long list of the same questions that I have to answer each time.” He shrugged. “I guess they like to be thorough.”

Emma nodded. “Exactly.” She offered him a small smile. “They get old, but I understand they’re necessary.”

Chrissy and Wyatt looked confused, so Marty shared about his amputation. More from a medical standpoint, since he didn’t like to go into details about the accident.

While they talked about therapies, Marty observed the sisters. They had matching noses and their eyes were the same shape as their mom’s. Otherwise, there were more differences than similarities.

Where Chrissy’s hair was short and dark brown with pink strands on one side, Emma’s was long and blonde. He wasn’t familiar with signs indicating whether a woman dyed her hair or not, but between Emma’s complexion and green eyes, and the fact she didn’t seem to wear makeup, he was willing to bet the hair was her natural color.

Chrissy seemed to be at ease directing conversations and making sure everyone was included. Emma definitely took a back seat, though not in a bad way. He suspected the sisters were opposite in a lot of other mannerisms and complimented each other growing up. They seemed to be close.

Overall, Chrissy resembled their mother. It had Marty wondering what their father looked like, and if Emma took after him. He’d make a point in seeing if there were any family photos in the living room later.

While he didn’t speak to his parents more than a few times a month now, Marty still couldn’t imagine growing up without a father. Observing the women around him, he had to give Mrs. Laughlin a lot of credit. She’d done well raising two girls on her own. Especially given the number of challenges they’d faced as a family.

Chrissy and Wyatt were talking about the baby, although Marty wasn’t sure when the change in topic had happened. He made a point of paying attention to the conversation.

Chrissy ran a hand over her belly and stared at the half-eaten burger on her plate. “It still amazes me that I can be starving to death yet have little room in there for food.” She exchanged a look with Wyatt. “I won’t know what to do when I can eat a whole meal again after this little guy gets here.”

“Emma mentioned you were having a boy. That’s exciting,” Marty said with a smile. He looked at Mrs. Laughlin. “I’ll bet it’ll be nice to have your grandson living close by.”

Mrs. Laughlin nodded. “I’m thankful for that. I can’t wait to spoil him.” She had that look of pride in her eyes.

Wyatt reached for his wife’s hand and held it gently in his own. “It’s been a difficult road, but we’re blessed to be here now.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

Conversation was easy for the next twenty minutes until Mrs. Laughlin announced it was time for dessert. She suggested Marty and Emma make themselves comfortable in the living room. Chrissy volunteered to help her get everything while Wyatt excused himself to the backyard to make sure the grill was turned off and everything cleaned up.

Marty wasn’t sure whether it’d been done on purpose or not, but he welcomed the few moments he had alone with Emma. He joined her on the worn sofa. “Did I miss something earlier with the baby?”

Emma nodded. “Chrissy had a miscarriage last year. It was earlier in the pregnancy, but it’s made this one more stressful than it should be. Losing that baby was difficult on them. On all of us.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Sympathy rolled through Marty. He couldn’t imagine losing a child, no matter how young. “I’ll be keeping them in my prayers for a safe delivery.”

“I appreciate that.” Emma’s gaze locked with his for several heartbeats, her green eyes studying him. Searching for something. “Do you have siblings?”

“No. I always wished I did.” He shrugged. “My parents said I was enough of a handful all on my own.”

Amusement glimmered in her eyes. “And were you?”

“Most definitely.” He laughed. “My parents are super independent and raised me the same way. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, but here we are.”

“Do they live in the area?”

“No, they moved to Miami three years ago or so. Decided they wanted the tropical climate and have loved it ever since.” At the time, Marty doubted they were serious. But once they moved, they never looked back.

“Have you considered moving there to be closer to them?”

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