Page 45 of Marrying Emma

“Okay, that’s TMI, Mom.” But Emma couldn’t help but laugh. It was nice to see Mom happy. “I’m thrilled things are working out between you two.”

Mom put an arm around Emma and gave her a hug. “Thanks, Em. Me, too.” She raised an eyebrow expectantly. “And how did your day go with Marty?”

Right on cue, the rain fell harder outside pelting the windows with large drops.

“We got Marty’s kitchen painted. It looks much better. He and Caleb taught me how to play a racing game on his gigantic projection screen. Seriously, it’s like having a movie screen in your home.” Her mind went back over the amazing kiss she’d shared with Marty and their conversation later in the evening and tears again sprang to her eyes. Ugh, why did she have to be so emotional?

Mom’s smile morphed into a frown of concern. “Did something happen? Did Marty do something?”

“No. Nothing like that. He was great.” She took in a steadying breath. “I just…I can’t talk about it right now. Do me a favor, huh?”

“Anything. You know that.”

“Pray for me.” Simply asking that took a lot, and Mom clearly knew not to take it lightly.

Instead of peppering Emma with questions, Mom simply nodded. “I will do that.” A sound from the skillet had her rushing to the stove to quickly stir the scrambled eggs. “I’m always here if you need to talk.”

“I know, Mom. Thank you.”

Conversation was easy during breakfast as they chatted about the coming baby, Mom’s next date with Dale, and the potentially bad weather this afternoon. Once they’d finished, Mom got ready and headed for church leaving Emma to wash dishes in quiet.

She was drying her hands when her phone pinged. She took it out of her pocket to read a text from Marty.

“Thinking about you today and keeping you in my prayers. I heard this song, and it made me think of you.”

Another ping announced a link to a YouTube video by singer John Schlitt. The song, titled “Don’t Look Back” began playing as soon as she clicked on it.

The words immediately struck a chord inside her, but it was the chorus that had her holding her breath. As the words unfurled, reminding her that she couldn’t look to the future if she was haunted by the past, she knew it was true. Today is a new day. Don’t look back.

If only it were that easy. She wanted it to be. What was she supposed to do now?

She hadn’t realized her tears had returned until they raced down her cheeks, giving the rain on the window a run for its money. How was it possible for any one person to cry this much?

* * *

Marty checkedhis phone more often through Sunday than he wanted to admit. He’d debated whether to send the link to that song or not. Once he did, peace overran the doubt. But he sure wished Emma would text him back. Had she received the link? Did the song mean something to her, or had he only caused her more pain?

He attended church then went home and tried everything from playing video games to watching a movie to get his mind off Emma.

It was no use. He finally gave in and sent her another text. He wanted to ask her if she was okay, but decided keeping it casual was better.

“Are you as sore today as I am? Class tomorrow is going to be brutal.”

A response came within minutes.

“Seriously. Remind me not to paint your kitchen again.”She followed the text with a winking emoji.

Marty chuckled.“No worries. That kitchen is staying this color until the place falls down.”

“That’s a relief.”

It seemed to be an end to their little conversation. Marty was trying to figure out what to text next when his phone rang. Her name came on the screen and he answered it before it had a chance to ring a second time. “Hey. I’m glad you called.”

“Hey.” There was a short pause. “Thanks for the song you sent. I added it to my favorite playlist.”

“You’re welcome. I listen to it on a regular basis. I think we all need that reminder sometimes.” He wished they were talking in person so he could see her face.

“I need to figure out how to move forward, Marty. I’ve been frozen in place for a long time.” Her voice caught.

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