Page 47 of Marrying Emma

They took the elevator down to the main floor. When they arrived, Marty reached for her hand and held it tightly. “Come on.” He tugged her in the direction of a set of double doors that led out into a well-landscaped area outside.

“Where are we going?”

“We’re taking the scenic route.” He gave her hand a squeeze. The air outside was warm, but Marty thought she might be more comfortable away from all the hospital sights and smells. Her shoulders lowered, and she released a long sigh as they paused at a large two-layer fountain positioned in the center of the garden. Marty didn’t let go of her hand. “I’m glad I’m getting to see you tonight, even if it isn’t exactly like I’d planned.” He turned to face her. “It’s gotten to where weekends are torture because I don’t get to talk to you.”

“I know.” She bit her lower lip and then swung her gaze to his. “I miss you, too.”

When Marty originally wanted to talk to her, he truly wanted to be in the same vicinity. To talk about their days. To see her face when she smiled. Being here with her now made him realize he wanted this every day. He wanted her in his life. And he needed to know if she felt even remotely the same way about him. But now wasn’t the time to ask. She was worried about her sister and anxious to meet her nephew. His job now was to help keep her company, and he’d soak up the time he spent with her in the meanwhile.

Emma dipped her free hand in the fountain. “Everything is about to change. Again.” She swirled her hand in the water then paused under the small waterfall coming from the top layer. “The baby. I can see Mom marrying Dale. They are all good changes, I know that. But still…” She thought for a moment and gave a dry laugh. “I guess that’s when it’s a good time to pull out my playlist, listen to that song you sent me, and remind myself to look forward instead of back.”

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You know that saying, ‘You can never go home’? I think it’s true. Because life changes and home is never quite the same as it was when you left it. But focusing on the future doesn’t mean you can’t treasure the memories of the past. It means you don’t dwell on what you wish you could change, or what you wish you could relive.”

“Focus on the future. I like that.”

Marty did too. He could see a whole future with her, but the question was, what did she see?

17

There was something about the warm little bundle in Emma’s arms that brought an instant wave of awe and love. Everything about her new nephew was perfect down to his tiny fingernails and the way his dark hair made little swirls on his head. She leaned in and placed a gentle kiss to his head.

When she looked up, she found everyone in the room smiling at her. Chrissy, who was in the hospital bed, looked exhausted but happy. Wyatt sat on the edge beside where he cradled his wife’s hand.

Mom had already taken a turn holding the baby, but she hovered nearby ready for another one. Meanwhile, Marty stood to the side and watched. Once Chrissy heard he’d stayed at the hospital to keep Emma and her mom company, she’d insisted he come back as well.

Emma’s face warmed. “What? If you think this means he has me wrapped around his little finger already…you’d be completely right.” Everyone laughed as she refocused on the baby. “Yes, sir. You’re going to have so much fun with your auntie.”

Mom cleared her throat. “So there’s one little problem. What are we supposed to call my grandson?”

Chrissy and Wyatt shared a private smile. Chrissy’s eyes teared up and she finally nudged Wyatt.

He stood, still cradling his wife’s hand. “We named our son Zachary Wyatt.”

Immediately, Emma’s own eyes swam with tears. She looked at Mom, who had placed a hand over her mouth and nodded.

“It’s beautiful,” Mom said with a watery smile. “I love it.”

Marty approached Emma and stopped at her side. “Zachary was your father’s name, wasn’t it?”

She nodded. “It’s perfect for this little guy.”

“Yeah, it is.” Marty touched the baby’s hand, and Zachary immediately wrapped his tiny fingers around Marty’s larger one.

As much as Emma wanted to hold the baby for eternity, it looked like Mom needed to cuddle her grandson, especially now that she knew whose namesake he was. She handed the baby over gently and took several photos with her phone before slipping it back into her pocket.

Wyatt, Chrissy, and Zachary made the perfect little family.

Emma’s heart clenched. She’d always been okay with not having a child of her own. She still was, given the risks involved on many levels. But right now, there was sadness in that realization as well.

Did Marty want kids? Would knowing that was something she’d never be able to give him—assuming their relationship progressed—be a deal breaker? They both deserved to know the answer to that before whatever this was went any further.

They all visited and admired the baby for a little longer before he started to fuss. Chrissy yawned, and Wyatt stood and reached for his son. “I think it’s about time our little man tried to eat, and my beautiful wife got some rest before my family stops by in a while.”

Hugs were given all around and soon Emma had walked with Mom and Marty back to the main floor of the hospital. Mom smiled at them, looking blissful but tired. “I’m going to go to the restroom. I’ll meet you guys at the car.”

Emma agreed and walked with Marty outside. Chrissy’s labor had progressed quickly, especially for a first baby, but it was still nearly four in the morning.

They stopped at her car. Marty cleared his throat and leaned against it, his hands in his pockets. “I’m glad everything went well. They sure seem happy.”

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