Page 53 of Marrying Emma

“Do you see Marty as less than a man because he lost his leg?”

“Absolutely not.” She never had.

“Then why do you assume he thinks less of you because of your health challenges?”

And there it was. That punch to the gut that had Emma grasping for emotional balance.

Wyatt softened his voice. “You’re not giving him enough credit. Or yourself, either, for that matter.”

She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Yeah, I get what you’re saying.”

Wyatt gave her arm a squeeze. “We’re praying for you. And if you need to talk, you have Chrissy’s number.”

He laughed then. “You can totally tell her she owes you.”

“Believe me, I will.” Emma smiled back at him. “I do have a question for you, though.”

He slipped his hands into his pockets. “Shoot.”

“Marty invited me to attend his church. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings after Mom and Chrissy have asked me to go to yours…”

He was already shaking his head, a smile on his face. “Not possible, Emma. I think that’s a fabulous idea, and I know everyone else would agree.”

“Okay, then.” She remembered Caleb and Marty telling her about the barbecue at their church on Saturday. At the time, there’d been no way she was going to go. But now…

Wyatt held a hand toward her. “Here’s to leaving the emotionally-charged conversations to my wife.”

“Agreed. Though you’re not a horrible substitute. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone else.” She shook his hand with a grin.

“Deal. Let’s go find those files.”

19

Emma turned into the crowded parking lot at one of the local parks. This had to be the place where Sunrise Community Church was having their barbecue. She glanced at the large envelope on the passenger seat. Hopefully she would have a chance to talk to Marty later. She grabbed a foil-wrapped plate and got out of the car.

A covered area was bordered on one side by four grills, all smoking as the smell of cooking hamburgers and hot dogs filled the air. Emma’s stomach growled in response.

Families milled around the covered area visiting with each other. The nearby playground was busy with kids climbing and sliding. On the other side, people were throwing footballs and baseballs on the large, grassy field while children chased each other with Nerf guns.

Emma clutched the paper plate of chocolate chip cookies in her hands. With this many people, maybe she should’ve brought more to share.

She tried to ignore the rising nerves as she scanned the people in front of her.

“Emma?” She spun to find Caleb smiling at her. “Hey! I’m glad you made it.” He reached out and gave her a side hug. “It’s been weird at the gym without you. How’s the new job?”

“It’s good, thanks. It’s taking some getting used to, and my brother-in-law’s filing system has been interesting, but the change has been good.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Did you find someone to replace me? I was hoping it wouldn’t take you too long.”

“I did.” Caleb started walking towards the covered area. “I actually ended up hiring two people part time. It’s working out fine.”

“That’s good. I regretted leaving you in a lurch like that.”

“Hey, when an opportunity comes up like the one your sister offered, you don’t want to turn it down. I trust she and the baby are doing well?”

“They are. I got to hold Zachary for a while this morning.” Emma smiled at the memory.

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