Page 55 of Marrying Emma

With a slow exhale, she began to pull a stack of papers from the large envelope. “These are all of my medical and credit card bills.” It wasn’t an inconsequential pile. “Most are from the hospital, but they also include bills from my cardiologist, medications, and therapies.” She set them on the cushion between them.

He glanced at the papers and back at her. “Okay…”

“You should look at the numbers.” Her cheeks reddened. “Actually, I went through last night and added everything up. Maybe that’s easier, anyway.” She cringed as she handed him a printed spreadsheet.

Her gaze bore into him as he took in the total. He hadn’t known what to expect, but it was more than he’d imagined. Even still, it wouldn’t be a problem for him to pay them all. “Why are you showing this to me?”

“Because it only seems fair. Full disclosure and all that. At least now you know what kind of debt I come with.”

Marty fought not to smile at her comment. He stood again. “I’ll be right back.” He retrieved his checkbook from the other room, sat again, and handed it to her with the latest register page open. “Here’s my savings account.” Her eyes widened when she took in the number. “Now you know what kind of money I come with.”

Emma’s hand shook when she handed it back to him. “Like I told you before, I can never have kids.”

“I’m okay with that.”

“And if you ever change your mind?” She angled her body toward him.

“Then adoption is a possibility. I always wished I had a sibling. Maybe we could adopt a sibling group that would otherwise be placed in separate homes.”

“You have an answer for everything.” She shook her head as though she couldn’t quite believe him. Her cheeks turned pink again. “I have a horribly ugly scar that goes all the way from here…” she touched her sternum below the collar of her shirt “…to here.” Her finger stopped above her navel.

Marty chuckled and lifted his left leg. “Honey, it seems we’re two of a kind on that count.” He picked up the papers, placed them on the coffee table, and shifted closer to her. “I feel like we’re in the middle of negotiations to buy a small country or something.” He reached over and tucked several strands of hair behind one ear. “What’s this about?”

She lifted her chin, her green eyes brimming with emotion. “I’m in love with you, too. I have been for a while, even if I haven’t wanted to admit it to myself.”

His heart soared at the words he’d been praying to hear. “Emma…”

She put a hand up to stop him. “I want to make sure you know about everything. In case any of it is a deal breaker.”

The woman had no idea how absolutely adorable she was right now. “Not possible. And do you know why?”

“Why?” her voice sounded breathless.

“Because you, honey, are everything I’ve ever hoped and prayed for and more.” He slipped his hand into her hair at the base of her neck, his thumb brushing against her ear. “I love you.”

“I love you more.”

Marty leaned in for a sweet kiss full of promise. He smiled against her lips and pulled back a little. “I think we’ve gone over just about everything there is to talk about. Does this mean, if I were to propose in the near future, you might say yes?”

Emma chuckled. “There’s a good chance of that.”

“Oh, really?” He kissed her again.

This time she was the one who leaned away. “I need you to promise me one thing.”

“Anything.”

“You won’t be offended if I never want to ride on your motorcycle again.”

Marty tipped his head back and laughed. “Honey, I’ll sell the bike tomorrow.” He gently tugged her into his arms. “Everything I need is right here.”

Epilogue

Six Months Later

Chrissy slipped another sprig of baby’s breath into Emma’s curls. When she’d first suggested the flowers, Emma hadn’t been sold on the look, especially since she didn’t want to put all of her hair up. Instead, Chrissy pulled part of it back. Between that clasp and the curls, she’d easily placed the tiny flowers around that section of Emma’s hair. Examining her reflection in the mirror, Emma gasped. They added the perfect amount of elegance.

“I think you missed your calling as a hairdresser.”

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