Page 85 of Moonlight Feels Right
"Thank goodness. So, you're going to be okay?"
"Better than okay," her mother said, a cautious smile forming. "I already feel more clear-headed just knowing what's wrong. The doctor says the brain fog I've been experiencing was probably from the thyroid issue."
"That's wonderful news. Your future is looking bright."
"I'm beginning to feel that way." Her mother paused, then gave her a speculative look. "How's your future looking these days, Emmy?"
"Uncertain," she admitted.
"Because of Hunter?"
"Yes. I don't know what to do about him," she said with a sigh. "Things are complicated. If he passes his tests, he'll go back to active duty. He'll be reassigned, maybe deployed. He's a military man, who will always be leaving, and I can't handle that kind of relationship."
"Because he wouldn't be putting you first," her mother said with a surprising amount of insight. "And you've already been hurt so badly by someone who couldn't do that."
"You could have done it; you just didn't," she said, the accusation slipping past her lips before she could stop it. But maybe she'd kept her mouth shut for too long.
Her mother stiffened, but she took the hit. "I'm sorry, Emmy. You're right. I could have acted differently. I didn't have the courage to do that."
"No, you didn't. But what you did isn't influencing my decisions now." Even as she said the words, she wondered if that was true. Maybe subconsciously she was avoiding being hurt because she didn't want to feel abandoned as she had before.
"I hope that's true," her mom said. "Because I would hate to think you're missing out on something special because of me."
"Whatever I decide isn't going to be about you."
"Fair enough. I just want you to be happy, Emmy."
"I want the same for you. Obviously, our relationship is going to be a work in progress, but I'm glad we get a chance to do that work."
"Me, too."
"I was thinking we might take a walk along the beach," Linda interjected. "Now that we know we're safe from Jeremy and the others, and your mother is feeling better, there's no reason not to get out. It would be nice, don't you both think? The sand in our toes, the wind in our face, the sun on our heads…"
Her aunt had been trying to bring them together for so long that she didn't have the heart to say she was tired.
"It does sound nice," she said. It would also be a way to postpone going back to Ocean Shores, which had once been her peaceful place but now seemed fraught with emotion.
Hunter flopped down on his couch just after seven on Wednesday night. He was so exhausted he wasn't sure he could get back up again. The grueling combat fitness tests had pushed him to his limit. Somehow, he'd made it through. Taking out his phone, he texted Emmalyn. He hadn't talked to her in two days, and it felt like forever.
Just got home, he texted. Are you around?
She answered almost immediately. Just got back from seeing my aunt and my mom. How did your day go?
Instead of texting her back, he called her.
"Hi," she said. "How were the tests?"
"They were rough. Harder than I expected."
"Did you pass?" she asked, a wary note in her sweet voice.
"I did. My numbers weren't as good as my last tests, but good enough."
"You're only going to get stronger."
"I would think so," he agreed. "How was your day? How's your mom?"
"My day was fine. My mom has two very treatable conditions, which is great news, so with medication, a better diet, and more sleep, she should improve quickly."
