by Judith Keim
Em hung up the phone, grateful she and Devin could talk about anything. In the last few months he’d become the best friend she’d ever had.
The days trotted ahead with no relief in sight. June was full of long, hard days for her. The idea that she would see Devin soon kept her spirits up when she dragged herself home sweaty and dirty from working with the crew of AAA Landscaping. She’d hoped to have her own patio rebuilt by the time July first rolled around, but it hadn’t happened yet, and with her days so busy, she realized it probably wouldn’t.
The flower shop kept pace with Em’s busy schedule. Though she still kept tabs on what was happening there, she quickly learned how much of a help Bart had become. She observed Gran and Bart together with amusement as he took on a greater role. They bickered like an old married couple.
“Guess Bart is doing a good job,” Em said, one evening. “I haven’t heard you complain about him in a while, and you don’t call him a pirate anymore.”
“No. Actually he’s quite the gentleman. He even invited me to dinner one night.”
“And?”
“And he’s a good cook.”
“I see,” said Em, knowing for a fact that Gran had now gone to dinner at his house at least three times, usually on a Saturday night after the store closed.
###
July arrived with a visit from Elena and the baby, a few days ahead of the baby’s christening and the Fourth of July celebration.
Em drove to her parent’s house filled with excitement to see Lillibet. She pulled into her parents’ driveway, looked up, and saw Elena waving to her from the front door. Em climbed out of the car and hurried toward her.
As Elena moved toward her holding her baby, Em’s gaze rested on Lillibet. Tears filled Em’s eyes. Even from a short distance, she thought Elena’s daughter was the most beautiful baby she’d ever seen. At eight weeks, the sweet little girl had round, pink cheeks, dark-blue eyes, and light-brown hair.
Em carefully lifted the infant in her arms and nuzzled her cheeks. The smell of baby—lotion, milk, and sweetness filled her nostrils. “You darling, darling girl,” she murmured. If she was not mistaken, Lillibet was smiling at her—a secret little smile between the two of them.
“She’s beautiful, huh?” Elena said, gingerly stroking the baby’s cheek with a finger.
“Oh, yes. She truly is. I’m so happy I finally get to see her in person. It was hard to wait to actually hold her, but I couldn’t leave the businesses. I hope you understand.”
“Of course, I do,” said Elena. “It’s a very good thing we could Facetime though, because you’re the one person I wanted to share her with.” She took the baby from Em as Lillibet started to fuss. “It’s time for her to nurse.”
Em smiled at her sister. “I’m so happy we’ll have a couple of days together before Andrew and Devin arrive for the christening.”
“Me, too. I’ve already planned to take you to the Lettuce Leaf. I’ve been dreaming about their Butter Cake dessert.”
Em laughed. “Tomorrow, we’ll have Mom and Gran babysit while we indulge in it.”
Elena patted her stomach. “I have to be careful, but somehow I think I might deserve a treat. Or so I tell myself ...”
Em threw her arm around Elena’s shoulder. “I’m telling you too. You’ve done a wonderful job. Mom was so impressed by the way you’ve easily handled the baby from the beginning. She said you have a natural instinct.”
“So will you when the time comes,” said Elena. “Now, sit with me while I nurse Lillibet. I want to hear all about the business. It sounds as if things are going well.”
“Very well. Much better than I ever dreamed.”
They went inside their mother’s house and into the guest room where Elena was situated. Em had offered to have her sister stay with her, but their mother had put her foot down and insisted the baby should sleep at the grandparents’ home, declaring it a grandmother’s privilege.
Seeing all the baby gear Elena had brought with her, Em realized that preparing for a baby might not be as simple as she’d thought.
Em lowered herself onto the bed while Elena sat in the rocking chair with the baby. She filled Elena in on the business. “Sometimes I don’t know how I can get everything done—overseeing the store and handling my business. I think because I don’t charge outrageous fees, people are willing to take a chance on hiring me. And then, when we get started, they want more and more direction from me. That’s the exciting part. The hard part is finding the time to do everything.”
“I thought Tinker and Bart were doing a good job with Rainbow’s End,” said Elena.
“They are. But I still have to take care of the business end—keeping the books, handling the purchasing of gifts, and overseeing inventory. Bart is a help, and Gran’s doing some of that, but sometimes I need to double-check their work. Not that I’m letting them know. I’m also working on marketing for the store, but hope to have Tinker take a greater role in that.”
“I’ve forgotten how much work goes into operating that little shop. It’s deceptive because it’s always seemed so easy with Gran running it,” said Elena.
“She’s the magic behind the business because her big customers love her and trust her. Now that she’s aging and stepping away, I’m finding a lot of the details need to be worked on. I’m trying to weave my design business into Rainbow’s End, but it’s been a helluva of a few months trying to get a handle on it.”
Elena lifted the baby to her shoulder to burp her and gave Em a look of admiration. “I know teachers made it tough for you following me in school, but, Em, you’re way smarter than I am. I could never do what you’re doing by yourself.”
A warm feeling flowed through Em. She’d always been made to believe by some that she’d never measure up to Elena with her perfect grades.
Elena rocked back and forth, patting the baby’s back rhythmically until Lillibet went to sleep. “What’s happening with you and Devin? I know you’ve been doing a lot of texting and talking back and forth.”
Em couldn’t help the smile she felt crossing her face. “He’s become such a good friend. We can talk about most anything. It’s really nice.”
Elena sighed. “It sounds as if you’re totally perfect for one another.”
“We know how much we like each other, but what’s the point of taking our relationship to the next level if Devin is living in Florida? Besides, he told me he’s bringing someone special here this weekend. He wants me to meet her.” She glanced at Elena. “Do you know who she is?” The thought of Devin bringing another woman to the celebration sent acid to Em’s stomach.
“No.” Elena’s eyebrows knotted. “Come to think of it, he’s been very secretive lately.”
“He told me I was his best friend and he needed my input on something very special.” Em tried to hide her feelings, but the idea that Devin might want her opinion on a new girlfriend made her feel queasy.
Elena gave her a sympathetic look. “I’m glad you’re friends. He’s one in a million. A great guy devoted to helping others.”
“I’ve never had that kind of friendship with a man before. I’d miss it, if it ended.” Em swallowed hard at the thought.
Their mother came into the room and hurried over to Elena. Smiling down at the baby, and rubbing her hands together in anticipation, she said, “How’s Lillibet doing?”
Elena chuckled and handed the baby to her. “She’s through nursing and is starting to wake up.”
“I’ll change her and then spend some time with her so you two can talk.”
Em and Elena looked at one another and grinned. Their mother was all about being a grandmother. It was sweet to see her so excited about this little one.
###
That evening, Em was posting daily sales in the back room at the flower shop and going through bills when she came upon an envelope from the local hospital. Wondering if Gran had agreed to donate something, she opened it and stared with dismay at the words on the page. It
was a notice indicating a biopsy of her left breast was inconclusive, and it was recommended that another test be done again as soon as possible. Em hadn’t even known Gran had had the procedure. Her stomach churned. The thought of anything bad happening to Gran was devastating. She’d been too busy with her own business to keep an eye on her.
She heard a tapping on the front door. She went to see who it was and stopped in surprise. Devin was staring through the glass into the store and waving to her.
Seeing him, happiness shot through her, making her body come alive. Grinning, she hurried to open the door. “Hi!” She stepped back to allow him inside. “I didn’t think you were going to be here for another day or so. Come on in.”
As she began to lead him inside, he caught her arm and turned her around to face him. Smiling and gazing into her eyes, he pulled her closer. “I had to see you alone, had to know if I was right about you, about us, all along.”
Before she could ask what he meant, Devin lowered his lips to hers, warm and sure. The sensations she remembered from their other kisses exploded inside of her. She lifted her arms around his neck as he drew her even closer against him, near enough for her to know he was aroused.
His lips settled on hers again. Heart pounding, she allowed herself to be carried away by the sensual feelings that pulsed through her and settled in her core with a sense of urgency. She wanted him, pure and simple. And by the way he was holding her, kissing her, stroking her, he wanted her too.
When they finally pulled apart, Devin grinned at her. “No question about it. I was not only right about you, I was right about what I have in mind for us.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked, her mind racing with ideas of her own.
“I’ve got a lot to tell you. Right now, come with me.” He walked her over to the chair behind the counter.
She settled on the seat as he indicated and watched in surprise as he knelt in front of her. He lifted a black velvet box out of his pants pocket, took hold of her hand, and gazed at her.
She drew in a breath and let it out. It was a moment she’d been waiting for all her life.
A tender smile softened his features as he began to speak. “I love you Emerson Jordan, more than anything on this earth. I want you to be my wife and the mother of all the children I hope to have with you. I’ve never felt the way about anyone the way I feel about you. You’re my best friend, the one I can count on to be honest, the nicest woman I know, someone who already makes me very happy. And I know you’re going to be a great mother someday. Will you marry me?”
His green eyes glistened as he opened the velvet box to show her a large, square diamond surrounded by many smaller ones set in platinum.
Em clasped her hands together and sighed. She felt as if she were taking part in one of the fantasies she used to create about the perfect man she would marry one dy. Now, her wish had come true. He was everything she’d ever wanted in a husband.
“Well?” Devin asked.
“Yes, oh yes! I will marry you, Devin Gerard!” she cried joyfully. What was it her mother had said? Lust can happen right away, but love takes time, and good, lasting love even longer. Their talks over the last months had formed a friendship that was true. And the attraction? It had been there all along. They had all the ingredients for a strong, lasting marriage—chemistry, communication and caring.
Devin’s hand shook as he slid the ring onto her finger. He looked up at her, his eyes welling. “Emerson Jordan Gerard. I like the sound of that name.”
“Me, too,” said Em.
She laughed when Devin rose, swept her up in his arms, and twirled her around as he hugged her to his broad chest.
Tears of joy gathered in her eyes.
He stopped and gazed at her. “I love you, Em. I love you so much.”
She smiled at him even as tears rolled down her face.
“Is that thought so horrible,” he whispered, thumbing the tears away.
She chuckled. “You know I don’t feel that way, but after all the mistakes I’ve made, it’s a little scary, because I love you too. So very much.”
“Nothing to be afraid of,” Devin said, hugging her tight.
Em leaned against him, thinking she was the luckiest woman in the world.
Devin drew away. “You’d better sit down. I’ve got an important question for you. Something you need to think about seriously.”
She did as he asked, but noted the look of worry that crossed his face and wondered why he was suddenly acting nervous.
From his back pocket he pulled out a photograph and handed it to her. “This is Ava Torres. She’s six years old.”
Em’s fingers shook as she took the photo from him. She studied the picture of the little girl, noting her dainty, pretty features, her uncertain smile. Ava reminded her of Nina, and her heart opened with tenderness.
“Is this the someone important you said you were bringing to the christening celebration?” Em asked softly.
His eyes bright, Devin nodded. “Yes. She’s the girl whose mother recently died from cancer. When Ava’s mother knew her days were numbered, she asked me if I would find a good home for her. I’ve mentioned both Ava and her mother to you. This was about two months ago... about the time I was asking you if you thought it was dangerous for me to get too close to my clients. Remember what you said?”
Em smiled. She’d told him that sometimes people needed closeness and help from others, and those that could give it should.
“I told Ava’s mother about you and showed her one of the pictures you sent me. She was very pleased. She said she can tell by your eyes what a wonderful woman you are. I took her words to heart and began talking to some officials in Costa Rica about adopting Ava. We had to pull a lot of strings to make it happen, but she’s officially mine. Now, I need to know how you’d feel about having this little girl in your life.”
Em’s heart beat so fast she thought she might faint. “Are you asking me to be her mother?”
His eyes grew suspiciously moist. “We both are.”
She reached up and cupped his face in her hands. “I would be honored to be her mother.”
Devin grinned and hugged her close. “I thought so.”
“Where is she now?”
“With your sister. I can’t wait for you to meet her. I’d like to pick her up and take her to your condo so the three of us can have some privacy. There’s a lot we need to talk about.”
Em clasped her hands together. “Oh, Devin. This is such a wonderful day!”
“The best.” He gave her a lingering kiss and then left to pick up Ava.
###
Nerves quivering, Em waited inside her condo for Devin and Ava to arrive, feeling as if she was about to take the biggest, most important test of her life. Standing by the front door, she realized how empty the condo felt now that she knew it might soon be shared with the little girl she hoped would grow to love her and the man she already loved like no other. Thinking of how that poor child must feel about losing her mother and coming to America, Em’s heart once more opened to her.
And then Devin and Ava were there.
Mouth dry, Em stepped out into the warm air to welcome them, her gaze glued to Ava’s figure walking beside Devin. She looked so tiny, so vulnerable. Somber eyes from a warm brown face studied her uncertainly.
Impulsively, Em knelt on the ground and held out her arms. “Hi, Ava. I’m Em.”
The little girl stopped walking and stared at her.
“I’m glad you’re here,” continued Em. “I know we’re going to be special friends.”
“That’s Em, the woman your mother and I told you about,” prompted Devin. “You’ll love her, just like I do. Go ahead and say hello.”
Ava started forward slowly, then suddenly began running.
Em hugged Ava to her, rocking her in her arms as they both quietly wept, their tears blending.
Still sniffling, Em talked quietly to Ava about how sorry she was that her mother had died a
nd promised Ava she’d always be safe with her.
Ava stood and patted Em’s cheek, still damp from tears. “Mami.”
Em couldn’t stem the flood of new tears that trailed down her cheeks. She rose and lifted Ava into her arms, hugging her close, savoring the press of that little body against hers, overcome with maternal feelings.
“Well, that certainly went well,” said Devin, his words cloaked with emotion. “I guess talking about you ahead of time with her mother helped Ava to understand the new situation. She’s taken to you right away.”
Em nodded, touched by the feelings Devin couldn’t hide.
He cleared his throat, “C’mon, ladies, let’s go inside. We’ve got a lot to talk about.”
###
After she showed Ava and Devin around the condo, Em settled Ava in the kitchen with paper and some of the colored pencils she used in her business.
“How about a snack?” Em asked Devin. “We’re due at Mom and Dad’s for dinner, but I can offer the two of you something light to eat.”
“Sounds good,” said Devin.
She put together a tray of cheese, crackers, grapes, and nuts.
“This ought to hold us over,” Devin said, offering the tray to Ava.
Ava very carefully picked up one of each offering.
“She’s still not used to having a lot of food,” Devin explained. “That’s one reason she’s so tiny.”
Em nodded her understanding. “She’s beautiful. I’ve learned some Spanish, but I guess I should learn more.”
“Si. And she needs to learn perfect English. That’s important. She’s quite fluent already. A tutor has been working with her.”
After Ava was content in the kitchen, Devin took Em’s hand. “Come with me.”
He led her to the couch in the living room, sat, and patted the area beside him. “Let’s talk here.”
Em settled on the couch wondering what was next. There was so much to get settled. Her mind was spinning with ideas of how best to handle the addition of a child to her household. She knew life wouldn’t always be easy, but together, she and Devin could handle anything, even helping a six-year-old orphan girl become a permanent part of their lives.
