by Annie Rains
Emma stopped walking and felt her face scrunch. Why?
It’s too late to ask permission to date you, but if we’re going to do this for real, I want your dad to like me.
She grinned. I’ll ask them. I’m sure they’d love to.
Thanks. TTYL.
Emma switched contacts and typed out a quick text to her dad, inviting him to dinner. He was usually slow to respond so she slid her phone back into her pocket and strolled for a while longer, window-shopping along Main Street. She didn’t consider going inside any of the stores until she came to stand in front of Dawanda’s Fudge Shop.
Dawanda looked up from behind the counter as Emma pushed through the door. “Emma!” she called excitedly. Dawanda wasn’t one who would ever need a Vibe coffee. She was already as lively as her red, spiky hair. “Did you come for another piece of maple nut fudge?”
“No, thank you.”
“Another cappuccino reading, then?” Dawanda asked hopefully.
“I just had one, Dawanda. You saw a rose, remember?”
Dawanda nodded. “Blooming beautifully this summer. That prediction is already coming true. All I’ve heard about lately is you and Jack. You’re causing such a buzz around town. And this event of yours too.”
Emma glanced around the fudge shop to make sure she wasn’t taking up too much of Dawanda’s time. There weren’t any other customers so she went ahead and asked the questions that were weighing on her mind since the LDO get-together at the B&B. “Explain my fortune to me. You said the rose blooms and then the petals fall off.”
Dawanda pulled out a chair along the wall, gesturing for Emma to do the same. She waited to talk until Emma took a seat. “We all have periods of blooming and then dying back. Blooming and dying back. That’s the rhythm of life.”
“So that fortune could’ve been told to anyone?” Emma asked. “It wasn’t specific to me?”
Dawanda straightened. “No. That fortune was definitely yours. But you shouldn’t worry about what I saw. Dying back just means that you’re getting rid of the old stuff to make room for the new. We all need that pruning season to get rid of our junk.”
Dawanda was starting to sound like a therapist more than a fudge store owner now. “The thing to focus on, Emma, is the moment that you’re in. And the cappuccino says you’re in a season of bloom. Enjoy it.”
* * *
Jack was driving five miles an hour under the speed limit to get to Tammy’s Log Cabin. He’d had a surge of determination when he’d planned this dinner with Emma and her family, but now he was wishing he was home with Amanda and Sam.
Emma reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze as he drove. “My dad’s harmless.”
Jack nodded. “I don’t think he’s going to take me outside and take a swing at me. That’s not it.”
She giggled in the passenger seat. “I should hope not. Maybe he’s still upset about something that happened a decade ago, but once he gets to know you more, he’ll see that there’s no reason to worry about you and me being together.”
Jack looked over. “Wow. I really like the sound of that. You and me together.”
She smiled back at him. “Eyes on the road, Hershey. If you get us in a wreck tonight, it might take longer to win over my dad.”
Jack returned to facing forward. “I don’t know Angel that well. Is she easy to win over?”
Emma sighed. “Angel loves everyone. And she participates in every charity event in town, so if you’re interested in hearing about one of those or volunteering to help, you’ll earn brownie points.”
Jack turned onto Main Street and followed it down to the restaurant. “She’s not helping with Jenny’s Wellness Walk for Women, is she?” From the corner of Jack’s eye, he saw Emma turn to look out the side window.
“I don’t really need any extra help. I’ve got it covered.”
Jack nodded. “I see.”
“What?” Emma looked in his direction again.
“It’s okay that you don’t want her helping you on this event. I mean, it’s to honor your mom and she’s your stepmom. It might feel kind of weird.”
Emma grew quiet.
He reached for her hand. “I’m sure she understands.”
“I don’t even understand,” Emma said. “If it were anyone other than her that my dad married. My dad waited a year to search out Angel, but still.” Emma shook her head. “It’s my problem, not theirs, and I’m working on it.”
“You don’t need to justify how you feel to me.” Jack parked and sucked in a deep breath. Then he blew it out and looked over. “If your dad still hates me after tonight, is that the end of us?”
Emma’s lips parted. “Do you seriously think I’d stop seeing you based on my dad’s opinion?”
“I’m hoping not.” Jack leaned in and kissed her, drawing courage from the feel of her lips against his.
“But he’s going to love you just as much as I do,” she said.
Had she just said what he thought he’d heard?
Emma’s eyes widened. “I didn’t mean it that way,” she said quickly. “I don’t love you.”
“You don’t?” Jack’s heart was on a rocky ten-second roller coaster.
Emma shook her head. Then her brows scrunched as she stared back at him in the truck. “This is not the time for this kind of conversation.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. We can save it for later.” Because he was 100 percent in love with her. That was becoming more obvious by the second, and he wanted to tell her so. But first, he needed to handle this situation with her dad. He wanted Mr. St. James to approve of them dating, and he’d do just about anything for that approval.
Jack pushed his door open and walked around to open Emma’s door for her. Then they headed inside, where Edward and Angel were already seated and waiting. Angel offered a wide smile when she saw them coming. Jack didn’t miss Edward’s slight frown in his direction. Then Edward’s gaze slid to his daughter, and his eyes seemed to light up.
This just might be the longest dinner of Jack’s life.
Jack reached out and shook Angel’s and then Edward’s hand, trying not to flinch at the death grip Emma’s father offered him. Then he and Emma took their seats across the table from the older couple.
The conversation flowed easily as Emma talked about the café and business. “We’re creating a new drink with double espresso. I’m thinking about calling it the Vibe.”
“Your coffee is already the strongest in town,” Angel said.
“Just the way I like it,” Edward agreed.
“Thank you.” Emma fidgeted with a napkin in front of her. “I got some feedback this week that said my coffee was weak so I’m trying to accommodate those customers who want something even stronger.”
Edward tsked. “You’ve always cared too much about what others think. Your mother was the same way. You get that from her.”
Jack noticed the way Emma looked down for a moment, as if collecting herself. She didn’t like to be compared to her mom, and now he understood a little bit why. If she shared the good qualities, she probably shared the bad too. And the bad scared her.
“I don’t know how you do it,” Angel said. “Being a businesswoman is so much work. I really admire how much time and thought you put into your café.”
Emma looked up, but her enthusiasm had noticeably drained. “It’s no big deal.”
“Oh, but it is,” Angel insisted. “You wake up early, and you give your best service. Everyone I know loves the Sweetwater Café. You’ve created a place where people enjoy gathering. It’s just amazing to me.”
Jack felt a little jolt of sympathy for Angel. He could tell that she was trying hard with Emma, and he could relate. He wanted Edward to like him just as much as Angel was trying to get her stepdaughter to like her.
A waitress approached to take their order.
Jack looked up, taking a moment for his mind to process who she was. Judging by the look on her face, she recognized him immediately. “Diana?”
Jack looked around the table. He didn’t really want to invade Diana’s privacy by telling them that he’d met her because she’d been illegally camping out in his park. Or that he’d taken her to the women’s shelter. That might embarrass her. “Good to see you,” he said instead. “This is Emma, my, uh…” He met Emma’s eyes, unsure of what to call her. “My girlfriend,” he finally said, making Emma grin.
Edward was frowning when Jack gestured across the table.
“And Emma’s dad, Edward. And this is Angel,” Jack introduced.
Diana nodded at them all. “Well, Jack here is my hero. He helped me pick myself up when I was down.”
Jack waved a hand. “I don’t know about being a hero.”
“I do. You and Sam both,” Diana said. “And Tammy.”
“I didn’t know you got a job here,” Jack said.
“It’s just a few nights a week. I’m still looking for something with more hours. But I’m thankful to be here tonight, and to have you all at one of my tables.” Diana pulled out a notepad and pen. “Speaking of being your waitress, what can I get you?”
She took their drink orders, and since they were all prepared to order tonight’s house special, she took their full order. “I’ll be back with your teas in just a minute,” she said, walking away.
“She seemed nice,” Angel said once Diana had left. “I don’t think I’ve seen her around town before.”
Jack shrugged. “I think she’s new in town. I met her at the park a week back. She seemed to be struggling so I’m glad she’s found work here,” he said, deciding that was more than enough information for the group.
An awkward silence fell over the table.
“So,” Angel began, “Emma, how is the event coming along?”
“Good.” Emma nodded.
“Well, Edward and I are all signed up. We can’t wait. If you need help with anything, just let me know. I’d be more than happy to lend a hand, you know.”
“I think everything is pretty much covered,” Emma said.
Jack noticed Angel’s demeanor deflate just a touch. His turn. “Mr. St. James, how’s real estate these days?”
Edward gave him a long, hard stare before responding. “The market is good. I sold three houses this week.”
“Wow. Congratulations,” Jack said. “That’s a good week.”
“I’ve had better,” Edward said. “And how is your work?” he asked.
“The summer months keep me busy. All of the events are great to bring people to the park, but the more people that flow in, the more I need to patrol and monitor what’s going on. I’ve already had a few injured hikers this season and a bit of illegal activity.”
As if on cue, Diana stepped back up to the table with four drinks. “Your food will be out shortly,” she promised.
“Diana?” Edward said, stopping her before she walked away. “I don’t get together with my family too often so this is kind of special.” His gaze slid to Jack for a steely moment and then back to Diana. “I’d like to order a bottle of wine. Whatever you recommend to complement our meal,” he said. “Wine and four glasses, please.”
Chapter Twenty
Emma had barely tasted a bite of her filet mignon. She was too preoccupied with the tension around the dinner table. There was also the tall bottle of red wine at the table’s center. A wineglass sat in front of all four diners, although hers and Jack’s hadn’t been touched since her father had poured a deep serving.
She really wanted a sip to take the edge off, but if Jack wasn’t drinking, which she understood, then neither was she. She was mortified actually that her father would order the wine. It was almost as if he was daring Jack to drink. Or not drink. She wasn’t sure what her father wanted, but he was definitely testing Jack.
Jack was proving something tonight too. And Emma knew that Angel was doing the same. Ever since she’d come into Emma’s father’s life, Angel had been trying to prove that she belonged. And Emma, despite knowing that it was wrong, was trying to prove that she didn’t.
Emma took another bite of her beef, tasting nothing.
“Why aren’t you drinking your wine?” Angel finally asked Emma. “It’s your favorite, if I remember correctly.”
“I’m just…I guess I’m not in the mood.”
“Are you sick?” Angel asked. Then her eyes widened. “Are you…?”
Emma’s heart soared up into her throat. “No. No, I’m not…” Was her stepmom really asking if she was pregnant at the dinner table in front of her dad? As if to prove another point, Emma reached for her glass and took a healthy gulp. “See?” The wine tasted good. Bitter and sweet. She took another sip, this time because she wanted it.
Her father looked at Jack. “Your turn,” he said.
“I’ll pass, sir.” Jack stabbed at a piece of beef. He popped it into his mouth and chewed, looking back up at Emma’s dad, the two of them having a stare-down.
“Come on, Jack,” Edward said, “you must enjoy having a glass of wine at dinner.”
“Dad,” Emma cut in, “he said he didn’t want any. Leave him alone.”
Her father ignored her and continued to watch Jack. “It’s a good wine. Not even a taste?”
Jack set his fork down. Then he reached for his wineglass, wrapping his fingers around it. His grip seemed to increase, until Emma wondered if the glass might shatter. Then Jack lifted the glass off the table and brought it to his mouth, where he held it just under his nose. He breathed in deeply. “It smells good, sir. I’ve always loved the smell of a good wine. But I don’t want to taste it.” He set the glass back down. “I gave up wine and beer and every other form of alcohol. I don’t need it.”
Emma looked at her dad. She knew when he was deep in thought. She could practically see the wheels turning in his mind. Why was he challenging Jack this way? If her father knew that Jack struggled with alcohol once upon a time, why would he rub it in Jack’s face? It wasn’t like him. Her father was a good guy.
Her father lifted his own glass to his mouth and took a healthy gulp. “Suit yourself, Jack. A good dinner certainly doesn’t have to be accompanied by a glass of wine.”
“No, sir,” Jack agreed. “My filet is perfect on its own.”
Her father nodded, his posture softening. “Glad to hear it.”
Emma looked between the men. She shared a glance with Angel, who looked equally as worried. “My food is wonderful too,” Emma finally said.
“It’s delicious,” Angel chimed in as they all continued to eat.
“So, Jack, how are your parents?” her father asked then.
“Mom is doing well. She’s enjoying working in her garden.”
“You have your nephew staying with you right now, don’t you?” her father asked.
Jack nodded. “Sam.”
“Where’s his mother?”
Emma saw Jack stop and take in a full breath.
“Well, sir, she was at a treatment facility for addiction. But she’s doing much better now, and she’s actually staying with me.” Jack popped another piece of meat in his mouth.
“Dad,” Emma said, “why are you grilling Jack? It was his idea to have dinner with you and Angel tonight. Jack is a great guy, Dad. We’re dating, whether you approve of him or not. You didn’t ask my permission when you started dating Angel, did you?” As soon as those words left Emma’s mouth, she regretted them. It made it sound like she wouldn’t have approved of Angel if her father had asked.
Angel looked down at the food on her plate. She wasn’t as tough as Jack. She didn’t have any rebuttals. She just reached for her glass of wine with a shaky hand and took a sip.
“I didn’t mean…,” Emma began, waiting for Angel to look up. She didn’t.
“It’s my job to protect you,” her father said after a long moment.
Emma shook her head. “I don’t need protecting fr
om Jack, Dad.”
Jack laid a hand on her thigh under the table. “And I don’t need you to defend me. Your dad has good reason to be wary of me. I understand.”
“His reasons are old,” Emma said. “You don’t deserve this.”
“I do.” Jack looked across the table. “I’ll keep trying to prove myself to you, but I won’t stop dating your daughter, sir. Like she said, she chooses who she wants in her life.”
“So I just have to deal with it?” her father asked.
“Pretty much,” Emma said, even though her father was asking Jack. She turned to Jack. “I’m actually not feeling too well. I think it was the wine. Can you take me home?” She pushed back from the table without waiting for anyone to respond, grabbed her bag, and headed to the front of the table. “It was so nice to see you both. Angel?”
Angel looked up.
Emma wanted to apologize for hurting her stepmom’s feelings. She hadn’t meant to insult Angel. “It’s always so nice to visit with you. We should do this again soon, just you and me.” It was enough of a peace offering to make Angel smile, but it wasn’t an apology.
“We should,” Angel agreed.
Jack stood and stepped over to stand next to Emma. “We’ll stop by and pay on the way out.” He offered his hand to her father. “Good night, sir.”
Emma mentally willed her father to take Jack’s hand and shake it.
It took a long drawn-out moment, which seemed to be happening a lot at this dinner. Then he took Jack’s hand, and they shook. “Good night.”
Emma waited until they were out of the restaurant before she leaned into Jack. “I’m so sorry about that. I don’t know what got into my dad tonight.”
Jack stopped walking and turned toward her, reaching for both of her hands. “I do. He’s just looking out for you. Because he loves you. I one hundred percent understand that.”
She blinked, wondering if he meant it the way it’d sounded.
* * *
Edward St. James made it clear that he didn’t want his daughter seeing Jack.
That wasn’t the reason Jack had declined to go inside with Emma when he’d driven her home though. He just needed some space to think. When he’d come home, he’d been careful not to wake Sam and Amanda, and he’d come out on his porch to stare out at the woods and the slivers of Silver Lake in between.
