12. Emma
12
EMMA
I’m sitting at the kitchen table, surrounded by design plans and color swatches, a pencil tucked behind my ear.
My colored pencils scratch rhythmically across the paper, their cheerful hues a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within me. Ethan, sprawled on the floor in the far corner of the living room, is engrossed in his latest cartoon obsession. His occasional giggles are the only sound that breaks the silence, a silence that echoes my own conflicted state.
The house is unusually quiet with both June and Damon out of town for some business. It’s just me and Ethan tonight. Babysitting my five-year-old nephew while trying to work is a juggling act, but it’s one I’m used to.
Normally, I enjoy spending time with my nephew. His innocent curiosity and boundless energy are infectious. But today, my mind is torn into three things—my work, my nephew, and the last part is completely hijacked by the infuriating, frustrating, utterly captivating Liam Miller.
Ethan shuffles over to me, his little feet padding softly on the hardwood floor. “Auntie Emma?” he asks, his big eyes full of curiosity.
“Yes, Ethan?” I reply, not looking up from the sketch I’m working on.
“Can I watch my other show?”
“Sure thing, buddy,” I nod, finally tearing my eyes away from the design. I help him set up his iPad in the corner of the room, finding his favorite show and getting it started. He settles down happily, his face lighting up as the theme song begins.
I return to my makeshift workstation, glad to have found something to keep Ethan occupied. I lean back in my chair, the weight of wedding plans pressing down on me. I want to give June and Damon the most beautiful wedding this town has ever seen, but it’s hard to focus.
Pencil poised above the page, I stare at the half-finished sketch for June's wedding bouquet. A cascade of lilies, peonies, and hydrangeas, each meticulously detailed, lies before me. It is supposed to be the centerpiece of my design, yet all I can see is Liam's amused simper as he suggests a single red rose to “add a touch of passion.”
My mind keeps drifting back to him. That’s why my phone is on the far side of the table, to keep away the silent temptation. I threw it there earlier, hoping that out of sight would mean out of mind.
No such luck.
Liam is in my every thought. His teasing, his jokes, the way he looks at me—it’s all driving me crazy. It’s not just the thrill of the game we’re playing, it’s him. The man makes my heart race in ways I never thought possible. And last night… I can’t believe I was bold enough to make the first move. Just thinking about it makes my skin tingle. A particularly daring move—having crazed sex by the roadside—replays in my mind. It was impulsive, unexpected, and utterly exhilarating. I surprised myself with my own boldness. But then, Liam is a master of pushing me out of my comfort zone.
But as much as I enjoy this, I must keep in mind that Liam isn’t like other men. He doesn’t believe in love or long-term relationships. He’s made that clear. And that’s the problem. I can’t let myself fall for him. I can’t get too close. The last thing I need is to get hurt when he decides he’s had enough.
The phone taunts me from across the table. I know I shouldn’t call him. Liam hates clinginess, and I refuse to be that person. I need a reason, a real excuse to reach out to him. Until then, I have to keep my distance no matter how much I want to hear his voice.
“Auntie Emma?” Ethan’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts, not for the first time this evening.
“Yes, sweetie?” I paste on a bright smile as I turn around to face him.
“When are Daddy and June coming home?”
I chuckle and ruffle his hair. “What, you don’t like spending time with me?” I tease.
He shakes his head vigorously. “No, I do. But you’re busy.”
I smile at his honesty. “Is your show boring you already?”
“It’s not as fun without Dad or June,” he admits, his little face drooping slightly.
I chuckle. “Don’t worry, Ethan. They’ll be home soon.”
Ethan nods, seemingly satisfied with my answer, and goes back to his show. I return to my work, trying to refocus. The wedding plans are a mess of ideas and potential disasters, but I’m determined to make it perfect. For June. For Damon. And maybe, just a little, to impress Liam.
I sketch out another design, my mind wandering back to him. The way he looked at me yesterday, the way he kissed me—it’s all so confusing and exhilarating. I’ve never met anyone like him. Someone who can make me feel so alive and yet so uncertain at the same time.
Ethan wanders back over, dragging his blanket behind him. “Auntie Emma, can I have a snack?”
“Of course, buddy,” I mumble, trying to bottle up my frustration. It’s not the boy’s fault I can’t get my own mind to focus.
I get up to rummage through the pantry. I find some cookies and a juice box, and we sit together at the table, sharing a moment of quiet.
“Are you excited about the wedding?” I ask him, trying to steer my thoughts away from Liam.
Ethan nods enthusiastically. “I get to wear a suit!”
I laugh. “You’re going to look very handsome.”
He beams at the compliment, crumbs clinging to his lips. It’s moments like these that make everything worth it. The chaos, the stress, the late nights working—it’s all for my family. And maybe, just maybe, for the possibility of something more with Liam.
As Ethan finishes his snack and goes back to his show, I pick up my pencil again. I need to focus. I have a wedding to plan, a job to do. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t shake the feeling that Liam is becoming more than just a distraction. He’s becoming a part of my life. A part that I’m not sure I’m ready to let go of.
The sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the room. Ethan’s laughter fills the air as his show reaches a funny part, and I smile, feeling a sense of contentment. No matter what happens with Liam, I know I have this. My family, my work, my dreams. And now a whirlwind romance. For now, that’s enough.
Ethan and I are still sitting at the table when the sound of tires crunching on gravel reaches us. Ethan's head snaps up, and he bolts from his seat, his tiny legs carrying him as fast as they can to the front door.
“Daddy!” he shouts, his voice ringing with excitement.
I smile at his enthusiasm and gather the scattered pencils and papers on the table. Moments later, the door creaks open, and Damon pokes his head inside, a wide grin on his face.
“Hey there,” he greets, stepping into the house and wrapping Ethan in a big bear hug. “How’s my little man doing?”
“Daddy, you're home!” Ethan's arms cling around Damon’s neck.
I walk over and lean against the doorway, smiling at the heartwarming scene. “He’s been waiting for you to come back so he can watch his show. I think I’m boring to him now.” I tease lightly.
Damon chuckles and turns to Ethan. “Is that true, buddy?”
Ethan nods vigorously. “Yes, Daddy!” He looks at me. “But not the part about finding Aunt Emma boring. She’s just busy today.”
“Yes, she’s just busy, bud.” Damon grins at his son, who bobs his head repeatedly.
I look around the entrance. “Where’s June?” I frown at her absence.
Damon sets Ethan down and starts unloading bags. “She’s gone to her parents’ place. She’ll be back tomorrow.”
He starts unpacking takeout containers, the smell of delicious food filling the room. “Got us dinner,” he announces, setting the table.
I help set out the plates, and soon we’re all sitting down together, the warm atmosphere making the house feel cozy. Damon looks at me with gratitude in his eyes. “Thanks for taking care of Ethan today and for all your hard work with the wedding planning.”
“Hey, don’t be soapy.” I shrug and punch his shoulder playfully. “You’ve always been there for me, big brother. Time for your little sister to pay you back.”
Damon nods. “I really appreciate it. Especially how you managed to get Liam to help out. That’s still a huge miracle on its own.”
I smile at him and focus on my plate.
“How’d you do it?”
My cheeks heat up at the image of myself in Liam’s arms. I manage a smile and say, “That’s my secret.”
Damon raises an eyebrow, clearly curious. “Come on, even dragging him to a florist? There must be something I don’t know about.”
I laugh nervously. “He owes me a favor. I cashed it in.”
“He—” Damon almost lets out the curse but catches himself, glancing at Ethan. We both laugh, and Ethan looks up from his plate, puzzled.
“Why are you laughing?”
Damon ruffles his son’s hair. “Oh, just grown-up talk, buddy.”
Dinner is a pleasant mix of laughter and light-hearted conversation. After we finish eating, Damon and Ethan settle down to watch a rerun of Ethan’s favorite show. I join them on the couch, leaning back and feeling a rare moment of peace.
I check my phone again, almost compulsively, hoping for a message from Liam. Damon notices and gives me a knowing look.
“Waiting for something?”
I shake my head, trying to hide my anxiety. “Nothing.”
Ethan eventually falls asleep in Damon’s arms, his little body curled up against his dad’s chest. Damon strokes Ethan’s hair and looks over at me.
“Can you babysit again tomorrow? June and I are going to check out some venues for the wedding.”
A thought crosses my mind, and I see my chance. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll check out some venues.”
“Really?” Damon raises an eyebrow. “Em, I appreciate the offer, but…”
“No buts,” I interrupt with a determined smile. “I've got some free time tomorrow, and I know a few places that might be perfect. I’ll bring Liam with me. Two pairs of eyes are better than one, right?”
Damon hesitates, his gaze flitting between me and his sleeping son. I can practically see the wheels turning in his head. He opens his mouth to speak but then stops himself.
“What if he says no?
“He won’t.” I grin. Liam Miller is beholden to me right now, and I plan to take the best advantage of the most stubborn man I know.
“Alright,” he finally says, a slow smile creeping across his face. “You win. Just…be careful, alright? Liam can be a handful sometimes.”
“Don't worry,” I nod, my confidence growing with each passing second. “I can handle him.”
“Okay. I’ll go up to tuck Ethan in.”
I watch Damon go up the stairs. After he’s gone, I heave in a breath. I’m almost sure he won’t say no, but what do I do if he does say he can’t come? If he’s had enough of me after last night? Maybe that’s why he hasn’t texted me.
Or I’m overthinking again.
Feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, I grab my phone and compose a text to Liam.
| Hey, I have a favor to ask. Tomorrow, can you come with me to look at some wedding venues?
I hesitate for a moment before hitting send, my heart pounding in my chest. I sit back and try to focus on the show playing on the TV, but my mind is on Liam. I wonder what he’s doing right now. If he’s thinking about me as much as I’m thinking about him.
Minutes pass, and my phone buzzes. I quickly grab it, my pulse quickening.
| Sure, what time?
I smile and quickly type back.
| How about 10 AM? I’ll pick you up.
His response comes almost immediately.
| Sounds good. See you then.
I put my phone down, feeling a mixture of relief and anticipation. Tomorrow is going to be another great day, because at least I’ll be spending it with Liam. I just hope I can keep my feelings in check and not let him see how much he’s affecting me.
I hear footsteps down the stairs and look up to see Damon. “See? Done deal already.” I wave my phone at him.
He looks over at me, his eyes softening. “You’ve really held it down for us, Emma. I don’t know how to thank you.”
I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. “We’re family. That’s what we do.”
He flops back onto the couch, and we sit in comfortable silence for a while, watching the rest of Ethan’s show in silence. I think about the future, about the wedding, and about Liam. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but for the first time in a long time, I just want to live in the moment.