Chapter 14
fourteen
. . .
Emilia
It had been a busy day at the flower shop, and I had a raging headache. I’d made dinner for my brother and Shana, and they’d gone to Booze and Brews after to have a few drinks. I was grateful to be home, and I couldn’t wait to get into the bathtub and soak my feet.
I had a hot date with my laptop tonight. I planned to research some more marketing ideas for Vintage Interiors, because I was determined to get my first client before Christmas. It would be nice to have something to report the next time I had dinner with my parents.
My mother’s negativity was exhausting most days, but today, in particular, it stung a little extra. She’d embarrassed me in front of Bridger Chadwick with her comment about no one wanting to date me.
Obviously, I no longer had a childhood crush on the man, but he was still the best-looking guy I’d ever laid eyes on. I didn’t need her pointing out that I was in a dry spell.
A big dry spell.
I hadn’t been on a date in a while. Yes, Josh Black had sort of asked me out, but thankfully, I’d managed to get out of that one.
I’d texted him to let him know that I’d been frazzled at the flower shop when I’d agreed to go to dinner, but I just had too much on my plate at the moment, so I’d bowed out.
Let’s just say, I knew too much about him, and I wasn’t interested.
And I sure as hell didn’t need my mother advertising my disaster of a love life.
I had my books, and that was enough lately.
There was a knock on my door, which caught me off guard, but maybe Jacoby and Shana were back from the bar and wanted to say good night before they got settled in the guest cottage, which was out in my backyard.
I pulled the door open, surprised to see Emerson standing there with her son, Cutler.
I’d known her most of my life, and she’d always been so kind to me.
Even after that article appeared in “The Taylor Tea” about her fiancé having an affair with her maid of honor.
Her wedding had been called off, but she’d never been different toward me.
And I’d met her little boy, Cutler, the day when Easton had proposed to Henley at Bridger’s barn a few months ago.
“Hi,” I said as I smiled at both of them.
“I’m so sorry to stop by without warning, but my brother was worried about the bump on your head, and he’s the most persistent guy when he wants something.” She chuckled.
“Yep. Uncle Bridger doesn’t take no for an answer, right, Mama?” Cutler said.
I stepped back as a gust of wind blew by. “Come on in. It’s freezing out there.”
They followed me inside, and I closed the door behind them. I was stunned that they were here. I mean, the man wouldn’t speak to me just a few weeks ago, and now I’d actually gotten an apology and he was worried about the bump on my head?
“Thank you. I promise we won’t stay long. I would have come earlier and gone to your shop, but I was swamped at the office today in Magnolia Falls. So we couldn’t get here until now.”
I came to a stop. “What? You weren’t in town visiting family?”
“No. I had work today and Cutler had school.” She chuckled.
I shook my head with disbelief. “And you came all the way here from Magnolia Falls just to check my bump?”
“I told you, my uncle doesn’t take no for an answer.” Cutler chuckled. “Plus, we took the copter, so it was fast.”
I knew Bridger had a helicopter because he took it all the time, and it said “Chadwick Enterprises” on the side, so it was hard to miss. But I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that they were here. For me.
“I’m so sorry. I’m totally fine. I don’t know why he asked you to come here,” I said, moving toward the kitchen. “Can I get you some hot chocolate or tea?”
“Oh… you’re my girl now, too, Emilia. Hot cocoa is my favorite.” Cutler climbed right up on the barstool at my kitchen island and smiled at me. “That means you can call me Beefcake now.”
I turned on the teakettle, and Emerson said she’d love a cup of tea and Cutler would have a hot chocolate.
“I’d be honored, Beefcake.” I winked at him.
“Okay, while we’re waiting for the water, how about I just do a quick exam. Would that be okay?” Emerson asked.
“Of course. But I promise you, I’m fine,” I insisted. My own mother wasn’t concerned, yet my newly ex-nemesis was so concerned about a bump on the head that he’d flown his sister here?
She examined the bump on my forehead, and then she held a light up to look at my pupils. She then asked multiple questions about my symptoms.
Was I nauseous?
Had I vomited after the accident or at any time since?
Was I dizzy or weak?
All of these were easily answered no, and she said to just keep an eye out for any symptoms. If I did vomit or get severely nauseated, I should go straight to the emergency room.
I agreed before pouring the water into all three mugs and setting them in front of each of us. “This was beyond kind of you. I’m very surprised that you’re here.”
Emerson smiled, and the look on her face told me she was contemplating her next words. “My brother Bridger, he doesn’t ask for favors often. Maybe never, actually.”
We both laughed, and Cutler clapped his hands together. “Yeah, my uncle Bridger doesn’t need help. He mostly likes to help us, right, Mama?”
That surprised me. I wouldn’t have guessed him to be that guy, but I didn’t know his relationship with his family. It was clear that he was fiercely protective, but I was getting a different glimpse into the broody bastard.
Emerson nodded, and her gaze softened. “He has a hard outer shell but a heart of gold beneath. He was worried about you. He said the bump on your head looked bad. I think he felt responsible, seeing as it happened in his driveway.”
“It was my fault,” I said. “I hit black ice and started sliding before I could stop myself.”
“Awww man, Emilia. That’s scary. And you didn’t stay home today and rest?” Cutler asked. He was damn cute, with his big brown eyes and dark, slicked-back hair. He wore a pair of faded jeans, cowboy boots, a gray sweater, and a leather coat. He was not your typical seven-and-a-half-year-old.
“No. I run a flower shop, and we’re going to be busy from now until Valentine’s Day.” I chuckled.
“Oh man, I love flower shops. My pops gets my mama flowers all the time. I’m going to get them for my girl when I’m grown up with a job someday,” he said, and he set his mug down. I smiled when I saw the chocolate mustache above his lip.
“Yeah? That’s a good guy right there. So do you have a girlfriend?” I asked teasingly. Emerson was watching him like he set the sun.
“I’ve got lots of girls that are my family, but I’ve only got one girl that’s mine. I’m going to marry her someday,” he said proudly.
Emerson’s head tipped back in laughter. “Well, you’re awfully young to be talking marriage.”
He smirked and nodded at her. “When you know, you know, Mama.”
“Who’s the lucky girl? Is she in your class at school?” I asked.
“Nope. Her name is Gracie Reynolds, and she lives in Cottonwood Cove,” he said.
Now it was my turn to laugh. This kid had a plan, and it was clear he intended to see it through.
“A long-distance relationship?” I asked.
“Yep. My uncle Ro, he’s only the best boxer in the whole wide world, well, he’s got a brother, you’ve probably heard of him, his name is Lincoln Hendrix.”
“Yes, he’s a quarterback for the New York Thunderbirds, right?”
“Yes, ma’am. And he’s married to Brinkley, and her brother Cage is Gracie’s dad.”
“Wow. This is like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon.” I laughed, and Emerson joined in, but Cutler just stared at us like he was proud to be talking about his girl.
“It sure is,” Emerson said. “And sweet Gracie comes every summer to Magnolia Falls, and now we all make a trip to Cottonwood Cove every winter. We’ve all become fast friends.”
“Sounds like Gracie is a lucky girl,” I said as I took another sip of my tea.
“She’s just my girl, that’s all.” He smiled so big it made my chest squeeze.
He really was adorable.
“So you two flew here just to check on my head?” I asked as Emerson finished off her tea.
“Yes, and we’re going to have dinner at my parents’ house before we head home.” She got to her feet and rinsed the mug in the sink before reaching for Cutler’s empty mug.
“Leave that. I’ve got it.” I carried mine to the sink and paused to hug them both. “I really appreciate this. You went above and beyond.”
“Are you Uncle Bridger’s girl?” Cutler asked, his brows cinching together.
“Oh, no. Definitely not. The man can barely stand me. We’re finally being cordial for the first time in years.” I chuckled as I followed them to the door.
“It’s a bit more than cordial, isn’t it?” Emerson said with a smirk. “I heard he gave you a real apology, which is a first outside of my mother. That’s a win in the Chadwick world.”
Clearly this family was close, because they all appeared to know everything going on with one another.
I wondered what that was like.
I loved my brother, but he lived on the other side of the country. He didn’t know much about my life, and vice versa. My parents knew even less.
It made me wonder what it was like to have a big family.
A close family.
“I think anyone would be lucky to call you their girl, Emilia.” Cutler hugged me one more time.
“Thanks, Beefcake. I appreciate it.” I kissed his cheek and then stood, turning to give Emerson one more hug. “Thank you for doing this. I really appreciate it. Get home safely.”
“We will. And just text me if you have any questions,” she said, handing me her business card. “That’s my cell on the back.”
“I definitely will. Thank you. Drive careful.” I waved as they got into an SUV that I assumed was one of Bridger’s many cars and pulled down the driveway.
I made my way to the bathroom and started the water in the tub, making it extra hot. I set my phone on the antique wood stool beside the bathtub, tied my hair up in a bun on top of my head, got undressed, and slipped into the water.
I groaned at the feel of my shoulders relaxing.
I reached for my phone, chewing on my thumbnail as I thought about what I wanted to say.
Bridger and I weren’t friends. Not really. I mean, he’d gotten things arranged with Bert to pick up my car, and he’d flown his sister here to check on my head.
Friends or not, I should thank him.
Hey. I just wanted to thank you for having your sister stop by to check on my head. It wasn’t necessary, but it was very kind of you.
And then I waited anxiously as the three little dots moved around the screen.
Daddy Warbucks
Not kind. Necessary.
What the hell did that mean?
It was actually not necessary, as I’m sure Emerson will tell you. So that just makes it kind. Just say “you’re welcome.”
Daddy Warbucks
You sure do like to tell me what you think I’m supposed to say. I don’t need directions on how to speak, Emilia.
My mouth fell open. How had this turned into him being defensive?
This text is me thanking you. How did it turn into me telling you what to say?
Daddy Warbucks
Did you not just tell me to say “you’re welcome”? And haven’t you been insisting that I say “I’m sorry” for weeks?
Touche, jackass. I was trying to be nice.
Daddy Warbucks
I never try to be nice.
Really? I’m shocked. (Yes. That’s sarcasm.)
Daddy Warbucks
Hey, you got the apology. Consider it a win.
That’s what I keep hearing. Apparently, you never apologize.
Daddy Warbucks
How’s the head?
Why are you so worried about my head. It’s not like you caused the accident. This isn’t your fault. Unless you put an oil slick down on the road in front of your house hoping I’d slide into your driveway.
Daddy Warbucks
In hopes that you would hit my truck and then finally drag an apology out of me?
You can barely stand me. You aren’t responsible for the accident. What’s the obsession with the lump on my forehead?
Daddy Warbucks
Maybe I didn’t want to risk you claiming you got a head injury in my driveway and suing me.
You know I wouldn’t sue you. I was the one who crashed into your truck. I’m at fault. So why are you so concerned?
Daddy Warbucks
Story time is over. Get some sleep, Emilia.
Who’s being bossy now?
The three little dots disappeared on the screen.
He was done with the conversation.
For all I know, the man hates me again.