by Judith Keim
“Sounds good,” Em replied, grateful for the friendship building between them.
###
Sitting in the dark, waiting for the fireworks to begin, Em gazed around the crowd. On the whole, people were friendly and kind. A few people like Jeanne and Brie were the exception. She watched Ava playing tag with Penny and some other children and wished she could keep her safe from being hurt. But Em knew how unrealistic that was. She’d thought long and hard about adoption. That would be but one challenge. Ava had appeared to fit in easily, but it would take work on everyone’s part to make sure the easy transition would continue.
As soon as fireworks lit the sky, Ava hurried over to Devin and her. Sitting between them, Ava watched the fireworks wide-eyed, and then covered her ears. “It’s too loud. I want to go home.”
“It won’t always be loud,” Devin said. “Want to try to stay?”
Ava shook her head. “No. Too loud.”
Em and Devin gazed at one another.
“You go ahead. I’ll get the blanket and basket of goodies,” said Em, doing her best to hide her disappointment.
Clara gave her a sympathetic look. “It takes some kids time to get used to it.”
“Yes. I don’t want to scare her. See you later.”
“Good luck on the wedding,” said Clara. “Call me when you get back.”
Em gave her an impulsive hug. “Thanks so much! I will.”
By the time, Em returned to town, she’d be Mrs. Devin Gerard.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The next day passed in a blur of activity for Em. She met with Bart and her grandmother regarding the upcoming summer sale, visited all her client projects, and then spent time trying to decide what clothing to take to Florida. She still had most of the items she’d taken there for Valentine’s Day, and though Devin had already seen her in a lot of them, she decided they would be best, especially the little black dress he’d loved on her.
As she was packing in her room, a knock sounded at the door. She looked up to find her mother, sister, grandmother, Ava, and Tinker standing in the hallway.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“A surprise!” cried Ava, jumping up and down.
“We planned a surprise bridal shower for you,” Em’s mother said, beaming at her.
“Shopping!” said Ava, holding up a bag overflowing with colorful tissue.
Em laughed with the others.
“She does love to shop,” said Em’s mother. “It was so much fun. Wait until you see what Ava chose for you.”
At the thoughtfulness behind their gesture, Em controlled her emotions. “Shall we go downstairs? I can fix some appetizers, and I’m sure I have a nice bottle of wine.”
“Not to worry, sweetheart,” said Gran. “We’ve already taken care of it.”
The group migrated to the kitchen where a selection of appetizers was spread out on top of the table. On the kitchen counter, a bottle each of red and white wine were opened and sitting next to wine glasses.
“Andrew and Dad are taking Devin out for dinner. We girls wanted to do something simpler here,” said Elena. “Hope you don’t mind.”
“It’s perfect,” said Em. “Everything looks yummy.”
“Gourmet Delights does a good job of putting events like this together,” said Gran.
Em’s mother poured wine for everyone but Ava, who was served orange juice. She lifted her glass. “Here’s to Em! May you know only happiness with Devin and Ava.”
“Yes, here’s to becoming Emerson Gerard!” said Tinker. “I’m so happy for you!”
“I can’t wait to be in your wedding, sis!” added Elena.
“I’m so happy you’ve finally met a man worth marrying,” said Gran. “He’s a good one, all right.”
“Thank you all,” said Em. “Things are moving along so fast I hadn’t even thought of a shower. This is great.”
“Well, open your gifts,” said Em’s mother.
“Me first,” Ava said, handing her the bright red bag overflowing with tissue. “It’s beautiful, Mami.”
Em noticed the grins on the faces of those around them. “I’m sure it is, Ava. Let’s see.” She pulled the stuffing out of the way and lifted a small package wrapped in black and tied with a broad, silk ribbon in gold. Pretty sure she knew the risqué store it came from, Em told herself to play along.
“Open it,” said Ava, dancing around her with excitement.
Em tore off the paper and stared at a bright-red, filmy top with spaghetti straps and lots of crystals around the extra low neckline. “How ... how pretty, Ava. You picked this out all by yourself?”
Struggling to keep her face straight, Elena said, “Ava was with us and couldn’t be persuaded to get something else for you. We thought you’d like to see it for yourself.”
“There’s another part too,” Ava said proudly, oblivious of the amusement on the faces of the others in the room.
Em lifted up what she thought were panties and realized it was a skirt if one could call the scrap of material that.
Em’s mother smiled at her. “Ava could not be talked into anything else.”
“No, I can see that. It’s beautiful, Ava, because you chose it.”
“I’m betting Devin will like it too,” said Tinker in her musical voice.
“I know he will,” teased Elena.
Recalling how he’d liked her without any clothes on, Em felt a flush heat her cheeks.
“Let’s give her a break, Elena,” her mother said. She handed Em another bag. “Open it. I think it will fit perfectly. If it doesn’t, I’ll exchange it this evening or bring an exchange with me.”
Em opened the bag and lifted out a sea-blue bikini.
“There’s more inside,” prompted her mother.
Em discovered a silky sarong in a print of the same shade of blue. She clutched it to her. “It’s great! Thank you. The size should be fine. I’ll try it on later and let you know if there’s a problem.”
“Thanks, I love it,” said Em, accepting the box Elena was handing her.
“You’ll laugh when you see it,” warned Elena.
“Oh? Is it the dress I wanted but didn’t buy? The one you told me I had to purchase? That it was totally me?”
Elena chuckled. “You got it. It’s so perfect for you.”
“Let me see,” her mother said, leaning closer as Em opened the box and lifted out a sundress in a light blue that Elena had insisted matched Em’s eyes.
“Love the color,” said Gran.
“Exactly,” said Elena, “and it fits Em like a dream.”
Em held the dress up in front of herself and twirled around so everyone could see. She stopped and gave her sister a hug. “Thanks. After we left the store, I was sorry I didn’t buy it.”
“Here,” said Tinker a little shyly. “I thought you might like this for your trip and for here.”
When Em saw the white baseball cap embroidered with the words PLAYS IN DIRT in green, she laughed. “This is perfect.”
Tinker smiled. “I’m happy for you, Em.”
“Me, too,” she said. “Thanks, everyone.”
“Wait! What about me?” said Gran.
“You’re doing all the flowers for the wedding,” said Em.
“And this,” said Gran, handing her a box wrapped in silver and tied with a white satin ribbon.
Em couldn’t imagine what it could be, but she gamely opened the gift. Surprised, she lifted out the canvas bag. The size of a purse, it had a zippered pocket that covered one side of the interior, two pockets facing it and two pockets outside.
“It’s what the store clerk called a Mom’s bag. Casual enough for beach, but usable most anywhere. All the pockets and such are for all the things you’ll end up carrying for both Ava and Devin.”
Em glanced at Ava and gave her grandmother a big hug. “I love it for so many reasons. Thank you!”
“Okay, let’s party. I figure I have another twenty minutes or so before it’s time to f
eed Lillibet.”
“Where is she?” asked Em, looking around.
“I’ve tucked her in the little room off the kitchen.”
The image of her struggle with the intruder not too far from the room turned Em’s stomach sour. “No,” she cried and hurried out of the room.
Elena followed at her heels. “Wait! Where are you going?”
Em kept going until she reached the area and gazed down at Lillibet sleeping peacefully. “I’m sorry,” Em said quietly. “This is where I fought the guy off. Every once in a while, something sends my memory back to that time, and I panic.”
“Oh, Em, that must have been so scary. I’m sorry. Now, let’s move before we wake her. I want to celebrate with you.”
Em allowed herself to be led away. Maybe, she thought, it was a good thing she’d be moving out of the condo. That frightening scene would never leave her mind.
All such thoughts disappeared as she relaxed with her family and Tinker. Though there was a difference in age between them, she and Tinker had connected from the beginning, and she loved that her family had included her.
After filling herself with the delicious food and sipping wine, Em said, “I think it’s time for Ava to get to bed.”
“Oh, my! Yes! I had no idea it was so late,” said her mother. “You two go ahead. I’ll wrap things up here and put them away.”
“Better yet, take them home,” said Em. “We’ll be gone for three weeks.”
“Good idea. We don’t leave for another four days.”
Em and Ava hugged each person good night. Then she led Ava upstairs. Overtired, Ava made no protest as Em helped her to brush her teeth and put on her nightgown—the one with the princess on it.
She sat on the edge of the bed and brushed the hair away from Ava’s face. “I hope you had a good time today.”
Ava bobbed her head eagerly. “Shopping and a party.”
“Now, it’s time to settle down for the night.” Em leaned over and kissed Ava’s cheek. “Good night. Sleep tight.”
Ava’s face etched with concern. “Where’s ¿Papi? I want ¡Papi!”
“Papi is out with Andrew and Grandpa. He’ll be back soon.”
“But I want Papi now,” said Ava, beginning to cry.
“I’ll stay right here with you until you fall asleep,” said Em. “But I really need the time to pack. See? Your suitcase is over there, ready to go.”
Ava propped herself on her elbow and looked over to where the suitcase lay on the carpet.
“We leave tomorrow. That’s why I want you to get a good night’s sleep. Understand?”
“I want Papi,” said Ava. “I want my Mami too.”
Realizing Ava was overtired and overwhelmed by the last few days, Em climbed up onto the bed and lay down beside her. “Okay. Lay your head on your pillow, and I will tell you a story. Okay?”
“I like stories,” said Ava, facing her.
“Once upon a time there was a pretty little girl named ...”
“Ava!” she said.
“Okay, a pretty, little girl named Ava who flew all the way from Florida to New York. And while there, she met a special friend of Papi’s ...”
“Em,” said Ava.
“This friend, called Em, had always wanted lots of children, but she didn’t have any to call her own. It made her sad.”
“You’re sad?” said Ava, reaching out and touching Em’s cheek with one finger.
“I used to be, but I’m not anymore. You know why?”
Ava shook her head.
“It’s because I have you and Papi in my life right now. That makes me very happy.”
“I want Papi here now,” said Ava.
“Me, too. But we’ll have to wait for him to come home.” It was something they’d both have to get used to if Devin kept making his trips to Costa Rica. “I think your baby doll is missing you, like you’re missing Papi.” Em got up and handed Ava the doll. “Why don’t you talk to her while I start packing. I’m right down the hall. Call me, if you need anything. Okay? I’ll check on you in a few minutes. I love you, Ava.”
“I love you, Mami,” said Ava, studying Em’s face with such intensity that Em momentarily felt intimidated. “My Dolly loves you too.”
Satisfied, Ava rolled over and closed her eyes.
She paused to make sure Ava was settled before going to her room to finish her packing.
She carefully rewrapped the freshly laundered red nightwear Ava had bought for her and tucked it into a pocket inside the suitcase. Elena was right. Devin was going to love it!
###
Devin came home as Em completed her packing. Because of the circumstances of preparing for the wedding, she had not one but two large suitcases to put on the plane. Clothes at the cottage would be no problem, but a wedding dress and a couple of nice cocktail-type dresses for the honeymoon needed to be packed carefully without crushing them.
“How’s it going?” Devin asked her, a relaxed grin on his face.
“Nice time?” she asked.
“Oh yeah. My last big fling before getting tied down, or so they tell me.”
She walked over to him in an exaggerated, hip-swinging way. “Oh, yeah? Is that how you think of getting married? Me, tying you up?”
Devin’s eyes widened and then he let out a laugh from deep in his belly. “If that’s what you want, I’m in.”
She chuckled. “What I want to do is go to sleep. But if you hurry, I might be able to stay awake for a few more minutes.”
He pulled her to him. “Give me a kiss. I’m afraid I’ve had more to drink than I usually allow myself. But this is a special occasion. You and me.”
“Very special,” she easily agreed. “Better get to bed.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He gave her a silly salute and started to pull his clothes off.
###
“¡Papi! ¡Papi!”
Em and Devin were awakened by Ava’s cry as she jumped up on the bed and scrambled across their bodies to lie between them.
Devin groaned and checked the bedside clock. “Guess we’d better get going if we’re going to make our flight.”
Em had arranged for a transportation service to pick them up and make the drive into the city to Kennedy Airport. Even so, they still had a lot to take care of before leaving. Devin would probably need a second cup of coffee, she thought, studying his haggard face.
“Okay, Ava, let’s get you dressed, and then we’ll pack the last of your things in your suitcase.” Em climbed out of bed and wrapped a lightweight robe around her. At least Ava would be ready in time.
As soon as Ava was dressed and ready to go, Em settled her at the kitchen table with breakfast and started the coffee machine. Racing upstairs, she thought of the few things she had to add to her own suitcase.
Devin was just coming out of the shower as she entered the bathroom. She couldn’t help staring at him. He was hot. A sexy smile crossed his face. He reached for her.
She laughed with happiness, twirled out of his grasp, and blew him a kiss as she entered the shower. She’d wait for the time when they could do it right.
He stared through the glass wall of the shower in a teasing leer then moved away.
Em hurried through her shower and morning rituals, then rushed into the bedroom to dress. She noted the cup of steaming coffee placed on the bureau and gratefully took a sip.
Ava and Devin were laughing over a drawing when she entered the kitchen. Em clutched her hands to her chest, touched by the sight. She was a dreamer who’d fantasized about moments like this.
Devin looked up at her and smiled. “Ava and I are pretty excited about the trip. We were drawing pictures of palm trees.”
“I can’t wait to get back to Seashell Cottage. It’s such a special place.”
She made wheat toast with honey and offered slices to the others. At the sound of the doorbell, she quickly turned off the coffee machine and gathered plates. “That must be our limo driver. He’s right on time.”
As Devin went to the door, Em and Ava used the bathroom. Em locked the front door behind them, realizing when they returned to this condo, they’d officially be a family.
The limo ride into the city was filled with Ava’s excitement, listening to her exclaim over everything she saw. It added to Em’s anticipation.
At the airport, Em took hold of Ava’s hand, tightening her grip as they made their way through the crowds. Devin had purchased first class tickets, giving them an opportunity to move through a special line to check in.
When, at last, they got through security and reached their gate, they were among the first to board the plane.
“¿Mami?” Ava asked. “Will you take my baby? She’s scared.”
Em studied Ava seated next to her. Her eyebrows were knit together with worry.
“How about I put the baby doll on my lap and hold your hand in mine?”
Ava’s face smoothed with satisfaction. “Yes, I like that.”
Em couldn’t help wondering about Ava’s thoughts. Soon after her mother died, she’d been taken on a flight with Devin, leaving her home and her memories of her mother there behind. How frightening that must have been for a six-year-old. Though she’d been with Devin during the last months of her mother’s life, it was a lot for a child to handle. And now Ava had to get accustomed to another new life in New York.
Em squeezed Ava’s hand. “I love you, Ava. You’re very brave.”
Ava beamed at her. “I know.”
Em felt her lips curve. Across the aisle of the plane, Devin smiled at them both.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
As she stepped out of the rental car onto the sandy ground outside the Seashell Cottage, Em threw her arms into the salty air and wrapped them around herself as if hugging the beautiful scene before her.
Devin came up beside her and put his arm around her. “Lucky thing we met up here,” he said. “I can’t wait until it’s official, and we’re married. Who knew I’d fall so quickly for you?”
She smiled up at him. “I think Elena thought you might, which is why she encouraged both of us to come to the cottage.”
“Maybe you’re right. Whatever the reason, it feels good.”