by Karen Deen
“How are the kids settling in, Em? Do you think they will like living here?”
“Oh Zach, they are both happier than I have ever seen them. Samuel hasn’t wet the bed since he found out we were moving here, and Sophia has talked to more strangers in the last two days than I ever thought was possible for her. They feel happy and safe. Just look at them, you can see it all over them.” Emily looked at me grinning. That was the best answer I could have gotten.
The weekend had been amazing. Tomorrow, I would go back to my weekly routine where I would be apart from my new little family. I stopped walking, frozen to the spot. What was I thinking, they weren’t my family. They could never be my family, I needed to remember that.
Emily looked at me with a quizzical expression. I quickly started walking and caught up to her.
“Everything okay, Zach?” she asked as I got closer.
“Yeah, just thinking of something I need to do for work tomorrow. Just concentrating on making a mental note”.
“Oh, okay then. I was just concerned you looked a bit pale.” Emily looked at me, waiting for a better explanation.
“Not sure why, maybe because I am hungry. I’ll race you for a cookie, if the kids have left us any.” I took off towards the cottage, hoping that would distract Emily.
I could hear her laughing behind me and her feet pounding as she tried to catch me.
The afternoon was drawing to a close quickly and I stood from the floor where I had been coloring with Sammy and Sophia.
“Thanks for the fun today, you little munchkins. I can’t wait until next weekend, so we can maybe get you on the horses for a ride.” The kids both squealed with delight. Emily tried to quieten them down and told them to head into the bathroom to get ready for their bath. She walked me to the door and hesitated like she had something to say.
“Zach, you will never really realize what you have done for the twins and me. In a million life times, I would never be able to repay you.” There were tears welling in her eyes. I wanted desperately to reach out and comfort her but knew that would not be a good idea.
“That is where you are wrong, Em. Just seeing you all laughing, and smiling is all I need. There has been more joy and happiness on this farm in the last two days than there has been since I purchased the property. It is good for me, too.” I couldn’t hold on much more. I reached out and squeezed her hand, trying to convey the happiness she brought me.
“Thanks Zach, that means a lot. I better get in and see what mess the kids have made already. What time should we be ready in the morning to get you to work on time?”
At the speed Emily drove today, we should have left two hours ago, but I didn’t want to make a fool of her. “Let’s leave around seven, that should give us plenty of time for the first day. Does that sound okay to you? I know it’s early, but when you get more confidence, we will be able to leave later.”
“That’s fine, we will be ready to go. The kids will be up and awake anyway. Thanks again, Zach. See you in the morning.”
I gave Emily a smile, turned and headed back to the house. I was proud of myself for getting through a whole day without falling under the spell of Emily.
The next week went by quickly. Emily went from her first trip into work taking one hour and ten minutes, down to forty minutes by Friday. There were some scary moments, but I always felt safer knowing she was driving the Audi. With the size of it, I figured it helped. Emily complained for the first couple of days about the size of the SUV. By Friday, I could see she was actually confident and feeling comfortable driving it. I looked at my watch, it was 3.30pm. Emily would be at the school picking up the twins, so they would be here soon. I sent her a message to bring the kids in once she got here so they could see where I worked. To be honest, I also wanted Emily to see my office. I could show her the plans for Baker St and how I was going to transform it in to something beautiful. I was proud of my work and I wanted to share it with her.
“Hey, Zoe,” I called out from my office. “Emily and the kids will be here soon. I told them to come in so the kids could look around.” I heard her laughing and mumbling under her breath. As I walked out my office door towards her, she looked at me, grinning.
“So, I will finally get to meet and interrogate the woman who has stolen your heart and brain this week,” she said it with a wicked-looking smile on her face.” I need to assess whether she is good enough for you.”
I laughed at her. “Now, if you are referring to Sophia, yes she has stolen my heart. Emily and I are just friends. So put your little sisterly protection away and play nice.” I tried to stare her down but I was hopeless at it.
“I call bullshit on you and Emily being just friends, Zach. You might be telling yourself that and others may believe you. I know you too well and you have had a happy glow about you since the day Emily and the kids moved into your house. You may not want to admit it, but you really like this girl. Look me in the eyes and tell me that you don’t like her more than a friend, and see if you can convince me.” She was staring me down and I could feel the heat of her stare. Trying to avoid answering, I laughed it off. But Zoe being Zoe, she called my bluff. “Don’t you dare try to laugh me off, Zach Stevenson. Come on, look me in the eye and tell me you don’t like Emily more than a friend.” Thank God the excited and constant chatter of Samuel announced the arrival of Emily and the kids. “This is not over, Zach” Zoe mouthed at me. I laughed and headed across the office to meet them.
“Hey guys, how was your day at school?”
Sammy spotted me and started running. He jumped at me so I could catch him and swing him around. Poor Emily nearly died and was busy telling him to settle down and talk quietly in my office. I wasn’t sure Sammy knew how to do that. I shot her a smile that told her it was okay and not to stress about it.
“Well by the look of you, Sammy, you had a good day! How about you, Princess Sophia, did you have a fun day?”
“Yes, thank you, Zach,” she quietly replied. I put Samuel down to take her hand in mine. She may have grown in confidence and be comfortable at home but new environments were obviously still hard for her.
“Would you all like to see my office?” I looked at Emily to make sure she was not feeling nervous by being here. Sophia nodded and Samuel was already running towards Zoe. The smile on her face told me she was looking forward to this. I whispered to Emily as she stood beside me, “Relax, everything is fine”. She looked up at me, a little more relieved.
Sammy had reached Zoe and had already introduced himself. He was starting to talk her ear off and ask question after question without taking a breath.
“Zoe, this little lady here is Sophia. You have already met her brother, the energetic Samuel, and this is Emily. Guys, this is my assistant, Zoe. She is also a good friend of mine.” Sammy was busy shaking Zoe’s hand and had her giggling at him. Sophia was still hanging on tight to my hand, Emily was waiting to say hello when Sammy had finished dominating Zoe’s attention.
“Hi Emily, you have two beautiful children who seem very excited to be here. Zach has been telling me all week about his little adventures with the kids. I think they have a pretty big fan here. Actually, I think you all do.” Zoe looked straight at me to see my reaction to her words. She was playing the role of the embarrassing sister, waiting to see if she got a bite from me. I smiled and ignored her.
“Come on Emily, I will show you around while Zoe makes herself busy doing her WORK, hey Zoe!” Yep, she was proud of herself. She thought she got what she wanted and embarrassed me. The truth of it was, I was a big fan of Emily and she knew that, but we both knew we couldn’t do anything about it. Emily, however, had a pale shade of pink flushed on her cheeks. I should have warned her about Zoe being nosy.
“It’s okay, Zach, I have done all my work so I will tag along and get to know everyone. Is that okay with you guys?” Zoe looked to the twins. Sammy was busy nodding his head while Sophia was unsure and looked up at me for reassurance.
“Ok, but
be nice. Do not start firing fifty questions at Emily, she did not come here to be interrogated by you. As much as I love you, just be nice or I will make you go and work for Grant for a week as punishment.” I pinned my stare on her, friendly but meaning business.
“Man, that is a pretty harsh punishment, Zach,” Zoe complained Emily burst out laughing.
“I actually think it would be punishment enough spending time with Samuel at your heels. Get ready to answer plenty of questions yourself, Zoe. I warn you, he never stops.” Emily grinned at her son who had already grabbed Zoe’s hand. “I’m not joking, either”. Then, right on cue, Samuel rattled off his first list of questions from what he had observed in the office.
We wandered through the office looking at different things and showing the kids some of the scale models of various projects we were working on. Zoe stopped with Sammy at the photocopier and the two of them were giggling at making copies of their hands and different shapes.
Zoe actually looked like she was having plenty of fun with Samuel and, once again, Sammy had another adult wrapped around his finger and laughing with him. These kids had a magnetic pull. They were so innocent, loved life and the new experiences they were having every day. You couldn’t resist them even if you tried. Just as we were heading back into my office, I could hear Lilly coming, talking at the top of her voice almost to the point of yelling. As she burst through the door, Emily and I were already laughing.
“Zach, why didn’t you tell me Emily and the kids were here? Why did I have to hear through the grape vine that there are two adorable kids and a good-looking chick walking around the office?”
“Hello to you too Lilly. Oh, and by the way, Emily and the kids have called past to say hello and get a tour of the office. Would you like to pop in and see them while they are here?” My comedic sarcasm earnt me a whack on the shoulder as she marched past to wrap Emily in a warm hug.
“Tell me again why you are related to me. You are a pain in the …”
“Lil stop, and remember the kids.” I was not sure how I did it but I managed to actually stop her talking before that word came out. The look on Lilly’s face was classic. She looked embarrassed with at slip up.
“Hi Lilly, how are you? Have you had a good week?” Emily asked to break the sibling ribbing between us.
“I have been crazy busy and I am sorry I haven’t been back out to the farm to see you. Is my painful big brother looking after you well? Has he been a proper gentlemen?” Then, leaning in closer to Emily, she whispered, “or hopefully not?” With this, Emily looked at me and her cheeks flushed up a little.
As the conversation escalated very quickly, Zoe rushed over to the girls. “What did I miss? Come on, Emily, fill us in. That is part of the rules of this family, we all share the gossip!”
I had to step in and save Emily. “Girls, stop hassling Emily. You both know the story and that is all there is to it.” As I finished trying to put the girls in their place, Sophia tugged on my pants to grab my attention.
She whispered, “Zach I need to go to the toilet. Is there a Girls toilet here?” The conversation returned to the basics of life.
“Yes, princess, there is. Hang on for a minute.” I interrupted the gossip session that had started with the girls. “Emily, Sophia needs to go to the toilet. I will show you where it is if you can take her.” She looked surprised that Sophia had told me rather than her, but I could tell by her eyes the happiness that she felt knowing she’d been comfortable enough to tell me. This week we had really bonded and Sophia now instigated conversation and touch. It was a massive step forward for her.
“Sammy, do you need to go little man, I can show you where the boys one is too?” He was still fascinated with all his photocopied pictures and grunted the answer. “I can show you some really cool trophies on the way back.” This grabbed his attention. We headed down the corridor all of a sudden, Sammy started to drag us quicker.
“Zach, I am busting, can you hurry up?” I was learning quickly that kids keep you on your toes. Sammy didn’t even need to go thirty seconds ago and now we needed to hurry. I looked at Emily who just rolled her eyes and grinned. We met the girls outside the bathroom and I steered them down the corridor.
“These are the special awards our family business has been given for different projects we have built or fixed up. This one here is a special one.” I pointed to a big shiny round plate that had a picture engraved on it of a building and the award description.
“Why is it special?” Sophia looked up at me with a curious look.
“Well, it is special because it is just for me, for my work of making old buildings look new again.” Sammy jumped around and Sophia was looking in awe at all the awards.
“That is pretty impressive, Zach, when did you receive that?” Emily asked as she looked more closely at the engraving.
“Last year, actually. I’m not one who likes to be in the public eye, but it is a pretty big award.” I spoke quietly. I always felt embarrassed talking about myself.
“Even though he is trying to pass it off as no big deal, it is, Emily. He has been nominated again this year. The award ceremony is in a couple of week’ time. Don’t forget to book your flight and accommodation, Zach,” Luke said as he came up behind me.
“Luke! “Sammy yelled and jumped up for Luke to catch him.
“Hey buddy, what are you doing at my work? Have you finished school and going to work for me now, huh? What about you, Sophia - do you want to come and work with me too? We get donuts every day for morning tea and we play games all day in my office”
“So, the truth comes out now! Luke, you are lazy and do nothing all day.” I elbowed him.
“Watch it, big brother, otherwise I will tell some home truths about you that will have everyone laughing”.
“Okay, that is enough. We need to get the kids home and you need to get back to work, Luke. I will be working at home so can you email me the specs on the Baker St job when you are finished. I can put them together in the report ready for the meeting Monday. Emily has heard enough crap in this office today, so we will see you later.” I turned and lead them all down to my office to grab my things. I looked across at Emily, who was looking like the sun was rising for the first time. I gathered up my brief case and laptop while Zoe and Lilly talked Emily’s ear off again.
“Zoe, can you check on my flight and accommodation details for the awards ceremony before you head off this afternoon? Make sure you email them through to myself and Alesha. Thanks and have a great weekend, ladies. Now, let’s get moving. I am pretty sure we have a surprise at home waiting for us.” All three of them looked at me with puzzled but excited faces. Sammy was jumping up and down asking what it was but I explained it wouldn’t be a surprise if I told him.
Emily asked me to drive home because we would get there quicker. She knew the kids were going to drive me nuts all the way home asking what the surprise was. Driving on the freeway, I glanced across at Emily who was looking out the window at the scenery. She was a sight to behold and one that stole my breath. She wasn’t dressed fancy, a face full of makeup or hair that looked like she had just stepped out of the salon. The sun was catching the natural highlights in long strands that were hanging down her back. That same sun was giving her a golden glow that enhanced her beauty. Right at that moment, Emily turned to face me. Her smile did things to me that I was trying to keep under control.
“What are you looking at, Zach” she asked quietly. Her gaze did not leave my face.
“You, Emily. How beautiful you look right at this moment.” This brought a flush to her cheeks and she dropped her gaze slightly.
“Thank you, Zach. That is very kind. Not sure I believe you, but thank you anyway.”
“You don’t take compliments very easily, do you? If only you could see yourself as I do, you would believe everything I say. You are beautiful inside and out, don’t ever forget that.” I wished I could stop the car right now and show her how beautiful she was. How I really f
elt about her. Dreams. That is all this could ever be, just dreams.
Chapter Twelve
Emily
Zach had my stomach doing the butterfly dance with the way he kept telling me what he saw in me.
I didn’t know how to react because no one had ever called me beautiful, except my Mom and that wasn’t the same. Mom’s are supposed to say that to their daughters. I lay in bed at night asking my mom why she sent Zach into my life. He is so perfect, but yet, I can’t have him. I know I have a wall as high as a mountain. I had a feeling that Zach’s is higher and stronger. He confused me. He made it clear we couldn’t take this anywhere, yet here he is telling me I am beautiful. I just wished I knew what had made him change his mind after that near kiss in my kitchen. The one I dreamt of every night with the possibility of what would follow that kiss.
I shook my head to try and concentrate. Changing the subject, I asked Zach when his awards ceremony was and where he was flying to.
“The ceremony is a black tie affair on Friday night, a week from now. It is held at Crystal Lakes at the country club. So I will be away overnight, unfortunately. I have already spoken to Mom and Dad about staying at my house that night so you are not alone on the farm. Alesha is coming with me to the ceremony so we will leave straight from work, head to the airport and then fly back Saturday morning. I am not big on these ceremonies, but it is necessary in our business to be there and can lead to contracts down the track.” He looked like he really struggled with any sort of public recognition, just like I struggled with compliments.
As we finished the conversation, Zach turned into and started to head down the gravel driveway. I could hear the kids chattering with excitement in the back seat, and I must admit, I was pretty curious what this surprise was too. Zach stopped the car half way down the driveway, asked us to close our eyes and put our hands over them so we couldn’t peek. We were all giggling by this stage and I knew it had to be something big if we needed to close our eyes. What had this crazy man done now?