“Tell me about them. If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. My parents are my favorite people.”
Niall watched her expressions as she told him about her parents and growing up in a small town. “You never thought you were missing something?”
“No. I knew how lucky I was to have the experiences I did as a child and an adult. But I did have dreams of moving to a larger town or city and discovering new people and places.”
“And yet you’d consider returning home.”
“Possibly.”
“I’ll have to try and change your mind.”
“How?”
“Wait and see.”
“Fine with me. I’ll go stir the spaghetti sauce and boil the spaghetti.”
“You haven’t finished your drink. Lower the temperature under the sauce, and we’ll continue our conversation.”
“What about wait and see?”
“You may have some more good suggestions for me if I tell you my plan.”
Emma went into the kitchen and came back quickly. She took a swallow of her drink.
He started out slowly. “You need a job, and I need someone to care for my daughter. I trust you.”
“We haven’t known each other very long.”
“I’ve learned how to make quick decisions. I’ve watched you and seen you interact with Vi and others. You’re a good woman.”
“Thank you, I think.”
A probing query came into his eyes. “What do you mean by ‘I think’?”
“I’ve heard that expression so often I almost hate it.”
“It’s a compliment.”
“Yes, I know. Thank you.”
He moved to sit beside her. “I’ve hurt you, and I want to know how.”
Emma stood and looked down at him. She shook her head, trying to think of what to say. She didn’t want to look vulnerable.
“How would you like it if everyone said what a nice man you were? Not a handsome man, not a smart man, not a sexy man. A nice man.” She turned on her heel and stalked into the kitchen.
Damn, I’ve ruined everything. Niall will realize I’m starting to like him as more than as just a friend. He may run for the hills. How appropriate, since he’s going to the hills this weekend. I’m sure after tonight he’ll suggest he go alone.
When he joined her in the kitchen, she had drained the spaghetti and was putting the finishing touches on a salad. “I set the table in here. Vi’s dining room is too big for only two people.”
“This is preferable. Can I help with anything?”
“You can fill the glasses with ice and tea from the refrigerator.”
Niall sensed Emma had decided to pretend nothing had happened, but he’d learned from his men if he let something go it only morphed into a larger problem. He had a plan, and it involved Emma. He didn’t want to look for anyone else.
She smiled when she sat down. “I hope you like it.”
Niall tasted the spaghetti. “You can cook this for me anytime. It’s the best I’ve had in years. My Mom used to cook it, and it was good, but your mother’s recipe is better. Don’t ever let my Mom know I just said that.”
“My mom is Italian. Her mother taught her all types of delicious recipes, and then they were passed down to me.”
“What nationality is your father?”
“English.”
“I’m Scottish and English.” He grinned. “And now we know a small part of our pedigree.”
They didn’t talk much during the rest of the meal. After eating, Niall helped clean up the kitchen. Emma poured a cup of coffee to go with the chocolate cake she’d bought. “I can cook cakes myself, but I didn’t have the ingredients and was feeling lazy.”
“This is all great. Thank you for a delicious meal and a lovely evening. However ... I do want to return to the misunderstanding I think we had earlier.” She motioned no, but he continued. “Saying someone is a good woman, to me, is a high compliment. I expect you had many men who were just friends and they used that word. It was a compliment, but you had hoped for more from one of them.”
“You are too astute.”
“I’m responsible for a team of fine men, and I also like to keep up with their wives. It’s important that their homes are comforting places for them to return to after we’ve seen things we’d never want our families to have to see or endure.” He shrugged. “So, I watch more than I talk, usually. I find you easy to talk with and you have exceptional judgment, as you proved when you visited the schools.”
“It was stupid of me to take exception to your remark. You’re right, men like me as a friend. I’ve watched most of my friends marry and start families. You begin to wonder what’s missing in yourself.”
Emma looked down while she spoke.
Niall sat beside her on the couch.
She held up a staying hand, stopping his words when he would have spoken.
“Please don’t say all the same things others have told me all these years. I know my worth. I’m not certain why others haven’t seen it.” Looking up into his eyes, she added, “I’m all right. I don’t know what brought this on tonight.”
Niall lifted her chin and kissed her lightly on the lips. “And I’m not sure why I want to kiss you whenever you seem to need it. But I do like it. We’ll discuss this further once we get back from my mother’s.”
“You still want me to go?”
“Of course. And I thought since I’m not due in court until Monday, that we’d leave tomorrow. We can return on Saturday and rest up for the week.”
“I’ll be ready. What time do we leave?”
“Is eight too early?”
“Not at all.”
Melissa sat quietly in the back seat as they returned to San Diego. She murmured to her dolls and appeared happy to be visiting Daddy.
“She’s beautiful and a sweet child,” Emma said softly to Niall.
“Thanks to my mother, she’s grown up to be a happy and well-adjusted little girl.”
“And to you for visiting often. If you hadn’t stayed in your daughter’s life, she’d have felt like she lost both parents.”
“I know. I worried when we had especially long missions. But Mom reassured her I’d be up to see her as soon as I got back. She explained about the bad men my group had to take care of to make little girls like her safe. And I always answered her questions as honestly as I could for her age.”
“I would guess she’s exceptionally smart for her age and mature, since she’s been with your mother so long.”
“I think you’re right. Mom saw Melissa had dancing lessons, other types of lessons and parties to go to and be with other children her age.” Niall glanced back at his daughter for a second and grinned. “You should see her in a tutu trying to do ballet. She’s not bad for being so little.”
“You’ll have to see she gets to do similar activities in San Diego.”
“Miss Emma,” Melissa said from the back seat. “Granny said you are Daddy’s friend.”
Emma turned to face her. “Yes, I am, and I hope to be yours.”
“I like you. You can be my friend, too,” Melissa said, and then went back to playing with her dolls.
Niall looked across at Emma. “You’ve passed the test.”
“I guess I did. Your daughter is adorable.”
It was late afternoon when they got to town. Niall suggested they get pizza, one of his daughter’s favorite foods. “There’s a place close to my house. We’ll take it home and eat. I imagine with all the excitement today that Melissa will get sleepy early. I’d like you to stay so we can talk. I need to ask you about several ideas I have.”
“Sounds good to me. I like pizza, too.”
Melissa must have heard her. She yelled, “Yeah, pizza, Daddy!”
Niall was right. By seven Melissa was in bed and kissing both Daddy and her new friend, Miss Emma, good-night.
When they closed the bedroom door, Emma whispered, “I noticed you didn’t mention looking
for furniture with her.”
“She’d never have gone to sleep if she knew we’d go shopping tomorrow. I’d like you to go with us, and if you don’t mind, I’d like you to show her around the new school and introduce her to her teacher when she moves here. I’ve discussed it with the headmistress, and she agrees it’s a good idea.”
“It is. I’d be glad to go with Melissa.”
He took a deep breath. “That’s one problem taken care of, since I can’t get out of being at court. Let’s sit outside in the fresh air. I can turn on the lights by the pool.”
“It sounds wonderful. If I had my bathing suit, I’d take a swim.” Since their discussion at the townhouse, Emma and Niall had let the awkwardness between them go, and they’d had a good visit with his mother. Emma had enjoyed meeting her, and they’d found several points of interest in common.
“You need to bring your suit over, and you can swim whenever you like. I’ll go get our drinks and then we can talk.”
“Make mine weak.”
“Always,” he smiled and walked away.
Every time he smiles like that my heart jumps in my chest. I keep finding more and more things I like about him. What am I going to do? I’m falling in love with Niall.
Chapter 7
Niall took his time fixing their drinks and preparing light snacks. He seldom got nervous, but what he wanted to say to Emma was important, as was her reaction. Damn, do it. He put the drinks and snacks on a tray and joined her at the table beside the pool.
When she looked up, she grinned, and her eyes sparkled. “I was getting ready to come looking for you. I thought perhaps the bad guys had slipped in and taken you away. You, a tough SEAL.”
“Don’t worry. I’d manage to take all the bad guys down and protect Melissa and you. I didn’t know if you had any room for snacks after pizza, but I brought some out just in case.”
“I do like to eat something when I drink. Thanks. Why do I have the feeling you’re procrastinating about what you wanted to discuss?”
“Your instincts are right on.” He sighed. “Honestly, I’m anxious about your answer.”
“You know I’ll be glad to help you with Melissa when you go on missions until you can find the right person.”
“But what if I can’t find a person I trust? I’d have to sign papers for her to take Melissa to the doctor and do all the things Melissa might need. I’m not sure I’ll ever trust a stranger that much.”
Niall took a swallow of his beer and stalled a bit longer by eating some snacks.
“So, how do you think you can solve your problem?”
“Remember when you said I needed a wife who wasn’t a wife?” He watched her expression change. She blushed and looked down.
“I do remember,” she finally said.
“I do need a wife, but I don’t want a temporary one. It’d be too confusing to Melissa.” They’d both stopped drinking and eating. Silence fell between them as he stared into her eyes.
“Mom has been after me for the last few years to remarry. But I never met a woman I thought I’d want to ask.
“You are the first woman I’ve enjoyed spending time with, and someone I’ve considered would be a good mother for my daughter. I like you, and I have feelings for you, which I hope will grow for both of us if you accept my proposal to be my wife and Melissa’s mother.”
Emma started to speak, but Niall took her hand in his, silencing her. “Let me finish first. I admire and trust you even though we haven’t known each other long. I understand this may not be the romantic proposal you deserve. You can trust I will take care of you and Melissa, and perhaps we can build on what we have now. I don’t expect you to decide this moment. You’ll think of questions. Shall we meet on Monday evening and further discuss my proposal?
“You’re taking Melissa to see her school, and I hope you’ll spend the day with her. After court, I’ll take us all out to dinner. Once she’s asleep, you can do all the talking.”
His words surprised and shocked her. She’d wanted his proposal, but not this way. I’ve already started to love him. Can I live with him and try to hide my real feelings? If they show, how will he react? Emma pulled her hand out of his and sat straighter.
“I’m glad you aren’t expecting an answer tonight. I’ve enjoyed our trip and meeting your mother and Melissa. I want to go home now and think about your offer.”
He looked worried. “Are you upset?”
She was silent for a long moment before she said, “Surprised. I’ll know more about how I feel after I’ve had some time to think.”
Niall insisted on driving her home. He called a neighbor who agreed to watch over Melissa until he returned. They didn’t talk on the way to the condo.
I’m glad. I have nothing more to say.
“I’ll check the rooms,” Niall said when she opened her door. He made a quick inspection. “It’s all fine.” He lifted her chin. “I’ll be anxious to hear what you have to say on Monday night. I’ll drop Melissa off around seven-thirty if you still agree to take her for the day.”
“Certainly. I’ll be looking forward to seeing her and having her with me.”
He looked a bit bewildered and confused before he said goodnight. He listened for the click of the lock before hurrying down the steps.
Emma sank onto the nearest chair. Her brain raced with thoughts about him and Melissa. She knew the only reason she hadn’t accepted his offer immediately was that she was afraid. Afraid she’d love him too much and he’d only see her as a caring friend. But he said he had feelings for her, feelings he hoped to build on.
Emma touched her lips and mumbled, “And he has kissed me several times, but quick kisses. How much do they mean to him?”
She headed to the bedroom, hoping to get her mind to stop spinning.
After about five hours of restless sleep, Melissa got up and headed to the kitchen to turn on the coffee pot. On impulse, she fixed eggs, bacon, and toast for breakfast. Although she had little appetite when she first started to cook, she found she enjoyed the meal.
She cleaned the kitchen and went to her room for a pad of paper and a pencil, and then she settled at Vi’s small desk by a window overlooking the pool. Maybe I’ll go for a swim later. Picking up the pen, she began to write some questions she already knew she and Niall needed to discuss.
My most important question is whether he’ll agree to have children with me. She wanted at least two more, and suspected Melissa would love to have siblings.
Emma sat back and imagined being Niall’s wife and watching their children run around the house. If Niall loved me, it would be perfect.
She decided to call her parents. They’ve never refused to give me an honest answer about anything.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hello, honey. We were just thinking about you and wondering how it went meeting Niall’s Mom and daughter.”
“It was lovely. Niall’s mom was friendly, and we found several things we have in common. She likes to knit, and so do I, and she’s a movie buff like me, but neither of us have gone to a movie lately.”
“So, you hit off with his mother. How about his daughter?”
“Oh, Mom, she is the sweetest little girl. Melissa is smart and happy.
“She loves her Daddy and her Grandma, and she accepted me right away as Daddy’s friend. Grandma has a friend, so that’s how she saw me.”
“How delightful.”
“It is, but I have a big question for you and Dad. Ask him to get on the other phone.”
“Sure, just a minute and I’ll get him. He’s in the other room.”
Anxiety tightened Emma’s chest as she waited. Her heartbeat quickened. She thought they’d never get back on the line.
“Emma?” She smiled at the sound of her father’s voice. “What’s up, sweetheart?”
“We’re both on, honey,” her mother said. “Go ahead and talk to us.”
Emma took a deep breath. “When we got back from the mountains yesterday, we had
pizza. After Melissa had gone to sleep, we went outside to sit and have snacks and a drink. Then Niall asked me a question.”
“Oh, how exciting!”
“Don’t get too happy, Mom.” Then Emma explained to her parents what Niall had asked.
“A marriage of convenience?” her father asked. “I didn’t think there was any such thing these days, especially with younger adults.”
“I’m not young anymore, Dad. I’m thirty.”
“Which is still young,” her mother said. “Tell us how you feel about him.”
“I’m falling in love with him. What if I can’t hide my feelings? It might be awkward.”
Her father snorted. “No more awkward than a marriage of convenience. Your mother and I have looked forward to the day when we might throw a big wedding for our only child. I don’t suppose he’d want to have all of that, this being his second marriage.”
“I don’t know, Dad. We said we’d talk tomorrow night after Melissa is in bed. He told me to make a list of any questions I had, and we’d discuss them.”
“At least he didn’t expect an immediate answer,” her mother commented.
“He knew he’d get a ‘no’ if he did.”
“How do you feel? Do you want to marry him this way?”
“Mom, I don’t know. I’m afraid this may be my only chance to marry and have children. My biological clock may run out before long. That’s one of my questions. I want two or three children and Melissa. She’s a friendly child, and I’ve seen no jealousy in her. I think she’d love siblings.”
Her father spoke up. “He may not want more. He lost his last wife when she had a child.”
“I know,” Emma said. “That’s what I fear, Dad.”
“Sounds like you’ve pretty much made up your mind if he says yes to other children,” her Mom said.
“Do you two think I’m a fool?”
“Never,” they both spoke at once.
“Whatever you want to do, you’ll have our full support, baby.”
Tears came into her eyes. Her Dad hadn’t called her “baby” in quite a while.
The SEAL’s Surprise Marriage - Rachel McNeely Page 7