I adore it.
I step away from the overhang and put my hood up, ambling slowly toward the garage. There’s an apartment above it that Emerson said he lived in for a while, but I can’t rationalize taking stairs that steep in this weather just to imagine him inside.
God, I hate being awkward, but I don’t like talking about the “How I lost my leg” incident either. It was so many years ago, I never think about it unless someone asks me what happened. At least I try not to, because there’s no point in dwelling on things you can’t change.
I can’t imagine driving through a storm without making sure Lang and Barry were secure and okay.
Your brothers were okay.
Niraj was in a car seat with Arush buckled in beside him, watching a video and ignoring his irritating sister. I was smaller and we didn’t have that far to go, so I got put in the rear hatch with the spare tire, jumper cables and some luggage in case one of us needed a quick change. My mother always prepared for a mess.
I made it fun. I hung from the cargo netting, made a castle fort and used my sock as a puppet to make dirty faces at Arush behind his back. I was fine. I didn’t want to watch that stupid show anyway.
They said it happened fast. A truck swerved and spun out behind us, shearing the tail end of the car away like it was made of butter, along with a large chunk of my leg. Too much, as it turned out. Thankfully, I don’t remember any of it after my mother screamed. Not until I woke up after the surgery.
Which is not the kind of conversation you want to have at Thanksgiving. I feel like I’ve failed my first holiday test as a married woman.
I was really looking forward to tonight. They called it the pre-Christmas prep dinner instead of Thanksgiving. After we cleaned up, the Waynes would be voting on group photography themes, drawing names for Secret Santa gifts, and deciding how to convince the mostly male Finn family to go caroling. Cassandra really wanted to make that happen.
It was exciting to be part of the crazy for once, instead of watching it play out on a television show or listening to gossip via FaceTime.
I roll my eyes and tuck my cold hands into my pockets. This is what happens when I’m disconnected from my best friend for more than a week. I get all emo.
Joey, and now Emerson, were the only people who accept me, embrace me exactly as I am. They
’re the ones who challenge instead of pity me. I’ve never felt less than in their eyes.
Emerson.
After the last four days with him, I barely recognize myself. I feel so disorganized and out of step. I’m thankful for the great team I’ve put in place in the new office, because it’s been impossible for me to concentrate on anything but the next time I can be alone with my husband.
My only comfort is that I’m not alone in my new obsession. Emerson is always impatient for me. Tireless. Inventive. And the things he says to me, does to me…
I had no idea that kind of intimacy existed. Even when we’re not behind closed doors, I feel him watching and waiting. Dinners have become one long marathon of foreplay and sensual torture.
I feel sexy.
I’m cute. When I have the right clothes on and my hair is in place, I’ve been called adorable, and most people under the age of ten believe I’m a princess. I even have a tiara collection. But when Emerson looks at me, I’m pure temptation. The only woman he desires.
It’s addictive.
It’s given me hope that this marriage has a chance beyond the imminent court case and my family’s visit, which I just found out yesterday is happening a week from now.
My parents want to meet my new family. I’ve already made hotel reservations, and Emerson promised to be at his old-fashioned impressive best, even though I know he still has an issue with their treatment of me.
I like that he’ll do it for me. That he understands why my family is important.
I’m afraid to jinx it, but I’m almost sure I’ve fallen in love with him.
It’s too soon. We’re supposed to take it slow. I had a rough draft of a schedule that projected where our marriage would be in a year. In two. But that flew out the window almost as soon as I moved in.
I already love the boys. I’m already attached. Emerson has already seen me naked. On multiple occasions.
So many occasions.
I need to stop thinking about that.
“Tani? Are you coming back in?” Austen is bundled up in a warm jacket and walking toward me carefully.