Page 70 of Ice Cold Hearts
If I could do a cartwheel, I would. I’m ready to scream from the rooftops that she belongs with us or shoot off fireworks.
“I was hoping you’d say that,” I say instead, “but I think there’s something we need to handle first before we get into any of the other stuff you were talking about.”
“Which is?” she asks.
“Your professional reputation,” I answer. “The media isn’t going to stop digging, and I want you to be above reproach. If I keep going to Grace Harbor every so often for tune-ups and if Ian ever wants to come back for some more preventive care, we can’t see you any more for it.”
Emily nods. “We kept things professional during treatment, but we probably should have done that a while ago. I’ll call Jenna.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I think we need to explain in person. Besides, I still have a few appointments coming up, and I don’t really think you should handle that.”
“Okay, we can do that.” She scrunches her nose as she thinks. “It’s actually Jenna’s late day in the office. We could go now, if you want. I just have to make sure Audrey hits the bathroom before we leave so she doesn’t have an accident.”
“We can watch her,” Oliver volunteers.
Emily hesitates, picking at her cuticles again. “I don’t know, are you sure you’ll be okay with her?”
“It’s okay, Emily, we can take her. It really won’t bother me.”
“There’s no reason to disturb her,” Oliver says.
“I…” she starts.
“Why don’t we ask her and see what she’s comfortable with?” Ian suggests. “No sense in keeping her with us if she’d be unhappy with it.”
My heart fills with pride as Emily smiles at him. These really are good men I’ve managed to surround myself with.
“Audrey.” Emily crouches down and taps her on the shoulder.
She slips her headphones off. “What, Mama? Ooh, can we play dolls now?”
“Actually, Pumpkin, Uncle Alexei and I need to run to Mama’s work really fast. Do you want to come with us?”
She sighs heavily. “Do I gotta? Can I just stay and play dolls with Uncle Oliver and Auntie Ian?”
Oliver explodes with laughter, but Emily is holding it in like a champion. The only thing giving her away is the mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
“What’s so funny?” Audrey demands.
“Nothing.” I step in. “Uncle Oliver is just so excited to have a tea party with you and Princess Fettuccini.”
Her eyes light up. “A real life tea party?”
“You betcha, Little Pea.” Oliver grins. “And if you ask nicely, Auntie Ian might even wear dress up clothes.”
Audrey claps her hands and squeals in delight while Ian shoots a murderous glare at Oliver behind her back.
“You’re dead,” he mouths.
“You kids have fun,” I say, whisking Emily out the door.
23
EMILY
The last time I was this anxious walking into a hospital, I walked out roughly a day and a half later toting an eight-pound, nine-ounce little passenger along with me.
Telling my boss about a relationship, even an unconventional one, will be much easier than twelve hours of labor. Faster, too. I just wish someone would tell that to my hands because they won’t stop shaking.