Being Emma Read Online Free PDF Page A

She started swinging which made Lucy laugh.
Craig sat down on the swing next to Janie with cute Livy in his
lap. She laughed too as Craig started swinging her.
    It was pretty hard to stay mad at him with
two giggly and adorable children in their laps. She appreciated
that he was good with children. With Colt as his best friend, the
children were practically his relatives too.
    Inside the house, Colt took Mandy’s hand.
“What’s up with those two?”
    She shook her head. “I just don’t know. Seems
like lately they’ve been arguing more than I’ve ever seen.” They
watched out the window for a few minutes and then gave them some
privacy.
    Outside, Janie and Craig swung with the
little girls for a few minutes.
    Then they finally looked at each other and
spoke at once.
    “Craig, I’m sorry.”
    “My fault, Janie…” They laughed at that.
    “No, really. It’s my fault. I’m probably
pushing Diane, but she’s my best friend…” Janie looked sorry.
    “I’m sorry to be scolding you a lot these
days. I should be encouraging you with all you do, instead of
berating you.”
    Craig held out his hand to Janie. She took it
and looked into his face.
    “Friends again?”
    “Yes, please. Let’s not quarrel. We’re such
good friends and I want to keep it that way.” Craig grinned at her.
Livy was going to sleep in his lap.
    “Looks like your charge is already asleep.”
He looked at Lucy.
    “So’s yours. Let’s get these kids to bed.”
Smiling, they stood up and took the children back in the house and
to their beds. Sammy was already asleep, so when Janie and Craig
returned to the family room, Colt and Mandy were sitting
comfortably, probably for the first time all day, on the couch.
Mandy sighed.
    “Thanks you two for helping with the twins.
They can cause quite a ruckus at bedtime. We have a minute to
ourselves finally… Sit down and have a beer or something.” Colt
looked relieved and leaned over to kiss Mandy.
    Janie found her wineglass and Craig snagged
two beers from the refrigerator. He handed one to Colt. They sat
down across from Colt and Mandy and smiled.
    “A little hectic with three, isn’t it?” Craig
took a pull of his beer.
    “Yeah, Jesse has it easy with just two.”
    Mandy laughed. “I guess you haven’t
heard.”
    “… What?”
    “Audrey’s pregnant again…” Colt and Craig
started laughing.
    “Remember what he said the other night when
we were out looking for the coyotes?”
    “Yeah.”
    “What’d he say?” asked Janie.
    “He was telling me to be more measured with
having children. I didn’t think they wanted any more.” Mandy
laughed again.
    “Jesse obviously didn’t discuss it with
Audrey. She wants a few more…”
    Colt nearly choked on his beer. “Really? ...
Great! Can’t wait to kid him next time we’re out. This should be
good.”
    “What makes you think we’re done?” Colt’s
mouth dropped open and he looked at her.
    “Anything you want to tell me, sweetheart?”
She gave him a sexy smile.
    “Maybe later…”
    The two couples continued talking
companionably for nearly an hour. Then Janie glanced at her
watch.
    “I need to go. Early day tomorrow.” She put
down her glass and stood up.
    “Me too. I’m meeting up with your dad and
uncle about the Vegas trip.”
    “Putting on your accountant hat now,
Ferguson?” Colt laughed.
    “Yep. Janie, let me give you a ride to your
car…” He smiled at her.
    “Okay, thanks. Colt, Mandy, lovely to see you
and yours as usual.”
    They all stood for hugs and walked to the
door.
    “See ya, Colt. Thanks, Mandy. Love those
babies…” Craig gave Mandy a kiss on the cheek and then took Janie’s
hand. “Let’s go. Night all.”
    Janie and Craig walked to his car and he
opened the door for her. After she was in, he walked around to his
side, got in and started the car. He backed it out of the driveway
and they waved while leaving.
    “Why aren’t they a couple, Colt?”
    “Good question, sweetheart. Maybe