Embracing Emma (Companion to Brisé) Read Online Free PDF Page B

chase a boy. She ensures he has no choice but to chase her.” She shoots me a wink over her shoulder as she continues to ice the cupcakes. “I couldn’t help that I was inadvertently in his path wherever he went.”
    “My Nana has game.”
    “Yes, she did. But I didn’t need it. Turns out Papa had been waiting on me to notice him. Sometimes the best things are right in front of our face, but until we stop scanning over them, we don’t truly see their value.”
    “So he asked you on a date and the rest is history.”
    “No, Princess. He never asked me on a date. He walked up to me after I was done ringing up his momma’s cake and told me he’d be back around when I got off and we could go pick out my wedding set because I would be his wife.”
    I choke on air and sputter, “You’re kidding?”
    “No, it only takes removing the blinders you’re wearing. That man came back at six, escorted me to the jewelry store, bought a simple solitaire.” She pauses showing me her wedding set I’ve admired for years. The simplicity of it all enamors me. “He picked it up the next week, and I’ve never taken it off since.”
    “You didn’t date?”
    “Oh, he courted me, just after he told me I was going to be his wife.”
    “When were you married?”
    “Four weeks after that day. He went back to school for another year, came home, and opened the real estate office.”
    “Wow, Nana. That’s not what I expected.”
    “He wasn’t what I expected, Emma. He was so much more.” I see her wipe the tear slipping down her cheek, but she continues without missing a beat, “I had sixty years with that man and would have been lucky to get sixty more.”
    “Nana…” I let my voice trail off because I don’t know what to say.
    “I’m not telling you to run off and get married after your first date, but I can say I’m proud of you for never wearing those blinders around William. You’ve seen that boy for what he is . . . your future. And Emma, he sees you. Clearer than anyone else does.”
    I feel my eyes well up with tears. “I’ve got to get ready.”
    “Yes, you do. Wear green, baby; it’s your color.” I walk into her embrace and hold on a little tighter than I normally do, a little longer, letting her love surround me.
    I make fast work of my shower and stare in my closet for eternity. I have no idea what I’m doing. I should have let my mom take me shopping after all. Nothing is drawing my attention, and I want to look nice.
    This is William. I remind myself of that over and over. He’s seen me dolled up, dressed down, and everything in between.
    It feels different.
    It feels exhilarating. Yet terrifying.
    It’s my dream.
    Now the dilemma with my hair. It’s usually up in a messy ponytail, but he deserves better tonight. I painstakingly blow my long locks dry and after settling on a green tank top, jean shorts, and flip-flops, I pull it up and braid it along my shoulder. As good as it gets I think as I stare in the mirror. I hear everyone arriving and nothing stops me from dashing to the dining room . . . once I see him, remember what we are embarking on tonight, a peace fills me, and just like breathing, I gravitate to his side, and all is stable inside me.
    No nerves.
    No doubts.
    No fear.
    Only him.

Chapter Six
    William
     
     
    As she finds her way next to me, it’s second nature to touch her, circle her waist with my arms, and draw her closer. With her next to me, I become what I’m supposed to be.
    Hers.
    It brings unity, solidarity to my core I can’t deny . . . nor do I want to. I notice Luke avert his eyes as soon as I touch her. While the way we are standing isn’t disrespectful in any way, I kiss the top of her head, and pull back, nodding to her dad. She shakes her head in understanding.
    Nana brings the cupcakes, interrupting the standoff. “Happy birthday, Emma.” She places the treats on the table and turns to kiss her granddaughter. “You’re as beautiful as your