“We are just friends,” Emma stressed.
“Tsk, take it from someone who’s about to get married,” Brianna started.
“After going through fourteen wedding venues?” Emma asked sarcastically.
“Do we want it to change to fifteen?” Brianna smirked.
Emma chuckled. “Fine, Brianna, hit me with your dose of wisdom.”
“Humph, I’ve forgotten what I wanted to say.”
“Of course you have,” Emma smiled. “I think we are done here. What do you think, Brianna?”
“Yeah, you are right. I’ll be meeting the chef with Joe by two. If I need you, I’ll call. Right now, you can go on ahead and meet your friend,” Brianna told her with a twinkle in her eyes.”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” Emma hurried off, leaving Brianna’s laughter behind.
After filling their stomachs, Emma and Xavion watched the kids as they ran around in the park on the ranch. Maria sat nearer to them. She turned to him and saw he was staring at her.
“What? Is there something in my teeth?”
“No, you are perfect. It’s just, I can’t help but admire you, you are a strong and incredible woman. I mean, you’ve brought them both up on your own. It must not have been easy.”
Emma blushed and she shoved back a stray strand of hair, “I was never really alone. There was grandpa and Maria and I have friends who’ve helped out as well.”
“True that, but you really have got to stop belittling how strong you are and how much you’ve done, Emma. You are someone really special and you should know that. I’ve known you for only three weeks and the more I know you, the more I am sure. You are incredible.” He leaned closer and tucked the stubborn hair strand behind her ear. “Did you like the milkshake? I wasn’t sure what flavor you like so I punched in s’more flavor.”
Emma chuckled and she nodded, “It was perfect. Thanks Xavion.”
“So how’s the Diva Brianna doing? Is she giving you a hard time?”
“You know, she is actually not that bad when you get to know her.”
“Good then, I don’t want anyone giving you a hard time. Which reminds me, here you go.” He handed an envelope to her.
“What’s this?” Emma asked as she opened the envelope. Her eyes widened as she saw what it was- a spa day. She quirked a brow as she looked at him.
“It’s for tomorrow. You said your grandfather is going into town with Maria and you’ll be with the kids all day. So, I propose that the guys and I babysit them. They’ll be more than glad. As much as they are enjoying the horse riding lessons, they don’t enjoy cleaning up after the horses. And the kids love them and they love them too.”
Emma laughed as he said that and he continued, “They will be delighted at the excuse not to go in. And I’ll be delighted to spend time with them. They are great company you know.”
“I don’t think I can burden you guys like that, Xavion, you’ve all spent time with the kids but never alone. I really do appreciate this but...”
“But nothing, Emma. You need a day of rest. Running this ranch is not easy, I bet. I handle just a group of those hell-raisers and it is exhausting.”
Emma chuckled, “I do not think they will take too well to you calling them that.”
Xavion took one of her hands in his and said, “Come on, Emma, the wedding is going to be this weekend and it is going to be a roller-coaster. Don’t you think you deserve a day of relaxation before the rain?”
“I’ve never imagined taking a day off just to go to the spa. I just don’t think I have the time for all that and...” she was saying when he interrupted her.
“Well, it is a good thing that I am here to remind you to take care of yourself and I will keep caring for you whether you choose to do so or not. So will you please enjoy your spa day?”
Emma stared into his eyes and she could not break contact. She was captivated by his gaze. He smiled and kissed her hand, still holding her gaze. Emma averted her eyes. She suddenly felt overwhelmed by her feelings.
“Hey...” Xavion held her chin and gently turned her towards him. “What? Did I say something wrong?”
“No you didn’t, Xavion. It’s me. I’m really just used to taking care of others, rather than being cared for. It feels weird getting all this attention and...”
