Then the giggling starts and they start talking over each other until I can't find one conversation I can take part in. Emma grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze again in solidarity. The Matthews family is fierce, and I'm not sure I'll survive any holidays with them.
The rest of the meal goes well, and I say my goodbyes as soon as I've finished dessert. Emma walks me to the door and goes outside with me.
"Well done, Officer Carlton."
"That was an ambush, and you know it."
"Sorry, not sorry. This family likes to be involved, and that's something you needed to know."
"When can I see you again?"
"Come have dinner with me tomorrow, and you can bring Buddy by to spend some time with his mother."
"Done deal. And Emma…"
She gives me a funny look, and I smile back at her.
"I'm glad your family approves."
Then I lean down and give her a toe-curling kiss. You know, for the road.
Chapter 11
Emma
Imeet Tristan at his house in order to have a nice fun date in the snow. Buddy is staying with Luna at the front desk of the pet shop. She says he's the best sidekick she's ever had. I park in front of his house. It's a nice cabin with three bedrooms and a hot tub on the back deck.
The snowmobiles are already packed in the back of his truck and excitement bubbles inside me. I'm not much of an outdoors person, but when Tristan takes me places I really do enjoy it, mainly because I'm with him. There are things I will not do, and camping in order to go ice fishing is one of them.
I do encourage him to make up the dates because I never know if I will like what he comes up with. I turn my engine off andwatch him come out of his cabin. He's all dressed up for our activity in warm gear. He comes over to my door and opens it up for me.
"Hello, handsome."
"Hello, my queen."
He bends down to kiss me and then helps me out of the car. It's always the little things with him. I always feel just like the queen he often calls me.
"Are we going to the Storyville Park?"
"Yeah, yeah. I have a couple of friends coming with us. A doctor at the hospital. Marcus Hall. And the vet at your store, Luke."
I think to myself that two of my sisters would have loved to be included, since they are crushing on those doctors. For now, I'll take the opportunity to get to know them better. When we arrive at the park, the guys are waiting for us and have someone else with them.
"Hey guys. Luke, Marcus, this is my girlfriend, Emma Matthews."
They both say hello to me, and I smile kindly at them. The unexpected person comes over to us.
"Hey, I'm Scott Patterson. I'm part of the team here at the campground. Just making sure you guys are being safe while out there."
"I think we're all set, Scott, thanks." Tristan says.
The guys get the snowmobiles out of the truck, and when we're all set we go spend a wonderful winter morning racing each other all over the park. When it gets close to noon, I signal Tristan.
"Are you okay, Emma?"
"I'm starving. Should we invite the guys for lunch?"
"Actually, I have a surprise for you at home."
