“Call me Robert, please.”
“Robert.” She attempted to smile. “Do you mind if I keep this photo of my... brother?”
“That’s fine.”
Emily felt like a child who had disappointed everyone. They all wanted answers, no one more than her, though. But she’d failed and nearly broken down in front of everyone.
She wanted—no needed—to be alone without these concerned strangers staring at her. She looked to Jake for help because Faith would coddle her, and that would be her undoing.
“I could use some fresh air. Do you think I could sit out on the back deck for a while?”
Jake stood. “Absolutely.”
“That’s a wonderful idea.” Faith rose also. “Here’s the wheelchair.”
“I got it, Mom.” He bent over Emily. His breath tickled her cheek as he whispered, “Lean into me so I don’t hurt your ribs.”
Emily put her arm around his shoulder. A ripple of pleasure skittered through her abdomen as his shoulders bunched beneath her arm. If she wasn’t so miserable, she would have analyzed the effect Jake’s nearness had on her.
Robert opened the back door for them. “Jake, can I have a word with you before I leave?”
Jake nodded and continued through the door. He knelt on one knee next to a chaise lounge and carefully put Emily down.
Emily gave him a tight smile. “Thank you.”
“Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked. “Do you want my mom to keep you company?”
“No.” Then, because she’d responded faster and louder than necessary, she smiled. “I’d like to be alone for a while. You know, to think.”
“And it’s difficult to think with my mom’s chattering.” He gave her hand a quick squeeze before letting go. “I get it. I’ll be around. Call out if you need anything.”
Emily bit her tongue to keep from calling him back. For some reason, she felt secure in his presence.
* * *
Jake caughthis mother headed toward the back door with her bag of yarn, a partially finished baby blanket hanging out. He put out a hand to stop her.
“I think she wants to be alone right now. She said she wants to do some thinking.”
“Poor girl. Yes, she could use a little quiet, I suppose. Well, I’ll go see if Lottie needs any help, then. Robert, are you sticking around for dinner?”
“Not tonight, Mom. But thanks.” He picked up the folder he tossed on the ottoman earlier and shot Jake a look.
Jake followed Robert out to his Tahoe before his brother turned to talk to him.
“Wow, she was upset when nothing sparked a memory.” Robert let out a sigh.
Jake rubbed his neck, not wanting to admit how his stomach had sank when Emily didn’t remember anything. “Can you imagine how she must feel? I’m amazed at how well she composed herself, though. Most women use their emotions to play on a man’s sympathies.”
“I agree, but it sounds like we’ve both been around Debbie Wheeler a little too much.”
“A little?” Jake growled. “That woman is out here every couple days.”
“I feel your pain. Somehow she got my cell number and now I get calls and texts at all hours of the day and night.”
Jake scowled. “Can we change the subject? I’m afraid talking about her might cause her to come driving up the lane.”
“Gladly.” Robert chuckled. “So, I sort of lied to Emily about not having any other information.” He opened the file folder and showed Jake a copy of an obituary. “Her father died in a car accident about ten months ago. I wasn’t kidding when I said her brother is the only living relative I’ve been able to find. When she looked so upset at not being able to remember anything, I couldn’t bring myself to tell her more bad news.”
