“God, I need something sweet,” Margo said, leaning back in her chair so her swollen belly stuck out. “Is there any dessert?”
Mr. Woodhouse tutted. “No one needs dessert.”
“Dad, I’m seven months pregnant and I’m telling you I need dessert.”
“There might be some kiwis in the fridge.”
She rolled her eyes and turned to Knightley. “Do you have any cookies over there or something?”
He shrugged one shoulder. “I had some ice cream, but Emma ate all of it this morning.”
Emma coughed, almost spitting her wine across the table.
Knightley watched her, his eyes dancing with amusement as she struggled for breath. She was going to kill him. As soon as she could breathe again, he was dead.
Mr. Woodhouse looked at her as if he wasn’t sure if he should be concerned or disgusted. “Emma. Saturated fats for breakfast?”
She was still coughing and couldn’t answer, so Knightley leaned forward. “It was more of a midnight snack, I think.”
Mr. Woodhouse still shook his head. “The lipids.”
“Ugh, fine. We’ll pick up some cupcakes on the way home,” Margo said. “By the way, I’m coming by early tomorrow to go through those boxes of summer clothes from our closet. They’re still up on the shelf, right Emma?”
Emma nodded, taking a deep sip of her water.
“You okay?” Knightley asked, loud enough so that everyone could hear.
She ignored him.
“Oh!” Margo said, eyes suddenly huge and a smile on her lips. “I almost forgot! There’s this new associate at work, Jason. He just moved down from Boston. He is darling and so ridiculously hot, I can’t even get into it.” Ben looked at her pointedly; she didn’t seem to notice. “And he’s single!”
She turned to Emma, eyebrows raised and biting her lip as if she had just presented her with the gift of a lifetime. The entire table turned to Emma as well and waited.
“And?” Emma replied.
Margo rolled her eyes. “And I’m going to set you two up, obviously. I know the Montgomery thing was a disaster, but this is completely different. Jason is exactly the type of guy I see you with. Hot, but not super into his looks, you know? And so funny… He told this story at work the other day; it was hilarious…”
As Margo continued, Emma could feel the tension rising from the seat beside her.
“Oh my God, and your kids would be so gorgeous!” Margo exclaimed. “It’s perfect. I’ll organize a dinner next week. Like a double date.”
“No,” Emma said. Her voice came out so loud and high that everyone at the table turned. “No, I’m going to have to pass.”
Her sister scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. He’s perfect for you. Seriously, don’t even worry about it. I’ll figure it all out and—”
“No, Margo.” Her voice was stronger now, and she let out a long breath. Her anxiety was suddenly gone. Every fear and worry had just disappeared. “Really. I don’t need you to figure it out. And I need you to stop thinking that you do. I love you but I need you to let go just a little. Okay?”
Silence enveloped the room. Margo looked shocked, her eyes wide as she stared at her sister.
“But don’t you think—”
“Margo,” Mr. Woodhouse cut her off. Margo turned to him, eyes wide. He offered her a soft, placating smile. “Pass the asparagus.”
“Okay,” she replied softly.
He nodded. Then he turned and gave Emma a wink. “Okay.”
Under the table, she felt Knightley reach over and squeeze her knee.
