Page 125 of The Emma Special

James moved to the couch and settled her in his lap, still holding her like a baby. “Now, you’re in timeout for kicking our cold couch.”

Her shoulders bounced as she chuckled, keeping her face hidden.

He rested his chin on top of her head where she curled into him. “And I think I need to be in timeout too. Just because we’re both grouchy, and ready to fight today.”

“Mmmhmm,” she hummed. “I’m sorry.”

He rubbed a hand over her back. Marriage was guaranteed to be tough sometimes, and they had to navigate the ups and downs as best they could. “I’m sorry too. Maybe we hit a reset in the morning?”

“Mmmhmm.”

“I’m not the best cook, but I can make a mean grilled cheese.”

She slowly lifted her head. “Can I have tomato soup too?”

“Yes, because you asked so nicely.” He lifted her from his lap and set her on her feet. “Go. I’ll deliver it to your room when it’s ready.”

She hesitated for a moment, wringing her hands. “Thank you.”

“And don’t get any ideas that you need to pay me back for a grilled cheese,” he said in the most stern voice he could muster.

That earned him a smile—the expression he’d missed most lately.

“You see how silly it sounds?” he asked.

She shrugged one shoulder, clearly not ready to give in completely. “Kinda.”

“I’m sorry about the couch. I have comfort food on the way, is there anything else I can do to cheer you up?”

Emma shook her head but something about her expression made him pause. If he had to guess, the witness was withholding evidence. He tapped his socked foot on top of hers. “Bubble bath? Ice cream? Foot massage?” He leaned away from her with a soft gasp. “Should I unpack your confetti?”

She smiled, but still looked sheepish. “If you must know, I have the urge to toss myself on the bed and scream and kick and throw a tantrum…” Delicately, clearing her throat, she peeked at him. “But, alas, I am an adult and not a spoiled fairytale princess. That, and I don’t want to scare you off when you’ve just offered me cheesy carbs. So I shall refrain.”

“This whole time? That’s all you needed?” James laughed. “Get to your room, princess.”

James turned her toward the bedroom before heading to the kitchen. He might have ended up with a dramatic wife, but it was a good thing she could be bribed with food. The bouquet still sat in the sink, silently judging him. Maybe if he’d offered her cheesy carbs in high school he could have gotten her attention a whole lot sooner.

Chapter 36

Emma Tries To Fix Things

Emma held up the instruction manual, then lowered it to survey the forty-seven pieces strewn across her bedroom floor that were supposed to come together to make a bookshelf. “This is ridiculous. I feel like there are too many things here.”

Her phone rang, and she reached for it without checking the screen. “Hello.”

“Heard you were walking dogs again,” her mother said quickly. “Something wrong with your husband? Is he not providing for you?”

Great. Janey was cold hearted on a good day. Janey going through a breakup was vindictive.

“James is wonderful.”

Well, he was wonderful in many ways. He was upset with her, but she still hadn’t figured out why.

“Not a bad idea to have some money set aside for yourself,” Janey said. “Your grandma used to keep a roll of cash tucked in her tampon box. No man will go looking for it there.”

That was the difference between Emma and her mom, and apparently her grandmother too. She didn’t want to run, and she didn’t feel trapped. She wanted to stay with James, she just didn’t deserve him or anything he’d done for her.

“You better shape up and do what you can to please this one because another Mr. Money Bags won’t land in your lap so easily when you get old and fat. How’s the sex?”