Page 65 of The Emma Special

Sharon held the baby with one arm and reached out to her daughter-in-law. “Oh, honey. I know you feel like everything at work has to always be running smoothly, but there are bound to be struggles. Have you been delegating some of the smaller tasks to Regina? It’s okay to trust others to help you carry the load.”

Sharon’s kindness and assurance was exactly what Emma had always wanted to hear from her own mom. If Emma even thought about complaining, her mom’s shrill voice played in her head, reminding her that life wasn’t free and she needed to earn her keep.

How cool would it have been to grow up with a full family? What would it have been like if she’d felt emotionally safe with her mom?

James handed her a bowl of dessert and took one for himself before leaning down to whisper in Emma’s ear. “Let’s get the good seat before Harrison claims it with his bad attitude.”

Emma followed James outside where he held the swing for her to sit. The dog ran freely in the backyard, and the sun cast an orange glow over the clouds.

Garrett stepped outside and closed the door behind him. His attention stayed locked on his bowl of dessert as he leaned on the porch rail in front of Emma. “I guess I owe you an apology too.”

Oh, this was happening. Emma lowered the bowl to her lap and scooted closer to James.

“I lost my temper at the office the other day. I know I scared you, but you didn’t do anything wrong.”

Emma glanced at James, and the surprised look on his face said he hadn’t put his brother up to the apology.

Garrett lifted his head and squinted one eye. “Are we good?”

“We’re good.” What else could she say? Oh, yeah and you were mean to me in high school and your words have chased me for years and years. No, how could she still cling to those lies when he didn’t even remember saying them? Emma nudged James and they both scooted down the seat. She patted the spot beside her.

Garrett joined them, and some of the tension in her shoulders eased. She’d been working on forgiving him for hurling office supplies at her, but it was James who deserved an apology. He’d obviously been funding Garrett’s mistakes, and James was too good of a brother to be taken advantage of like that.

Everyone used him. Everyone went to stable, reliable James when things got tough. She’d never considered responsibility to be attractive, but it looked so good on James Lincoln Moore, Jr.

When they’d finished their dessert, Emma took the three bowls and stood. “Be right back.”

Kenna burst from the house and made a mad dash to the backyard. Nap time was over, and the toddler was back to full speed.

Harrison stormed out just as Emma reached the door. She pulled the stack of bowls close as she narrowly avoided a collision. He didn’t even offer a quick apology.

In the kitchen, Sharon and Lottie perched on stools at the bar. Lottie’s lowered chin said the conversation was heavy and private.

Emma quietly placed the bowls in the sink, hoping to slip out without interrupting.

“Emma, come sit with us,” Sharon said.

“Oh, I don’t mean to bother you. I was just⁠—”

“Please. You’re not a bother.” Sharon waved Emma over. “I think Lottie could use your help.”

“My help?”

“Yes.” Sharon patted the empty stool. “She’s going through a stressful time at work, and she could use some help around the house until things settle down.”

Lottie’s eyes widened. “Yes! Why didn’t I think of that? James said you do all kinds of stuff for work.”

Eeek. What exactly had he told them about her work? There wasn’t a way to make I’m flat broke and pick up dog poop for money sound elegant. “I do. What do you need?”

“Well, Harrison and I both work a lot, and Kenna is growing so fast. I hate that I’m missing out on time with her. And Harrison. Things have been strained between us lately, and I know it’s because we’re not spending any time together.”

“You want me to be your house manager?” Emma asked.

“Yes. That,” Lottie said, snapping her fingers. “I’d happily pay you to do laundry, cook dinner, and pick up groceries. Things like that.”

Was this happening? Was she actually getting a gig right now? One she could do in her sleep. “You got it. I also make beds and wash dishes.”

Lottie reached for Emma’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “You’re an angel. When can you start?”