Page 71 of The Emma Special

“I hear ya, big boy, but I don’t believe you. We both know you could afford to pay for the surgery out of pocket. It might cost you less than a marriage in the long run. What am I saying? I want you two saying I do, so I’m gonna shut my trap now.”

“No, I need help. I need to think about all of the possibilities here.”

“You don’t need to think. You need to do. Come on, buddy. Jump out of the nest and learn to fly.”

“Have you been reading the motivational posters at the post office again?”

“That’s either here or there.”

“Neither. Nor.”

“What? Stop schooling me and listen up. You need to snag that woman before someone else does.”

James rested his head in his hand. “That’s not what’s happening here. Did you miss the part where she needs insurance and surgery?”

“No, but you need an Emma in your life, so I’m throwing that out there.” A shuffle and crash came through the phone.

“Daniel? You good?”

“Sorry, I dropped the phone. Let me get inside. I have an idea.”

James lifted his head. “What kind of idea? Please don’t sabotage this before I get a chance to even talk to her about it.”

“I’m not sabotaging. What kind of friend do you think I am?” Daniel asked.

“An impulsive one.”

“Yeah, and you’re not impulsive enough. We’re making a pros and cons list before you overthink and talk yourself out of it. To the marker board!”

“This is getting serious. Are you making a plan? You never make plans.”

“Yeah, usually you make enough plans for the both of us.” There was a click as Daniel pulled the cap off of a marker. “Let’s start with the cons. What is wrong with this brilliant idea of yours?”

“She could run away screaming.”

Daniel whispered, “Screaming. Got it. What else?”

“She could think I’m trying to use her.”

“Usage. That’s not good. ’Cept it’s rubbish because you never use anyone. Next.”

“She’ll accept my offer and feel trapped.”

Daniel let out a low hum. “Yeah. No trapping. You’re not beastly enough to pull off Stockholm Syndrome.”

Ignoring Daniel’s side chat, James continued the list. “She’ll hate me because marriage is a sacred bond before God and man, and I forced her into it.”

“I thought we were planning. Are you forcing?” Daniel asked.

“Not at all. I don’t want her to think this is her only option though.”

“Err… but it kind of is her only option,” Daniel pointed out. “Something like this will put her in deep debt for the rest of her life. Then she wouldn’t be able to get a good job for a long time because of the PT and no references with what happened at A and A. Katie says her friends can help cover rent for a little while, and they’ve already cancelled their Internet. Emma doesn’t even drive so her options are limited⁠—”

James’s head was back in his hand. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

“You’re such a sissy. Let’s move to the pros column. Go.”

This part was much easier. “She’ll get insurance and the surgery she needs. I would protect her and provide for her. The girl lives on canned vegetables and bologna. She wouldn’t have to worry about finding a job immediately or ever. She could fully recover without stressing about who’s paying the rent. I could breathe again knowing she’s getting everything she needs. Oh, and Mom would stop pushing women on me.”