Page 87 of The Emma Special

“Okay, have fun and watch out for the birds and bees stuff,” Katie said.

“Eww, don’t be weird.”

Emma might be getting a husband, but they wouldn’t be doing any husband-and-wife things until… well, until the time was right. Would there ever be a right time? Would they gradually move from friends to more, or would they remain in a continuous limbo of pals for the rest of their lives together? The last thing she wanted was to trade her body for favors.

Emma thumbed open her messages.

James: Good news! I had Joseph expedite your insurance paperwork. You’ll have full coverage before Thursday.

James: What's your favorite ice cream?

James: Are you asleep?

James: I got three kinds.

James: I’m on my way home.

Emma: I’m awake now. You’ve been busy!

James: Heads up. We have a problem.

Emma: Only one?

James: Mom picked up gossip at the salon.

Emma rubbed her fingers over her brow. Here we go.

Emma: I’m pregnant, aren’t I?

James: Wow, you’re quick.

Emma: I was afraid of that.

James: Hold on. I’m almost home.

Knee still throbbing deep in the joint from her fall, Emma used one crutch to take herself to the bathroom. The ultra-bright vanity lights reflected off her shiny forehead and cast sallow smudges under her eyes. She would have to do something about those lightbulbs once she moved in. Maybe he wouldn’t mind if she painted the walls in here a fresh green.

Splashing cool water on her face cleared her mind and erased some of the grogginess of the nap. In the left drawer she found a wide-toothed comb and ran it through her tangled mess until she at least looked like she hadn’t washed up on the beach this morning.

Keys jingled at the door, and butterflies took flight in her stomach. “It’s just James.” Emma reminded herself. “Just your new roomie.” She hobbled her way to the living room as he entered with the bags.

“Hey, good lookin’.” James pocketed his keys as he shut the door behind him, his smile finding her across the living room. “Would you take offense if I said it’s kind of wonderful to come home to a woman in my house?”

“Just any woman?” She gestured to the grocery bags in his hand. “Did you get a pregnancy test with that ice cream?”

He shook his head, his casual smile growing wider. “We don’t need to prove anything. They’re delusional, but this could work to our advantage.”

“How does this help us in any way? How did people find out?”

“I might have mentioned it at the office. And to Mom.”

“So it’s official.” She pushed her hands through her hair. “We’re doing this.”

“Well, we can’t exactly keep it a secret. People will know. Primrose Valley is a small town, and everybody talks.”

“Apparently, they talk fast,” Emma said.

“I talked to Mom for a while, and she’s ready to put on a shotgun wedding tomorrow.”