Page 94 of A New Chapter

“So, what do you think is going on with them anyway?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“I suppose, but you said that Damian isn’t a one-woman type of guy, so I hope Kelly’s not falling for him.”

“Well, that would be kind of fast, wouldn’t it?”

Emma cleared her throat noisily. “Um, excuse me, what about us?”

“That’s different. I fell in love with you five years ago.”

Emma smiled and nuzzled into his neck. “I probably fell a little too, but it took me longer to realize it.”

“I’m glad you finally did,” he said playfully.

“Back to Damian and Kelly.”

“They’re mature adults, Em. They’ll figure it out without any interference from us.”

His comment reminded her of what Phil had said the day before about not wanting to interfere when she and Zack got married. Zack and I and married in the same sentence. Interesting…

“Whatcha thinking?” Zack asked, pulling her in tighter.

“Oh, I don’t know. Just wondering how everyone’s going to react to our news.”

“If I know Alex and Joe, they’ll be thrilled. Especially Alex when she realizes there will be another mouth to feed!”

Emma giggled. “Do you think they’ll be upset that we did things out of order?”

“What order?”

“You know the old saying, first comes love, then comes…”

“Aah, yes, that saying.”

They had turned the light out a little bit ago, so now it was difficult to read his expression, but Emma could have kicked herself for even bringing up the topic. Haven’t I sprung enough on him for one day? Besides, I’m not sure I’m ready to get married again anyway.

Zack twisted around to face her and laid his hand tenderly on her cheek. “Look what happened when we did things in the correct order the first time around. Maybe there’s no such thing as the proper order. Maybe it’s about whatever works for you and me and for our child. We’ll figure this out, Em… together.”

Emma leaned her head into the palm of his hand. She wasn’t sure of everything, but she was certain about one thing. “I love you,” she said softly.

“And I love you.”

Three simple words, yet they held such meaning, such promise. Three simple words that wrapped around her heart until she drifted off into a deep, peaceful sleep.