Page 95 of A New Chapter

Chapter 42

“It’s not going to work,” Emma insisted.

“Have a little faith,” Zack argued.

Zack had been able to book the same flight home as her, but his seat assignment was in the last row right next to the restroom. He insisted that he would be able to persuade whomever had the seat next to Emma to trade with him, all in the name of love. Foolish man.

“It’ll probably be some little old lady who reads romance novels. She’ll be more than happy to give up her seat for us ‘lovebirds.’”

Emma scanned the passengers as they filed onto the aircraft, looking for said “little old lady.” A few minutes later, she appeared in the form of a burly, bearded man who wore a leather motorcycle vest—his bare arms covered in tattoos.

“I think you’re in my seat,” burly man stated with a voice to match his gruff exterior.

Emma had to suppress a laugh when Zack stood up, presumably to give up the seat.

“Excuse me, sir, but I wondered if you’d be willing to trade seats with me? You see, my lady is pregnant, and she’s been suffering from morning sickness. I’m sure you would rather have her vomit on me instead of all over your good-looking vest.”

Emma’s eyes widened as she waited for burly man’s response. He looked around Zack to Emma, seeking confirmation. She nodded her head and laid her hand over her belly for added effect.

“Yeah, sure, no problem. What seat is yours?”

After burly man left, Zack threw his hand up in the air for a high five, which Emma reluctantly gave him.

“I can’t believe you did that,” she said.

“Why not? It was the truth.”

“No, I can’t believe you called me ‘my lady.’ That’s so… outdated.”

Zack chuckled. “Well, it worked, didn’t it? Let’s just be happy.”

She leaned over and gave him a brief kiss. “I am happy,” she said.

Two hours later, after an uneventful flight (no vomiting!), Zack and Emma were forced to part ways. They said their goodbyes and got in their separate cars at the car park, with a promise to talk later that evening. Zack was off to pick up Gracie from Alicia, and Emma was off to the bookstore to check in with Kelly.

When she arrived at the store, she was pleased to find the place hopping. Christmas was only a few days away, and the shoppers were out in force. Kelly and Brett looked a little frazzled behind the counter, and there were several customers in line waiting to pay. Emma hurriedly set her purse in the office and jumped in to help.

Once the line abated, Kelly turned to Emma with her hands on her hips. “It’s about time. It’s been crazy in here all weekend!”

Brett must have felt an argument brewing, because he looked between the two women and hurriedly slipped out from behind the counter.

“I’m sorry, Kell. I shouldn’t have left you like that.”

“You’re damned right! What was so urgent that you had to see Phil this weekend?”

Emma glanced around the store to see if anyone was within earshot. “Why don’t we go out for dinner tonight, and I’ll tell you then?”

“No can do. I’m meeting Damian tonight.”

“Again?”

“Yes, again. He’s only here through the holidays, and I want to make the most of it.”

Emma was flooded with concern for her best friend, even though Zack had advised her not to be. “Kell…”

“Don’t Kell me. Tell me why you flew off to North Carolina in such a hurry.”

“Ok, let’s step into the office.” Brett was nearby, straightening the new release shelf, so Emma called out, “Brett, can you watch the counter for a few minutes?”