CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
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EMMA
It was my last day of work, and it felt like a day designed by Disney. The birds tweeted and the weather seemed to have settled. Even though it still felt chilly, with the occasional gasp of wind, the sky was sparkling blue with little white clouds dotted around.
It was definitely one of those days I could have skipped home from work. That was, if nobody was watching and instead of wearing my uniform I had on a beautiful yet simple dress. The forest animals would’ve danced and sang with me. Obviously, it wasn’t like that, but like the weather, my mood had improved.
“Emma, is that you?” Amanda shouted from the kitchen.
“Yeah,” I answered, placing my jacket and keys on the coat hanger.
“Just in time. Cuppa?”
“Aye, please. I’m parched,” I shouted back.
“So, how was your last day?” she asked as soon as I entered the kitchen.
“Good. You should see what Susan gave me.” I went to my handbag to retrieve my gifts. “Even Mr Wilson gave me a card and a bag of hard-boiled sweeties.” I showed her the bag of mints and a small black box that contained the present Susan gave me.
“Oh, Emma, that’s a lovely bracelet.” Amanda held the simple silver chain that contained a series of small stars and hearts.
“God! It’s so weird walking away from that place. After the last few years… I think I’m going to miss it.” I took a big breath. “If I get the uniform washed, can you take it back tomorrow?”
“That’s no problem. I would keep it myself if you weren’t so bloody tall,” Amanda said, trying her best to make a joke, but sadness tightened her eyes.
“Not my fault you’re a midget.” I grinned.
“Cheeky cow.”
A knock on the door interrupted our banter. Amanda dried her hands and headed to answer the door.
“This is a pleasant surprise. Come in,” I heard Amanda say.
I went to the living room to see who it was. Amanda wasn’t one for inviting people in without previous notice. It had to be someone special.
And it was. Hugh’s massive frame blocked the door; he looked as uncomfortable as he always did, but when he looked at Amanda, his gaze softened.
“Hey, Hugh,” I said, wondering why he’d come over.
I didn’t have to think for much longer. James walked in the door.
My heart almost jumped out of my chest when I saw him. Two weeks without seeing him had been complete torture.
He looked even more handsome than I remembered.
I ran towards him and jumped, hugging him for dear life.
“Hey, beautiful,” he murmured against my neck. “I’ve missed you so much.”
I didn’t want to let go of him. I just wanted it to be the two of us and make everything else disappear. But I wasn’t so lucky, as I heard Amanda complain, “Get a room!”
I ignored her, but released my grip on James and looked at him, trying to memorise everything about him, in case he had to leave again.
“How come you didn’t tell me you were coming? I would’ve come to the airport.”
“I thought I might surprise you,” he said with a wink.
“Amanda just boiled the kettle, do you want a cuppa?”
He shook his head in refusal, but still followed me to the kitchen.
“There’s coffee, but we don’t have any of those awful smoothies you like to drink.” I heard Hugh laugh at my comment. He must’ve known what I was talking about.
James held my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’s okay, a glass of water’s fine.”
I went to get the glass from the cupboard and noticed how everyone was quiet, watching my every move. Once I filled the glass with water from the tap, I turned and stared at everyone.
“Here you go. Sorry, we don’t have Evian water,” I said, handing the glass to James.
Hugh chuckled one more time, but James didn’t say anything. He downed the glass and cleared his throat. “I should’ve really asked for a shot of something stronger.”
Amanda jumped up and asked, “I have vodka, would that do?”
I was looking at everyone, confused at what was happening. I felt like I was watching a tennis match, my head turning from side to side.
James nodded, and Amanda prepared the shot.
“What’s going on?” I looked at Amanda. “Do you know?”
Holding the bottle of vodka, she nodded. “Yeah, but I’m not telling you.”
Once he drank the shot, he winced. “That’s better.” He then edged towards me and knelt on the floor right in front of me. He held one of my hands.
My heart beat harder and harder in my chest. I could hardly breathe.
“Emma Mitchell, I know this is crazy fast, but I’ve known you all my life.”
Oh my God! What was he doing? It was too soon.
He continued, “The last two weeks have made me realise that I can’t live without you, and that I need you in my life.” He released my hand and removed something out of his pocket. “I know it’s too soon for marriage, but this is a promise that one day, if you’ll have me, I’ll make it my mission to make you the happiest woman alive. Will you move in with me?”
He opened the box and inside held a key to what I guessed was the house he bought in Edinburgh.
There was no denying it. If he had asked me to marry him, I would’ve probably said yes, but this felt better. I was ready for this.
“Yes, I’ll move in with you!” I shouted and jumped on him, making him lose balance. We both fell on the floor.
I lay right on top of him and kissed him. “I thought you were going to pop the question,” I whispered in his ear.
“No, I’m not asking you that because I already know I’m going to marry you.”
“You’re so cocky, aren’t you?”
“Call it what you want. I knew I was going to marry you when we were kids. It’s just a matter of time.”