The words stung. “Because you have to.”
“Because we love you, you fool.” Rose exclaimed.
“Only because we are related.” Fresh tears pricked her eyes, but Emily could not stop the words pouring out of her. “It is only obligation that keeps any of you here.”
“I am not related to you. And I still love you.” Natalie said. “And there is no obligation on me to do so.”
“And we would love you even if you were not our flesh and blood.” Rose added.
Emily looked at the three women gathered around her, taking in their mix of hurt, amusement and exasperation. “You would?”
“Of course we would! How can you doubt that?” Jane shook her head, her voice breaking.
“Is that why you have always been so fiercely independent? Because you thought we only cared for you out of obligation?” Rose put a finger to her lips thoughtfully.
“I…” Emily trailed off. “Yes.”
“Oh, my dearest Emily. I am so, so very sorry. I never meant to make you feel that way.” Jane pulled her into an embrace. “It has always felt like you did not want our help, that perhaps you did not need it.”
“It is why we were so excited when we thought we had found you a match.” Rose added. “It felt like we could finally do something for you.”
Emily swallowed, but could not make herself speak.
Rose squeezed her hand, “You must know, that I would love you even if you were not my sister. How could anyone know you and not want you in their lives?”
Blue eyes flashed in Emily’s mind, but she forced herself not to say that clearly plenty of people could feel that way.
“You bring such joy to our lives. Even when we do not necessarily want it.” Jane gave her a playful poke in the ribs, tickling her as she had done when they were children.
Emily could not help but smile. “It was nice to be able to do something for you. Instead of always being the one people are looking after.”
“It is easy to forget that you are a woman full grown, and not just our little sister.” Rose said. “But you are both.”
“I have always admired that you know who you are. You have been rebellious and so confident in yourself, in ways I could only dream of.” Jane gave her a serious look. “You helped me find myself again, and I will be forever grateful for that.”
Emily felt tears fill her eyes again, but knew they were not the same tears of sadness. A warmth coursed through her chest, and she felt full.They love me.
“I know a little bit about being the baby of the family.” Natalie shrugged and ran a hand through her hair, a seriousness in her voice. “And it is easy to feel unseen by those around us. Peter and I are not children anymore, but sometimes it feels like people still see us like that.”
“I do not see you as a child.” Emily said.
“I know you do not. That is why I so appreciate our friendship. You make me feel seen, and I would hope to do the same to you.” Natalie nodded to her. “Even if you were not my sister-in-law, I would want to be your friend. Life is so much better with you in it.”
“You see? You are not an obligation. You are a wonderful, cherished person.” Rose smiled warmly at her.
“You just need to let us in.” Natalie added.
Jane nodded her agreement. “We will always be there to catch you if you fall.”
“And we know you can pick yourself up, but you do not have to do it alone.” Natalie gestured around them.
“Thank you.” Emily breathed.
“I know that you are not fond of letter writing, so perhaps we should simply arrange to see each other more regularly?” Rose canted her head towards her. “It would be nice to be more involved in one another’s lives.”
“I would like that.” Emily gave them a watery smile.
“We can visit you, you should not always have to come and visit us.” Jane said, and Emily could see her working out logistics in her head.
