Page 88 of A New Chapter

That evening, after a delicious homemade dinner of pork roast and vegetables, Debbie suggested that Phil and Emma talk while she cleaned up.

Once they were comfortably seated in the living room, Phil said, “So, you and Zack, huh?”

“Quite a surprise, right?”

“No, not really.”

Emma’s eyes widened. “You’re not surprised?”

“No. One, I never expected him and Alicia to last and, two, I saw how enamored he was with you at my wedding.”

“Wow, Phil. You never said anything before.”

“That’s because I couldn’t. You were both promised to other people, so what was I supposed to say?”

“Why do I get the feeling that everybody saw the mistakes that he and I were making except for us?”

“Probably not everyone, but maybe the people who were closest to you. I was in a unique position to see things from both sides, but it wasn’t my place to do anything about it. Who am I to interfere in someone else’s life?”

“So what do you think about me and Zack now?”

Phil leaned forward in his chair and clasped his hands together. He looked Emma directly in the eye and said, “I think that you’re perfect for each other.”

Tears immediately sprang to her eyes. Emma blamed it on her pregnancy hormones. “Seriously? You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?”

“No, Em. I mean it. I love Zack like a brother, and I love you like a... well, like a cousin! I couldn’t be happier that you two are together.”

Emma let the tears flow freely now, and she flung her arms around Phil’s neck. He held her tight and waited for her sobs to subside. A minute or two later, she sat back and accepted the tissue he handed her.

“It was wrong of me to run away from Zack. Not that I don’t love being here with you and Debbie, but I should be at home with him and with Gracie.”

Phil reached out and took her hand in his. “Don’t beat yourself up about it. You’re here now, so let’s enjoy each other’s company. I only get you for two days, but I have a feeling that Zack will have you for the rest of his life.”

Emma willed herself not to tear up again. Is this normal? Are all pregnant women this emotional? “Thanks, Phil,” she managed.

They stayed up talking for a while longer, but Emma was exhausted from her long, emotional day, so she excused herself somewhat early. Truth be told, she was also anxious to call Zack.

He answered in his usual style, by plunging right in with whatever was at the top of mind. “You know what I miss? Besides you, that is.”

“What do you miss?” Emma snuggled further under the covers.

“I miss the good old-fashioned TV shows like Friends and Seinfeld. What’s up with all these reality shows?”

“You’re just now realizing this? You must not have turned on a television in a while.”

“Actually, I haven’t, unless it’s to watch sports. Other than that, I’d rather read a book.”

Emma smiled at their common interest. “So what were you doing when I called— watching TV or reading?”

“I tried both, but I can’t seem to concentrate tonight.”

“Hmm… and why is that?”

“Because you’re too far away from me.”

Emma’s hand automatically went to her belly, and she choked up.

“It wouldn’t be so bad if you were just a mile down the road at work or at home, but you’re hundreds of miles away, Em.”