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“I’m always nice,” Chase said innocently, causing Emily to laugh as she leaned on her tiptoes to kiss John quickly.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too…”
“Yeah, yeah, big puffy hearts and kisses,” Chase muttered. “Go on, Em, and let themenfolktalk.”
“Then maybe you should come sit with us,” Emily said pertly, causing John to laugh in amusement as he winked at her.
“Gosh, I love that feisty woman…”
“You must…” her brother muttered, smiling at her.
* * *
Dinner went smoothly at her parents’house, and sure enough… her mother was fawning over John in no time. Her father was cutting up and laughing with John and Chase, while she and Karen were at the other end of the table whispering with their heads together, talking about babies.
“John, how long are you stationed overseas? Do you get to come home like Jace?” her mother asked innocently, and the entire table got quiet.
“Well,” John began openly. “Emily and I haven’t talked about it yet. I’ve got fourteen years under my belt with the Air Force, and in six years I can qualify for a retirement. I’m supposed to come up for my reenlistment in November, and we’ve got quite a few things to discuss.”
“I hear you are from Louisiana?”
“Yes, ma’am… grew up there.”
“Are you wanting to go home?”
“My home is wherever Emily is.”
… Emily sighed happily and blew him a kiss – causing John to wink at her as Chase made a gagging sound, causing Karen to laugh.
“What did you do for fun growing up?”
“Oh, you know,” John said evasively, glancing at Emily. “I was a typical boy. Caught frogs, crawdads, liked to take the boat out onto the bayou and do some fishing… just got into everything and ran around like a street urchin most of the time.”
Emily smiled at him knowingly – realizing his words weren’t far from the truth. He’d admitted to eating a cricket before. Crawdads and frogs were probably also eaten in a very poor household… or by a neglected young boy who had struggled to get by.
“I was thinking that maybe we could get a little skiff or canoe for the pond out back so you can enjoy those same relaxing moments here… at home,” Emily smiled softly.
“Maybe someday…” he replied tenderly. “Let’s figure out my schedule, because I would hate for it to sit here unused, or we might be too busy, you know?”
“Did you come from a big family?”
“No ma’am – it was just me.”
“Do you want a big family?”
“Mom…” Emily protested nervously – only to see John’s warm eyes on her and that knowing smile, causing her to flush happily.
“I wasn’t so sure several years ago, but since meeting Emily? I would love a family more than anything, Mrs. Marks…”
Emily held John’s warm gaze, seeing the love and adoration in his eyes. It didn’t matter what came next, how their lives changed, or what the future brought; so long as she had him by her side, they could figure this all out.
He was her best friend, her lover… and would be a wonderful father.
“Mom?” Emily began nervously – and saw John’s proud smile widen in silent support. “I’m pregnant. John and I are going to have a baby.”
Karen hesitated, causing Chase to smother a laugh at the shared secret the three siblings had, as her sister turned bright red, looking suddenly unsure of herself.
