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“I’ll be in later,” I said as I got out of the car.
I quietly made my way toward her. She had her back to me. She was so engrossed in the beauty of the flowers that she hadn’t noticed my approach. I was surprised I wasn’t tackled by her security.
As I drew near, I watched her delicate profile, her eyes filled with wonder as she admired the blossoms. She bent down and inhaled the scent of a flower I didn’t know the name of. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her, the sun casting a soft glow on her features.
And then she turned around. Her eyes met mine, and her expression transformed from surprise to a pretty smile. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around my neck, pulling me into a hug that felt like home.
I laughed. “I’ve missed you, too.”
I wrapped my arms around her, savoring the feeling of her warm embrace. It was a simple act, yet it told me she hadn’t forgotten or dismissed me.
For a brief beautiful moment, we simply held each other, the world around us fading into the background. It was as though time had paused. I was perfectly happy to stay right where I was all damn night.
As Emilie realized the intensity of our hug, she pulled back slightly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound filled with affection.
“Want to go somewhere private?” I teased.
She laughed. “No.”
“Your hug said otherwise.”
Emilie’s smile brightened, and she playfully swatted my arm. “You didn’t have to sneak up on me like that. You scared me. I reacted.”
I grinned, unable to resist teasing her. “Ah, is that what we’re going with? Usually, when someone is scared, they scream or kick. You hugged me.”
She rolled her eyes, a playful glint in her gaze. “I guess I’m a hugger.”
I felt a lot better at the ease with which Emilie and I had fallen back into our connection. “It’s really good to see you again,” I said.
“Me too. I mean, I’m glad to see you again.”
“I didn’t know we were staying next door until we were on the plane,” I said.
“I didn’t know you were staying next door until an hour ago. Is this their attempt to push the match?”
“Yes,” I said, nodding. “Do they need to push it?”
“I don’t think so.” She shook her head. “I think we’re doing alright.”
I glanced over at the house. My family had already gone inside. “Emilie, would you like to join me for dinner tonight? I’d like to cook something special for you.”
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and a small, appreciative smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Well, it’s not every day I get invited to a home-cooked meal. I’d love to, Theo.”
“I need to see what groceries we have in the kitchen. Do you want to come over in an hour?”
“I’ll be there,” she said, smiling. “Should I bring anything?”
“No. Just show up.”
I rushed back to the house to find Victoria waiting for me in the foyer. “So?” she teased.
“So, nothing,” I said. “Where’s Mom and Dad?”
“I think they said something about changing for dinner.”
I jogged upstairs. “Mom, Dad!”
Mom popped her head out of the master bedroom. “Yes?”
