Page 122 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"Not so much worried as—"
"I know.You don't want to hurt me.But it's okay, Dad."She popped her head up so that she could see Tanya."It is.It's okay.I've been thinking about it.About what you said.That there's a difference between Mom and Mama Bear."
Emmett watched her face, wondering if she was just saying what she thought they wanted to hear.She grinned at him."And I talked to Uncle Blane.He said the same thing."
Emmett silently thanked his friend and had to wonder if Cash had had anything to do with that conversation.He'd been the one who suggested that they could use the name Mama Bear to smooth things over somehow.
"So it won't bother you?"Tanya asked.
"No.I don't think I'll say it myself."Alana looked up at Emmett.
"And you don't have to," he told her.
"Maybe it'll come someday," she said."But not yet."
"So it's all okay, then?"Tanya asked."I don't want to upset you guys."
"And you won't," said Emmett."It's all okay."
Alana sat up."She'll be here soon, won't she?"
"She should."
"We should move," said Tanya.
Emmett needed to roll onto his side to push himself up.They both helped, and once he was upright, he hugged them both to him."I don't think I tell you enough, but I'm so lucky to have you girls.I love you, you know."
"And we love you too," said Alana.
Tanya chuckled."And you tell us all the time.Come on, let's go get ready for Harper."
~ ~ ~
It was almost midnight by the time the movie finished.Emmett sat up and made a big deal out of checking his watch.Tanya grinned at him.
"Hey, you started the movie late."
"It's true, Dad," said Alana."It's not our fault we're up so late."
He chuckled."You're right, but now that it's over, it's time for bed."
Harper pushed to her feet and gathered the dishes from the coffee table.The girls had each had ice cream with the blondies she'd brought for them.
"You don't need to do that.I can get them," said Emmett.
Alana took the bowls from her hands with a smile."I'll get them.Come on, Tanya, you can help.In fact, wait."She set the bowls down again and went to kiss Emmett's cheek, then surprised Harper by coming to kiss hers, too."I'll put these in the dishwasher, then we'll go up to bed.So, good night."
Tanya hugged Emmett before coming and wrapping her arms around Harper's middle."Good night, Mama Bear.We'll see you tomorrow."
Harper's breath caught in her chest, and she eyed Alana warily.Something in her chest loosened when Alana smiled.
"It's okay, you don't need to worry.We talked about it.Tanya wants to call you that, and I don't mind."
Harper's eyes filled with tears when Alana smiled at her dad and added, "Papa Bear likes it, too.Come on, Tanya.Good night, guys."
After they'd gone, Emmett came to her and slid his arm around her waist."I should have warned you, but I didn't get the chance."
"That's okay.There was no need.It's not me I'm worried about."
