Page 60 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
Emmett looked around."Shit, yeah, you're right.Although, I think for tonight, I might just sleep here on the couch."
"Wherever you want to be, I'll get you set up."
Emmett was grateful that Blane didn't mention the downstairs bedroom.He'd converted it into an office a couple of years ago; there was no way in hell he'd ever want to sleep or spend the night in the room where Emily died.
"You think she's gonna hold up?"Blane asked, bringing him back to the present.
"I do.Why?Do you have a problem with her?"Emmett had to ask.
"Hell, no.She seems all right to me, but that's beside the point.I can see that she already means a lot to you.That's what matters.The only problem I'll have with her is if she ever..."
"She won't," said Emmett.
"Good."
"So, before I go, you want me to help you get set up for the night?"
"I think I'll maybe ask Harper to bring the bedding down here for me.Don't want her thinking that I'm asking you to do everything instead of her."
Blane pursed his lips."Fair enough, if you think it'll make her feel at home.Are you going to ask her to help you hit the headas well?"
Emmett gave him a rueful smile."No, but I'm not gonna ask you, either.I might be a bit beat up, but I still have some pride."
Blane's lips quirked up briefly."Glad to hear it.For both our sakes.But listen, bud.You call me if you need me, okay?I already gave Harper my number.She has the same instructions."
"Do me a favor."
"What's that?"
"Have a word with her before you leave."
Blane cocked an eyebrow.
"I want her to feel like she's one of the team, Blane.Not some outsider who you have to give instructions to before you dare step away for twelve hours."
Blane checked his watch."I'm stepping away for nine hours.But sure, I'll have a word with her."He met Emmett's gaze."So, she really does mean a lot to you already?"
"Yeah, bud, she does.I don't know what to tell you.It's taken me by surprise."
"Hey, you don't need to explain yourself to me.She’ll need to prove herself, though."
Emmett scowled."Didn't she already do that today?"
"In a way, yeah.It's good to know that she'll step up to help keep you safe.But that's different from knowing that she's not going to hurt you."
Emmett nodded.He knew there was no point in arguing; Blane had his best interests at heart.
"What do you say, then?Want me to walk you to the bathroom and wait outside?Neither of us needs me in there with you, but I can help you back here and see you settled before I leave."
Emmett gave his friend a rueful smile."Want?Hell, no I don't.But need?Yeah, I can admit that much.Thanks, bud."
After he was settled back on the couch, Harper walked Blane outside, and Emmett rested his head back against the pillows as he listened to them talk.He couldn't make out what they were saying, but it was enough to hear the tone—it was the murmur of collaborators.
There was no antagonism there.
He opened his eyes when Harper came back into the living room."Are you comfortable?"she asked."Can I get you anything?"
"I'm good, thanks."
