Page 80 of Fate In Fiction

“You need to at least make an appearance. Stay for one drink and tell them I’m sick. My father has had a brief encounter with me like this before.”

“Brief?” His eyes hold confusion, which swiftly turns to anger. “Josie, you lived with him.”

“Yeah, my medical issues are not spoken of. Especially the female body.” I sigh, beginning to confirm how unacceptable my parents have treated me. Despite the wealth and having most needs met, caring and unconditional love is where they lacked. “Please don’t go into detail about me with him, though.”

“One drink, my love.” He rubs my back. “Let me carry you to bed.”

“Seriously, I’m fine.” My annoyance grows, knowing how capable I am to deal with this, but how he wants to take care of me like I truly need. Accepting help over this hasn’t been easy. “I’ll probably still be here when you get back.”

The next forty minutes pass slowly as I lie by the toilet and try to read a book. I hear the front door click and, a moment later, Emmett walks through the bathroom door, looking more exhausted than he does after his full day at the office. But spending even an hour over drinks with my father will do that to a person. He runs a hand through his hair before taking a knee beside me. His hand rests on my back as I sit up. I turn my head, scared of how gross I look.

“You able to stand, little darlin’?”

“Yeah, I’m feeling a bit better, just weak and tired.” I reach for his hands as he helps me stand.

“Let’s get you cleaned up and we can cuddle, okay?” He smiles sweetly and looks at my hair. I don’t even want to ask if there’s vomit in it. Turning the shower on, he begins to undress.

“Emmett, no.” My voice breaks at his thoughtfulness. It’s always been me taking care of me. “I’ve done this a hundred times.” He ignores me and continues, moving on to undress me.

“You’ll feel better in clean clothing and fresh hair.” Nodding, I give in. He turns his back in the shower as I situate myself and grab a menstrual cup so he’s not as mortified. “Your father is an asshole,” he says as we stand under the stream of water. “I’m sorry about how you’ve been treated.”

“It is what it is.” I shrug as he begins to wash my hair. He wordlessly cares for me as I try to enjoy the feeling. It’s still a foreign sensation, but one I can easily get used to. We finish the shower, and he remains preoccupied with inner thoughts. If he’s done any research over the past couple of days about me, I don’t blame him if he’s still processing information or has any questions.

“I don’t want to startle you, but I can’t go to sleep tonight without getting this off my chest.” My stomach drops, waiting for the worst. “I want you to know this doesn’t change things between us.”

“Mmhmm…” Sitting on the bed, I look up at him.

“First.” A smile appears, lighting up his eyes as he sits next to me. His hands cup my face as he stares directly into my soul. “I love you, Josephine Callahan.” Elation fills my chest, but I feel something is missing.

“But?” I swallow roughly, searching his eyes.

“But nothing. I wanted to tell you the other night, but got nervous.”

“As did I,” I admit. “I love you too.” Saying those words out loud overwhelms me in a breathless way. Leaning in, I tenderly kiss his lips, wishing we could take things further. He lays me back, resting on his forearm as he hovers above.

“As I was leaving our fathers to come back up and tend to you, my father followed me to the lobby. I wanted to let you know I’ve earned my funds.” My lungs release the heaviness they’d been holding the last thirty seconds. “So now we can helicopter it up together.” He chuckles.

“You had me worried for a moment.”

“Why? I wouldn’t admit how much I love you if I planned on saying goodbye.” I smile at his response and lean up to kiss him. For once I feel seen, wanted, loved. “You’re stuck with me, little darlin’. Unless you change your mind.”

“Never,” I yawn, which cues him to turn back the covers and settle us both between the sheets.

“Goodnight, my love,” Emmett whispers in my ear, sending butterflies throughout my stomach. I guess my father was correct about one thing. Falling for a guy of my choice during the wager isn’t such a terrible thing.

“Goodnight, Emmett.” I snuggle in closer. “I love you.”

EMMETT

“How has the first week of parenting been?” I lean into the computer screen to get a better look at Max, who’s holding his new daughter.

“It’s better than I ever imagined.” He shakes his head with a smile wider than I’ve even seen. “How did I never want this? Just wait until you become a parent, bro.” Max sighs contentedly and looks down at his daughter. “It’s a love you’ve never known.”

“Kelsie doing alright?” I’m looking forward to becoming a father one day. I know Josie would be a wonderful mother. Slow the fuck down, Emmett.

“She’s a little emotional with everything, but that’s to be expected. She’s napping right now.”

“I’ll let you rest. It looks like baby girl is almost asleep too.” After saying our goodbyes, I stare at the confirmation email my father sent my way after spending time with Josie’s father last week when he was in town.