SHARING EMMA [18+]

46. Whisper of Affection

|CARLOS|

I watched Emma, her face etched with confusion and emotion, and my heart ached. Ryker and I had just laid our feelings bare, revealing a love for her that went beyond anything we had ever expected. And now, she stood before us, torn between the two of us.

I couldn't help but feel strong and overwhelming emotions myself. On one hand, I was overjoyed that she hadn't immediately rejected our unconventional proposal. On the other hand, I couldn't ignore the gnawing doubt and fear that lingered in the back of my mind. Could this truly work? Could Emma love both of us as we loved her?

But that was not for us to decide. As a matter of fact, we were ready to make it work however she wanted. She could have any of us, or she could have both of us. We had decided that we wouldn't hold that against her.

Because of our stupid mistakes and ignorance, Emma had already gone through a lot — something that we might always feel guilty for — but that doesn't mean we were doing this to make it up to her. I assure you, that was certainly not the case.

When Ryker came home an hour ago, I dreaded he was there to have another heated argument or blame me for something that I couldn't undo. But he surprised me the moment he opened his mouth. He wanted to know my stance on Emma. He wanted to know if we both could mend our differences for her happiness.

I'll be honest with you — I didn't expect that kind of maturity from my son. He was the same Ryker who not so long ago would have gone to any childish extent to make me beg him, to see me on my knees, to destroy me. This Ryker was different. He was more mature, more reasonable, more understanding.

A surge of pride and relief washed over me. It was as if a weight had been lifted, and I saw a glimmer of hope for our fractured relationship. The rift between us had been deep and painful, but it seemed that our shared love for Emma had the potential to bridge the gap.

I looked at Emma, who was still processing the revelations and the profound decision she was faced with. She had not asked for any of this, and yet, here she was, at the center of a love story unlike any other. It was crucial that we gave her the time and space she needed to make her own choices and decisions.

Ryker and I exchanged a glance, silently reaffirming our commitment to support Emma, no matter what she decided. Our love for her had brought us to this moment, and it was that same love that would guide us forward into an uncertain but hopeful future.

Emma sucked in a sharp breath, her chin trembling. She looked at me, and then she looked at Ryker, her eyes wide as if she was seeing us for the first time.

"I..." She started but swallowed, as if her mouth was too dry to continue the conversation.

Ryker instantly moved from his spot and returned with a glass of water.

Emma sat back down on the couch, accepting the glass silently and drinking the entire thing in one go.

After finishing the glass of water, Emma placed it on the coffee table and took a deep breath, composing herself. Her eyes shifted between Ryker and me, searching for the right words to express her thoughts and feelings.

"I appreciate your honesty," she finally said, her voice steadier. "But I need some time to process everything. This is...a lot to take in. I'm not in my right mind to make a rational decision."

Ryker reached out, his hand finding Emma's, and he gently squeezed it. "That's completely understandable, Emma," he reassured her. "Take all the time you need. We're here to support you, no matter what."

I nodded in agreement, echoing Ryker's sentiment. "Your happiness is our priority, and we'll respect whatever choice you make. Just do us a favor, and never think about moving anywhere else. We can't imagine a life without you, Emma. I don't know how to say this, but you have become everything to us. Everything."

Emma offered a small, grateful smile. "Thank you," tears welled up in her eyes, and my heart softened. "For...everything you both have done. I know it's not easy to share someone you love. But you two are doing the impossible for me, and it makes me feel both guilty and happy."

I sat down on the armrest, kissing her temple. "You have nothing to feel guilty about, Emma. You have done nothing wrong. Love can be complicated, but we can make it simpler. You love us, and we love you. Let's not complicate it further. Let's just embrace it and aim for a happy life together. What do you say?"

Emma's eyes darted between Ryker and me, still processing it all. After a deep breath, she found her voice.

"I want to give this a chance," she said with a soft, slightly shaky voice. Then, her face lit up, and she cupped our faces with her hands. "I can't deny my feelings for both of you, and you're right, love isn't supposed to be easy," she looked at Ryker and then at me. "But if you're willing to work through this with me, then I'm willing to try."

Ryker and I exchanged a glance, our eyes filled with nothing but affection for the remarkable woman before us. Emma's willingness to give this unconventional relationship a chance meant the world to us.

I leaned in, savoring the softness of her lips in a tender, lingering kiss. Ryker mirrored my actions, his lips gently grazing her forehead like a whisper of affection.

It was our way of sealing our commitment to this new chapter in our lives, a chapter that promised challenges but also the possibility of a deep and abiding love.

Emma kissed me back, holding my face with her one hand while letting me kiss her deeply, before she broke the kiss and turned her gaze to Ryker.

For a brief second, I thought he would hesitate. And I could see a similar worry on Emma's face, too.

But he didn't.

The room seemed to hold its breath as he leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a tender, affectionate kiss. His hand rested on her thigh, his touch gentle and caring, tracing soothing patterns along her leg.

I braced myself for the wave of jealousy that I thought would surely wash over me, but to my astonishment, it never came.

In fact, a genuine smile played on my lips as I watched the two of them share this intimate connection. It was a smile born of love, trust, and acceptance. I couldn't help but feel grateful for this unique bond we were forming.

I lifted Emma's hand and brought it to my lips, placing a tender kiss on her knuckles. It was a silent gesture, a way to convey the depth of my love for her.

In that moment, I knew. I knew that as long as I lived, nothing could tear us apart, and our journey together was just beginning.

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