Enticing Disaster

Chapter 32 - Andrew

Richard informs me that Roger was spotted in Williams Square. That still doesn't give me the comfort it should. I am still on edge but I also understand that we cannot live our lives like this. We cannot stay cooped up.

Emma wakes up and sits up. Her hands stretch over her head as she yawns. Just to annoy her because she's cute when she's annoyed, I lean in and kiss her quick before she has time to react and pull back.

I laugh when she tries to swat me away but ends up hitting the air. "Andrew!" She protests.

"Never gonna stop," I yell as I leave the bedroom.

I start the kettle and begin making the tea when a few minutes later, Emma walks in. She has a huge smile on her face and the more I look at her, the bigger it gets.

"What?" I ask her.

"I'm happy," she says as she shakes her bum a little.

I laugh because she's cute and I don't think I'll ever get enough of her. "I'm glad you're happy."

She stops in front of me and throws her arms around me. "There's a sense of calm that I've never felt before."

I rub her back. "Yea?"

"Yea," she replies.

I grab the remote from the bench to our left and turn on the radio before I grab her hand and give her a swirl and then turn her back.

Emma laughs. "Keep going," she says through giggles.

I twirl her once, twice and then hold her close as if to slow dance. The song is a little to fast but we try to make it work. Emma's eyes shine gorgeously. I can see she's truly happy. Maybe I don't need good money and a big house to keep her happy.

Emma suddenly let's go of my hand and kicks her leg to the side before throwing her hands in the air and moving them in every possible direction. I hide my smile as I join her and soon enough, we both look like fools dancing like nothing. We both bend over and laugh as soon as our eyes meet and we realise how ridiculous we look. I want to look ridiculous with her life long. I want to be a fool in front of her and I want to just have fun with her. I want it all.

When the laughing subdues, we straighten up before Emma says, "that was much needed."

I smile. "It was."

This is good. This is what I was missing and I'm sure if my parents were around they would have been so proud of me. I also know they would have loved Emma. Despite her lifestyle, she's adapted here well. She's kind, sweet and loyal. Exactly what my parents would have wanted for me. The only thing that hurts is they never got to meet her.

Emma gives my hand a squeeze and places the tea in it. "What are you thinking of?"

"My parents."

"Yea?" She says a small frown on her face. "I wish I could have met them."

I nod. "You already did."

She smiles. "I know, I know but in person so I could know they would be happy for you."

I place my arm around her. "They'd be so happy for me. I'd know because you're perfect for me."

Emma's cheeks turn red and she hides them behind my arm and presses herself against my chest like it is a shield. I kiss the top of her head.

"Come on," I tell her. "Get dressed because I have a surprise."

Emma claps her hands in excitement. "Surprise? Ok give me a minute."

I watch her disappear behind the bedroom door and not even two minutes later she's out in blue jeans and a green t-shirt knotted around the waist on one side. She's wearing white sandals and has a white crossover bag hanging off her shoulders.

"Ready," she says and the excitement is written all over her face.

I grab her hand and we walk to my car. I'm still cautious about us being out and about. My trust in her father is nonexistent but this needs to be done. I know it'll cheer Emma up.

When we get to Gabby's coffee shop, Emma looks at me. "What are we doing at Gabby's? Is the surprise here?"

I smirk at the nervous look on her face. "Do you not like Gabby? Should I tell her that?" I tease her.

Emma's eyes go wide. "Oh my gosh, don't you dare. That's not what I meant."

I laugh as I usher her in. "I'm only teasing."

When we walk inside, Gabby immediately moved away from behind the counter to come up front. She throws her arms around Emma and hugs her like mother bear. Gabby has taken to Emma and in a way adopted her. She's become protective of her in such a short time.

Gabby pulls Emma to a table a lady in a white business suit is already sitting. "This is your wedding planner, Laina. You can organise everything through her and she will give you the dream wedding."

Emma looks back at me and I can see the sparkle in her eyes. She grabs my hand and gives me a squeeze. "Oh my," she says as she sits down and pulls me down on the seat next to hers.

I sit quietly as I hear her immediately run some ideas by Laina. Her excitement is contagious and even though I sort of just want to sit back and let her do everything, she rubs off on me and occasionally I throw in an idea or two.

Time goes by quickly and before we know it, two hours have passed. Emma has gone through four cups of coffee and I have had two. She's also had two cakes and three cookies, and she wasn't even ashamed about it. I love that about her.

When the conversation is over, Laina organises two days from now for another sit down. The venue we picked is a small garden in Algard and then taking off to the beach where we sort of started everything. Emma insisted on the beach even when I suggested that it may not be a comfortable venue and I love that.