Her Guardian Angel

13. EMMA

My eyes open to the sun shining in on the bed. I turn over not wanting to leave the warmth behind yet. A pair of strong arms wrap around my back. I open my eyes again and realize I’ve turned into Beau’s chest. I smile and snuggle closer. “Good morning,” he says. It has been three days since the kidnapping. Beau doesn’t like me sleeping in the living room by myself anymore. Frankly, I don’t like sleeping out there either.

Today is Christmas Eve and I still haven’t gotten Beau anything. “I better get up,” I say. Beau releases the grip he has on me. I stand up and grab my crutches. Even though I am putting slight weight on my ankle, it still hurts with or without the crutches.

I hobble to the living room where I find David sleeping on the pull out couch. It seems like he doesn’t trust Beau to keep me safe or something. He hasn’t slept at his apartment since I got out of the hospital. I make my way to the kitchen for breakfast.

As I’m getting the ingredients together for breakfast, Beau walks in. “Would you like some help,” he asks. I hesitate. I really wanted to do this on my own but with my crutches, it is hard. Finally, I nod my head and hand him the egg carton.

Together we make bacon, eggs, hash browns, and toast. David walks in sniffing the air. “My mouth is now water for that,” he says as we make the plates.

David sits to my left and Beau sits to my right. Beau says blessing over the breakfast and we dig in. “David will you take me shopping today. I need to get the last few Christmas presents.” David nods and we finish eating.

“I think I’m going to visit with my mom today,” Beau says. “Do you wanna meet me over there when you are done?”

“Sure,” I say smiling. David helps Beau clean the kitchen up as I take a shower and get dressed.

BEAU

“Beau,” David says after he has helped Emma into his truck. I look up at him as I’m walking towards mine. “I think God sent you here for my sister. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a man treat her the way you do. You watch her like she is ready to fall and you ready to catch her. You are her guardian angel.” I blush at this.

“I’m just a guy who took interest in her. I’m far from being an angel.”

“Oh I know that but you seem to be here to keep my sister safe. Emma and I have been arguing on where she will be living. I want her to come live with me, but I think she may just be better off staying here. I’m not home as often as you are.”

I feel a hope rise in my chest. David is giving Emma permission to live with me! “I wouldn’t let anything happen to her.” He pats my shoulder and then climbs in the truck.

I climb into the cab of my truck and head towards Mom’s house. Sadie is waiting on the porch when I arrive. “Beau,” she says running to greet me. She gives me a hug. “Is Emma with you?”

“No David took her shopping today. He is going to be bringing her by here later though,” I tell her. She smiles and runs towards the house.

I walk inside. Mom’s Christmas tree is sitting in front of the window with all the decorations Sadie and I made at school hanging from it. “Is Emma here,” Mom asks me.

“No she and David went last minute Christmas shopping,” I say. Mom looks disappointed. Mom wanted Emma and I to stay the night tonight so we can open gifts together. Emma wanted to too but I thought it would be better if we stayed home. “David is bringing her by here on his way home though so you will get to see her.”