Free Emma's Home (The Fairfield Series) by Maryann Jordan Page B

tonight and for once we won’t have anyone else around.”
    Laurie laughed. “I guess that means you want me to get lost!” Emma shared her laughter.
    “Not right this minute, but yes… I want no one around tonight but Jake. And maybe, just maybe, the sheets will get broken in!”
    *
    Jake, working long hours for the past two days finally got a chance to leave on time. He went home, showered, changed, and checked in on his mother. Mary smiled at her handsome son.
    “Are you heading off to see that beautiful girl of yours?” she asked with a twinkle in her eyes. Jake leaned down to kiss her cheek.
    “Yeah, we’re finally going to have some time without everyone around,” he replied. “Will you be all right?”
    “Of course. In fact, I do not expect you to come back tonight!” she said with a laugh. Jake looked down at his mother in surprise. Laughing, he hugged her goodbye before he headed off to Emma’s.
    He stopped by the grocery store to purchase flowers and wine for her and beer for him. His mind was filled with thoughts of Emma as he was driving. It had been a long time since he was this attracted to a woman… one that made him think of a possible future.
    He, Rob, and Tom had all been players in college, not that he was proud of that fact. All three had been on the football team, big men around campus and women were plentiful. Jake occasionally had a girlfriend during his twenties, but never one lasting relationship. Less than two years ago, Tom met Carol and while they had had a rocky beginning, they fell in love and married. Rob had continued his player ways longer than either Jake or Tom, but when he laid eyes on Laurie, he was smitten. Jake was happy for his friends, but envious as well. But now…. since Emma walked into his life, he began thinking of the relationship in lasting terms. Much to his surprise, he was not nervous about those thoughts. In fact, he wanted to make sure that he could convince her of the same.
    By the time Jake’s musings were over, he had pulled into Emma’s driveway. Her little house, spruced up with its fresh paint, stood in the clearing of the woods.
    The sun was just starting to set over the top of the trees, giving everything an evening glow. The riotous flower beds were filled with splashes of color.
    She did this. This was her vision and she made it happen. He looked up and saw her sitting on her porch swing. She gazed at him, her face lit up with a huge smile. She stood and he saw she was wearing a simple white sundress, showing off her tan. She took his breath away. Tonight. Tonight, she will be mine.
    Emma ran down the front step and into Jake’s arms. He chuckled as he swung her around.
    “I’m glad I hadn’t gotten my gifts out of the truck yet,” he laughed as he set her down. He leaned in his truck, grabbing the beer and wine after handing the flowers to Emma. Jake didn’t think it was possible for Emma’s smile to get any bigger, but as she looked down at the flowers, she positively glowed.
    “I’ve never gotten flowers before,” she exclaimed, holding the bouquet as though it was a treasure. Jake looked at her, reminded again of how much she gave up over the years to care for Laurie and herself. Well no more, he vowed.
    Arms around each other, they walked inside and Jake looked around. He was amazed at what Emma had accomplished in the three days since he had been in the house. Walking into the living room, seeing the rug on the wooden floor, blanket on the back of the couch, and curtains on the windows, he admired her decorating. Moving over to the fireplace, he looked at the framed pictures on the mantle. Emma walked up beside him waiting for his reaction. His expression was warm as he looked down at her.
    “Family?” he asked.
    Emma smiled and nodded. She pointed to the various pictures, explaining her life’s story in the photographs.
    There were pictures of her parents standing with Sarah and Emma. Sarah looked so much like Emma, he could