Phantom Scars (13 page)

Chapter 26 – There’s No Place Like Home

I could honestly say there was no place like home. I was thrilled to be back, and I could tell Emma seemed to be more at ease here as well, which just made me feel good. I’d been worried she wouldn't want to come back, after she’d reunited with her parents.

My momma came up, and I told her about the visit. She hugged Emma and told her not to fret herself. Her daddy would come around in time. I hoped she was right, but then again, I wanted him to stay the hell away as well.

Dr. Greyson came and visited with Emma and gave us further insight into her dad. He thought her dad was stuck in rescue mode and felt like he had been deprived of saving his baby. Dr. Greyson went on to explain it better, and it looked like Emma was getting it, but I think it was a bit over my head. The guy was crazy…that was all I was saying. If he showed up on my doorstep, I would make him have a session with Dr. Greyson before I'd let him talk to my girl.

Emma seemed to bounce back a lot faster now that we were home, and I was glad for it. I was worried she would have some major setbacks. It did take her a week to be okay in the room alone with Dr. Greyson again, and then another week before she was okay with me being out of the kitchen in the restaurant. I had taken to working the floor, so I could catch sight of any suspicious people when they came in. I wasn't going to let anyone near my girl. The authorities were fairly sure they had taken down everyone who would have been looking for Emma, but I could never be too careful when it came to my girl's safety.

Faye was up and around with a walking cast and cane that she had covered in pink ribbon and something sparkly. I overheard her tell a little girl that it was her magic cane. It was pretty cute, because the little girl completely believed her.

That child couldn't have been more than three and had pretty blond hair and big blue eyes like Emma's. I couldn't help but wonder what a child would look like if we ever did take on being a married couple for real and had a family. I quickly pushed that thought out of my head. Now was not the time for that. She had a lot of healing and growing up to do.

Her father had made a good point; Emma should have been in school. I knew it wasn't something she could do right now, as it would be too much for her to handle, but maybe I could talk her into some online classes, so she could at least get her GED. Unfortunately, the only computer we had access to was the restaurant’s computer in my momma's office just off the kitchen. I would have to ask if Emma could use it.

I hadn't gotten the full question out, when my momma grabbed Emma's arm and mine and started dragging us to her office. Smiling, she sat Emma in front of her computer and brought up three schools she had marked in her favorites.

"After you told me what her daddy said, I knew he was right. Our girl needs to finish her education, but I also know it’d be difficult for her to leave your side," Momma said smiling at us, "So I talked to Dr. Greyson, and he suggested these schools. I was thinking she could work in here, while you're working out front. Do you think you can handle that, sugar?" she asked Emma.

Emma looked at us both nervously. I knelt down in front of her, taking her hands. "If you're not ready, we can wait, you don't have to start right now."

"I don't want you to see me as a helpless child," she whispered, and I saw tears in her eyes.

"Oh, honey, I know you're not a child," I said.

My momma sensed we needed a minute and slipped out, closing the door.

"Devin, I thought you wanted to keep me as your wife?" she asked, soft and broken.

I took a deep breath. I loved hearing that she wanted to be my wife, my real wife. I leaned in and kissed her forehead, breathing in the scent of her hair. "I want to keep you as my wife, but it's going to take time before you're ready for that."

"So you really want me to be your wife? Your real wife?" she said a little surprised.

I could feel my face heating up, and I felt a little guilty for wanting it, but I couldn't deny it. "Yeah," I cleared my throat. "There was a little blond-haired girl in the restaurant this morning, and I wondered what our kids would look like," I said nervously, hoping I didn't say too much.

"Really?" she squeaked. I was afraid I'd made her nervous, but then she did something to push all my fears away. She kissed me. She straddled my lap, shoving me to the floor, and full-on kissed me, deep and on the lips. When she sat up, I was panting hard. She shifted, sitting on things she probably shouldn't, and embarrassing me even more that I'd reacted to her so quickly. I felt her push down and grind a little with her hips, and then she smiled at me.

I cleared my throat, trying to gain my voice. "So, school?" I asked.

She smiled widely and nodded yes.

~*~

It had been two weeks since our kiss, and to say I was a little excited and wanted to repeat it was an understatement. It dominated my thoughts and definitely my dreams. Sleeping with her was getting more difficult. All I could say was thank heavens for the separate sleeping bags, or she would have issues with my one-eyed monster. It didn't help that I sometimes would wake to her moaning my name. I kept trying to convince myself that it was probably a bad dream, but when it was followed by her moaning, "Oh, that feels so good," one would know better. If I'd thought before was torture, now was just freaking insane. I spent a lot of time in the shower. I was glad it was impossible to run out of cold water; otherwise, I think we would have had a serious shortage on my block.

Of course, since that kiss, she had become more confident. She would hug me, just to be affectionate, and I could kiss her on the cheek, just because I wanted to. We were moving forward; slowly, but still forward. She was doing well in school also. She had to complete her junior and senior years, but she didn't seem to mind. She was highly intelligent and was making quick work of her studies. She worked diligently in the office, while I worked with my momma in the restaurant. Faye would frequently come by to make her take a break, so they could discuss wedding plans. Emma had actually become more familiar and comfortable around our regular customers and could sit in the dining hall while I was a waiter. Things were looking up, until they started looking at dresses.

I was refilling one of our regular customer's coffees, when I heard Faye start to complain. "What do you mean you don't like it?"

"It's a bit revealing," I heard my angel mumble.

Clayton came out of the kitchen, blocking my view of my girl. I guess the word “revealing” called to him. I let out a huff and was about to go break it up, when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I turned to see Paige standing behind me nervously with a suitcase. "Ms. Paige," I said smiling. I really was glad she was here. I hugged her and stepped back to look her over. She looked stressed and worn out. I was sure she could use a nap.

"Hello, Devin. I hope you don't mind me popping in unannounced."

"No, no, of course not, family is always welcome," I said, and she raised an eyebrow at me. We both knew Clark was not welcome. "Well, friendly family is always welcome. I'm glad you're here," I said patting her shoulder. "You look like you could use a good rest. I'm sure the jetlag is catching up to you."

"Oh, well..." she started nervously.

I didn't let her finish. "Clayton!" I called my brother, and he came jogging over.

"You need to go save your girl. Faye is freaking her out with dresses, and she keeps using the word 'plunging' for some reason."

"What?" I asked.

"You know, plunging neckline, plunging back," he said, as if this was common knowledge.

"Faye!" I could not have her upsetting my girl, and I knew exposing her back would be very upsetting to her.

"Devin, don't listen to him, the dress I picked out is gorgeous," Faye said showing me the book with the backless dress. It was beautiful, but it would show off Emma’s scars.

"Faye," I said pulling her closer to me. I touched the page, and my chest tightened, because I knew my girl would never want to wear something like that. "It's beautiful, but Emma has a lot of scars across her back. She won't feel comfortable wearing anything that exposes them."

She looked up at me, realization settling in. "Oh, oh god, I'm so sorry."

"It's fine, Faye, just keep in mind she’d probably be most comfortable in something that covers a lot of her skin. I'm sure you can figure it out."

"Of course, I'm such an idiot."

"No, you're a good friend, and she needs you. Oh, and quit using the word plunging; Clayton says it's freaking her out."

"Right, okay," she said and scuttled away.

Paige looked up at me surprised. "Who was that?"

"That was Faye; Emma is one of her bridesmaids."

"Oh, well, that's nice." Paige looked at her daughter, talking with her friends across the room. Jennifer had joined them, and they looked happy. "She looks like she's doing well."

"Yeah, she's doing a little better."

"So, she has scars?" she asked softly, her voice full of pain.

I wrapped my arm around her. "Don't fret on it. It won't make them go away," I said and turned to Clayton. "Can you take Ms. Paige up to the apartment and set her up in the extra room? We cleaned it out for her already."

"Sure, no problem," Clayton said, ready for a break.

"Ms. Paige, this is my little brother, Clayton. This is Ms. Paige, Emma's momma."

His eyes lit up. "I'm so glad to see you're okay. I know we were all worried about you. I'm glad you made it out safely," he said sincerely.

"Thank you, Clayton, that's very kind of you."

"Thank you, Ma'am, shall we?" he asked holding out his arm for her.

"Oh, can you move the trundle into that room, too? She looks like she could use some rest," I called after them.

"No problem, Bro. I got her taken care of."

I saw her look up at him nervously, but he smiled down at her with his welcoming smile that let people know he was a friendly giant.

I made my way to the kitchen and told my momma what was up. She set right on getting a meal put together for us, and I walked out to the table to save Emma from the attack of the evil dresses. I put my arm around her and kissed her cheek. "I have something I want to show you upstairs," I whispered close to her ear.

I might have been mistaken, but she looked a little flushed and excited. I pulled her up into my arms, and she kissed my neck, as I led her out to our apartment steps.

She looked confused, when she heard Clayton's loud boisterous laughter coming from our place. I rolled my eyes at her and opened the door.

"Devin!" Clayton said a little too loudly. Emma flinched but didn't hide. She was used to Clayton by now. "Did you know that Detective Declan thinks you bought his daughter?" he said, as if it was the funniest thing ever. "I was just telling Ms. Paige, you've got to have money to do that."

Emma's eyes settled on her momma, and she squealed. She ran into her arms, hugging her tightly. "Oh, Mom, I missed you!"

"I missed you, too, baby girl. It's so good to hear your voice. You seem to be doing so much better now that you're home with Devin."

Emma blushed lightly, and I quickly shoved Clayton out the door, before he could say anything inappropriate.

"We were hoping you’d come, Mom," Emma said excitedly, and it was nice to hear her speak with such ease. "We even got the extra room ready."

"Did Clayton move the other bed?" I asked.

"Yes, he was able to get it in there. I, um, saw your room as well. So you really did sleep in separate beds?"

Emma blushed and nodded her head yes. "I sleep better with Devin, though."

Paige brushed her daughter's hair back from her face. "That's good, honey, you should feel safe with your husband. I just don't see why you don't get a bigger bed," she said, glancing to our open door, where you could see our little twin bed with both sleeping bags.

I laughed nervously. "I guess I didn't really think about it," I admitted. "We had a bed, so I never thought to get another."

Paige walked over and hugged me. I wasn't sure why. "Well, Devin, I think it's time you looked into getting a bigger bed, so you can get some real sleep. I'm not the only one who looks tired."

She was right, but it wasn't the size of the bed that was keeping me up. It was the person in it.

Chapter 27 – Wrapped

My momma came up with dinner for the four of us and excitedly talked with Paige, chatting away as if they were old friends. My momma had always been good at making people feel welcome like that. That was why her restaurant did so well.

Paige made me blush ten times over, gushing about how I was such a gentleman. I couldn't help but feel a little guilty, because she made me out to be innocent, when I was anything but. I definitely wanted to get my hands on her daughter. I just loved Emma enough to know she wasn't ready yet.

Love.

Holy cow! I was pretty dang sure I was in love with Emma. I looked over at her and saw her beaming smile. Yup, there was no denying it. That girl had me wrapped around her little finger. I would do anything for her to keep her happy and safe. She had been smiling more lately, since we had talked about her truly being my wife, and I kind of hoped it was because of me.

Dinner went great, and my momma made sure to tell Paige she was welcome in her kitchen. Emma insisted that her momma not be allowed to cook, but she was great at dishes. Paige blushed and swore it was true. Apparently, she was responsible for several cases of food poisoning and seven kitchen fires. I told Paige if she wanted, she could help on the serving floor with me out front.

We had plans for Dr. Greyson to come and visit tomorrow, and I called and invited him to dinner, so he could visit with Paige as well. I thought she could use a shrink herself. Even after her nap, she seemed exhausted. I wondered if she needed to see a doctor. Emma said that was a normal side effect of depression, though.

I guess things had gone downhill fast for Paige and Clark after we had left. Paige had tried to make it work for a while, but it just wasn't happening. She said she still loved him dearly, but Clark was not a bending man and would never change. I hoped that was not true. I hoped things would straighten out with him and his daughter sometime in the future, when she was stronger and could handle dealing with him.

I kissed my momma goodnight, and we all got ready for bed. I climbed in and listened quietly, as my girl talked with Paige about her doing school online and how quickly she was finishing up. My girl was brilliant! Her momma was so proud of her for not giving up on school. I overheard her talk about getting a college degree, but she wasn't sure yet. My heart clinched a little. Did she want to leave and go away to college? Was she wising up and deciding she didn't want me anymore?

She came in and lay down on her side of the bed quietly for a moment. I hadn't realized I hadn't touched her until she rolled over and pouted. "Is something wrong?" she asked.

"No, honey, why would something be wrong?" I asked, realizing I was a terrible liar, as my voice squeaked pathetically.

"Devin, what's bothering you?" she said leaning on my chest.

"Nothing, honey, I just worry sometimes that I'm holding you back," I said truthfully.

She climbed up my body, straddling me and crossing her arms on my chest. We were face to face, and she was trying to think of her next words, because her face was screwed up in thought. "Nope," she said suddenly.

"What?"

"You asked if you were holding me back. The answer is nope."

"Are you sure? I mean, if you have a dream, I want you to fulfill it, honey. You know I’d help any way I can, right?" I offered. It was true, I was sincere. I really would do whatever it took for her to be happy.

"Well, I was thinking…" she started.

Oh, boy, here it comes...

"Once I get done with my diploma, maybe I should see about getting a degree."

And there it was; she wanted to leave. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and readied myself for what I would say next, but she cut me off.

"I know it's expensive, but I noticed you don't have an accounting firm around here."

"What?" Now I was lost.

"I was thinking of maybe becoming an accountant?" she said unsure.

"Here?" I asked still grasping her words.

She nodded yes timidly.

"So, you don't want to leave me?"

Her eyes softened. "You thought I wanted to leave you?"

"Emma, I, you…" I stopped and took a deep breath, calming myself so I could explain. "You're so much better than me, honey. I'm just a poor sailor-slash-busboy-slash-kitchen laborer. You have so much potential, and you're so beautiful. You really could do so much better than me."

She frowned and started running her fingers through my hair. "Oh, Devin, don't you see? You're everything I need. You're sweet, kind, caring, and patient. You're such a gentleman, sometimes it makes me go week in the knees."

"You know my momma would beat me with a hot spatula if I wasn't."

She laughed. "I know, but even when she's not around, you're still a good man, all the way through your heart and soul. You take care of me and have never asked for anything in return."

"You give me so much already," I interrupted.

"See, there you go being sweet again. No wonder Lottie is always leaving you big tips. I know if you’d shake your butt a little, you could make us rich," she giggled.

"No, she's just being nice!"

"Devin, she doesn't have an eye twitch, she's winking at you."

"What? Really?" I asked shocked.

"Yes, baby, that Lottie is going after my man. Next time, she’d better watch herself, or I'll beat her with her own cane."

"Emma, I don't know how my momma would feel about you beating up the bridge club grannies who meet at the diner."

She let out a playful sigh. "Fine, but if she pinches your butt, I'm not coming to your rescue."

"You think she would?" I asked feigning worry.

"Oh, yes, definitely. You need to watch it around those ladies, Devin. They all have an eye on your perfect backside."

I felt my ego swell, or maybe it was my pants. She called my butt perfect.

She must have noticed the change, because suddenly she was leaning down a lot closer to me, and I found myself looking at her lips. I forced myself to look at her eyes and noticed that she was looking at my mouth, too, and I licked my lips in anticipation. My breathing picked up, and I really hoped for a repeat of that first kiss.

Her fingers wound into my hair, and I heard her say my name softly. She shifted on my lap, making me moan, when she came in contact with my manhood through my thin pajama pants. The next thing I knew, her lips were on mine. My hands flew to her hips, holding her steady, as I tasted her fresh minty mouth. She pushed down on me again, and I had to fight myself, so I wouldn't push back against her. I didn't want to scare her. I would let her lead.

After a few heavenly moments, she pulled back, grinning down at me. I knew I looked like an idiot, because my face was hurting from smiling so big. I was still panting hard, and I did my best not to notice how fast her chest was rising, as she was panting hard too, catching her breath.

I needed to settle myself down and quick, before I did something stupid. "It's late," I said and opened her sleeping bag. She pouted but slipped in, and I zipped her up. I pulled her back tightly against me, and I might have ground into her backside a little, on accident of course. "Thank you for the kiss," I said and kissed her shoulder and neck. "It was perfect and amazing, just like the first one."

She turned and smiled over her shoulder at me, and I leaned in and gave her a light peck on the lips. "You're beautiful," I blurted out, and she smiled.

"Goodnight, Devin."

"Night."

"Goodnight, you two!" her momma called. "You really should look into getting a bigger bed, maybe one that doesn't squeak quite so much."

Oh, Lord, her had momma heard us! I groaned and hid my face in Emma's back, and she just giggled.