Page 79 of Fate In Fiction

“Oh, I set up the bed for you.” Bending down, he scoops me up in his arms. My worry peaks with the possibly bleeding through my pants.

“Emmett.” I giggle, but enjoy being held. “I can walk.”

“Maybe I want you close.” He pauses by the bathroom with an unsure face. “Do you need to go in there?”

“Yeah.” Why do I feel awkward admitting it?

“I’ll let you take care of that without me.” He kisses the tip of my nose and sets me down. “I’m gonna grab a quick snack, and I’ll meet you in bed.”

I smile, closing the door behind me, shocked by how attentive and understanding he is. A future with Emmett is becoming more promising each day. I just hope I don’t bleed out all over his sheets and traumatize him. When I walk into the bedroom, he’s already in bed waiting for me. Shirtless, sympathetic eyes look up at me, his abs on display acting as pure torture in this moment.

“Anything else I can do?”

“Cuddles?” My heart skips a beat at the vulnerability I’m showing.

“We can definitely cuddle.” I lie down right on top of him, putting pressure on my stomach. “Anything else?” His hands brush through my hair as he smiles lovingly.

“Just hold me.” I shake my head as one of his hands dances his fingertips up and down my back.

“Thank you for being you.” The contentment in his voice calms me. “Who knew I’d be the type of guy to earn a girl like you?”

“Emmett, I––” My vocal cords pinch as I nearly speak my emotions out loud. Words I’ve only ever said to my younger sister and whole-heartedly meant. Words I still cannot say until I’m sure he has time to make up his own mind after the diagnosis I brought to his attention.

“I know, Josie.” Adoration fills his eyes as he nods, confirming he can read my mind and fears. “I feel it too.”

My uterus chooses this moment to send a cramp through me. Wincing, I roll off him and turn to my side. Emmett rolls over and wraps me in his arms. I breathe the pain away, as he holds me close and places kisses on top of my head. Feeling his heart beat against my back, I enter dreamland.

* * *

“It’s good to see you again!” Lauren wraps me in a hug as Emmett and I enter the pool area. “Crazy how Kelsie went into labor as soon as they arrived.” She laughs.

“Maybe flying had something to do with it?” I take a seat and hold my breath as my insides twist about.

“So...” Lauren begins, wrapping a towel around her body. “Adam and I are having our wedding around Christmas. Soon, I know. But you’re invited.”

“We will be there.” I smile as Emmett eyes me extra carefully, but doesn’t say anything. “I’ll make sure Emmett remembers to book time off work.”

“Uncle Emmett!” Mallory calls out from the pool. “My baby sister is being born!” she squeals. “Come swim with us! You too, Aunt Josie!”

My jaw opens with the name, and Lauren laughs. “Yeah, get used to it. She was calling me aunt before Adam and I were even officially dating.”

Emmett leans down and places a gentle kiss on my forehead before removing his shirt and shoes. “Let me know if you want to go back to the suite. No puking by the pool.”

Lauren’s eyes bug out as her head whips in my direction. “Girl…”

“Endometriosis. My hormones are completely haywire,” I quickly spit out.

“Oooff, that’s rough. Is it pretty serious?” She’s a nurse, and I know I don’t need to explain much. My quiet nod and crossing of my arms against my chest halts any further questions about my cycle. We watch Emmett and Adam exhaust their sister’s children before meeting his family for dinner.

“They adore you, Josie.” Emmett smiles down at me as we enter the suite later that night.

“I’m easy to adore.” Smirking, I turn to walk down the hallway and detour to the bathroom to empty the contents in my stomach. “Fuck,” I groan.

I managed to eat most of my dinner to be polite, but now I’m regretting doing that. “I’m here for you, Josie.” Emmett rubs my back in soothing circles, and I wish he didn’t have to see me like this. That I didn’t have to feel like this. His phone dings, and he shoots off a quick reply as I glance at him in question. “My father wanted to meet for drinks. Your dad is apparently attending too.”

“Go. I’ll be fine.” He watches as I lift my head off my arms, which is resting on the toilet bowl.

“I want to stay here with you. I don’t need to hear two older men ranting and bragging about their politics.”