Embracing Emma (Companion to Brisé) by Leigh Ann Lunsford Page A

walks into Nana’s arms. “Thank you,” the old prankster mouths. I gave her something to hold on to, something fresh in her mind, and she will remember it as long as she is able. I know one day this memory will escape her. Hell, who we are may be erased from her mind, but I know she will always know us in her heart. That’s Emma’s biggest fear— to be unrecognizable to the woman she sees so much of herself in. Losing a major part of her will cause her to be invisible to us all, and I will work my hardest to get her over that, through it, and recreate as many moments in time as I’m able.
    In three weeks I will give her the best night of her life and a moment for Nana to live in. “Shopping tomorrow.” Phoebe is giddy.
    Luke groans knowing his bank account will take a hit, Emma beams, and Nana is wiping those pesky tears she will deny shedding. As Nana yawns, Em immediately wants to get her home to rest. “Child, I’m old. It happens. We tire, but that doesn’t mean the day stops. I still have some canning and freezing to do, you have a date with that young fellow for a few hours, and your mom and I have planning to do.” She shoves Ems towards me.
    “What am I doing?” Luke asks, feeling left out.
    “Staying out of our way.” Nana responds as she pulls Phoebe from the studio. “Oh and pick up the list I left on Phoebe’s desk.”
    “Errand boy. I’ve been demoted to her bitch.” His mumbling is threatening Emma’s laughter, but she has enough sense to keep it in until he disappears.
    “Thank you for today.” She reaches for me, and I pick her up so we are face to face.
    “Any time.”
    “I’m disappointed about one thing.”
    “What?”
    “I didn’t see your moves, QB.”
    “I’m waiting for prom. I can’t give you too much of a good thing.”
    “I’m holding you to that promise.”
    “As long as you’re in my arms, you can hold me to anything.”
    “Love you.”
    “Love you.” I capture her mouth before stealing a few hours of time to ourselves, cushioned from outside influences, drama, and meddling.
    This is when we work the best.
    Alone. Yet together.
    Two becoming one.
    A puzzle that forms a complete picture.
    Us.
     

     
     
    The news of Nana and my all-encompassing devotion to Emma has put off my parents questioning my signing, but I know as I walk in, my time of avoidance has come to an end. Both of them are sitting in the den, watching me as I warily approach. “Sit down, son.” Brett nods to the seat facing their united front.
    “So Georgia Southern,” James states. He knows the answer, so it wasn’t posed as a question but more of a disbelieving statement. I nod, allowing him to continue because I know he isn’t done. “You didn’t think a heads-up was warranted? Last we talked, your dream was University of Georgia, now we find out from the news that you signed with another college.”
    “I’m eighteen.” I don’t know why that is the answer I give, but it’s my crutch. My go-to explanation. I’m an adult, no longer their burden.
    “We’re well aware how old you are. We’ve celebrated every birthday since you were three. I think we deserve a bit more than that.”
    “I don’t know what you want.”
    “The truth,” Brett sighs as James’s tone warns us he’s close to losing his temper. Not that he’d ever fully lose his shit on me, that much I trust.
    “They offered me a full ride.” I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant, knowing I’m evading the real truth.
    “You committed to four years at a school that wasn’t your first choice because of a scholarship? Unbelievable.” Brett fumes. “You don’t need the scholarship, William. We have planned and saved for this day. It’s taken care of. We can afford to give you an education.”
    I know this. It’s the same argument I’ve had with Emma. “You shouldn’t have to. That’s your money.” That’s part of the burden I carry. I’m not theirs, no matter the love I have for them, the utmost