Page 157 of Engulfing Emma

I close my eyes.

“What is it?” Emma asks.

“Nothing.” I squeeze her hand. “It’s just that there’s so many people to thank for everything we have.”

She gives me a little shove. “Well, go ahead. Thank them.”

“I can’t,” I say, taking her into my arms. “Because the ones I really need to thank aren’t here.”

She looks into my eyes, understanding exactly what I mean.

Tears coat her lower lashes. “Thank you, Kenny Lutwig,” she says.

I nod, swallowing my own tears. “Thanks, Mom.”

Emma smiles and looks up at the sky. “Thank you, Daddy. You were right all along.”

THE END