Page 87 of Fate In Fiction

My screen goes black as I stare at the wall until it blurs. Our families no longer need the dramatic convincing, so does the world really need this kind of information about our relationship? One of the best things about Aspen is that it’s too expensive for paparazzi to hang around all the time. Emmett didn’t have to feed the world his personal expectations. If that’s how he really feels.

I’m used to his jokes and teasing, but what a way to blindside me. He’s never once mentioned wanting children; we’ve never even talked about it. And six just makes him look ridiculous to those who do know him. Feeling more singled out than ever before, I blink back tears. The door clicks as Emmett walks through, dropping his suitcase and walking over, setting his phone on the arm of the couch, all with a big smile on his face. As soon as I see him, my frustration lessens. For only one night, I missed him so much. I shouldn’t have watched that interview.

“Twenty-four hours was too long.” He hovers above me as my arms wrap around his neck, bringing his lips to mine. Our kiss is tender and sweet, but my emotions are sharp. Slowly, he pulls his head back, breaking the kiss, soft eyes looking down at me.

“You really charmed the premiere. How do you feel?” I ask, unsure of how I’m supposed to approach this.

“Relieved to be home,” he breathes, before pressing a gentle kiss to my lips.

“The six kids thing was a bit of a bomb drop since they don’t even know my name.” A nervous laugh settles in my chest as my throat goes dry. “You never mentioned wanting children.”

“Needed to give them something to talk about.” His eyes search mine as I fight the waterworks, his brow furrowing as he takes in my changing emotion. “Oh, shit. I’m sorry, I freaked you out. I didn’t mean we need to move that fast.”

“You caught me off guard.” I shake the feeling away, just wanting us to get back to our playful, loving side. “It’s fine. I’m glad to have you back in my arms.” Leaning up to kiss him again, he lays a bit more of his weight on me.

“I meant it, Josie. Every word.” He props himself on his forearm as the other hand cups my face. “I never imagined I’d want a last first time. I’m relieved you’re the last woman I need to try to impress. The last and only pair of hands I want on my body. You’re the first thing I want to see when my eyes open, and my name breathless on your lips as the last word of the day.” The love coming through his voice matches the eyes staring into mine.

“Emmett.” My voice breaks, overwhelmed with my one question now burning through my mind, even though he just did his best to put me at ease.

“We can go slow. I want it all with you. You’re the woman I want to give my last name to. You’re the only woman I’ll dance with. I’ll even join in and sing to shitty Taylor Swift songs with our children.” There it is.

My teary eyes come off as endearing and touched, but each sentence rips me apart limb by limb. His glimmering eyes of hope are nothing but salt on the wound. Emmett’s bubble of happiness suffocates me as it inflates. Never assume a demeanor is worth getting attached to. I hit his gold mine of a heart and cannot blame him for what he wants. What I’ve always wanted. As caring as he’s been, just like my parents, he hasn’t cared enough to dig any deeper.

“Emmett—” Before I can continue, his phone buzzes three times beside my head, startling me. His eyes trace over the text messages and flick to my face and back to the screen. Unease rests on his face, and I don’t want to know what just came through. What could make this any worse? His lips roll inward as he sits up, leaving the phone next to me.

“When were you going to tell me?” His tone is direct and demanding an answer. He moves to the other side of the couch, staring at his phone. There is no way anyone would have texted him about this. It’s too personal.

“I’ve never come out directly and said it, but at the same time, I did.” Are we done because of this? The way he’s looking at me is enough to make me question. He deserves everything he wants, and I’ll accept the fact that I’m not it. “I thought you’d bring up more questions after researching. Who texted you?” My heart jumps to my throat. I have no idea how this information would become public records and Emery isn’t one to stab me in the back.

“How many people know about you gaining access to your trust fund before me?” His voice raises, and I glance at his screen, seeing Clyde’s name flashes again.

Clyde:

dude that interview was mushy.

Clyde:

you know she has access to her funds right?

Clyde:

we both know she wanted out of Aspen. Don’t hold her back.

A new text rings through.

Clyde:

don’t tell her I told you. I know you care about her.

Oh, Emmett means that.

“Do I want to know what the next text says?” Emmett swallows slowly, clearly hurt. “How long have you had access?”

“Why does it matter?” My arms cross, wanting to reach out and touch him.

“I want to know why you didn’t tell me. I told you about my funds.” His eyes scan my face, as if he’s looking for the remnants of someone who’s no longer here. “When, Josie?”

“The morning we flew into Miami. But who cares? I don’t feel the need to travel here, there, and everywhere anymore.” My voice trails off quietly as I look down. “I want you, okay? That’s not a bad thing.” But my next truth bomb might be.