“Ms. Gray.” A associate hesitantly walked by, nodding his head as we moved to the side of the door for him to enter.
A few more followed behind him.
“I really have to get back to work, Cash. Please just leave me alone. I can’t go through this anymore. I need time… and I need to remember I deserve someone who loves only me.”
“I do love only you, baby,” he muttered. “If you want me to leave you alone, I will. All I want is for you to be happy. And if I can’t have you, but you are happy, I will give you that. You deserve that, and so much more.”
I wanted to hug him but instead I turned and walked into the conference room, straightening my posture, remembering I had a job do to, even when I felt like doing nothing but shedding a few tears.
21
EMMA
My mom had always told me sometimes you could sit behind the wheel of a car and end up where you were supposed to go without a thought in your mind. It had only happened a few times in my life, but today was one of those days.
Ever since I had gotten pregnant, I’d been praying more than I had ever thought would be possible. But I needed to talk to someone who had always given me the advice I needed, without any judgment or prejudice. A comforting person who always saw the things how they were, how they were supposed to be.
Normally, I was with Grammy in the company of Breigh, but she had been busy and I didn't want to burden her. Grammy was basically my grandmother anyway. My grandparents had passed and I really felt the void the older I got.
I knocked lightly on her screen door, waiting for her to answer. She had always instructed me to come on in, but I never felt right about it.
“Lookie here, Emma Gray, you are a sight for sore eyes. Come on in.”
She met me at the screen door with a smile on her elderly face that could light up a room. She opened the door, which talked in its own way, a deep screech. It reminded me of all the days Breigh and I spent here.
I give her a gentle hug smelling her White Diamonds, the same scent I knew belonged to her. She was dressed in one of the broken-in house robes that she wore when she wasn’t planning on leaving. This one, with flowers that decorated it, looked fairly new compared to some of her others.
“It’s so good to see you, Grammy.”
“And you as well, sweet girl.” Grammy looked down at my swelling belly. She knew I was pregnant.
I followed her to the kitchen table where all the talks had happened, with the exception of those on the front porch.
I walked behind her, observing her unsteady gait.
When arriving in the kitchen I look down at the tablecloth, a large white doily without a spot on it. It had been in their family for decades and somehow had held together. By no miracle if you ask Grammy.
The smell of her home immediately took over my senses. She had been baking; it smelled like a bakery. Everything was freshly dusted and swept.
“I just happened to finish baking some oatmeal raisin cookies and I also have some fresh ginger snaps.”
“Yum.”
“Tea or Dr. Pepper, dear?”
“Do you have any milk?”
“Does a horse have hooves? Of course.”
She got settled across from me and folded her soft wrinkled hands.
“So what have you been up to? I just saw Breigh and Olivia at church on Sunday. Little angel is growing like a weed. And those pigtails… I tell you.”
“I had been meaning to get to church.”
She didn't comment but just smiled lightly. She always got irritated when people said that.
“I guess I better just come out with it. I’m pregnant.”
“What a blessing.”
“It really is. You have always known how long I have wanted a family…”
“Yes, I have. Your parents did such a good job with you and your sister.” She paused, taking a sip of her tea. “I sense there is something bothering you?”
“I’m not married, it isn't how I planned it to be.”
“Things aren't always planned, dear. Of course, ideally, you would want to be pregnant as a married woman but…”
“Are you disappointed in me?”
“No, sweetie. I’m not. You are not an irresponsible child. Sometimes God takes control and things happen when we least expect them.”
“I’m ashamed. Not as much about the pregnancy…” I touched my belly with a slight massage.
“About the father?”
“I love the father, and I think he loves me, but I just wish he was a better man.”
“Have I met him?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Wyatt’s brother?”
“Yes, ma’am, Cash.”
“If I remember right he was a real piece of work. I think that is the fella Rhonda did not care for.”
“You’re right. But he is a lot different now. I loved him though even when he was bad.” I took a bite of my cookie, then another. “He is trying really hard, and I know he is doing things differently. Plus, he doesn't know about the baby yet…”
“I see.”
“Don't you think that’s wrong?”
“It doesn't matter what I think, dear. But I think that you both created a life and he has the right to know. Now, I will say if he hurt you in any way physically then that would be different.”
“He would never hurt me. Or the baby. He has hurt me in the past but it was from just being a jerk, not wanting to grow up. We were in a pretty good spot and I thought we were figuring things out, but then I saw him at a bar with another woman.”
“I will pray for you, sweet girl. What can I do to help you? To ease your heart, or your fear.”
Grammy’s voice was so sweet sounding that
