Sam has a breakdown when he admits that the second baby Emma aborted, was probably his. Dr. Stewart encourages him to talk to her.
"She'll hate me," he whispered. "She'll totally hate me for the rest of my life, if she ever finds out."
A short time later, he was able to pull himself together for their therapy session with Emma. He managed a happy smile when he saw her. She bounced in, flopping on the chair next to him. Her kiss on his cheek was playful and loving.
"Having a good day?" He couldn't help being infected by her joy.
"Oh, it's been great! Molly's been giving us a baking lesson. My first loaf of bread is in the oven. We're having the bread at lunch."
"Damn, I didn't get to make one."
"I made one for you." She smiled, kissing his mouth very quickly. "I do think about you from time to time," she said, her face very close to his.
"Thank you."
"Hey," Emma said, turning to the doctor. "I just remembered something. We've been here three weeks tomorrow."
"Yes, that's true."
"So we're up for review, right?"
She pulled her knees up onto her chair, wrapping her arms around them. This wasn't a shutting off gesture, it was one to contain her excitement. She rocked back and forth on her rear end for a moment, her eyes glittering. Dr. Stewart made a show of checking her notes. She already knew they were up for their first review.
"Why, I do believe you are."
"How's our progress been?" Emma asked eagerly.
"Better than I could possibly have anticipated. You're both made giant strides."
Their session went well. Dr. Stewart thought they made good progress. That made her glad, especially in lieu of Sam's confession about the baby. He needed the positive affirmation that Emma loved him. More than once, she referred to the future, talking about them together, finding jobs, carrying on with their interrupted lives. Sam managed to make Emma laugh a few times, which the doctor saw as a great deal of progress. Emma's reaction was perfect. The doctor couldn't have asked for better encouragement.
"That's one reason I love you so much, Sam. You can always make me laugh."
"I live but to serve, my lady."
"Good. You're gonna work so hard, you sweat," she teased.
"Really?" Sam raised his eyebrows. "I like the sound of that."
"Yeah, Raleigh needs your help with a plumbing issue."
"My help? I'm not a plumber!"
"It seems you are today," Dr. Stewart smirked, getting in the spirit of the day. "Our time's up, Sam. Why don't you find Raleigh. It's time for girl talk."
"Alright.... Is it okay if I kiss her, Doc?"
"Depends on what kind of kiss."
His sarcastic expression told her what kind of kiss he intended. Emma's upturned face told him what kind she expected. Dr. Stewart nodded, glancing pointedly at her paperwork.
"Keep it short, no hands," she murmured with a crooked grin.
Sam put his hands on either arm of the chair Emma sat in, leaning forward. She moved toward him, her eyes open until the last moment. Sam kept his eyes open, wanting to see the emotions in her face as their lips met. He brushed her mouth with his gently, coaxing her lips apart. His tongue played with her lips and teeth as he pressed his mouth more firmly against hers. The kiss lasted only moments, since he sensed the doctor's disapproval over anything lengthy. That she had allowed it at all, was a small miracle, so he didn't take advantage. He let his lips linger a moment longer, watching the pleasure flutter across Emma's face. She was at peace, satisfied, comfortable with him and, he hoped, very much in love.
©2020 Dellani Oakes
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