Three years later.
Emma.
“Seriously, Emma, when are you going to start dating?” Ava asks, sitting down next to me.
I look out at the backyard, and I can’t help the smile that forms on my lips. Today is Travis and Letty’s son’s birthday. James, named after our dad, is turning one today.
Letty and Travis got married about two years ago. Travis proposed immediately. I woke up after that accident that almost robbed me of my life. You might be wondering what happened to the driver. Well, he is currently serving a five-year sentence for reckless driving. I do hope he learned his lesson.
Back to Travis and Letty. I guess seeing me in the hospital made him realize just how short life is. He proposed, and Letty said yes. They got married in a beautiful spring wedding.
As a result of being friends with Ava, I was brought into the fold. Connie and Reaper got married in a small intimate wedding with close friends and family. They welcomed their daughter, Haven, four months later. Connie is now currently pregnant with their second child. Another girl.
Harper and Gabriel are expecting too. This will be their third child. Harper told us that Gabriel was against the idea of having another baby after the pain he witnessed Harp going through, even though at first he was at the forefront of them having a whole basketball team of kids. They argued and fought about it, but eventually Harper won. She couldn’t have been happier.
Now, Ava and Rowan. They are still growing strong. They have three children so far, but something tells me that it won’t stay that way for long. You know about Noah and Iris, but I bet you didn’t know that three years ago they welcomed another baby girl. They named her Emery.
“Emma…”
“I’m not in a hurry, Ava. I don’t really care about dating right now.”
To be honest, I am content with my life and what I have. If love comes along, then well and good. If it doesn't, then that’s okay too. Not everyone gets a happy ending, and I am okay with that.
“You used to use your injury as an excuse; you are no longer in a wheelchair.”
You heard that right. Despite what the doctors said, I was able to recover. I still have complications here and there, but otherwise I am great. I no longer need a wheelchair and can walk perfectly fine. The only thing that has taken time to get accustomed to is not wearing heels. I tried once, and the pain that followed was excruciating. But flats aren’t that bad, so I guess it’s my new norm.
“Will you leave me alone if I tell you there is this cute lawyer that just joined the firm?” I ask, raising my brows at her.
She squeals, attracting the attention of the others.
“Will you stop screaming like a damn banshee?”
“What? This is exciting news.”
“Is everything okay, mom?” I had not noticed Gunner approaching. He had his three-month-old brother in his arms.
He’s been calling me mom since I woke up in the hospital, but I still can’t get enough of hearing him call me that.
Bending, I kiss his and Chase’s cheeks before taking Chase from his arms and cuddling him to my chest.
“Yes, everything is okay, my love. Your aunt is just being overly dramatic as usual.” I tell him while making faces at Chase. He gives me a toothless smile, which fills my heart with pure joy.
Gunner has a brother; it’s confusing, right? Given that I’m here talking to Ava about dating. Well, Chase isn’t my son. He is Calvin and Kinley’s little boy. They got married last year. Sweet little Chase here is a honeymoon baby.
Calvin and I have gotten closer since the accident. Just like Gunner, he forgave me and we were able to build a beautiful friendship.
Kinley is honestly a wonderful woman. She fits in with all of us. She’s kind and sweet and, most importantly, makes Calvin happy and treats Gunner like her own son.
“No, I am not,” Ava defends herself. “I just wanted your mom to tell me more about the cute lawyer at her firm.”
“That’s where I draw the line. I’m out of here,” he says, looking a bit disgusted. “Are you okay with him or should I take him back?”
“I’m okay… go and join your friends.”
He nods his head before running towards Noah and the rest. Calvin was kind enough to revise the custody agreement. Now we have joint custody over Gunner. He spends weekdays with Calvin and weekends with me.
“Now, back to the cute guy,” Ava says, pulling my focus back to her.
“Seriously, you never give up, do you?”
“Nope. Not until you tell me everything.”
Sighing, I coo at Chase, smiling as he gives me his sweet little laugh.
“There really isn’t much to report. He just joined the firm.”
“The fact that you called him cute means you’ve noticed him. Does he seem interested?”
“I guess so. He asked me out yesterday,” I answer, not really paying attention to her. My main focus is on Chase.
“And you said yes, right?” Can you believe she had her fingers crossed while she’s asking me this? It’s as if her whole existence is dependent on my answer.
“No”
“What?”
“I told him I would think about it,” I tell her.
“What the fuck, Emma? You can’t tell him that.” Ava grumbles. I give her a quick glance only to find her staring at me like I’ve grown a second head.
“Yes, I can, and I did... Look, like I said, I’m not in a hurry. If he’s the one, then things will fall into place without really forcing issues. So far, I like him and I think that's enough for now,” I tell her, and for a moment we just stare at each other.
Finally, after a couple of minutes, she sighs and breaks eye contact. “Fine”
“Now come, let’s join the party. I don’t want to miss seeing James shove his hand inside his cake.”
I begin walking towards the rest, and she soon follows, stepping by my side.
Things didn’t work out the way I wanted them to, but I’ve come to realize that that’s life for you. It throws you into a different path. A better one if you are willing to embrace it. I am happy and that’s what matters right now.
