A Town Called Valentine(114)

Emily was surprised and confused, but she managed a smile. “Joe, that is such a nice offer, but I can’t accept.”

“Emily—”

“No, please, I understand that you just want to help, but it would make me feel like I searched for you only for money, instead of the truth.”

“I wouldn’t think that.”

“Maybe not, but I would. There’s no guilt here, nothing to make up for. None of this was our fault. I thank you so much for the offer, but I just can’t accept.”

He studied her face for a moment before nodding, and Emily let out her breath.

“You’ve gotten your way right now, young lady,” Joe said with mock sternness. “But we might revisit this subject in the future.”

She laughed, feeling some of her discomfort ease. “We’ll see.”

To her surprise, he smiled at her with a tenderness that made her heart ache. He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I’ve been wanting to do that,” he whispered. “My daughter.”

Feeling moved and choked up, she watched as he laughed at himself and turned away to wipe his eyes.

These people were strangers, but they were family, too, people she’d be connected to for the rest of her life. She knew she was lucky, that another family might keep her on the outside, an unwelcome surprise. But Joe obviously cared about her. It was a good start.

The doorbell rang, and Joe went to get it, returning with Nate. Emily couldn’t even be surprised.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said, handing over a bottle of wine to Faith, who came out of the kitchen to greet him, wearing an affectionate smile.

The four younger Sweets followed their mom, and it was obvious by their grins that they all knew Nate well. Emily felt better already—Nate to the rescue, she thought, biting her lip against a smile. His instincts were good, and she was grateful.

Nate kissed Faith’s cheek, shook hands with all three young men, hugged Stephanie, then Emily. He stood at her side like they belonged together.

Emily arched a brow at Joe, who spread his hands wide, as if saying Nate’s arrival wasn’t his suggestion. Perhaps Faith was just as interested in matchmaking as she was in meeting Emily. Faith and Grandma Thalberg must know each other.

Emily knew that everyone saw them as a couple, and the hurt she expected to feel about that didn’t happen. Her longing for a normal family had caused her so much pain, and this new family could do the same. But how could she live her life afraid?

When Stephanie begrudgingly passed her a basket of rolls at dinner, Emily met her eyes and saw that wariness, that fearfulness of being hurt, just like she’d been feeling. But just because Emily was afraid didn’t mean she could pretend these people weren’t important to her.

“Wait until you see what Emily’s done with her building,” Joe told his family, smiling at her.

She glanced at Stephanie to find her continuing to eat, but at least she wasn’t turning away because Emily was the center of attention. “I had a lot of help,” Emily insisted, “including the Internet.”

“And Nate,” Will said, cutting a slice of pork chop and popping it into his mouth.

Nate only grinned as he dug into his mashed potatoes.

Will and Nate were friends, and men did their best to annoy each other, she knew. In a friendly manner, of course.

She smiled as she considered Will. “Yes, Nate helped. And I’m grateful. I’m sure he’ll be relieved when I’m out of his hair.” That caused another scary jolt of unease as she thought of leaving Valentine—leaving him.

Nate gave her an unreadable glance as he said, “You know that’s not true. I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

Stephanie gave a little snort, then covered her mouth with her napkin. More than one person chuckled, including Emily.

Faith eyed her curiously, and Joe just smiled and shook his head, as if Emily amused him.

“Regardless of who helped,” Joe said, “I know you’ve done the majority of the work yourself. Drywall, wooden trim, and all the plastering and painting. It’s as if you were readying it for yourself. You come from a long line of businesswomen, after all.”

Emily stared at him in surprise, then spoke too quickly, “No, I don’t know anything about business. Have you been talking to Monica?”

“Monica?” Nate echoed, looking way too curious.

Emily found them all staring at her with interest, especially Nate. She wanted to make up something, but he was looking at her with such sweet intent, so concerned for her. He’d shared everything about himself with her. She found herself blurting, “Monica thinks I should open a bakery.”