The Proposition (The Proposition #1)(70)

Emma exchanged a glance with Aidan. Was her grandfather really going to let them off the hook so easily? “I’m sorry, Granddaddy.”

Earl shrugged. “Guess there ain’t much I can say about it. You’re both grown adults. What you do is your business, even if I don’t agree with it.”

“But I still don’t want you to be disappointed in me,” she replied.

“I could never be disappointed in you, Emmie Lou.” He patted her leg. “I love ya too much, even when you drag a poor feller out of his bed to go skinny dipping.”

Emma’s hand flew to her mouth while Aidan burst out laughing. “But how…?”

“That don’t matter. I’s not comin’ out here to give you two a hard time. Your grandmother just wanted me to tell the two of you that breakfast was ready. Then we’re going to church.” He gave them a knowing look. “All of us.”

After Earl shuffled off, Aidan threw his arm over his eyes. “I cannot believe he caught us.”

She giggled. “I can’t believe you’re complaining about that, rather than having to go to church.”

“Trust me, I’m not thrilled by the prospect, but I’ll go, especially if it makes him and Grammy happy.”

“It will.”

“Then come on. Let’s go get ready to be holy!”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Aidan fought his suspension of disbelief as he sat in the backseat of a car bound for Earl and Virginia’s church. The last time he had been to Mass was Mason’s baptism, and he couldn’t even remember a time before that. So much for keeping the promise he made to his mother about attending once a week. At least she would be proud he was getting some kind of moral guidance.

Sitting beside him, Emma remained quiet. Aidan cut his gaze over to her. She looked beautiful in an ice blue dress that was far less daring than the sundress she had worn the day before. With her hands folded in her lap, she appeared demure and innocent except for the swell of her stomach. Before he could stop himself, he reached out and took her hand and his.

A smile curved on her lips before she turned to look at him. “You sure you’re okay with this?” she whispered.

“Fine.”

As they pulled into the crowded parking lot, Emma shook her head. “Famous last words.”

He didn’t get a chance to question her. Instead, they were ambushed the moment they got out of the car. Emma coming back home to the mountains and to church seemed to have an almost celebrity status. It took him totally off guard.

Women were oohing and aahing over her while she was given countless hugs. Hands were thrust at him and introductions made. He gathered she hadn’t brought a man, boyfriend, or male piece of flesh with her to church since Travis.

Finally, the throng of people cleared, and they were able to walk into the building. “So,” he said, opening the door for her.

She grimaced. “So?”

“Can I get your autograph later?” he teased.

Emma giggled. “You’re so bad!”

“I didn’t realize I was dating the town sweetheart.”

“Sorry. I forgot to mention it,” she grumbled.

“Next you’ll tell me you were Homecoming Queen or something.”

When she pinched her lips tight, he widened his eyes. “Seriously?”

She nodded. “But it was a really small high school.”

Aidan draped his arm over her shoulder. “What else have you been holding out on me, Queenie?”

“Emma? Is that you?”

Aidan felt her tense beside him. He surveyed the attractive and well-dressed woman who appeared to be in her fifties. Her beaming smile faded when her eyes honed in on Emma’s swollen belly. An expression of agony flickered across her face, and Aidan thought she might burst into tears.

“Hello, Jane. It’s good to see you again,” Emma said, pleasantly.

Jane momentarily recovered, dragging her gaze off of Emma’s stomach and back up to them. Without hesitation, she drew Emma into her arms. “You’re absolutely glowing, sweetheart. I’m very proud and happy for you. I’m so glad your dreams of motherhood are finally coming true.”

Emma’s body trembled in Jane’s embrace, and a sob rolled through her. Aidan fought the urge to drag her away from this woman who was obviously causing her so much pain. He cleared his throat. “I’m Aidan Fitzgerald. It’s nice to meet you,” he said, thrusting out his hand.

Jane warily eyed it over Emma’s shoulder before slowly pulling away. “Where are my manners? It’s nice to meet you, Aidan. I’m Jane Lewis.” She took his hand in hers. “Congratulations on the baby. I’m so very, very fond of Emma.” Her chin trembled. “She was once going to be my daughter-in-law.”

Aidan’s chest constricted. Jane was Travis’s mother. Now it all made sense. Seeing Emma pregnant only made her think of Travis’s child that would never be. He squeezed her hand. “I’ve heard lots about your son, ma’am. I’m very sorry for your loss.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate that.” She released his hand and stepped back. “Now you take good care of our, Emma, okay?”

“Yes ma’am,” he said. Although the moment the words left his lips, he waited to be struck down. It wasn’t as if he was lying in the house of God. It’s just he didn’t know if he could ever live up to the expectations Jane and everyone else in church and in town might have for him where Emma was concerned.