Emma waited until he rounded the corner before taking the steps two at a time.
Marley was half-asleep at the front desk, fingers curled around a coffee cup. Behind her, the stained glass windows gave the library a warm, golden glow, and Emma spotted one of the librarians sitting in a circle, all dressed in her Santa suit, while groups of kids vied for her attention.
Marley jolted awake when she saw Emma and pushed her chair back with a screech. Emma crossed over to her, stepped behind the desk, and drew Marley into a hug. She knew it couldn’t change what she’d done, or what she’d lost as a result of her own insecurities, but it was a start.
And it was long overdue.
Since coming back to town, Marley had been nothing but gracious, helpful, and caring, her same old self, and she had no idea how she’d ever lost sight of that.
How had she let herself get carried away and be blinded by her own fears?
She had every intention of proving to Marley just how sorry she was.
Emma released a deep breath and held her friend tighter. “I owe you the biggest apology. I shouldn’t have let my insecurity and fear get in the way of our friendship all those years ago. Worrying about you and Jack…it had nothing to do with you. I know you would never hurt me like that. I was just scared.”
Marley patted her back. “I know that, babe. I never held it against you. You and Jack were just going through a tough time.”
Emma sniffed and pulled back to look at her. “I will make it up to you, Marley. I know it’s years later, but I hope it’s not too late.”
Marley laughed, her cheeks a bright pink. “There’s nothing to make up for. Trust me.”
Emma peered into her friend’s face, open and earnest, and felt the smile spread to her lips. “There is, and it’s a good thing I’m going to be staying in Rockport for a while. It gives me a chance to really make amends.”
Marley made a low squeaking sound, and her hands flew to her mouth. “You’re staying?”
Emma nodded. “I am. I still have to work out a few of the details, but this feels good. It feels right.”
Marley threw her arms around Emma, and the two of them spun in a circle. “Oh, this is amazing, Emma. It’s going to be so much fun having you back. Just like old times.”
Emma stopped spinning and pulled back to look at her. “This is going to be even better. Thank you for not holding a grudge and for giving me a second chance.”
Tears spilled out of Marley’s eyes as she sniffed. “I knew you’d be back someday.”
As the two of them sat down behind the desk, laughing and dreaming up plans for Emma’s future, she felt better than she had in a long time.
Something had finally clicked, and Emma had no idea why it had taken this long.
All she knew was the more she thought about it, the more her decision made sense.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Gee, Mom. Are you sure you made enough food?”
Marie’s hand flew to her chest, and she frowned as her eyes swept over the table, taking in the large turkey with stuffing in the center. It landed on the plate of mashed potatoes and followed Emma when she brushed past her, carrying two bowls of vegetables. Jules was on her heels, holding the cranberry sauce, and Kyle brought up the rear, cradling the boat of gravy.
Henry was smoothing out the tablecloth when they all came in, and his smile grew wider. “You all look great, and this smells delicious.”
Marie’s hands fluttered at her side. “I don’t know. Maybe Emma is right. It’s not enough food for a dinner four days before Christmas.”
Emma placed the vegetables in a circle around the turkey and laughed. “Mom, I was just kidding. You made enough to feed an army. We could probably invite the neighbors over, and it would still be more than enough.”
Marie smoothed out her apron and eyed the table critically. “We still have Marley, Jack, and Derek to consider. Are yousure none of them want me to prepare anything? No allergies or anything?”
Emma crossed over to press a kiss on her mother’s cheek. “I’m positive. You need to relax. This looks great.”
And it looked even better when they set a few candles in the middle, giving the table a warm, ethereal glow.
Soft music played in the background, set against the fireplace’s crackles.
