Once they reached the rows of picnic tables, Emma spotted a folding table nearby covered with desserts. Maybe she’d brought plenty after all given the choices that had already been placed. She added her plate.
Caleb nudged her arm. “Marty is over on the other side.” He pointed in the direction and gave her an understanding smile. “I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll consider coming to our service tomorrow, too. You’re always welcome.”
“I appreciate that.” She truly did, too.
Caleb moved off to visit with someone else leaving Emma to weave her way toward the other side of the picnic area.
Marty spoke with two other guys. She couldn’t hear what anyone was saying, but Marty laughed. He took a drink from a can of soda in his hand and turned, spotting her immediately. He said something to the other guys and headed her way with a grin. “Hi, you.”
“Hi. I ran into Caleb and he told me where you were. I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation, though.”
“Are you kidding?” He pressed a soft kiss to her hair. “I’m glad you decided to come.” He held one of her hands and stepped back before studying her.
“What are you doing?”
“I know it’s been less than a week, but it feels like I haven’t seen you in forever. Just absorbing the moment.” With that, he squeezed her hand. “Come on, let’s go get you something to drink, then I’ll introduce you to a few people.”
She smiled up at him. “I’d like that.”
Never had Emma gone somewhere filled with so many friendly people. She met more individuals than she could possibly remember, ate a delicious hamburger, and even got roped into helping Caleb and Marty referee two soccer games.
By the time the barbecue was over, Emma had been invited to attend tomorrow’s church service five times, the women’s Bible study twice, and the quilting group once.
Emma walked with Marty back to the parking lot. He carried a large, empty cooler and loaded it into the back of his truck before turning to face her. “I hope you weren’t too overwhelmed by everyone.”
“I wasn’t. They were all great. And while I’m tempted to go to the regular service tomorrow and I’ll think about the women’s Bible study, I don’t think the quilting group is for me.”
Marty chuckled. “Yeah, I can understand that.” He paused. “You’re considering service tomorrow?” There was no missing the hope on his face.
She hesitated. “Look, there’s something I need to talk to you about. But not here. Can I follow you back to your house for a few minutes?”
His eyebrows rose in surprise, but he immediately agreed. “Sure. I’ll see you there?”
Emma nodded. She gave him a small wave before getting back into her car and closing the door. She glanced at the envelope again as, for the first time since she’d arrived at the park, doubts tried to force their way in.
Her eyes slid closed, and she took several even breaths before praying, “How am I supposed to know whether talking to Marty is my idea, or if it truly comes from You? I’ve wasted so much of my life hiding from uncertainties and second guessing myself. I don’t want to do that anymore. Not with You, and not with Marty. Please give me the words and peace I need tonight.”
* * *
Several timesover this last week, Marty had hoped Emma might show up at the church barbecue. But when he actually saw her walking across the picnic area toward him, his heart stumbled as warmth spread through his chest.
Simply having her there with him had turned the day into one he’d never forget.
Back at the house, Marty waited for Emma’s car to come through the gate before closing it again. After parking, he held the door open for Emma to enter the house ahead of him.
Emma held a large envelope beneath her arm. What did she want to talk about? He tried to imagine what could be in the envelope to make her so nervous now.
“Would you like something to drink? I could pop some popcorn if you’re hungry…”
“No, thank you. I’m fine.” One of her shoes squeaked against the tile floor when she shuffled her feet.
“Is everything okay?” He walked toward her in concern. What could have changed between the park and here?
“No. Yes.” She groaned and tipped her head back to look at the ceiling. “Nothing’s wrong. But I came to say something, and I’m afraid if I get distracted with popcorn or anything else, I’m going to lose my nerve.” She pulled her hair back into a ponytail before letting it go again.
“Why don’t we head into the gaming room and sit down?”
She nodded and followed him there. She sat on the couch, both feet on the floor and the envelope resting on her lap. Marty got two bottles of water out of the small fridge and set them on the coffee table before he took a seat beside her. “What’s going on, Emma?”
