“I wondered.” I’d spent a good deal of time with both Emma and Noah when all of us were helping to build her cabin. I’d noted the easy camaraderie between them, and I hadn’t been surprised when I’d learned that friendship had drifted into a romantic relationship. But I’d never known why they’d ended it—only that several months afterwards, Emma was back with Deacon.
“I guess you and Deacon never lacked for that fire.” I winked at her, remembering my last day at St. Agnes Hospital, when I’d unwittingly gotten in the middle of the two of them during a discussion about a patient.
Emma returned my grin ruefully. “Deacon and I have more than our share of passionate disagreements, that’s for sure.” She raised her eyebrows. “But the passion doesn’t end when the disagreement does, and let me tell you, the making up is always worth the argument.”
“I’m happy to hear it.” I gave her a quick side hug. “You two make a wonderful couple, and no one will be cheering you on more than me. I’ll be there on your wedding day with bells on.” I paused before adding, “But I’ll be there on my own, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to change that.”
Emma held up her hand as though taking a pledge. “I promise, Alison—no more matchmaking from me. If you want to be single for the rest of your days, you won’t hear a word of dissent from me.”
“Good. Thanks.” I turned to walk down the steps to the sidewalk ahead of my friend, but I didn’t miss her final, whispered comment.
“But even so, I hope you won’t give up on love that quickly.”
