Being Emma Read Online Free Page B

calmed down and
they started playing with some toys. Sammy took Janie by the hand
and sat down on the sofa with her.
    The dogs plopped down by the girls who would
reach out and pet them… With Mandy in the kitchen getting her a
glass of wine and Colt picking up toys off the floor, Janie looked
around at the happy household. She liked being here…
    Mandy came back in and handed her the glass.
“So how’s the life of a deputy sheriff?” She smiled and sat down in
a chair across from her. Janie laughed and took a quick sip.
    “Pretty good, I’d say. We just got an influx
of new money and are happily spending it.” Colt sat down by the
girls.
    “Are you getting that new weapon you
wanted?”
    “Yes, and other things as well. I think the
town fundraiser must have been a barnburner this year. We got more
than we ever have from it.”
    “Sounds like things are going fine for you…
Where’s Craig?”
    Janie frowned. “What do you mean?” Colt
noticed her reaction.
    “Ah… I just know that … um… didn’t you guys
eat together at Mom and Dad’s tonight? After archery practice?”
Colt looked at Mandy for help.
    “That’s the usual pattern, isn’t it? Practice
and then dinner?”
    “I don’t always eat with Craig. And I don’t
know where he is…” As if beckoned, there was a knock at the door.
That set off the dogs barking again and rushing to the door with
three little children right behind them.
    “Come on in, Craig,” yelled Colt over dogs
barking and children squealing.
    Craig opened the door and walked in petting
the dogs first and then grabbing the first child he came to.
    “Uncle Craig! Uncle Craig!” He lifted Lucy
while Sammy and Olivia grabbed his legs now. They came up to his
knees, almost. They were as excited to see him as they were to see
Janie. She couldn’t help but smile at the scene.
    Craig’s smile could light up any room and
this one was no different. He had to take turns picking up each
child…
    “Hey Lucy… You’re so pretty.” Lucy lit up
when he touched her little chin. He put her down and picked up
Olivia who wrapped her chubby arms around his neck. Craig gave her
cheek a peck and smiled at her.
    “Livy… You’re getting so big.” She squealed
and he gave her to Mandy to reach for Sammy. Craig pretended that
picking him up was hurting his back.
    “Sammy, you really are getting big. My back
is killing me now.” Sammy laughed and clapped his hands. Craig came
to the sofa with Sammy in his arms and sat down by Janie. She
smiled at little Sammy and then her smile faded looking up into
Craig’s face.
    Uh-oh… Mandy knew she was mad about
something. Craig seemed to want to make peace.
    “How’s practice going, Craig? You guys going
to ready for the big competition?” Colt looked from Craig to
Janie.
    “Yes, I think so. We’re practicing regularly.
Janie was a little off tonight though.” He smiled slyly at her. She
glared back at him.
    “Someone threw me off my game, but I’ll
bounce back. It just takes concentration and not letting anything
bother me.” She looked over at Mandy who thought she was talking in
some kind of code. She glanced at Colt who couldn’t make it out
either. He shook his head and stood up.
    “Sammy, don’t you need to visit the potty?”
Colt took the little boy by the hand and walked him to the
bathroom.
    “Mandy, do you mind if I take Lucy outside? I
need a little fresh air…”
    “No, be my guest. It’s nice out, she won’t
need her jacket.”
    Lucy squealed happily as Janie picked her up
and went out the door to the swing set in the back yard. Mandy
pointed to Craig to follow her out. He nodded and picked up Olivia
to go out back as well.
    “How old are you now, Lucy?” She looked at
the sweet little girl in her arms.
    “I’m this many…” Lucy held up one chubby
finger.
    “And how old are you, pretty Livy?” Craig
asked and she held up one finger too.
    Janie went over and sat down on a swing with
her niece in her lap.