Chapter Twelve
Emma held Devon’s hand tightly as they took the elevator up to Lacey and Cason’s condo.
“Why are you so nervous? You already know her.”
She shrugged. “Not really. We’ve only said a few words to each other.”
“You’ll like her, pet. She’s very nice.”
“Okay.”
They stepped off the elevator and met Cason.
“Good, I’m glad you’re here, Emma. She is so excited to see you. She’s driving me a little crazy.”
Emma’s heart lifted. “Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“Is she here, Daddy?” Lacey yelled from down the hall.
Emma’s brows scrunched together. “I didn’t know you were her daddy. I thought he was dead.”
“I’m not that kind of daddy, honey. I’ll have her explain.” Cason turned to the hallway. “Yes, she’s here.”
Emma heard a squeal, and Lacey raced out.
The breath left Emma’s lungs when Lacey hugged her tightly.
“Baby, not so tight. She can’t breathe,” Cason said and then chuckled.
Lacey snorted and released her. “That’s not funny, Daddy.”
Both men chuckled.
Lacey grabbed her hand. “Daddy, can I show her the room?”
“Yes.”
“Wait, Emma, I’m leaving right now, but I’ll be back to get you.”
“I…” She didn’t know what to say as fear started to take over.
“I’ll stay here with the two of you,” Cason told her.
“It’s just … I feel bad that you have to do it.”
Devon pulled her into his arms. “I wouldn’t let anyone else do it. I’m going to get great pleasure out of getting her out of there. I just feel bad that Cason can’t help. He was looking forward to it like I was.”
Cason grinned. “Another time.”
Her mouth turned down, but she didn’t say any more. Lacey took her hand and led her to the back of the condo.
Lacey shut the door behind them. “He’ll be back, Emma.”
Emma turned to the beautiful woman and suddenly felt incredibly ugly.
“What?” Lacey asked.
“You’re very pretty.”
Lacey snorted. “I think I’m weird-looking. You’re the beautiful one.”
Emma wasn’t going to say anything because she knew they both knew the truth. Lacey was just being nice to her.
“How about I show you my room, and maybe we can play a game.”
Emma’s spirits rose. “Do you know how to play Gin?”
Lacey clapped. “Yes.”
“My grandmother, aunt, and I played it frequently, and it’s been a long time since I’ve played.”
Emma had no idea how long they played before Cason came to get the two for dinner.
Emma looked and saw how dark it was outside. “Why do you think it’s taking them so long?”
“I’ve talked to Devon a few times, honey. Everything is fine. They are just working on locks.”
“Oh. Was my mom there?”
“Yes. She was arrested.”
Emma’s eyes widened. “For what?”
“Drugs.”
“Oh. Did he tell you how the house looked?”
Cason shook his head. “No. He did say the two of you would be going over in the morning to make a list.”
Emma nodded.