Emma's POV "Ah, Emma is that you?" Agnes asked when she stopped what she was doing to take me in. "Wow, my child. I always knew you were very beautiful," she added as she wrapped her arms around me.I wiped a tear of happiness from my eye. I had missed her. I felt kind of guilty for forgetting about her, but Halley had become nice to me and we were bonding nicely. "I've missed you at the house. What are you doing here?" I asked breaking from our hug. "Mr. Hollen called me a few days ago and invited me here to cook while you all are here. Now, get out of my kitchen. I've got everything under control. Go and enjoy the beach or the front yard." "I came here because I was hungry." She opened the oven and took out several large trays. She prepared a plate of pineapple chicken, rice and peas, potato salad, macaroni pie and a slice of lasagna. My mouth watered."Eat dear," she said as she handed me the plat

Ethan's POV I couldn't believe Sharon was here. I had crept out of Emma's room and tiptoed over to mine. I closed the door softly and hopped in the shower. I heard the door open and closed and the sound of heels hitting on the floor as I soaped my body."Baby, are you in here?""Yeah, I'm in the shower," I answered. She entered the bathroom. "Where were you? I've been looking everywhere for you, Ethan.""Just came from the beach. I didn't know you were coming," I answered, the water  running over me. "I'll wait in the bedroom. I need a favor from you." When I got out of the shower she was sitting on my bed, bouncing her heels over the floor with her long, crossed legs.  "Hi, sweetie." I gave her a quick kiss. "What's going on? You're supposed to be out of the country.""I know, I know. I was but I had to fly back because I didn't have enough money for a clothing line I plan to take over in the f

Emma's POV I was afraid of falling over if I stood up. I was so light-headed and dizzy; but, then, Mr. Hollen asked me to dance. I looked at him, trying to show him that I was now a dizzy light weight, but didn't want to be rude in front of his grandmother. I recalled, looking at her closer, that she was the same woman I'd seen at the park who left the newspaper behind.Mr. Hollen held out his hand and I took it. He led me to a dance floor where over a hundred couples were dancing as well. He wrapped his arm around my lower back and pulled me closer to him as we began swaying slowly to the music. I'd never danced like that before so I stepped on his shoes a couple of times, and the alcohol wasn't helping. I laid my head on his hard chest, saving my balance. His manly scent tingled in my nostrils as I inhaled deeply. I was so comfortable in his strong arms; I instantly felt like no one else existed around us. It was just us and the music.I hugged him tightly.

Emma's POV It was only one week until my birthday and, for the first time in my life, I was looking forward to it. Mr. Hollen was throwing me a joint birthday party with his grandma. Double the cake and double the enjoyment.When we'd gotten back to New York from Miami, he'd brought me to a bakery shop and told the bakers there what cake I would like to have on my "special day". He also said he had some special surprises for me. Sharon extended her stay so she wouldn't be back until after my birthday, and Mrs. Hollen wouldn't be attending because she had to travel. Mr. Hollen didn't seem to care much about that. He was busy making calls for arrangements on the party.Halley and I were in the laundry room folding clothes."The party is going to be amazing. I know he would go the extra mile for his grandmother, and for you." "Thanks Halley.""So are you going to be with him if he breaks up with Sharon?""I don't know. I

Emma's POV I woke up and noticed I was all alone in bed. A note was next to me so I read it. It stated that he had gone to the office and he loved me. I blushed. I couldn't believe that my life had changed suddenly. The nerd in high school, the outcast at college, the one that couldn't fit in at the fosters home, was now engaged to a very successful man who loved her and she love him back.I got dressed and got out of bed. I headed downstairs to make something to eat. Halley was in the kitchen. "Congratulations on the engagement, again, that's so unbelievable." "Thanks Hal, I can't even believe it either. I have to keep pinching myself because I still think I'm dreaming.""It's not a dream, darling. He really does love you." "And I can't seem to understand why. Why me?""Why not you? You're beautiful, caring, and you're sweet.""Yeah, but I am just his maid.""Now you're his fiancee."We prepared pan