Shifting Destinies: A Paranormal Interracial Story (HIdden Hills Shifters Book 3) (8 page)

Tears streamed down her cheeks. She really loved this man. He was like the father she’d never really had. “What am I supposed to do now?”

Her baby’s well-being rushed to the forefront of her brain. She had no way to support both of them. Her parents had money, but she refused to ask them for any help. Not only that, when they found out whose baby she was having, they’d probably want nothing to do with her.

Wade picked up her hand. “Does he have a wife?” She shook her head. “Do you know if he has any other relatives in town?”

Emmaline’s thoughts were too scattered.
Think. Think
. “He has a daughter, but I’m not sure where she lives.”

“Would anyone know?”

Everything seemed fuzzy all of a sudden. “He spoke about a woman named Agnes, who was his friend. I think she lives in town. She might know.”

Wade stilled. “Do you know Agnes’s last name?”

“No.”

Before he could make another suggestion, sirens sounded as the ambulance raced toward them. Wade stood to meet them while she remained on the porch. The paramedics slid out of the cab, spoke with Wade, and then headed around to the side door, while she remained on the porch to grieve. She couldn’t bear to see her boss so lifeless. He might not have been young, but he still had more years left.

After what seemed like forever, the two paramedics finally rolled Mr. Francolini out on a gurney. As soon as they sped off, Wade returned to her side. “Are you going to be okay?”

Not really.
“Yes, but I need to go back to the office.”

Wade pulled her to a stand and folded her in his arms. “Emmaline, no you don’t.”

She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “I have to make arrangements. I need to contact his clients. I have to be there for him.” The words came out so rushed she hiccupped. She wouldn’t get paid for her work, but she needed to do this for him.

Wade inhaled then exhaled, studying her. “Okay, but I’m coming with you.”

She wasn’t certain that was a good idea. As much as she’d appreciate the company, she had a feeling this would only make her want him more.

Chapter Seven

E
mmaline sat at
her desk, not really knowing where to begin, and debating whether she should call all of Mr. Francolini’s clients first, or try to locate her boss’s next of kin. She looked up at Wade. “Do you think I should find another lawyer to take over his cases?”

“If I were a client, I’d feel better knowing someone would be there to pick up the pieces. Would you like me to ask around who might be available? Or do you have someone in mind?”

She was the one who was knowledgeable about the other lawyers. Besides, this wasn’t Wade’s responsibility. “I’ll take care of it.”

“What would you like me to do then?”

She had to think. “I’m guessing I’ll have to pack up all of his things at some point.” A well of emotion bubbled, and she lowered her head into her hands. “I thought he looked paler than usual. If only I’d said something, he might have sought help sooner.” She looked up, her eyes watering. “Do you think it was a heart attack?”

Wade stepped over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure we can find out if you want, but this wasn’t your fault, you know.”

She sniffled. “Perhaps, but it’s just not fair. He had so much more to give.”

Wade nodded then glanced away for a moment. “Would you like me to buy some boxes and start packing?”

The idea of shutting down the office seemed so final. Wade was being incredibly helpful, though she wasn’t sure why. She needed the aid, but damn, the man was worming his way into her heart, something she needed to avoid at all costs. “That would be wonderful.”

*     *     *

The week after
her boss’s death continued to be a nightmare. Emmaline had spent every day at the office trying to sort through the files, calling the clients, and locating Mr. Francolini’s daughter—who she eventually did find, but only after Agnes Browning called to inquire after Harold Francolini. She gave Emmaline the information about his daughter, Janelle, who lived in Raleigh, North Carolina. Fortunately, his daughter was able to drive to Hidden Hills that day, and boy was the woman a whirlwind of efficiency. She succeeded in not only getting the death certificate signed, but she organized the service within hours of her arrival.

Her dad, she’d said, had died of a heart attack, and because he wanted to be cremated, she would hold the service at the local mortuary in two days. Emmaline had been pleased that a good number of people attended. Wade had come with her and had been her rock every time she broke down.

On Saturday, he told her that he needed to get back to Pittsburgh, and she totally understood. It was better that he leave because having him around aroused too many feelings. No sooner had he left, though, than the depression set in. Or maybe it was just the pregnancy blues. She had to constantly remind herself that wolves should not be mated to bears.

By Tuesday—over a week after Mr. Francolini’s death—she closed the office for the last time and handed the keys over to the landlord. Emmaline hadn’t felt this lost since the first day she’d been sent to boarding school.

The partial solution to her dilemma was to find another job, only she had no idea what that might be. She’d searched the want ads endlessly but had come up empty handed.

Regardless of her employment situation, she had to give more thought to her growing baby. She finally called Piper at the hospital to ask for her recommendation of a obstetrician. For some reason, going to Storm didn’t settle well with her. Piper was surprised and excited for Em and suggested she see a Dr. Samuels. While the man was human, he’d dealt with shifter babies before.

“I promise I’ll give you the details when we meet,” Em said.

“No problem. Mum’s the word until then.”

Not wanting to procrastinate further, Emmaline made an appointment with him for the following week. She held no illusion about her pregnancy anymore. The increased morning sickness confirmed it, not to mention the pregnancy test itself. Now, more than ever, she had to find employment as it wasn’t just about her anymore.

Not wanting to be by herself today, she headed to the café to do more searching on her laptop. No sooner had she settled in with her coffee and sweet roll than her cell rang. Excitement raced through her at the thought it might be Wade, but when she checked the screen, she had to swallow her disappointment. It was Agnes, the woman who helped find her boss’s daughter, Janelle. The white-haired woman, who looked to be about her boss’s age, had been as upset about Mr. Francolini’s death as Emmaline had been. She’d mentioned that ever since his wife’s passing, they’d become good friends.

“Hello, Agnes.” They’d not only spoken over the phone a few times, they’d met at the funeral.

“Janelle gave me your number. I hope you don’t mind that I’m calling your cell, but the office number was no longer in service.”

“No, not at all.” I wanted to let you know that I will be retiring soon as the personal assistant for Mr. Emerson of Emerson Investments, and he’ll be looking for a replacement. I thought with you out of a job, you might be interested in coming in for an interview.”

Emmaline’s heart beat fast. “That is so kind of you, but I know nothing about investments.”

“You don’t need to. Mr. Emerson just needs someone to handle his appointments when he’s in town. You might be asked to make airline reservations and ensure he meets with his clients when he’s supposed to, but that’s about it. He’s a very busy man. Would you be interested in an interview with him tomorrow?”

Emmaline was nearly speechless. This sounded almost too good to be true. Her job as a paralegal was quite stressful and working for Mr. Emerson—a man who wasn’t in the office very often—might be less so. “Absolutely.”

“How does ten in the morning sound?”

“Perfect. What’s the address?”

Agnes gave her the details. For the next half hour, Emmaline sat there thinking how lucky she was that she’d met this woman, though she wished it had been under better circumstances. Funny how things happened to work out when one least expected it. Perhaps it was fate that brought the two of them together.

Feeling better than she had in a while, she decided to take a walk over to the library and visit with Tasha for a few minutes. Ever since her boss’s death, she hadn’t spent much time with her or Chey. Now she’d relish the connection.

As soon as she walked into Tasha’s workplace, Emmaline could feel the excitement. Em poked her head into the side room where Tasha often frequented and spotted her sitting on the floor surrounded by ten kids. It was reading hour, and Emmaline’s hand shot to her belly. Her friend looked so content reading to them. Standing at the entrance, Emmaline listened and soon had a smile on her face. Tasha finally looked up and waved.

After ten more minutes, she closed the book and told the children reading time was over. They moaned, but then jumped up and rushed out to meet their parents who’d gathered in the area behind Em.

“Hey there,” Tasha said. “How are you doing?”

“I got a job interview.”

Tasha hugged her. “That’s wonderful. Where?”

She explained about Agnes’s call and how the woman was retiring. “I was wondering if you know anything about the firm.”

“No, but I think this calls for a celebration. Do you want to head over to the Cove Bar?”

Emmaline wanted to go in part because she needed the company, and because it was time to tell Tasha about her condition. The hard part would be convincing her not to let Burke know. “Sure.”

After Tasha clocked out, they walked across the street to the bar. When Emmaline ordered iced tea, along with Tasha, her friend’s brows rose, but she said nothing. She was the one who often didn’t drink during the week, not Emmaline.

They found a seat in their usual corner. Emmaline wished Chey could have joined them but she wouldn’t be off work for a while. “I have something to tell you.”

Tasha smiled. “You know how much I like gossip.”

There was no way to broach the topic easily, so Emmaline just spit it out. “I’m pregnant.”

Thankfully their drinks hadn’t been delivered or else Emmaline was certain the tea would have been all over the table. “You’re what?”

“You heard me. I’m pregnant.”

“Not that I really need to ask, but who is the father?”

“Wade.”

Tasha pressed her lips together. “Does he know?”

“No. And before you ask, I’m not going to tell him.”

Tasha’s mouth opened. “And how do you propose to keep that from him?”

“I’ll have to tell him at some point, or else he’ll do the math and figure it out.”

Their drinks arrived, but neither touched their glass. “Why don’t you want him to know?” Tasha ran her hand up and down the sides of her tea.

Emmaline had given that a lot of thought. “At first, I believed Wade was this playboy, and now I can see he’s really a good guy.”

“Like my Burke.” Em nodded. “Then what’s the problem?”

Surely, Tasha would understand. “No offense to your breed, but Wade’s a bear, and I’m a wolf.”

“So?”

“My parents will be furious.” That sounded lame. “Damn, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

Tasha placed a hand over hers. “You have to tell him, honey.”

“What if he suggests we get married?”

“Would that be so terrible?” Tasha picked up her tea and sipped.

“I don’t need him to take care of me. I can do that myself, but if he wants to be part of our child’s life, I’ll agree to that. I just don’t want him to suggest marriage out of obligation.”

“You’ve given me suggestions in the past, so now it’s my turn. Tell him how you feel. You won’t know what he’s thinking unless you come clean.”

Emmaline lifted the glass to her lips and held it there mostly for comfort. She took a sip then set it down. “I’m not even sure when he’s coming to town next.”

“You could call him.”

“I’m not doing this over the phone.” Maybe she had decided to tell Wade then and wasn’t even aware of it. Suddenly, things seemed to be a little brighter. She looked up at Tasha. “You’re right; he does deserve to know.”

*     *     *