Seth and Emma met 28 days ago.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST

When Seth parked, his eyes met hers. "You've been quiet. What's going on?"

"I don't want our relationship to change. I like it the way it is."

He grinned. "Maybe nothing needs to change. We've already been dating. Calhoun just caused us to be aware of it."

"Maybe."

"I have something to tell you." Swallowing, Seth tapped the steering wheel before he continued, "When I went back to the station that Monday evening..."

TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 27 B (Please read last line of previous post. How Emma responds makes more sense.)

"I remember," interrupted Emma. "You had paperwork to finish."

"I lied. I went back to work to be alone. I needed time to convince myself I didn't have any feelings for you. I thought because of our age difference, I shouldn't feel the way I did. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't. Instead of paying attention to what was happening here, I was consumed with that."

Emma studied her hands in her lap.

Seth reached over and touched her arm. "Emma, talk to me. What are you thinking?"

"You weren't honest with me."

"You're right. I wanted to tell you before our relationship went any farther. Not only did I lie but I allowed Casey to get to you. I'm sorry. I hope you'll accept my apology."

Silence lingered before Emma said, "I've acted pretty childish at times, and you've accepted my apology. We're good."

"Thank you." Seth closed his eyes. Thank you, God. He went around and opened her door. "Let's get this game started."

Emma carried the Scrabble game, as she glanced around her home. "Maybe I should get a table with my first teaching paycheck."

Walking toward the door, Seth said, "I'll be right back. I have a card table."

*****
When Seth returned with the card table, they played two games. It was tied, one win each. Seth asked, "Do we play one more game for bragging rights or stop for the night?"

Emma started picking up the board and tiles. "It's getting late, let's stop for the night."

Seth watched her. "What does tomorrow look like?"

"Pastor Pat's coming over around nine o'clock." When Seth's eyes widened, she said, "For counseling. Molly's vet appointment is at eleven. Then I need to go to Cedarville for the youth group supplies."

"Is it okay if I come by around ten-thirty?"

"Of course, but you don't need to."

"What if I want to?"

"I'd like that."

"Good."

As they stood at Emma's door, they stared into each other's eyes, Seth swallowed. If I kiss her, am I moving too fast? Maybe. He leaned over and hugged her. "Goodnight. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight."

At home, Seth received a phone call. "Thank you for tonight. It was perfect."

"You're welcome. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

*****
A few hours later, Ace motioned for Seth to look out the window. He saw Emma's car backing from the garage. "What's going on?"

Seth went outside and stood in the lane. When Emma stopped and rolled down the window, he asked, "Is everything all right?"

"I got a call from Elizabeth Higgins. I need to meet her at the first picnic area at the city park."

He motioned her to unlock the car door. "I'll go with you." He opened the back door. "Ace, get in." Then he sat in the passenger seat. "Did she say why?"

"No, but she was crying. I can do this by myself."

"I know. Why when you're dating the police chief?"

"I guess that's true."

At the park Emma parked and then walked up to the picnic tables. Seth and Ace remained by the car, allowing them privacy.

Sitting on the table beside her, Emma handed her a tissue.

They sat in silence until Elizabeth was ready to talk. "Thank you for coming."

"I told you I would, with no questions asked."

"John and I were out here talking, well, necking. I stopped him because I had something we needed to discuss." Her crying became heavier.

Emma put her arms around the teenager. "It's okay. It can't be that bad. We can fix it."

"I'm pregnant!" Elizabeth sobbed. "When I told John, he said it's not his problem and left. He wants nothing to do with me or the baby."

"You're not alone. I'm here." Emma glanced at Seth leaning against the car and took a deep breath. "Have you told your parents?"

"No, they'll kill me."

"I doubt that, but I'm sure they'll be upset."

After Elizabeth calmed some, Emma said, "I think the first thing you need to do is tell your parents."

"Will you come with me?"

"Of course. I wouldn't allow you to walk home in the dark anyway." Emma faced Seth. "Chief Carter's with me. Can he come?"

Elizabeth nodded as she dried her eyes. "Everybody will know soon enough. I can't hide being pregnant."

Emma motioned for Seth to come closer. When he stood beside them, she said, "We're taking Lizzy home and talking with her parents. She has something she needs to tell them."

At the car, he held both doors and then sat in the backseat with Ace. I need to find a way for the police department to assist teenage girls, so they don't have to walk home after dark. It's not safe.

*****
Parked in front of Elizabeth's house, Seth said, "I'll wait here."

Swallowing, Elizabeth said, "Would you come in? Maybe Dad won't kill me if you're here."

He studied Emma's eyes. "Sure. Ace, stay on the porch."

Inside, Elizabeth called, "Mom, Dad, I need to talk with you." Elizabeth turned. "Ace, can come inside."

Seth motioned for Ace. After greetings were finished and everybody seated, silence continued for a few moments. Ace laid his head on Elizabeth's lap.

Calvin Higgins, Elizabeth's father said, "Lizzy, you called us together. Why?"

Silence continued, before Emma said, "Lizzy, would it help if I started?" With tears in her eyes, she nodded, so Emma said, "Earlier tonight, Lizzy called and asked me to meet her at the park. There was something she needed to discuss."

Her mom, Gretchen said, "Lizzy, you didn't need to bother Emma. You could've talked to me."

When Elizabeth's tears became heavier, Emma swallowed. "Lizzy's..."

"I'm pregnant!" screamed Elizabeth.

"You're what?" yelled Calvin. His jaw tightened.

"I understand you're upset, but anger won't solve anything. We can't wish this away. We need to decide what to do from this point on." Emma studied Elizabeth. "Have you made any decisions?"

The teenager nodded. "I refuse to get an abortion. John doesn't want me or the baby. I don't want him involved."

Emma nodded. "Okay, we'll go from there. First, you need to see the doctor, hopefully next week. From there you have a few options. You can drop out of high school and maybe go live with a relative."

Calvin wiped his brow. "That's not happening."

"Okay." Emma continued, "You can complete the upcoming fall semester. The baby shouldn't be due until sometime during the spring semester. For that you can do home schooling with on-line courses. Your counselor can help with that. This way you'll still be on target to graduate the following year with your classmates."

Gretchen nodded. "That makes sense."

Glancing toward Seth, Emma exhaled. He took her hand and nodded.

"Now for the hard decisions." Emma squeezed Seth's hand. "These need to be discussed and decided on as a family where everybody's opinion counts equally. No opinion counts more than anybody else's or there could be resentment and destroy the family unit."

I'm glad my second major was social working. It'll help now. Emma studied each person before she continued, "You can put the baby up for adoption. There are good Christian adoption agencies. Pastor Pat can lead you in that direction. Since I mentioned him, he'd be a good resource for guidance through the entire process."

Elizabeth wiped her eyes. "How would I know the baby went to a good home? I've heard horror stories."

"That's true. Sometimes bad things happen." When Emma took a deep breath, Seth patted her hand. "I'm adopted. You know my parents. I couldn't have asked for more loving parents. My life has been wonderful, and I was blessed. There are good couples who can't have children and want them."

Both parents nodded, as Elizabeth studied her hands.

After a silence, Emma said, "The other option is you keep the baby. There are variations of how this can work. I'll tell you about the one that works the best. Remember each family can modify it to fit their circumstances. For this to work every person in the family needs to be in complete agreement. Each person will be important."

Calvin stood, walked around the living room, before he sat, again.

"With this approach, Lizzy would be able to finish her senior year and even attend college at Cedarville, if she wanted."

Emma paused before she continued, "Lizzy, you'll need to get a job and probably as soon as possible to support your baby as much as you can; no after school activities and no dating. You'll work after school, on weekends, and on school breaks. You won't be able to completely support your baby, but you should as much as possible. You'll need to be responsible for this new life." She hesitated. "My dad often hires high school students and there are a few other places that do too."

"Who'll take care of the baby?" asked Gretchen.

"That's where the family comes in. Gretchen, I don't know if you work outside the home or not. If not and only if you feel you can, you'd babysit while Lizzy's at school and at work, but not for her to have outside activities. The baby's her priority. Her carefree days of being a teenager are over."

Emma took Elizabeth's hand in hers. "Lizzy made an adult decision with adult consequences. She's a mother. Gretchen, if you aren't able to babysit, then Lizzy will need to find appropriate childcare she can afford."

Calvin ran his fingers through his graying hair. "Wow!"

"Now you understand why I said every family member needs to be in 100 percent agreement for this to work. Getting up with the baby during the night would be Lizzy's job. She takes on the full roll of motherhood. Although, like I said, she'll need financial help, but all the money she'll earn goes directly to the baby." Emma exhaled. "No decisions need to be made now. You probably have six or seven months to talk and decide what's right for your family. Any questions?"

There were none, so Emma glanced at Seth. "I think it's time we leave." She faced Elizabeth. "I'm available at any time to listen or help in any way possible. Pastor Pat's available too." She stood.

At the door Elizabeth tightly hugged Emma and through her tears said, "Thank you."

"I meant what I said, I'm available for you."

*****
Outside the car Seth squeezed Emma's shoulders and then held out his hand. "The keys. I'm driving. You're an emotional wreck. I can see it in your eyes."

Inside the car, silence continued. Seth glanced at Emma. I'm surprised tears aren't flowing.

Seth parked in Emma's garage, followed her inside, and laid the keys on the kitchen counter. "I set your keys here."

Emma glanced at them, nodded, and then picked up Molly before she sat on the couch, holding the small dog. Seth sat beside Emma and watched. After a few moments, he lifted Molly, moved closer to Emma, and set the dog on the other side. "I think she'll be all right." He put his arms around Emma and adjusted her head against his chest. "I've learned to read your eyes. It's not good to hold it inside." He hesitated. "It's okay to cry."

The tears started slowly and gradually got heavier. When they finally stopped, Seth asked, "Ready to talk?" Emma shook her head, so he said, "Okay, I'll continue to hold you."

Time passed, before Emma whispered, "I wish you wouldn't have done that."

"Done what?"

"Been all nice and understanding."

"Why?" asked Seth.

"I was trying to be mature and control my emotions. When we got back, you should've gone straight home."

"So, you could cry alone?" When she nodded, he put his hand under her chin and studied her eyes. "I appreciate you wanting to be older, but Emma, I want you to be you. When you're happy, the whole world knows it. Your happiness is infectious."

"When I'm upset, everybody around me becomes upset?"

"No, but the people who care about you want to be there for you," interrupted Seth. "I'm one of those people. I could tell by your eyes how upset you were. I wanted to help."

When Emma cuddled into his chest again, he said, "I was impressed with how you handled Calvin, Gretchen, and everything you did for Lizzy."

"Thank you. My social working major came in handy. I wish I could do more."

"I have a feeling you'll get that opportunity."

As time passed, Emma's composure returned. She inhaled a deep breath and slowly blew it out. "I think it's safe for you to leave."

Seth grinned. "You sure?"

She nodded and smiled. "I'm sure." She leaned into his chest again. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. If you need anything, I'm only a phone call away."

"I know. Thank you."

*****
Merry Christmas!! It's my prayer you all a very safe and blessed Christmas filled with family and friends. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

******
Character List:

Police Chief Seth Carter - hero and Beaverton's Police Chief

Emma Winters - heroine and waitress at her parents' bakery and bookstore, but just graduated college with a teaching degree.

Winters - the bakery/bookstore Emma's parents own.

Carl Jones - Seth's good friend and right-hand man

Susan and Keith Winters - Emma's parents and owners of Winters' Family Bakery and Bookstore

Molly - Emma's almost four-pound Pomeranian

Ace - Seth's German shepherd, a trained K-9

Pastor Pat - Pastor of the Church and Emma's Godfather

Jake Baker - Seth's mentor and Winters' family friend

Ray Hudson - Works at the bakery

Peggy Barton - Emma knew her in high school and is the assistant librarian, she's making a play for Seth

Linda Holton - the town librarian

Mayor Castle - mayor of Beaverton

George Elliot - city council member, from old money, and father of Marc Elliot

Marc Elliot - troubled teenager

Ronald Calhoun - dated Emma her senior year of high school

Dr. Mason - veterinarian who took care of Molly

Mickey Casey - Man stalking Emma and she killed him

Elizabeth Higgins - 'Lizzy' pregnant teenage girl

Calvin and Gretchen Higgins - Parents of Elizabeth Higgens