Chapter 36: Home
Emma hopped through the door in utter shock. She was getting a home. Not just a home, but the home she'd wanted. Her mind was going a million miles a minute. Everything she'd always wanted was finally coming true. As she hobbled into the living room, she was surprised to see Sutton and Ted laughing on the couch. She looked better, happier. Emma paused in the doorway and the two of them looked at her.
"Hey Emma," Sutton stated a little sullen, "I guess you're only here to pack up your things."
"Not exactly," Emma responded with a smile, "Ted, Michelle told me what you did for me. She told me that you agreed to file for my adoption. That means a lot to me."
"You're family, Emma. I can't turn my back on family."
"You filed for her adoption," Sutton said a little surprised, "Does that mean you're…"
Emma felt a smile stretch over her face and she saw Sutton's face brighten too. No more words were needed. Sutton jumped off of the couch and nearly tackled Emma to the ground.
"I'm so glad you're staying."
"You are," Emma said happily.
"You're my sister, Emma. I know a week ago I was set to ruin your life, but now I don't know what I'd do without you. You really helped me and like our dad said, You're family."
Emma squeezed her tighter. This is what it was supposed to look like. She was supposed to love Sutton. She was supposed to get everything she'd ever wanted. This was the way it was supposed to be. As Sutton and Emma held each other, Emma felt a tear run down her face. She quickly wiped it away and smiled. For the first time in a long time there was no expiration date on Emma's happiness.