Part 2

They looked at each other and Jess squeezed her hand under the table before taking a deep breath and blurting out, "we're married."

Liz and Luke both sat in shock for a moment. Luke spoke first. "When?"

"Six months. We've been married for six months," Jess answered as they moved to hold hands on top of the table. Liz and Luke saw their wedding rings for the first time.

"Were you pregnant? Did you get married because you were pregnant?" Liz asked quietly.

"No," Emma replied frustrated, "I haven't been pregnant since the last miscarriage."

"Then why? Why did you feel the need to get married? You're only 19 years old!" Liz ranted surprising Jess. He had known she wouldn't be happy, but he didn't think she would actually start yelling at them.

"Are you serious!?" Jess stood up yelling. "You were 18 when you married Jimmy! And 19 when I was born! And you know what else? I don't even know how many times you've been married." Jess turned to Luke who still hadn't said a word. "And you, you got married and you don't even live with your wife! So, I don't think either of you have the right to criticize our marriage!" Jess stopped yelling and looked at Emma who was leaning on the table with her head in her hands. He held out his hand to her. "Let's go."

Emma took a deep breath and looked up at Liz, who had started yelling again, and Luke, who still hadn't said a word. Then she reached out and took Jess' hand, and walked towards the door.

Jess stopped at the door, and looked back at Liz and Luke. "Because we love each other," he said calmly. "That's why we got married." Then they turned around and left.

"I can't believe her!" Jess yelled when they reached the street. He released Emma's hand and started pacing, while Emma sat on the diner steps.

"Jess, baby, you need to calm down," Emma pleaded.

"Calm down? You want me to calm down?!" Jess ranted as he continued pacing. "I'm sorry, but I don't exactly feel like CALMING DOWN AT THE MOMENT!"

"Jess, stop it!" Emma yelled as she stood up. "I'm not your mother, I'm your wife! So, don't take it out on me." Emma sat back down on the stoop and put her head in her hands. Jess stopped pacing and looked at her. He kneeled in front of her and took her hands in his.

"I'm sorry, Em. Baby, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you." Jess looked into her eyes and saw the tears threatening to fall. "I love you," he said matter-of-factly as he kissed her hands. "I love you more than anything in the world. I don't care what they say or think. I didn't mean to take it out on you." Jess leaned in and kissed her when she started to smile.

"I love you, too," Emma whispered as Jess pulled away from her.

Jess stood back up and pulled Emma with him. "There's a bookstore down the street. We could kill some time there. Do we have any money?"

"Uh, yeah. I think I have some cash in my..." Emma said as she looked around her. Where was her bag? "Damn."

"What?"

"My bag," she said sighing, "which I left upstairs."

"Please, please tell me you're not serious," Jess begged, hoping she was kidding.

"I wish." Emma laughed. "I'll go get it."

"No, just forget about it." Jess had started pacing again. Wonderful.

"I can't forget about it. My wallet is in there. Our checkbook, my sketchbook, and you put the money for the car in there. Go on to the bookstore, I'll meet you there."

"Okay." Jess shook his head at the look on her face. "I'm calming down," he said trying to convince both of them. He turned around and started walking down the street.

Emma turned and looked at the diner door. She took a deep breath and went back inside.