She came back to the hospital once to visit Ashley after the baby was born. Alexandra was adorable, and, even though she was plenty busy getting to know her own son, Emma wanted to check up on the new mom and see the bundle of joy up close.
She was not expecting to run into the baby's father in the lobby.
"Sean? You're…"
"I'm back with Ashley," he said sheepishly.
"Oh." Emma was taken aback. "And you're going to support her?"
"Yeah. I know better now," he explained. "I was wrong to leave her in the lurch. I need to take responsibility and be there for her. For my daughter."
Emma's heart went out to the young man. "That's really admirable for someone your age." She clapped a hand on his shoulder. "But it's gonna be tough. Harder than you'd ever believe. You think you can do it?"
Sean nodded, and Emma smiled at him.
They went in together to visit. Ashley was desperately craving coffee, so Sean made a quick run to the hospital cafeteria. When he returned, he had three cups.
"Coffee for you, cider for me, and Emma…" He handed her a cup of hot chocolate; there were cinnamon candy hearts floating inside it.
"I heard you like cinnamon in your cocoa. So, this is…a thank you. For everything."
Emma can't help but smile at their thoughtfulness. "No problem."
The cocoa was gross, but the gesture kept her warm the rest of the night.