She was just picking up a few things at the grocery store when she saw the twins in the checkout line.
"Emma!" Ava shouted as she and Nicholas ran over and hugged her.
"Oh, hey! Good to see you're doing well…" She noted that both kids looked much happier and healthier, although Nicholas's shirt was inside out and Ava had jam smudged on her face.
"Kids! Hold up!" someone called after them. "Don't bother that…oh." Michael stopped, looking at Emma over the belt. It was loaded with groceries, the kinds of foods only a parent would buy; it was clear Michael was used to just grabbing the basics that fit in a hand basket.
"Looks like you're off to a good start," Emma said as she looked over the groceries.
"Well, we had to get everything on the list," he said, running his hand over his chin, "and maybe a few things that weren't on it."
"Did you remember to get hot chocolate, Dad?" Ava asked.
Michael's face fell. "What aisle is that on?"
His bewildered expression spurred Emma into action. "Hold mine; I'll go get you some."
She ran down to the beverage aisle and grabbed the box of packets, then, after a brief hesitation, stopped by the baking aisle and grabbed a jar of cinnamon sticks.
As she got back to the checkout stand, the checker waved her through.
"But I haven't…"
"Mr. Tillman paid for your items, Sheriff."
Emma looked over at Michael, one hand pushing the cart, the other holding Nicholas's hand. He looked back at her and mouthed "thank you."
Every time Emma made herself a cup of cocoa from that pack, she felt a tug on her heart for that family she'd managed to reunite.