“I wanted to let you know that Jake is here with me. He found me here in Kyoto.”
“What?” Sarah sounded too shocked to talk. I could hear Charlie ask, “What’s wrong? Is Emily OK?” He grabbed the phone from her.
“Emily. What’s going on?”
“I’m fine, Charlie. Jake came to me, a bit late, but he’s here now.”
Sarah got back on the phone and I gave her a quick explanation of what happened. Her tears of joy resonated all the way to Kyoto.
“Emily. Nobody deserves more happiness than you. Tell Jake if he ever hurts you again, he’ll have to answer to me.”
“And me,” I heard Charlie yell in the background.
Giggling, I looked at Jake. “My best friend and her husband are threatening your life if you hurt me again.”
“You tell the newlyweds there’s no chance of that happening. Enjoy your honeymoon,” he called into the phone.
“Sarah, I’m leaving here in a couple of weeks and meeting Jake in Paris. I’ll see you back at home mid-June. Have a great rest of your honeymoon. I’ll call you again.”
Jane was next on the list. She, too, was elated to hear that Jake and I were back together, and added to the growing threat on Jake as we put her on speakerphone.
“Jake? Don’t screw up this time, OK?”
“I won’t. I’m not letting go of Emily ever again.” He gazed over at me while talking to his sister.
Our entire make-up story was rehashed in under two minutes but more importantly, I also told Jane how much I missed her. She was the one person besides Jake I most wanted to see.
“When are you coming home, Jane? When can we see each other?”
“I got a job so Manhattan is my home for a while—maybe Thanksgiving at the earliest.”
“Jane…” I whined. “Hey, do you want to meet us in Paris?” I thought this was a fantastic idea.
“No way!” Jake yelled at both of us.
Shocked, I stared at him, and Jane laughed.
“Why don’t you come see me?” she suggested.
I looked at Jake, hoping he would let me go see her. Neither one of us would want to be apart from each other, but Jane was the sister I never had.
“Can I go visit Jane?” I asked cautiously.
“If she promises not to tag along in Paris,” he huffed.
A sour look shrouded my once happy face. Jake softened and offered an alternative. “Why don’t we stop by New York after Paris? We can hang with her a few days and then come home.”
“Can we really do that?” I asked with excitement.
“Emi, it’s your world. We can do whatever you like.”
“Jane, I’ll call you from Paris and let you know exactly when we’re coming. Call Nick and have him join us as well.”
“You sound more excited to meet up with my siblings in New York than to meet me in Paris.” Jake was pouting again.
“Emily, you better go. Call me later.” Jane knew her brother only too well. She probably had a mental picture of his arms crossed and lips protruding like a five-year-old. I turned toward my love, grabbed his face, and kissed him numerous times till I got a smile out of him. His dimpled smile returned, only to be vexed again, as it was time to call Max.
“Hi, Max. It’s me, Em.”
“I can tell by the tone of your voice that Jake is right there next to you.”
“You know me too well.” I smiled. “Thank you, Max. You are wonderful to help me find Jake again.”
“I’m happy knowing you’re happy. I love you, Em. My debt is paid.”
Jake took the phone and talked to Max while I pondered my good fortune of having in the present and the past, two wonderful men who taught me to love. They both continued to watch over me.
“Call Gram for me, I want to talk to her,” I asked enthusiastically as I handed the phone to Jake.
He did as I asked and handed the phone back to me.
“Hi, Gram!” I started crying again. “How are you? I’m so glad to be talking to you again. I’ve missed you.”
“Emily. Don’t cry. I’ve missed you too. I was very worried when Jake couldn’t find you. Hallelujah! This madness is finally over. Is Jake being good to you?”
“Oh, Gram, he’s been a dream. I’m sorry we worried you. We won’t ever do that to you again.”
“Are you going to marry my grandson now?”
“Definitely, Gram! If he asks again, I promise I won’t disappoint you.”
“Emily, come to London. Let me finally meet you.” Her tone, welcoming, I knew I would love her like my own grandmother. “Let me talk to Jake and we’ll arrange a visit.”
Our last phone call was to Sandy and Bobby, and they were thrilled to hear I would come live with them till the end of summer. Sandy promised to have the guest room ready before we got back from Paris. Jake told them not to bother as he was sure I wouldn’t be sleeping there.