Saturday morning came with golden sunlight and the sweet scent of garden roses drifting in through the open windows. It was the kind of day that felt like a sigh of relief—a break from the usual stiffness of the Reed household.
Emma hummed softly as she bathed Emily, the baby splashing water in the tub with gleeful giggles.
Emma (giggling): "You're getting more water on the floor than in the tub, little mermaid."
Emily (squealing): "Ma-ma!"
Emma paused, heart catching in her chest. Emily had said that word before, but every time it made her pause. Not because she misunderstood it—but because of how naturally it came out.
Emma (whispering): "I'm not your mama, baby girl…"
And yet, she held her like one. Loved her like one.
Wrapped in a towel and smelling like lavender, Emily snuggled into Emma's arms as they returned to the nursery. Emma settled her into fresh clothes, brushing soft wisps of hair from her forehead.
She hadn't heard Alexander come in until his deep voice broke the silence.
Alexander (calmly): "You're good with her."
Emma jumped slightly, looking up.
Emma (smiling): "She makes it easy."
He leaned against the doorframe, watching them both. He wasn't in a suit for once—just a fitted white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and dark slacks. Casual, yet refined. Still every bit the CEO… but different.
Alexander: "I have an event this evening."
Emma's smile faded slightly. Here it comes. The schedule change. The late night.
Emma (nodding): "I'll prepare dinner for Emily and stay with her until you're back."
Alexander (shaking his head): "No. You're coming with me."
Emma blinked.
Emma: "I… I'm sorry?"
Alexander (steadily): "It's a corporate dinner. I'm expected to attend with someone, and I'd rather bring someone I trust."
Emma stood up slowly, unsure if she'd heard him correctly.
Emma (hesitant): "You want me to… be your date?"
Alexander (quickly): "No. Not like that."
He paused, as if regretting the phrasing.
Alexander (softer): "It's not romantic. It's… strategic. You've helped Emily. You're presentable, well-spoken, professional. You'll fit in."
Emma looked down at her clothes—a worn T-shirt and leggings.
Emma (half-joking): "I'm not sure 'presentable' applies right now."
He smirked—barely, but it was there.
Alexander: "Mrs. Hopkins will help you find something appropriate. I'll have the car ready at six."
Then he left, just like that. Leaving Emma to stare at the spot where he'd stood, heart pounding for reasons she couldn't name.
---
Emma stood in front of the mirror hours later, staring at a version of herself she barely recognized.
The deep navy-blue dress hugged her gently, falling just past her knees with elegant simplicity. Her hair was swept up in a soft twist, and a subtle touch of makeup brought out the natural sparkle in her eyes.
Mrs. Hopkins (from behind): "You look lovely."
Emma turned, smoothing the dress nervously.
Emma: "I look like I'm pretending to be someone else."
Mrs. Hopkins (firmly): "You're not pretending. You're just seeing yourself the way the rest of us already do."
The knock at the door interrupted them.
Driver (politely): "Mr. Reed is waiting downstairs, Miss Carter."
Emma swallowed, took a breath, and followed the driver down the grand staircase.
Alexander was by the door, checking his watch, but when he looked up and saw her, he froze. His usual stern mask flickered—eyes pausing, scanning her slowly.
Alexander (quietly): "You clean up well."
Emma (teasing): "Was that a compliment, Mr. Reed?"
Alexander (dry): "Don't let it go to your head."
They shared a rare, quiet smile before heading to the car.
---
The venue was a sleek downtown hotel with gleaming marble floors and golden chandeliers. As they walked through the lobby, Emma stayed close to Alexander, unsure of where to look, what to say.
But he never let her drift too far.
He introduced her with confidence. "This is Emma Carter," he said. "She works closely with my daughter. She's been a tremendous help to our family."
It wasn't just polite. It was proud.
And that… meant something.
At the dinner table, surrounded by executives and shareholders, Emma sat beside him quietly. She didn't try to impress. Didn't force small talk.
She was herself.
And Alexander noticed.
Executive (smiling at her): "So, you're the woman responsible for the CEO's rare smiles these days."
Emma blushed, glancing at Alexander.
Emma: "I think Emily deserves the credit for that."
Alexander (without missing a beat): "She wouldn't smile like that without you."
Emma looked at him, startled. His voice hadn't changed—but something in his expression had.
It was subtle. But real.
---
After dinner, they stepped outside to a private balcony. The city lights shimmered below like stars scattered on the pavement.
Emma leaned on the railing, taking a deep breath.
Emma: "This still doesn't feel real."
Alexander: "What part?"
Emma (smiling faintly): "All of it. This dress. This view. You."
He stepped beside her, hands tucked into his pockets.
Alexander: "I used to come to these things with my wife. She made it look effortless."
Emma (softly): "You miss her."
Alexander: "Every day."
Silence fell between them—but it wasn't uncomfortable.
Emma (gently): "She'd be proud of you. Of what you've built. And of how you're raising Emily."
He turned to her then.
Alexander (quietly): "I don't know what I'm doing most days."
Emma: "You don't have to. That's the thing about being a parent."
Alexander: "You're not one."
Emma: "Maybe not. But I love her."
He watched her, carefully.
Alexander (softly): "I know."
Their eyes locked, something shifting again between them. Something unspoken, but undeniably there.
Then, almost reluctantly, he stepped back.
Alexander: "We should go. It's late."
---
The ride home was quiet.
Not awkward—just thoughtful. The car moved through the city streets, streetlights casting brief shadows across their faces. Emma's hands rested in her lap. Alexander's gaze was fixed on the window.
When they reached the mansion, Emma turned to him as the car rolled to a stop.
Emma: "Thank you. For trusting me tonight."
Alexander (looking at her): "Thank you for proving me right."
Their eyes met one last time before she stepped out.
She didn't know what to call what was growing between them.
But she knew it was real.
And it was just beginning.