Chapter 166 Making Waves
“Can I do it when I’m six?” Mandy asked, not letting go of the idea of being on television.
“No,” Emily said firmly.
“Can I do it when I’m seven?”
“No.”
“Ten?”
“Maybe.” Emily hoped the whole discussion would be forgotten after that many years. She never wanted her child on a so-called talent show which was probably rigged anyway.
Luckily, Mandy was distracted by her friend, and the two girls went to play outside.
“She’s so talented,” Katie said, “You should take her to a music academy. I’ll bet she’s going to be a sensation.”
Emily shook her head. “She’s way too young. Please don’t get excited. I know it seems like showing her talent to the world is a good thing, but too many child stars have started out on brilliant careers only to burn out as teenagers. I definitely don’t want that for Mandy.”
“You’re right, Talent Quest is a bit of a freak show,” Katie said, “but don’t you want her to at least learn as much as she can to reach her full potential?”
“She’s got all the time in the world,” Emily said, “there’s no rush.”
“Are you kidding? Her brain is absorbing so much information right now. This is the perfect time.”
Emily knew how ambitious Katie was and didn’t blame her for pushing, but deep down she knew what was best for her child. Even though some people might not understand her reasons, it was up to her to protect Mandy from too much attention and praise so early in life.
Emily was glad when Katie didn’t dwell on the subject any longer since she still had to have her bridal makeup done to prepare for the ceremony.
When the time of the ceremony finally arrived, Emily nearly cried. She had always hoped for Katie to find her one true love, and Mateo had always been her secret favorite. The young man looked handsome and dashing in his tuxedo. His leg injury left almost no outward trace except for the slightest limp, and he would often say he was happy about it because it brought him and Katie together.
In recent years, Mateo had become a star chef. He could afford to live anywhere in the world, but he left sunny California to be with the woman he loved.
Emily looked over at her husband sitting beside her, and he smiled back at her. She was whisked back to their magical wedding day, which was still fresh in her memory.
At the reception, Emily was thrilled to be able to catch up with Teddy, Aitana, and their daughter Clarita.
“I hope to see you more often now that Mateo is here,” Emily said, “You’ll have more reasons to visit.”
“We definitely will,” said Aitana.
“May I have a dance with my daughter-in-law?” Teddy asked.
“Of course.”
“Daughter-in-law sounds so formal,” Teddy remarked as they walked to the dance floor. “You know I actually think of you as part of my family.”
“Thank you, Teddy. That’s so touching,” Emily said. Then a mischievous grin lit up her face. “I think of you as a rascal.”
“Thank you, that means I’m not so old as to be completely harmless.”
Emily tipped her head back and laughed. “Teddy, you’re one of a kind.”
As the dance ended, Byron stepped forward somewhat unexpectedly. Emily thought he was deep in conversation with some of Katie’s business associates.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll dance with my wife now,” he said.
“By all means.” With a charming smile, Teddy left them.
A romantic song came on, signalling a slow dance. Emily wrapped her arms around Byron’s strong frame, rocking gently to the music. Their bodies flowed in the same unhurried, sensual rhythm.
“I thought you were never going to ask me to dance,” Emily said.
“How could you think so? Besides, I have something to say.”
“Oh, I knew it. You’re just using the dance as an excuse.”
“I’m not,” Byron said, smiling wickedly. “I’ve been dying to dance with you. But I also have to be strategic, and since I see you’re in an excellent mood, this is my chance to confess something.”
“Uh-oh. What have you done this time?”
“You know how Mandy loves swimming, but the ocean is too cold here most of the year. It’s even cold in the summer. So, I’ve decided to build a wave pool where she can swim and learn to surf in ocean-like conditions.”
“That’s awesome!” Emily said.
“Really? I was afraid you might think it’s too extravagant,” he said, his shoulders relaxing under her hands. “It’s going to be open to the public too. I’ve arranged for kids from lower-income schools to make regular field trips there once it’s built.”
“You are the best husband ever,” Emily said, giving him a long, slow kiss.
“Wow, if you kiss me like that every time I decide to build a wave pool, I’ll have to build more wave pools.”
Emily smiled and patted his cheek. “I was just so worried today when Mandy got too much attention for playing the piano. I don’t want it to go to her head. Swimming will be so good for her, to balance out her skills. Thank you for thinking of it.”
Emily wasn’t the kind of woman who wanted to rely on her husband for help, but once in a while, it was so good to know Byron was always there for her, sometimes providing the kind of help she didn’t even know she needed.
