Incredible Beauty (So Many Reasons 2)

“Emmy!” Maddie came running up to us, throwing her arms around me first. I knelt down and hugged her.

“Happy birthday my little munchkin,” I said kissing her.

“Are you all better now Emmy?” she asked seriously, her eyes wide.

“All better,” I promised, tugging her ponytail. She looked adorable in her pink tutu skirt and sparkly pink top, complete with tiara and wand. I smiled as she hugged Simon, trying to wrestle the presents out of his hands. He laughed, letting go, sending her tumbling back and presents flying everywhere.

“Dad-dy!” she sang, shaking her head as she gathered up the presents and brushed the dirt off her skirt.

Claire looked up from the other side of the room. She smiled, but avoided my gaze. Anger surged through me. She couldn’t even look me in the eye?

Calm down, Em. You will not ruin a child’s birthday party.

“Simon, Emma,” Claire said when she reached us, she wore a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was nervous and that made me feel good.

“Hi Claire,” I said, smiling sweetly. She looked at me warily, as did Simon. Both were wondering what the hell was going on in my head.

“Hi Claire,” Simon said quietly, snaking his arm around my waist. Claire saw the move and averted her eyes.

“Well, I hope you guys enjoy yourself. I had better go and mingle.”

“What are you doing?” Simon asked me after she had left, his head cocked to the side. I tried to look innocent.

“Me? Nothing. I’m being polite,” I added.

“Okay…” he responded, not believing for a second that was all there was to it. Turning to face him, I rolled my eyes.

“You

can stop worrying. I’m not going to cause a scene. I hate scenes, remember?”

“The old Em hated scenes, you I’m not so sure about,” he chuckled, kissing me. “Let’s go check out the food.”

The party went on for a few hours and Maddie was having a blast. There was no doubting that she loved being the center of attention. After presents and cake, people began to filter out. Simon went to spend time with Maddie. As he walked away, I spied Claire going into the kitchen.

This is my chance.

Before I could change my mind, I followed her. Alone in the kitchen, Claire was yet to notice me. A lump formed in my throat as I froze, what the fuck was I going to say? I was about to leave when she turned around.

“Emma,” she said, her voice uneasy.

“Hi Claire. I thought we should talk,” I said, shocked at how calm my voice was.

“If this is about the kiss, I’m sorry-.”

“You’re sorry?” I laughed. “You kissed my fiancé, Claire. You don’t get to say you’re sorry and have everything be fine again. I have a few things I want to say and you are going to listen,” Claire looked as shocked as I felt at my forwardness.

This was so not me! I avoided confrontation, I hated it.

“Go on,” she sighed, leaning against the bench.

“Firstly, I love Simon and I know he loves me. You had no right to try and impose on that, especially under the circumstances. That was just low. Secondly, if I ever hear of you making a move on my fiancé, or if you so much as look at him as anything more than Maddie’s father, I will make you pay.”

Before she could reply, Simon walked in, obviously shocked at the sight of Claire and I in the same room, alone.

“Everything okay in here?” he asked nervously.

“Everything is fine,” Claire said, looking me in the eye.