The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 28

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The Forbidden Throb

Chapter 28

Emma’s POV:

The words on the screen burned into my vision.

Follow–up appointment. Bloodwork,

My fingers tightened around the phone before I could stop myself. Outside the window, seagulls cried over the harbor, their calls sharp and insistent.

Emma?” Grandma’s voice drifted from the pantry. ‘Do you prefer Earl Grey or chamomile?”

I set the phone down quickly, my pulse hammering against my ribs.

“Um–Earl Grey is fine.”

Follow–up. That meant there’d been a first appointment. Maybe more than one.

And nobody had told me.

The flour–dusted counter blurred slightly at the edges of my vision. I pressed my palm flat against the cool granite, steadying myself.

“I just need to use the bathroom, I called out, already moving toward the hallway. “I’ll be right back.”

The guest bathroom was tucked at the end of the hall, far enough from the kitchen that Grandma wouldn’t hear. I locked the door and pulled out my own phone with shaking hands.

The call connected after two rings.

“Emma?” Victoria’s voice carried surprise. “What’s wrong? Did something happen with Nicholas?”

My throat tightened. I leaned back against the door.

“I’m at Grandma’s.”

Silence. Then: “Portland?” Her voice rose. “When did you–are you there with Nicholas?”

I could almost hear her mental calculations. “That’s wonderful! His family will be so pleased to hear he’s making an effort with Grace. You should take-

“No, Mom. Just me.”

“Oh. The single syllable carried layers of disappointment. “I see. Well… what on earth are you doing there?”

I stared at the vintage mirror above the sink, at my own reflection looking pale and strained.

“I came to visit.” I kept my voice low, measured. “Mom, is Grandma sick?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I saw a reminder on her phone. A follow–up appointment at the medical center. The words came faster now, anxiety sharpening them. “Why is she seeing a

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Chapter 28

doctor? What’s wrong with her?”

Victoria let out an exasperated sigh.

“Emma, for God’s sake. It’s nothing serious. The doctor called last month to say they found a small tumor

Tumor.

The word hit me like a physical blow. My knees went weak. I gripped the edge of the sink, knuckles going white against the porcelain.

“A tumor?” My voice came out strangled. “And nobody thought to tell me?”

Emma, calm down-”

“Calm down?” I could hear my voice rising, couldn’t stop it. “Mom, how could you not tell me something like this? She’s my grandmother! If something had

happened—if there were complications-

“The doctor said it was benign,” Victoria cut in, her tone sharp with impatience. “Completely benign. No cancer, no spread, nothing like that.

The follow–up tomorrow is just standard procedure. Really, Emma, you’re being dramatic.”

A

Dramatic.

The word stung like a slap.

“She’s my grandmother,” I managed, barely keeping my voice from shaking. “I had a right to know.”

“And now you do.” A pause, then her voice took on that particular edge I knew too well. “Honestly, Emma, this isn’t something you need to worry about. The

doctors have it handled. Your priority right now should be finalizing an engagement date with Nicholas.

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I ended the call before she could say another word.

For a long moment I just stood there, staring at my reflection in the mirror above the sink.

My eyes looked red–rimmed and too bright.

I turned on the faucet and splashed cold water on my face, trying to wash away the tears that threatened to spill over.

Medical checkup. A tumor. Weeks ago.

And I’d been so wrapped up in my own mess–Nicholas, the breakup, Daniel’s strange proposal–that I hadn’t even called to check on her.

What kind of granddaughter was I?

I dried my face carefully, checking for any trace of tears before heading back to the kitchen.

I couldn’t let Grandma worry about me anymore. Not now. Not when she’d been dealing with her own health issues and still trying to protect me.

Grandma had moved to the living room, where she’d arranged a tea service on the coffee table–the good china, with tiny painted violets on cream porcelain.

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Chapter 28

The plate of oatmeal raisin cookies sat beside it, still steaming slightly.

“There you are.” She smiled up at me from the armchair. “I was starting to think you’d fallen in.

I managed a weak laugh and settled onto the sofa across from her.

She’d cleared away some of the fabric, but the half finished veil still draped over the dress form in the corner, catching the afternoon light.

Grandma poured tea with steady hands, added milk to mine without asking–she’d always remembered exactly how I took it–and passed me the cup.

“So.” she said, settling back with her own teacup. “Tell me what’s really going on.”

My fingers tightened on the delicate china.

“What do you mean?‘

“Emma.” Her voice was gentle but firm. ‘I’ve known you since you were born. I can tell when something’s bothering you.”

She reached for a cookie, broke it in half with careful precision.

“Is it Nicholas? Did you two have a fight?”

The question hung in the air between us.

I stared down at my tea, watching the milk swirl in pale clouds.

“We’re… fine.”

“Mm–hmm.” She didn’t sound convinced. “Because you look like you’ve been crying, sweetheart. And you showed up on my doorstep on a Friday afternoon

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