The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 35

The Forbidden Throb

Chapter 35

Emma’s POV:

“I think your eyesight might be getting worse,‘ I said lightly, trying to deflect.

Grandma laughed, the sound rich and knowing.

“My eyesight is perfectly fine, thank you very much. Better than yours, apparently, if you can’t see what’s right in front of you.”

She patted my cheek with affection, then returned to the stove. “Now finish setting the table. And Emma?”

“Yes?”

“Whatever happened with Nicholas–I’m glad you have someone who looks at you like you matter.”

I managed a smile, reaching out to squeeze her hand gently. “Don’t worry about me, Grandma. I’ll be happy.”

The words came easier than I expected. Not quite a lie, not quite the truth, like everything else in my life right now.

She studied my face for a long moment, then nodded, satisfied. “I know you will, sweetheart.”

Lunch was Grandma’s famous seafood chowder, thick with chunks of fresh cod and scallops, served with crusty bread still warm from the

oven.

Daniel ate with genuine appreciation, complimenting each element of the meal with the kind of specific praise that made Grandma beam.

“The secret is the stock,” she explained, clearly delighted to have such an attentive audience. “You have to make it from scratch. None of

that store–bought nonsense.”

‘I can tell, Daniel said. “The depth of flavor is remarkable.”

I ate quietly, watching them interact. It almost feels like they’re the family and I’m the guest.

I never expected Daniel to be so good at this–at making people happy.

He engaged with Grandma’s every word, asked thoughtful questions about her cooking techniques, and somehow made discussing soup

stock feel like a fascinating conversation.

After lunch, as I was clearing the table, Mrs. Patterson from next door appeared at the door.

10:59 Sat, May 2

Chapter 35

ws de me anisiaows, once they d decided they were familiar enough, took it upon themselves to skip that

Mrs. Patterson stopped mid–sentence, her rheumy eyes widening as they landed on me. “Emma, dear! I

at or he wwwkend his Patison Iced down the stack of plates Id been carrying.

vommpany Low Hey gave slid post me toward the living room, where Daniel stood by the window.

* Mayback perked outside this morning, Mrs. Patterson said, her eyes bright with curiosity. “Quite the sight in our

wad We figured is must be visiting your house, Crace;

Grandma’s expression remained pleasant but noncommittal. “Emma missed me, that’s all. Came home for a visit.”

In a seighborhood where everyone had known everyone for forty years, gossip wasn’t malicious. It was currency. Information. The social

due that wound the community Lygether,

And right now, Grandma was trying to protect us from becoming the subject of Mrs. Patterson’s next round of fence–line conferences.

But Her Patterson want satisfied with that answ言,

*** ZATE DINE vonged between me and Daniel, a knowing look settling over her features.

Oh, come now, Grace, Mrs. Patterson said with a teasing lilt that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “What’s with all the secrecy? Afraid I’m

She laughed at her own joke, the sound sharp in the quiet kitchen. “A young man who drives a car like that–I’d say our Emma has done

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