The Way Back

Destiny Rules - Epilogue

"She wouldn't let me," Emalie mumbled and tightened her pony tail. "She ordered hot chocolate with extra whip like that would make it better," she finished, blowing out a sigh.

"Do not roll your eyes at Karen, young lady. You don't need the caffeine," she said. Emalie didn't need an extra boost. She was a rocket ready to launch at a moment's notice. If Stevie had an eighth of her youngest daughter's energy, she'd churn out albums twice a year and tour the world. Stevie turned, pressing her back into the countertop and surveying Emalie's attire. She hadn't changed out of her khaki jodhpurs, polo, and boots. "You didn't track anything into this house...did you?" Stevie inquired as she focused on the dirty riding boots.

"I didn't. Mama, I gotta talk to you." Her patience was wearing thin. "I tried to ask daddy a question. He wouldn't even let me ask. He just told me no. Will you listen to me?"

Stevie took the kettle off the stove and poured hot water into a mug, dropping a bag of green tea in and hiding the amused smirk tugging on her lips. Emalie always ran to her father first if she wanted anything because he usually crumbled. Stevie knew why Lindsey hadn't indulged her. She pushed the tea bag around with her spoon and turned to face Emalie. "I'm listening, Em. I always have time for my baby."

Emalie let out a sigh of relief and grinned. She wrapped her arms around her mother's waist, hugging her. "I know. I love you."

The older blonde knowingly dipped her head and cupped her girl's cheek, stroking her face. "I love you so much. Now, let's get to business. What's your question?"

The girl grinned excitedly and pulled out of the embrace. She pulled out a stool and climbed up. "Okay. Well, you know earlier when Karen took me to the stables and wouldn't let me get coffee from Starbucks," she paused and glanced to her mother to make sure she had her undivided attention. "Gemma was there. I was surprised to see her because I thought her and her family were still in the Bahamas. She was saddling Trickster. I was bummed because that's my favorite horse. Everybody knows he's my favorite. I had to ride Harley. She's okay, but she's not Trick."

"Baby," Stevie interrupted. "You're getting off track."

"Let me talk, mama," Emalie responded and continued her story.

With a sigh, Stevie took the bag out of her tea, tossing it into the sink. She wondered if she'd caused as much frustration with getting to the point when she retold events as Emalie caused. The universe paid her back for all the years she wished Elisabeth shared more of her traits. Emalie was her mirror. She pulled out a chair and sat down, tuning out the long winded summary of her daughter's morning as she sipped her hot tea.

"And that's when Gemma asked if I could spend the weekend with her. Can I? Mama, can I?"

"No, Em. Another weekend."

"Why not?"

"You're grounded. You keep conveniently forgetting about that."

"Why am I still grounded? It's been...how long has it been?"

"A day," Karen chimed in. Karen thought Stevie was being more than gracious by letting Emalie attend her riding lessons.

"So it's not over?" Emalie inquired, turning her head and expectantly staring at her mother.

"No, it's not over. You have four days left."

"What?" she gasped. "Mama, I don't think what I did was really that bad," she confessed.

"Emalie Reese, you killed the family computer."

Emalie blew out a frustrated breath and drummed her fingers on the counter. "But I don't think that's completely my fault. Like how was I supposed to know that would happen? I can't see the future."