Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 486

The trip back to Cresthaven was fleeting. She was scheduled to leave again in early August, and it felt like the initial excitement of being home had barely faded before she was already planning her departure.

Before she left, however, Emma Bennett arranged to visit the Pearson family with Renee Chance.

To Emma’s surprise, standing before Pearson Manor this time felt completely different. It wasn’t that the elderly couple had moved on, but rather that life had returned to the home. The yard was now a patchwork of green, with flowers and vegetables alike thriving in the sun.

When they opened the door, a small dog came bounding out, circling excitedly at Emma and Renee’s feet.

“Dolly, settle down,” Fanny said, scooping the puppy into her arms. Her expression was warm and kind as she told them, “Sorry, did she startle you? This little one is just a ball of energy.”

“Not at all,” Emma laughed. “What a cute dog! Is her name Dolly? Dolly, look here, shake.”

It was a small breed, perfect for an older couple—easy to pick up and not strong enough to pull away during walks.

“She’s a very sweet companion,” Fanny explained. “Theodore Whitman bought her for us, to keep us company.”

Theodore again. It was always Theodore.

Still, Emma had to admit it was a thoughtful gesture. The little dog would surely bring some much-needed vitality to their lives.

Mr. and Mrs. Pearson ushered them inside, bustling about pouring tea and slicing fruit.

“Please, you two don’t have to fuss over us,” Emma and Renee said in unison. “Come sit and rest.”

Looking around, Emma noticed the bleak, empty feeling was gone. Fresh flowers sat in a vase on the table, and a new photo wall had been created, filled with pictures of Bart from his infancy to his teenage years and into adulthood.

She studied each photo, and the face that had been hazy in her mind, like looking through a fogged-up window, gradually came into focus. With it came a flood of memories from their youth—the laughter, the adventures, the wildness of being young.

And now, that person was gone.

Fanny insisted they stay for dinner, but Emma and Renee couldn’t bear to let the two elders toil away in the kitchen alone. They joined them, and while their cooking skills were lacking, they were good at lending a hand.

Just as they were getting started, Theodore’s voice echoed from the doorway. “Dad Carney, Mom Fanny, did you save some dinner for me?”