Chapter 40Emery
Emery’s mom squealed as she opened the box from Emery on Christmas morning.
“Oh, these bookends are absolutely lovely, honey! I’m not even sure a thrift store will want the ancient metal ones I have now. They’re discolored and bent and…well, these are just wonderful.” She had tears in her eyes as she gave Emery a tight hug.
“It’s not like I wouldn’t have bought you some if you’d ever asked me.” Her father was practically pouting.
Emery’s mom grinned. “That’s the problem with men. You have to ask for exactly what you want or you’ll never get it.”
He’d already stopped listening as he opened his gift from Emery.
“Oh, Em, what a great idea. Whiskey stones! Wait till the guys see these. Thanks!” Emery was seated on the sofa beside him, and he reached over and patted her kn
