Another month had passed since Emily's ordeal, and she was slowly easing back into her life. The two weeks in the hospital were followed by two more weeks of strict rest at home—Eric’s orders. Though Emily protested at first, she knew deep down that he was only being protective. But now, as she stretched out on the couch, watching her favorite TV show, she could feel her energy returning, and the walls of the apartment were starting to feel smaller every day.

The doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts.

Rachel called from the kitchen, "I’ll get it. You just stay right there!"

Emily smiled. "Okay."

Rachel opened the door, revealing Eric standing there, a bag of food in his hands and a playful grin on his face.

"Come on in," Rachel smirked sarcastically. "Your girlfriend is obeying orders and resting, just like you insisted."

Eric walked in, giving Rachel an innocent look. "Hey, she’s carrying a life inside her and just recovered from being shot. I think I’m allowed to worry."

Rachel rolled her eyes but smiled. "You’re overbearing, Eric. Emily’s not made of glass."

Eric chuckled. "Alright, alright. I hear you. But can’t a man be concerned?"

From the living room, Emily turned her head. "Eric? Is that you?"

"Yeah, it’s me," Eric called back, walking quickly to her side. He leaned down and kissed her cheek gently, the warmth of his presence filling the room.

"I missed you," Eric whispered.

Emily’s face flushed slightly as she smiled up at him. "I missed you too. I’m feeling much better now."

"Good," he said softly, running his hand down her hair. "Are you hungry?"

"Always," Emily laughed. "Now that the morning sickness is easing up, I can actually eat again."

Eric’s eyes softened as he watched her, patting her head gently. "I brought your favorite—chicken lo mein and fried rice."

Emily’s eyes lit up. "Yum! Rachel, come eat with us! There’s plenty for all of us."

From the kitchen, Rachel shouted back, "I’ll be there in a sec! Don’t get your panties in a twist!"

Eric chuckled. "You two are something else. You remind me of Tim and me."

Rachel joined them, plopping down with her plate of food. The three of them started eating, laughter filling the room as they swapped stories and teased each other. For Eric, it felt like a perfect moment—being included in Emily’s life, her friends, her world. It was everything he’d been searching for, and now that he had it, he wasn’t letting go.

Emily noticed Eric growing quiet, a faraway look in his eyes as he ate. "Eric? What’s going on? You’re awfully quiet."

Eric snapped out of his thoughts, smiling. "Nothing, really. I’m just happy to be here, enjoying this moment."

Rachel rolled her eyes playfully. "Okay, lovebirds, cut it out. Can’t you see I’m single? Quit rubbing your love in my face."

Emily and Eric both burst out laughing.

"Oh, Rach," Emily said, giggling, "You’ll find a great guy too!"

Rachel waved her off. "Yeah, yeah." She turned to Eric, raising an eyebrow. "So, when are you going to let her go back to school and work? I mean, she’s been resting forever."

Emily nodded eagerly, joining in. "Yes, Eric! When can I go back? I’m starting to go stir-crazy here!"

Eric held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, don’t gang up on me, both of you. I was actually going to tell you… If you’re feeling okay, I think you’ve recovered long enough."

Emily let out a joyful sigh of relief. "Finally! I thought I was going to lose my mind if I stayed here another day."

"But," Eric interjected, giving her a serious look, "you have to promise me you won’t push yourself too hard. And Rachel—" he turned to her, "keep an eye on her when I’m not around."

Emily smiled softly. "I promise."

Rachel grinned. "Don’t worry, Eric. I’ll take good care of her."

"Good," Eric said, satisfied. "Then that’s settled."

Rachel finished her meal first, taking her plate to the sink. As she left the room, Eric turned to Emily, his tone softening.

"Hey, Little Vixen," he said, using his favorite nickname for her, "Do you think you could spare some time for me tomorrow night?"

Emily raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I think I can manage that. Why?"

"I want to take you out," Eric said, his eyes bright with excitement. "Maybe we can stroll through the park again. Just the two of us."

Emily’s heart fluttered. "That sounds perfect."

They finished their meal, and Eric helped clean up before walking over to kiss Emily goodnight. He held her close for a moment, his lips brushing hers softly.

"See you tomorrow," he whispered. "I love you."

"I love you too," Emily whispered back, smiling as he turned to leave.

As the door closed behind him, Emily’s heart swelled with love and contentment. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.