artwork in the form of children’s books she writes and creates the artwork for under the pen name Tina Fair.
“You see, Martina Fairchild is Tina Fair, author of the children’s books Tina’s Travels, which she wrote while fulfilling her grandmother’s final request.
“She spent a year traveling the world by sailboat, or ‘pirate ship’, as Emma would say, and writing children’s books, so all children would know what it’s like to be in a foreign land.
“In addition to the personally autographed books she’s donated tonight, she has two special edition books to present to Emma.
“Without further ado, I’d like you all to welcome Miss Martina Fairchild, aka Tina Fair, and to those of us who call her friend, Marti.”
Sam opened the side door and Marti stepped into the room and took his arm. Still in a lot of pain, but she’d promised Emma she would come, and she wasn’t about to let her down.
Sam took her arm, supporting her as she walked. The brace helped her knee, but it wasn’t enough. The doctors wanted her on crutches, but she wanted to walk in the room tonight. She wanted to make Emma proud.
Sam leaned into her and whispered in her ear. “Did the doctor numb you up?”
“She gave me several shots in the knee and in my shoulder. I can’t feel either. If you let me fall on my face, I’ll have to steal your gun and shoot you.” She squeezed his arm tighter for support.
She trembled next to him. “No need to worry. I won’t let you fall. You look like a queen.”
“Thank you. Emma and I dressed up like this one night and had a tea party.”
Marti wore her gold gown. The shawl she’d used to wrap Emma in was draped around her back and shoulders hiding the bruises. Atop her head, she wore the diamond and emerald necklace.
They made it to where Jenna stood next to Emma, who was on a chair. Marti stood in front of Emma for a moment and they were face-to-face. She didn’t even acknowledge the applause from the crowd behind her.
“Hello, Sugar Bug. I promised I’d come tonight and nothing would keep me from seeing you. Are you surprised?”
“You wrote the books Aunt Jenna said.”
“Yes, I did. I have some special gifts for you.”
Marti gave Jenna the go-ahead and Sam helped her take her place on the other side of the covered painting beside Emma.
Jenna waited for everyone to stop clapping for Marti’s entrance. The press snapped multiple pictures. They waited for everything to settle down.
Cameron watched closely. He’d seen Marti say something to Emma and she’d smiled. He hadn’t seen that smile in a few days. He wanted to see Emma smiling again like she used to. Sam helped Marti take her place. He didn’t like the way Sam held her in such an intimate way around the waist and close to his side. If he didn’t know Sam, he’d think they were a couple.
“Why the hell is Sam holding onto her like that? Elizabeth is going to kill him.”
Elizabeth stood off to the side of Jenna watching the proceedings. She smiled and clapped along with everyone else. She saw Sam. Why wasn’t she upset?
Jack enjoyed watching Cameron squirm. He’d been assigned to make sure Cameron didn’t make a scene by trying to approach Marti during the benefit. They didn’t want him to accost her like he’d done in the hospital.
“Sam is making sure she doesn’t fall. She’s not supposed to be here, but she made a promise and she’s keeping it. She should be in bed lying down and resting. The doctor had to shoot her up full of drugs to numb her knee and the muscles in her shoulder. She’s been in excruciating pain. It’s amazing what she’ll put herself through to keep a promise.”
“Why the hell doesn’t the doctor just give her some pain pills?”
“I wonder,” Jack said and rolled his eyes.
“Wait till you see this,” Tyler chimed in. “I snuck a peek earlier. You’re about to see something amazing. Seriously, I can’t wait to meet her.”
Cameron glared and held back the fist he wanted to plant in Tyler’s face.
Jenna continued with her announcement. “Martina has never shown one of her own paintings. As a gift for Emma, she painted a very special piece. It commemorates a very special evening in which Emma and Marti had a milkshake tea party. Emma, if you’ll do the honors, unwrap your gift.”
Emma pulled off the cover from the large painting, nearly as big