as her. When she saw the painting, she squealed, “It’s our tea party!”
Marti smiled at the little girl and tried to ignore the flashbulbs going off from all the photographers.
“Yes it is, sweetheart. Now you’ll always remember our special night.”
The press went wild over the painting. It showed Marti and Emma sitting on top of a dining room table under a brightly lit crystal chandelier. On the table with them were an elaborate tea set and a plate of cookies. The two looked like princesses in their gold dresses and jeweled crowns. They appeared in the painting as they did tonight.
“Everyone, Martina has another surprise for Emma.” Jenna took the two books being held by the security guard behind her.
“Martina has written two new books, which won’t be available to the public for several months. The books feature Emma.”
Jenna had Emma hold the books in front of her for the press to snap more photos.
Shelly couldn’t believe all the attention Marti was getting. This was Cameron’s charity benefit and he was just sitting there watching. No one paid any attention to them. Jenna had taken over and turned the whole event into a worship-Marti fest.
“I can’t believe Jenna is letting Marti push her books here tonight.”
Jack wasn’t going to let Shelly get away with being rude. “If you’d shut up, you’ll see this has nothing to do with publicity for Marti and everything to do with Emma and this charity benefit.”
“Martina has two advanced copies of the books available for all of you to bid on in the auction. The special edition books will be a limited release. Emma has the first copies, and copies two and three will be in the auction.”
A cheer went up from the children and many of the parents.
Jenna was going to take the books back from Emma, but she wouldn’t let them go. Jenna anticipated her desire to hold onto them and signaled the guard to stay with Emma.
“Martina has also brought along autographed books from the Tina’s Travels series for all of the children here tonight.”
Jenna waited for all the kids to stop cheering again.
“She’s also donated five hundred copies to the Emma Shaw Foundation to be given to the children’s hospital.”
Everyone applauded and Sam helped Marti over to where many of the children waited. She stood talking with them and handing out books to each child with a smile and special word to each of them.
Emma jumped off the chair and ran to Elizabeth with her books. Elizabeth brought Emma back to the table where Cameron sat with Shelly looking perplexed.
“Daddy, look. She put me in the books.”
Emma stood next to her father and showed him the covers.
Cameron read the title, “Tina and Emma’s Pirate Adventure.” The cover showed a picture of Marti’s ship with Marti and Emma standing on deck. The other book’s title was Tina and Emma’s Princess Party. The book cover showed Marti and Emma sitting atop a table having a tea party. The pictures of Marti weren’t an exact likeness, but more a likeness of her as a child Emma’s age. Cameron was surprised, and so very happy for Emma. Marti was an amazing artist and author. He’d read all of her books to Emma and he enjoyed all of the stories himself. It was a pleasure to go on an adventure in the Tina’s Travels books with Emma each night.
“Those books are very special, Emma. Marti loves you very much. Isn’t it amazing, you’re in a book?”
“It’s so cool.”
“It sure is, Emma. May I see the books?” Shelly asked.
“No. You can’t have my things.” Emma ran to Jack and hid behind him.
Jack grabbed Emma and sat her on his lap. He held her in his arms. “It’s all right, sweetheart. You don’t have to let her see them. They belong to you and you can do whatever you want with them.”
“She needs to learn how to share,” Shelly said.
“You take things that aren’t yours.” Emma buried her head in Jack’s tuxedo jacket.
“Emma, honey, what’s the matter with you? Shelly won’t take the books. She just wants to see them.”
Emma didn’t answer. She looked at her aunt instead. “Aunt Elizabeth, can I stay with you tonight?”
“Sure, sweetie. I’ll take you home with me and Uncle Sam can read your books to you and Grace, if she’s still awake when we get home.”
Cameron looked at Elizabeth. “The wedding is tomorrow. I want her at home with me.”
“She doesn’t want to go home with you. I’m taking her home with