Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Emma had underestimated her morning sickness, especially with the traffic moving in fits and starts. Her face turned pale quickly, and she couldn't fight the urge to vomit. "Mr. Lynch," she managed to say.

Dustin glanced over, noticing her discomfort, and promptly pulled the car over.

"Feeling sick?" he asked.

Emma nodded, her hands shaky as she fumbled with the seatbelt. "I'm really sorry," she muttered before opening the car door.

Dustin dashed to a nearby convenience store, returning with a small trash can lined with a trash bag and a bottle of mineral water.

Emma sat on a nearby bench, looking like she might lose her breakfast at any moment. Dustin placed the trash can in front of her just in time.

Unable to hold it back, Emma leaned over and vomited, her stomach heaving until it felt like there was nothing left.

Dustin handed her the water, and she gratefully rinsed her mouth, her eyes red and watery. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lynch," she said, embarrassed to have such a polished man see her like this.

Offering her some tissues, Dustin said, "My dad always told me my mom had terrible morning sickness too. She couldn't even ride in a car, so she stayed home during her pregnancies."

His words eased some of Emma's embarrassment. She started to see why so many women were drawn to him; being around him felt so comforting. It was only his status or looks that might make someone nervous. Emma, still feeling queasy, stayed quiet. Dustin gently patted her back. "Feeling any better?" he asked.

With her father long gone and the father of her unborn child absent too, Emma sighed deeply. "When's your due date?" Dustin inquired.

"Three months from now," she replied.

Emma's bulky down jacket hid her belly well, so Dustin couldn't gauge how far along she was. He advised, "You should stay home for the next few months. Your mom might not be up to speed on taking care of a pregnant woman. You've got some money now; maybe hire a nanny?"

Emma had thought about it but worried about Peyton's reaction. Her mom felt her only purpose now was caring for her daughter, and a nanny might make her question her role. Aging comes with the fear of becoming redundant. "I'm thinking about it," Emma said.

After sitting quietly for half an hour, Emma started feeling better. She noticed Dustin had stayed with her the whole time and worried she might be keeping him from work.

"Mr. Lynch, you should head back. I can get a cab home," she suggested.

Seeing she was recovering, Dustin

went to dispose of the trash can, but Emma quickly took it from him, not wanting him to handle something so dirty. She hurried to the large bin, tossing it in. Dustin found her flustered state amusing.

Back in the car, Emma's phone rang. It was Peyton, asking where she was.

"Mom, I'll be home soon," Emma reassured her.

Peyton, worried about Emma's severe morning sickness, had been waiting outside. She watched as an expensive-looking car pulled up and Emma got out with a man. Peyton's eyes narrowed. In their small-town lingo, wasn't that the guy who got Emma pregnant? She was ready to storm over but paused when she saw Emma nodding politely to the man, who waved casually in return. She remembered seeing him once when she was bedridden. His striking appearance was unforgettable. She was certain it was him!

But Emma seemed so composed. Once inside, Peyton confronted her, "Emma, is that him? The jerk who got you pregnant?"

Emma worried her mom might actually confront Dustin. With her mom more confident now that they were financially stable, what if she did? Their peaceful life could be upended.

"No, mom, that's my boss. You were always in the back room back then and probably didn't see him. You don't know what he looks like."

Peyton noticed the unease in Emma's face and scoffed internally. She'd snuck out once when Emma went to gather herbs and saw that man sunbathing in the yard. She'd never forget that celestial beauty. She was absolutely sure it was him!