Margaret wiped at her tears threatening to fall as she turned to Emma.
"Emma," she whispered, her voice hoarse, "I need to say this."
Emma blinked, startled. "Margaret—"
"It would have been you in there," Margaret continued, her voice cracking. "If Jake hadn't done what he did... if he hadn't stepped in front of that bullet, you'd be the one fighting for your life right now."
Emma's throat tightened, her heart pounding as she gripped Margaret's hands, feeling the tremble in them.
Though Margaret was trying to be strong, Emma knew she was not feeling the least bit strong.
