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“Yes, we can’t wait to show you a wonderful holiday. We understand you’ll be alone in the Presidential Suite,” said Ann.

“That’s right. My daughters were unable to join me, but I plan to enjoy myself,” said Emily. “By the way, you can call me Emmie. Everyone does.”

“Great,” said Rhonda. “I think you’ll find your stay here very pleasant. Our hotel has a way of making people happy, even finding roman…”

Ann gave her a signal, and Rhonda stopped talking.

“Come inside with us,” said Ann, smiling, “and we’ll see that you’re checked in and comfortable.”

Emmie followed them up the front stairs and stepped inside.

A huge Christmas tree stood in the entry, glittering with glass bulbs of every color. She stopped and stared at it, remembering the time she’d first seen Chihuly's glass at the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas. It felt that magical.

She gazed at the lobby. It was as attractive as the exterior. Oriental rugs, comfortable couches, and chairs were displayed in a welcoming way. People were sitting and talking while others were standing by the sliding glass doors, looking out to what seemed to be a large pool area. Emmie could hardly wait to see it up close.

Ann and Rhonda took her to the registration desk, where she checked in.

Minutes later, she said goodbye to Ann and Rhonda and followed a bellman to her suite.

Stepping between the two wooden doors, she stood inside a tiled marble entrance, where a large table in the middle of the wide space held a large holiday floral arrangement in a stunning glass vase.

She glanced at the living room. Seeing the small, decorated Christmas tree in a corner, she fought tears. It was such a thoughtful thing for the owners to do for her.

Emmie followed the bellman past the living room and the kitchen to the Master Bedroom at the end of the hallway.

He quickly placed the heavier suitcase on a stand and set the other one on the floor next to it. Then he led her to the kitchen.

“We have some basics in the refrigerator for you, but you’re welcome to call Housekeeping or Food Service for anything you might need at any time. You’ll find information about activities in the hotel and in the town on the counter. A list of restaurants, along with some brochures and menus, is also available for you. But, of course, no one can equal the food we serve right here at the hotel with Jean-Luc, our chef.”

Emmie liked the sense of pride in the bellman’s voice. “Thank you. I think I have all I need for now.”

He left, and Emmie took time to check out the living room. A large blue Oriental rug covered most of the floor, and, to her delight, she discovered a balcony off the room. She opened the door and stepped outside, inhaling the salty Gulf air, loving the sun on her bare arms. The garden below was gorgeous, and she realized it was an ideal place for a wedding.

On the way back to her bedroom, she looked into the guest room with its own luxurious bathroom and was sorry that neither daughter was there.

In her bedroom, she went over to the sliding glass door to the balcony and gazed down at the pool area and beyond it out to the beach. Unable to resist, she stripped out of her clothes and into her swimsuit. She did her best to rub tanning lotion all over, then grabbed a beach towel, a bottle of tanning lotion, and a sun hat, and headed down to the pool.

The pool area was larger than she’d thought. In addition to a swimming pool, there was a kiddie pool, a wide veranda, and a bar at one end. She found an empty lounge chair at the far end of the pool and spread her towel on it.

She’d just sat down when she heard a child’s voice cry, “Papa! Papa! Look at me!” A darling little girl was standing at the edge of the kiddie pool staring at the man in the chair beside her.

“Go ahead, Harper! I’m watching,” said the man, sitting up to see the girl jump in the shallow water. He clapped. “Excellent! Papa is proud of you.”

Beaming, the girl climbed out of the pool and jumped in again.

“She’s adorable,” Emmie said, smiling at the gray-haired man next to her. “I remember when my daughters were that age. It’s such a special time.”

He took off his sunglasses and held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Ted McAllister. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” His bright blue eyes twinkled with ease as they shook hands.

“Thanks. I’m Emily Withers,” said Emmie, blinking in the brightness of his eyes and his handsome smiling face seen through her sunglasses.

“Hey, Dad,” said a tall, young man who looked like his father. “Diana’s not feeling well in the hot sun. Will you watch Harper for me while I walk Diana back to the house?”

“Sure, son. This is Emily Withers. Emily, my son, Chase.”

“Hello,” said Emmie. “I was watching your little girl jump into the pool. She reminded me of my own girls at that age. She’s so cute.”

“Thanks, she’s going to have a little brother in a few months.” He gave them a wave and left.