Page 13

Ted stood. “I’d better go sit at the kiddie pool. Great to meet you, Emily. I hope you and your family have a pleasant stay here.”

“I’m alone, but thanks,” she said. “Enjoy your time with your family.”

He bobbed his head and walked away.

Emmie lay back on the chair, intent on getting some afternoon sun. She couldn’t help hearing little Harper and Ted’s continued exchange of words. She thought to herself that Ted was the kind of grandfather that Earl would’ve been, given the chance.

She was half dozing when she felt someone standing by and opened her eyes to find Ted gazing at her as he wrapped a towel around his shoulders. She quickly sat up.

“Sorry if I disturbed you. See you around the hotel,” he said, giving her a wave.

Realizing she’d been in the sun long enough for her first outing, she gathered her things together and headed for her room. It had been a lovely way to start her stay.

CHAPTER SIX

In her room, after a long, soothing shower, Emmie read through the material the hotel provided, detailing holiday events. Seeing cookie-making, Santa’s visit, and other events, she thought it was a great family time. Once again, she felt a swift stab of regret that her daughters weren’t with her.

Emmie quickly pushed those feelings aside. She was there to enjoy herself, and, by all that was holy, she was going to do it. She’d already made an early dinner reservation and now decided she’d go to the lobby bar for a drink beforehand.

She pulled out the dark-green silk pants Lauren had surprised her with and pulled them on. The dressy red sweater was the right background for the sparkly holiday pin Gemma had given her one year for Christmas. She stepped into her black ballet flats and was ready to make her appearance.

Downstairs, at the entrance to the bar, she paused.

Ted saw her and waved her over. “It’s crowded, you’re welcome to sit here. I’m meeting my family a little bit later. What would you like?”

“A glass of red wine, please,” said Emmie. “Thanks for being so kind.”

“No problem,” Ted said, signaling a waitress over to the table. “We’ll have two glasses of the Oregon pinot noir, please. And some peanuts.”

“Of course,” said the waitress, wearing a pretty holiday scarf with her white blouse and black skirt.

Emmie noticed that all the waitresses wore similar scarves, adding a festive flair to their uniforms.

“Tell me about yourself, Emily,” said Ted. “You said you’re alone for the holidays.”

“My friends call me Emmie. I’m here alone, but I have two daughters and their families back in upstate New York waiting for me. My husband died two years ago. As a surprise, before his death, he arranged for me to stay here at the hotel for this holiday. I’m sure he was thinking the girls would join me, but life got in the way. So, I’m enjoying myself in the Presidential Suite.”

Ted’s eyebrows raised. “I hear the suite is something else. I usually come to The Beach House Hotel for Christmas. I didn’t come last season because my wife died early in the year, and I still wasn’t ready. This time, my kids insisted I join them in the larger home on the property.”

Their wine came.

Ted lifted his glass and smiled at Emmie. “Here’s to a merry Christmas to all.”

Emmie clinked her glass against his, and they each took a sip.

“Delicious,” said Emmie. “Thank you.”

They both looked up as Ann and Rhonda approached them.

“Ted, you’re just the person we’re looking for. Our regular Santa Claus is sick. Can you help us with our afternoon party for the kids tomorrow?” asked Ann.

“Did you know that Ted owns several car dealerships around Syracuse, New York?” Rhonda said to Emmie. “He’s on television a lot. That’s why we knew he could do the job.”

“Yes, you’ll be amazing,” said Ann.

Rhonda put her hands on her hips and glanced from him to Emmie. “You know, we haven’t had a Mrs. Claus for a while. How about you helping him? Our costume would fit you well.”

Ann looked startled, but she said, “Rhonda’s right. We know the two of you are alone …”