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“So, you’re super for the roles,” said Rhonda. “We’d pay you with a couple of free nights at a later date.”

“That sounds exciting,” said Emmie. “Is there anything else I can do? I didn’t think I’d be alone this Christmas.”

Ann looked thoughtful, and then a smile crossed her face. “Tomorrow morning, you can help the kids decorate Christmas cookies.”

“Oh, that would be fun,” said Emmie, thrilled to be part of the celebration.

“I guess I can help, too,” Ted said. “My three grandchildren will be part of it.”

“Great,” said Rhonda. “This hotel has a way of making romantic things happen. People tend to find…"

“Yes, indeed,” Ann said, cutting off Rhonda and taking hold of her arm. “Come to our kitchen tomorrow at ten o’clock. And if you’re interested, we can find other things for you to do to keep busy.”

“Thanks,” said Emmie. “I’d really like that.”

“Thank you,” said Ann. “We love having new people join our hotel family.”

Hearing their names being called, Ann and Rhonda excused themselves and left.

Emmie couldn’t stop smiling. “This is going to be much better than sitting in my suite. At home, for the first time, I didn’t even put up a Christmas tree.”

Ted studied her. “My kids have told me I need to get out and be more social, but after living with Marylee all those years, I don’t know.”

“I understand,” said Emmie. “Thanks for being a friend. It’s already made a big difference to my stay here at the hotel.”

Ted checked his watch. “I’m sorry, I have to go meet my family. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, I’ll be there. Have fun tonight,” said Emmie.

Emmie remained at the table, taking advantage of the time to study the other people in the bar. She, like every other guest at the hotel, had signed a confidentiality agreement at check-in. She didn’t stare at the famous singer and the gorgeous woman he was with. She moved her gaze to someone else.

Finally, it was time for her to go to the dining room for dinner.

When she signaled her waitress for a check, she came right over. “Mr. McAllister has taken care of it, including a tip.”

“Thank you for your service,” said Emmie. She rose and went to the dining room, where she was greeted by a hostess who led her to a lovely table in a corner. From here, she could people-watch other diners and not feel alone.

She noticed Ted and his family at a large table for the five adults and three children. She couldn’t help wondering about the man who’d shown her such attention. Kate would say he was swoon-worthy. He certainly was handsome. But he was more than that. He was kind, generous, and comfortable with himself. That was what made him attractive.

From across the room, he noticed her and waved.

###

The next morning, Emmie woke up early, excited for the day to begin. She put on a pair of capris and a warm top and slipped into sneakers for a walk on the beach. Though it was cool, the forecast called for temperatures in the high seventies.

It was quiet as she walked through the hotel at this early hour. She slipped out through the pool area and onto the beach.

Emmie stood on the sand and moved toward the edge of the water. Her breathing slowed and became in sync with the ebb and flow of the waves as they rolled onto the shore, hesitated for a quick kiss on the sand, and moved away again.

This, she thought, is what she’d been missing: moments to simply enjoy being alive. No worries, no guilt, just calming breaths of salty Gulf air.

“Hello,” said a woman.

Emmie turned to find Ann Sanders smiling at her.

“I love this time of day for walking on the beach,” said Ann. “Thank you again for helping us out. We’ve had some staff members come down with the flu, and we appreciate your stepping in to help.”

“Honestly, I’m thrilled to be part of the hotel’s Christmas. I’ll do anything you want. It’s making my stay here very special.”