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“Fine. I’ve been asked to help with a couple of hotel projects. At ten, I’ll be in the kitchen area, helping kids decorate Christmas cookies. Then at four, I’ll be Mrs. Claus for the kids’ Christmas party. It should be fun. I may even help deliver gifts to guest rooms tonight if I’m not too tired.”

“Really? That sounds like fun, but aren’t you there as a guest?” said Gemma.

“They’re asking as a favor, I believe, to keep another person busy and me. His spouse is deceased, like mine.”

“That’s considerate of them,” said Gemma. “It sounds as if it’s going to be an interesting day. I’ve got to go. I just wanted to be sure everything is okay with you.”

“Thanks, Gem, have fun with the family, and don’t work too hard at the restaurant.”

Gemma laughed. “The restaurant is already overbooked.”

The call ended, and Emmie raced to answer the door and usher the Room Service staff inside.

She’d just sat down at the kitchen table with her breakfast when her phone rang. Lauren.

Emmie repeated what she’d told Gemma, leaving Lauren equally impressed. Then she asked, “How are things going with Rick’s family?”

“Okay, though it’s hard to have extra people in our apartment. We’re definitely going to be looking for a house after the holidays. Leaving my job for a few months will give us a chance to find something convenient and within our price range, if that’s possible. We’re going to try.”

“I think it’ll be nice for the baby to be outside the city. Have you whittled down your list of names for him yet?”

“No. Rick’s parents are hoping we choose a Harrison family name, but we’re not sure we want to. We’ll know when we see him.”

“It’s going to be exciting to finally be able to hold him in my arms,” said Emmie. “Enjoy the holidays with Rick’s family, but don’t overdo it.”

“I promise,” said Lauren, with a lilt in her voice.

Emmie ended the call. She’d have to hurry to take a shower and get ready for the cookie capers, as she thought of it.

CHAPTER SEVEN

When Emmie arrived at the kitchen early, Rhonda greeted her and introduced her to a gray-haired woman wearing a long white apron with the hotel logo.

Rhonda put an arm around the woman. “Meet Consuela. She’s the heart of the morning kitchen, and the woman Annie and I consider our mother. She’s been with me since before the hotel opened and has remained an integral part of all that we do."

Emmie shook hands with her. “Consuela? I believe your grandson drove me here from the airport. He told me I must have one of your famous cinnamon rolls. I just tried one, and I have to tell you, they’re fabulous.”

“She’s famous for them,” said Rhonda, making Consuela chuckle.

Ann appeared. “Hi, Emmie, and everyone. Thank you for helping. It looks like we’ll have fourteen kids. I’ve assembled them in the kitchen break room. Ted is already there.”

“All right. C’mon, Emmie, let’s get the last of the cookies out to them,” said Rhonda, picking up a tray of cookies. “The icing and other decorations are already there.”

Emmie followed her to the kitchen breakroom, where a long table was covered with plastic. The floor beneath it and the surrounding area were also covered with plastic sheets.

The older children wore clothes, but the younger ones wore bathing suits. Thinking of what the hotel had recommended wearing for the event, Emmie grinned. It was a smart move. She was pretty sure from the excited expressions on the kids’ faces that there would be icing everywhere.

Ted waved her over. “I believe you know Harper. These are my grandsons, Cole, and his older brother, Mack. Please say hello to Ms. Withers.”

Both boys looked her in the eye and said, “Hi.”

Emmie noted how well-mannered they were. “It’s my pleasure to meet you. I take it you don’t love Christmas cookies. Just the icing. Right?”

Both boys laughed, and Emmie and Ted joined in.

“Okay, everyone. Have fun. Consuela is in charge,” said Ann, and faced Emmie and Ted. “We’ll see you at the Christmas party this afternoon.”

A small kids’ party for guests was held at four o’clock with a visit from Santa Claus. As part of the family Christmas package, parents could suggest small gifts for their children. For those who wanted to do so, gifts sent in advance by family members could be delivered to the room at night.