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Much later, Emmie slept.

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The next morning, Emmie awoke disoriented. She gazed around at the glamorous room and realized where she was. She’d barely gotten her bearings when her cell rang. Gemma.

“Merry Christmas, darling! You’re up early,” said Emmie.

“Merry Christmas, Mom. I wanted to wish you a happy holiday before I got involved with Tony’s family. Are you having fun?”

“Thank you. I’m having a fabulous time. As I told you I’d do earlier, I’ve helped out at the hotel by playing Mrs. Claus, and last night, I helped the staff deliver gifts secretly to rooms.”

“Wow! They really are making you work,” said Gemma.

“The two women who own the hotel could sense that I needed something to do. I was thrilled when they offered these small tasks to me.”

“Have you met any interesting people?” Gemma asked. “I read that a lot of famous people go there.”

“I’ve seen a couple of well-known people, but guests are asked not to talk about them,” said Emmie. “Have fun with Tony’s family. Please wish them a Merry Christmas for me.”

“Will do,” said Gemma. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you back,” Emmie said and ended the call. She didn’t want any homesickness to set in.

She’d just taken a cup of coffee out to the balcony overlooking the pool deck and the beach beyond when Lauren called. She went through the same routine with Lauren as she had with Gemma, assuring her that she was fine and wishing Rick’s family a Merry Christmas from her, then ending the call.

Alone once more, Emmie decided to get dressed and take a walk on the beach. Maybe today she’d be able to find some pretty shells. Many were broken, but if she looked carefully, she might find some whole ones.

Dressed warmly, Emmie headed out.

As she walked through the pool area to get to the beach, she saw Ted stretched out on a lounge chair, still dripping wet from a swim. She hesitated and then walked over to him.

“Merry Christmas, Ted.” She couldn’t help noticing how trim his body was.

He opened his eyes and sat up. “Merry Christmas to you. What are you up to?”

“I’m going to look for shells,” she said.

He stood. “Can I walk back with you? I had to take a break from the kids, and came here for a swim.”

“I understand. I find myself sad to be myself and then relieved that I don’t have to cater to anyone today. I’ve really needed this break.”

He smiled at her. “Want to meet me for lunch? You don’t have to even try to be pleasant.”

She laughed. “Don’t you want to be with your family?”

“Of course,” he said. “But with all of us in the house together, we give one another some time off. It keeps everyone easy to get along with.” He wrapped a terry robe around himself. “Let’s go. I’m helping the boys with a Lego project.”

They stepped onto the sand together.

Facing the water, their sighs of appreciation matched.

“Where do you want to go for lunch?” Emmie said. She didn’t want him to forget the suggestion.

He turned to her. “In a resort town like this, I’m sure most of the restaurants downtown will be open for at least part of the day. We could walk to town. It’s just a couple of blocks. There’s a bar on Main Street, where my wife and I used to get fish sandwiches. I’ll check to see if they’re open.”

“If they’re not, we could use my suite and order room service,” said Emmie. “Either way is fine with me.”

“Hold on. I’ll call right now.” Ted took out his cell and punched in some numbers. After talking to someone at the other end, he grinned. “That’s right, two for lunch at … twelve thirty.” He looked at Emmie for approval.