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She silently agreed.

“Okay, we’ll see you then,” said Ted, and ended the call. “Thanks. Marylee liked it. I think you will, too.”

“How are you doing on your own this holiday?” asked Emmie.

He gazed into her eyes, and she saw resolution. “I’m better this year. In fact, being with you has helped me. I can’t go back to what was, so I might as well keep going forward.”

“In case you forget, your daughter told me she wasn’t ready for anyone to take her mother’s place,” said Emmie.

Ted frowned. “Last night, I had a talk with her, and we agreed that if I met anyone, it wouldn’t be to replace Marylee but would be someone new to make me happy again.”

“Maybe she didn’t realize I’m not looking for a man,” said Emmie. “I’m simply here to honor my late husband and his generous gift to me.”

“I get it. You should just enjoy yourself,” said Ted. “But as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, we’re allowed to have some fun. Right?”

Emmie laughed and nodded. She really liked his sense of humor.

They approached the houses.

“See you later. I’ll pick you up at noon to walk into town for lunch.” He gave her a wave and jogged away.

Gazing at the ebb and flow of the water, Emmie was aware that her decision to meet him was a big step. She’d finally admitted to herself that she wanted someone in her life again. She just didn’t know who, among the men she knew back home, it could be. She had no interest in moving or leaving her job.

CHAPTER TEN

Promptly at noon, Emmie heard a knock on her door and went to answer it.

Ted stood there, looking handsome in a red golf shirt and dark green slacks.

She smiled. “My, you look Christmasy.”

“You can thank my daughter for that,” said Ted, giving her a sheepish look. “You know how it is with fathers and daughters.”

“Indeed, I do,” Emmie said. “Let me get my purse, and I’ll be ready to go.” She grabbed it and slung it around her shoulder.

They left the hotel through the front entrance, and Emmie got another chance to admire the landscaping as they walked to the gate and onto the sidewalk leading to town.

“Are you hungry?” Ted asked.

“I am. I had a long walk on the beach and decided not to eat much for breakfast, knowing I’d be having lunch with you.”

His eyes crinkled with pleasure. “Do you know how charming you are?” He took hold of her hand. “Do you mind?”

“No, I like it,” she said, blushing. She’d already wondered what he’d look like lying in her bed. Not that she’d tell anyone. Not even Kate.

They walked in step, taking their time, gazing at some of the beautiful homes lined up along the beach and in the neighborhood.

On Main Street, some of the stores, not many, were closed. They reached a pink stucco-fronted building whose wooden door was propped open. Music and the sound of conversation flowed into the street.

“The Pink Flamingo has great food,” said Ted. “They’re saving a table for us. It’s busy already.”

They entered the bar and were met by a man wearing a dark green apron with a pink flamingo design. The name on it said Jim.

He held out his hand to Ted. “Ted McAllister. I saw on the reservations list that you were coming in.”

Ted turned to her. “This is Jim Talbot, owner of the bar. This is Emmie Withers, a friend of mine.”

Jim gave her a little bow. “Glad to meet you. Come on in and enjoy your meal.”