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Clark stirred and cried out.

Emmie went to his bed and lifted him out. Before she handed the baby to Lauren, Emmie cuddled Clark close to her. It felt amazing to hold a baby again.

Rick came over to them and took the baby from Emmie. “I’ll take him.” He walked over to Lauren and handed her the baby.

Emmie watched the three of them together and realized it didn’t matter where they lived in these early days of being a family, as long as they were together.

She pulled out her phone to capture the moment.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The next day, Emmie said goodbye to Lauren and Rick at the hospital. Rick’s parents were flying in for a quick visit to see the baby before Lauren and he left for Emmie’s. She figured it would be at least two days, possibly three, before Lauren and her family came to stay with her.

She was grateful to have the opportunity to be settled at home before they came. She needed to buy baby supplies, make some casseroles for dinners, and prepare to go back to work. The switch from warm tropical weather to December in Ellenton was jarring.

The Uber drive was more pleasant than she’d anticipated. The driver, a grad student at NYU, was a very kind young man who let her relax without much chatter. And when he helped her get all her luggage into the house, he was well worth the tip she gave him.

She’d just started unpacking when Kate called her. “Welcome home! I saw a car drop you off. I could’ve picked you up.”

“Thanks, but after seeing the traffic, believe me, I did you a favor by taking an Uber instead.”

“I know you’re busy, but I hope to have a chance to catch up,” said Kate. “Are you free to have tea with me this afternoon? I’m volunteering today, but I should be home by four or so.”

“That sounds great,” Emmie said. That would give her time to get groceries and buy some of the baby items she needed. “See you later.”

###

That afternoon, Emmie sat in Kate’s kitchen sipping tea and going through the photos she’d taken of the baby and the trip.

“Is that Ted? He looks like a nice man,” Kate said, studying a photo Emmie had taken of him without his knowledge. He was standing on the beach staring out at the Gulf.

“He’s very much a gentleman. He sent me a message saying he was sorry it didn’t work out for us. I haven’t texted him back and won’t because it’s probably for the best.” Emmie sighed. “It might be better that way, though it was wonderful being with him. I’m sorry it ended how it did.”

“I’m glad you had that time with him. You said you were ready to date now, and I’m going to hold you to it,” said Kate. “It seems right that the trip Earl gave you made you feel as if you could make some positive changes.”

“But I’ve decided the girls still need me,” said Emmie.

“They probably do, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up finding company of your own,” Kate said. “I’m here for you.”

Emmie chuckled. “Okay, okay. One step at a time. I have my darling grandson visiting in a day or two, and I want to be ready.”

“He’s adorable. Clark is the perfect name for him,” said Kate. She clasped her hands. “I hope Hank and Janelle will get pregnant soon. You’ll be able to show me all the new equipment available for babies. Moms, too.”

“It’s really eye-opening to see all the improvements. Organic lotions, clothing, and bedding are much better for both mom and baby,” said Emmie.

“I can hardly wait,” said Kate, rising and getting a plate of cookies.

They continued chatting, and when they were through, Emmie felt as if she was really home.

###

In the baby’s room the next morning, Emmie checked to make sure she had the proper lotions, diapers, and little shirts on the list for Clark.

She heard a car enter her driveway and went to the front door.

Gemma and Tony got out and waved to her before making their way inside.

“Hi, Mom! We’re making a quick stop on our way into the City,” said Gemma. “We’re going to see Lauren, Rick, and baby Clark in the hospital and then go to our hotel for our New Year's stay.”