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“Have fun with Kate. Say hi for me.” Lauren returned to rocking Clark.

Emmie took that opportunity to pick up the plate of cookies she’d fixed and dash across the yard to Kate’s house.

“Welcome to some peace and quiet,” said Kate. “Brad has fallen asleep in front of the television, and we have the kitchen to ourselves. Coffee, tea, or something else?”

“Thanks. I’d like a cup of tea.”

“That’s easy,” said Kate. “It’ll only take a minute.”

She fixed tea for both of them, placed two teaspoons and a small pitcher of milk on the table, and sat down. “Okay, tell me, how is that adorable baby doing?”

“Clark seems to be thriving. He’s nursing well, and though he’s awake a lot at night, he sleeps well during the day. Rick is very helpful, but with Lauren feeding the baby, there’s not much he can do.”

“And Lauren?” asked Kate. “How is she holding up?”

“Lauren had her first tears today. It seems overwhelming to her, but she and I have agreed to talk when she feels she needs help. Lauren’s actually doing well for all she’s been through with the C-section and how unexpected this early birth was. In fact, she’s taking a shower now, washing her hair, and putting on some new, comfortable clothes.”

“It’s important for young mothers to give themselves some time for ordinary routines,” said Kate. “It isn’t easy to find those moments, I know, but I remember how important they were to me.”

“I agree. It’s another reason I’m glad that Lauren and Rick decided to bring Clark to Ellenton,” Emmie said. “They’re hiring a nurse to come in for a few hours during the day. Rick and I will do night duty.”

“You go back to work tomorrow, right?” said Kate. “Please let Lauren know I might be able to help during the day if I’m around.”

“Thanks, I will. Your text last night said you wanted to show me something. What is it?”

“The new lawyer I told you about was there at the firm’s annual New Year Eve’s party,” said Kate. “I snapped a photo of him with Brad. I really like him and think you and he would enjoy meeting one another.” Kate held up a hand to stop Emmie’s protest. “I’m telling you about him now because I want to give you time to get used to the idea of dating again.”

“All right,” said Emmie, accepting Kate’s phone from her and studying the man standing next to Brad in the photo. “He looks like a nice guy. What’s his story?”

Kate grinned. “His name is Tanner Stone. He’s our age, early fifties, has been divorced for 10 years after his wife ran off with the tennis pro, and has a 14-year-old son who lives with him most of the time. There’s something about him that reminds me of Earl. He’s kind, considerate, and hot in a kind of shy way. That’s why I’m excited about you meeting him.”

“Hmmm, he does sound interesting,” said Emmie. “After Lauren, Rick, and the baby have returned to New York City, I’ll agree to meet him.”

“Maybe I can invite him to my house. That won’t seem awkward,” said Kate.

Emmie sighed. Kate was right. Though her hands had grown cold with a jolt of nerves, she was ready to explore dating. Ted had proved to her how lonely she’d been.

###

Everyone cheered when she walked into the office the next day.

“We’ve missed you, “ said Nan Gingrich, her assistant. “I’ve tried to keep up on all the work, but it was difficult with new projects coming in. And the partners wanted everything done before the new year.”

Simon Pierce, the partner in charge, emerged from his office. “Emmie, we’re glad you’re back. There’s a lot going on. Come into my office. I’ll brief you on the agenda.”

“Let me get my things put away, and I’ll be right there,” Emmie said.

While she hung up her coat and put away her purse, several women on the office staff surrounded her desk.

One question after another was thrown at her. “How was the vacation? Did you have a fabulous time? I heard about Lauren’s baby. How is she?”

Laughing, Emmie said, “I’ll give you an update on my lunch hour. Thanks, everyone. I’m glad to be back.”

After discussing the upcoming projects and those that needed to be finished with Simon, Emmie’s head was spinning. She’d forgotten the pressure she endured at the office, seeing that everyone was on task and had the support they needed.

She took her lunch into the employees’ area and sat to catch her breath before heating leftovers in the microwave.

Several staff members sat around the table, curious to know about her vacation. Emmie answered most of them, avoiding any information about Ted except to mention that he played Santa opposite her Mrs. Claus. In telling about her time at The Beach House Hotel, she realized once more how important the trip had been to her.