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When Emmie arrived at the large, gray clapboard Victorian home in Newton, New York, that Tony’s parents owned, she got out of the car and stood for a moment, gazing at it. The house had served the family and all six children well while they were growing up, and was still used for family events. The wide front porch held tricycles, scooters, and other play equipment for grandchildren of all ages. She supposed her porch could look like that one day if both her daughters had as many children as they once told her they wanted.

She headed up the front steps.

Before she could ring the bell, the door opened, and Gemma flew into her arms. “You’re here! I’m in charge of making the sauce for the spaghetti, and it’s a big deal. Tony’s grandmother will tell me if it’s right.”

“I’m sure it will be delicious,” said Emmie, returning Gemma’s hug.

Inside, adults sat on the couches and chairs that filled the living room. Babies were being held. The other children were playing in what had once been a parlor.

Nettie rose from the couch and walked over to her. “Welcome, Emmie. It’s nice of you to join us.”

“Ah, here’s our own Reese Witherspoon,” said Dom, giving her a hearty laugh before pulling her into a quick embrace. “Our Gemma is doing a fantastic job. Grannie doesn’t allow anyone to make her special sauce without her approval.”

Emmie couldn’t help smiling at Dom’s enthusiasm. He displayed the same upbeat attitude in his restaurant, overseeing everyone doing their job, one of the many reasons his restaurant was so successful. While the family helped out at the restaurant in more social ways, Dom had a sous-chef and kitchen help who loved working for him. Though he was known as a perfectionist, he handled the help in such a way that they strived to do better.

“You remember my mother.”

Dom led Emmie over to his mother, Bella, “Grannie” to the kids. She was sitting in a comfortable armchair, regal-like, as she surveyed the scene in front of her. She was a tiny woman but a force to be reckoned with.

“Indeed, I do.” Emmie took the older woman’s hand in her own. “How are you, Bella? This is another pleasant family occasion. I’m grateful to be invited.”

“It’s right that you’re here now that your daughter is in the family. I’m looking forward to having you with us for the holidays. Gemma is going to be a big part of our Christmas this year.”

Uncertain how she felt, Emmie struggled to find something to say.

Noting her uneasiness, Dom said, “Mom, it’s weeks off.”

“A first Christmas with the family is important, son.”

“How about a glass of wine?” asked Sophia, one of Tony’s older sisters, coming to her rescue. She looped her arm into Emmie’s and led her to the pantry. “Red or white?”

“Red, please,” said Emmie, inhaling the aroma of a red sauce, garlic, and lemon. Her stomach growled in anticipation.

Noticing, Sophia laughed. “Can you imagine what it’s like for me working at the restaurant with all those smells?”

They laughed together.

Tony approached them and gave Emmie a warm hug. “Sorry, I didn’t get a chance to say hello. I was helping my nephew with one of his toys.”

“That’s very thoughtful,” said Emmie. She really liked Tony. He was as charming as his entire family.

Soon, the meal was ready, and Nettie invited everyone to sit at the huge table that all but filled the dining room. A special kids’ table sat nearby, supervised by one of the older children. Not everyone in the family came every Sunday, but most did. It was a loud, boisterous affair with a lot of teasing and laughter. Emmie always had a fun time.

Later, after hugging goodbye to Gemma, Tony, and many others, Emmie left for the quiet of her own space.

On the way home, she thought of her childhood and how she’d wished for a sibling. It never happened. One of the early attractions to Earl was his two sisters, who quickly became friends throughout high school. They still kept in touch, though both of them left town after college and now lived far away.

Emmie pulled into her driveway and two-car garage, thinking how empty it looked with only one car. She heard her name being called and turned to find Brad walking toward her as she got out of her car.

“Hi, Emmie. Kate told me you found the reservation for a surprise stay at The Beach House Hotel. Earl was excited about doing that for you.”

Emmie stared at the tall, lanky man who’d always been more than a next-door neighbor. He’d been best friends with Earl and was their family lawyer.

“Thank you for helping him do that. I called the hotel yesterday and confirmed the arrangements. I haven’t talked to the girls yet. I’m hoping to surprise them with an offer to join me.”

“That’s what Earl hoped: a trip for you and the girls,” said Brad. “We didn’t think about them being married with lives of their own.”

“Even if I end up making the trip alone, I’m going to enjoy myself. I’ve read about the hotel and the owners' story, and I can’t wait to go. It’ll be a healthy change for me, even if it’s a solo vacation. Last Christmas was difficult.”