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“Hi, Rita,” said Gemma, getting out of the car. “Come meet my mother, Emmie Withers. Mom, this is Rita Carrozza.”

Emmie shook hands with Rita. “Thank you for allowing Gemma and me to measure and make notes of the interior.”

“I’m glad to do it,” said Rita. “I’m especially happy that this house is going to such an adorable couple. The owners are grateful that Gemma and Tony like what they’ve done to it over the years. Let me open up for you, and then I’ll leave you to your work. Just lock up when you’re done.”

“Will do,” said Gemma.

The moment Emmie stepped inside, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Some people thought houses had souls. She knew instinctively that the people who’d lived here were happy together. She hoped that Gemma and Tony would be as content as they must have been.

As they went through the downstairs room, Emmie and Gemma talked about paint colors. Because the rooms were fairly small and opened up to one another, they decided on a creamy white color for the first floor. Upstairs, a different color was chosen for each individual bedroom. A light gray for the master suite, a yellow for one room which would be turned into a guest room, and a soft green for what would become an office, or later, a nursery.

“Tony’s family is going to pitch in and help us paint the rooms,” said Gemma. “I hope you’ll join us. It should be fun and will end in a party with lots of delicious food and wine.”

“I wouldn’t miss it, “ Emmie said. “This house reminds me of the apartment that Dad and I shared before we could afford to move into our house.” Emmie pulled Gemma into a hug. “I’m delighted for you. You and Tony are off to a lovely start.”

“Thanks, Mom. Tony and I are having fun, just the two of us, when we can have some time to ourselves. I’m delighted for Lauren and Rick, and I think Clark is adorable, but I don’t want children for a while. ”

“You’ll know when it feels right,” said Emmie. “This is a time for your friendship and love with Tony to grow.”

Gemma studied her mother. “What’s the story between you and Ted. Is the man I spoke to the same Ted who was in Florida with you? Did I say something I shouldn’t have?”

Emmie sighed. “The man who asked you about me was, I’m sure, Ted McAllister. He and I did a few things together at The Beach House Hotel, and I really liked him. I know it’s foolish to think anything will ever come from that friendship because we have two different kinds of lives in distant communities.”

“Maybe you like him more than you’re letting on,” said Gemma. “If he ever returns to the restaurant, I’ll take the time to speak to him. How’s your dating with the lawyer going? You said you just wanted to be friends. But maybe there’ll be more to your relationship than that.”

Emmie shook her head. “I don’t know about that. Right now, neither one of us wants more than friendship.”

“You know you could move to Newton and be with me and all the activity here,” said Gemma.

“I love my house and living next door to Kate. I don’t think I’d be comfortable leaving Ellenton. But it’s thoughtful of you to ask. Let’s take some measurements for furniture and double-check the kitchen and laundry room to see if anything is needed there.”

An hour later, Emmie and Gemma left, carefully locking the door behind them.

“Even though it’s a safe neighborhood,” said Gemma. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to this house. It’ll soon be ours.”

“Three weeks to go?” said Emmie.

“Yes, and then a week of painting before we can move in.” Gemma clasped her hands. “Tony and I need to buy a new couch and a few other big things. Tony’s family is having a housewarming party for us after we get things in place.”

“Why don’t we choose a couch together?” said Emmie. “That can be my housewarming gift to you.”

Gemma’s face lit with delight. “Oh, Mom, that would be fantastic. Send me photos of what you like, and I can show them to Tony and get back to you.”

“Okay, that’s what we’ll do. If we order something now, it might be ready when you take possession of your house.”

Gemma checked her watch. “I’ve got to get back to the restaurant. Do you want to come with me or go back to the apartment for a break before dinner this evening?”

“If you don’t mind, I’ll take that break and come to the restaurant later. I’ll make notes on what we’ve discussed and agreed upon today. You can order the paint and start a list of things to buy for the house.”

“Fantastic!” said Gemma. “I’ll drop you off and then you can join us later.”

“Deal,” Emmie said. Being with Gemma and Tony’s family was sometimes exhausting.

###

At Gemma’s apartment, Emmie plopped down on the couch. She’d been careful to hold in her emotions while she was with her daughter. But now, thinking of how disappointed she’d been by missing Ted, she realized she needed to reassess her feelings about her future.

She and Tanner had agreed to be just friends, taking an easy route with the relationship. No strings, just meeting for dinner or the movies. Was she doing that with him because she was afraid of something more serious or because she knew she didn’t want to be with Tanner long term?