Page 50

Knowing that Ted had been close to her without giving her the opportunity to speak to him was devastating. The fact that he had asked about her meant something, didn’t it?

Moving quickly, before she could change her mind, she texted him: “I’m sorry I missed seeing you at Romero’s restaurant this afternoon. I was there with my daughter and her in-laws to celebrate her new home. I hope all is well.” Emmie hesitated, then signed it “Mrs. Claus.”

She waited for a reply.

When she still hadn’t received a response by the time she was ready to go back to the restaurant, she considered the move she’d made useless. It was obvious that Ted couldn’t care less.

Once more, determination filled Emmie to keep any upsetting feelings from Gemma. This was an important occasion for the family. The restaurant was offering a special buffet to celebrate the annual Newton restaurant award. The family table would be filled with people coming and going, sharing what moments they could with one another as the restaurant business continued.

The family table was a special feature that Tony’s grandparents had instituted. It was a place where family and special friends could perch for a while to rest or convey family messages. Emmie knew how important it was for her to show up there.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Tony’s mother, Nettie, was sitting at the family table when Emmie arrived at the restaurant. “Glad you could make it, Emmie.” She gave her a broad smile. “I understand you’re helping Gemma decorate her and Tony’s new house. That’s very nice of you. We’ve offered the kids some of my parents’ furniture, but they want to make the house their own.”

“That’s understandable, but I hope they include some of the family pieces,” said Emmie. “I like having items from the past in my house. Maybe they’ll change their minds about some of them. The house is very cute, and they’re fortunate to have it.”

“Yes, they are,” said Nettie. “The family was willing to help them because both Tony and Gemma are invaluable in helping to run the restaurant. It seems only fair to give them a hand up.”

“It’s great that everyone is excited about it,” said Emmie. She saw a commotion by the door, and then Gemma headed toward them.

Behind her was a man who brought Emmie to her feet.

“Ted? What are you doing here?” she asked, moving toward him.

He walked quickly to her side and wrapped his arms around her. “I got your text a couple of hours ago. I had to see you.”

“You drove all the way back here?” Tears stung her eyes. Shivers of happiness roiled through her.

Ted’s startling blue eyes settled on her. “I thought I’d hear from you when I sent you a text suggesting we might meet in the future. When I didn’t, I figured you didn’t want anything more to do with me. But tonight, when I noticed that you signed your text as Mrs. Claus, I knew I had to come to you.”

“Thank goodness I sent it that way,” said Emmie, still in a daze.

“Let’s get out of here,” said Ted softly. “There’s a lot I want to say to you.”

Emmie realized Gemma and Tony’s family was surrounding them and stepped away from him.

“It’s all right, everyone,” said Emmie. “In fact, it’s more than all right.”

“Go to my apartment,” said Gemma, flustered. “You’ll have privacy there.”

“Thanks,” said Emmie, and looked to Ted for his agreement.

At his approval, Emmie grabbed her purse and left the restaurant with him.

Outside, in the parking lot, Ted drew her to him and held her close. “I’ve thought about you every day, but I didn’t want to bother you if you were okay with the way things were. When I heard you were dating a lawyer, it sounded as if you were content at home.”

She gazed at him. “I was busy with work and having my daughter, son-in-law, and adorable grandson live with me for a while. The lawyer is simply a friend. He and I want nothing more than that. I would have reached out if I thought you wanted me to. When I didn’t hear anything more from you, I figured our friendship was, on my part, just a Christmas fantasy.”

Ted’s lips curved. His eyes sparkled. “You were the cutest Mrs. Claus I’ve ever seen. Let’s go talk.”

“Okay, follow me to my daughter’s apartment. It’s not far from here. Are you driving home tonight?”

“No. I usually stay at the Newton Inn. But I haven’t checked in yet.”

Emmie was quiet. “Let’s go.”

Ellenton was much closer to Newton than Ted’s home in the Syracuse area. If they decided to drive to her house after their talk, they could easily do so.