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Their kisses grew more needy as desire built.

“Let’s go upstairs,” said Emmie. She stood, her heart pounding. Would she satisfy him? Would he think she was too old? It had been a long time since she’d made love.

Ted sensed her worry. He took hold of her hand and kissed it. “It will be all right,” he murmured.

Upstairs in her bedroom, Emmie let go of her concern and discovered that being with him was as fantastic as she’d hoped. Ted was a sender, a fully satisfying lover.

###

The next morning, Emmie lay in bed staring up at the ceiling. She turned to the man lying next to her. For as long as she and Earl had been married, she’d never dreamed of being with another man. Now, she couldn’t believe how excited she was to be with Ted. Somehow, they had to make their relationship work.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Emmie slipped out of the covers, put on a robe, and quietly left her bedroom, allowing Ted time to sleep in. She was too wired with excitement to stay in bed.

Downstairs, she made coffee and sat at the kitchen table, looking out at the birds feeding at the birdfeeder in the backyard. She loved early spring, watching the birds, seeing the buds on trees getting fatter and fatter until they opened in a burst of green.

Her phone, lying on the table beside her, chimed. “Hello, Kate. I’m glad you called. I didn’t want to intrude on your Sunday morning with Brad.”

“I left him in bed to talk to you. I noticed an unfamiliar truck in your driveway and wanted to check on you.”

“I’m fine. Wonderful, in fact. You won’t believe it, but it’s Ted McAllister’s truck.” She filled Kate in on what had happened. We picked up right where we left things in Florida, have done a lot of talking, and are moving forward together. We want to see where our relationship can take us. All those thoughts I had of what it might be like being with him can’t compare to the real thing.”

“Oh, Emmie, I’m overjoyed for you. I know how much you wanted to see him again. And it sounds as if the magic between you is still there.”

“It is,” said Emmie. “Even more so. We want our families on board with our decision, but honestly, we’ll do anything to stay together. It’s not often people our age get a second chance at love.”

“You deserve some happiness,” said Kate. “I couldn’t be more excited for you. When is Ted leaving? Will Brad and I have a chance to meet him? Why don’t you come over for coffee when you’re ready? I’ll bake my special breakfast casserole.”

“That sounds great. Why don’t I say ten o’clock? Will that be okay?”

“Perfect,” said Kate. “See you then.”

Emmie took another sip of hot coffee and then climbed the stairs to see if Ted was awake.

###

At 9:45, Emmie and Ted showered and dressed to go next door.

“Kate and Brad are not only my next-door neighbors, but they’re my best friends. Earl and Brad were close. Brad was the person who helped Earl with my Christmas trip to The Beach House Hotel.”

“Got it,” said Ted, kissing her on the cheek before heading out the door and across the lawn.

Kate’s eyes sparkled with interest when she opened the front door. “This must be Ted. I’m delighted to meet you. Come in.”

Brad entered the front hall.

Emmie made the introductions, and the men shook hands, while Kate and Emmie looked on.

“Let’s go into the kitchen, where the family usually gathers,” said Kate.

“Something smells delicious,” Ted said, taking hold of Emmie’s arm and following Kate and Brad into the kitchen.

Does everyone want coffee?” asked Brad, and then he poured coffee into cups and handed them out as the others took seats at the kitchen table.

“I can’t tell you how many cups of coffee I’ve shared with Kate at this table,” said Emmie. “Kate and Brad have two boys, the same ages as my girls, and many problems have been resolved right here.”

Kate chuckled. “Or at your house. It’s very special when you can have a close relationship with the people next door.”