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“I understand,” said Ted. “My wife, Marylee, was very outgoing. It’s been lonely without her, just as it’s been difficult for Emmie.”

Sitting beside him, Emmie placed a hand on his, and they smiled at one another.

“Emmie told us that you own some dealerships,” said Brad.

“Yes, I own three,” said Ted. “Jeep, Lexus, and Ford. The Ford dealership is actually outside Newton, which is why I took a group of employees to lunch at Romero’s, a favorite restaurant for everyone. I realize now that it isn’t that far from Ellenton.”

“He was at Romero’s with the group yesterday. When I missed him, I sent him a text, and he drove all the way back to see me,” said Emmie. “I’m thankful he did.”

“It cleared up a lot of things,” Ted said.

“That’s very romantic.” Kate beamed at them, then rose. “Is everyone ready for breakfast?” She returned, carrying a hot casserole, and placed it in the center of the table, along with a plate of muffins.

The men waited until Kate and Emmie had served themselves and, between them, scooped up most of the rest of the casserole.

“It’s one of my favorite ‘Kate’ things to eat,” said Emmie. “Sausage and eggs casserole plus her homemade muffins. You’re such an excellent cook.”

“You are too, but you don’t have the chance to do much of it,” said Kate. “Are you hungry, Ted?

He patted his slightly rounded stomach. “I always have an appetite. That’s one reason Romero’s is a favorite.”

“Did you meet Gemma and Tony there?” Kate asked.

“Yes, I have. And now that I realize who Gemma is, I’m sure I’ll see more of her,” answered Ted.

“I’m curious to know more about your businesses,” said Brad. “I want your input on EVs.”

While the men talked business, Kate and Emmie quietly cleared the table and cleaned up the kitchen, a job they’d done together many times.

When they returned to the table, both men were chuckling over something Ted had said. Emmie was relieved that the guys seemed to like one another.

“What are you going to do for the rest of the day?” asked Kate.

“I thought I’d show Ted around the town to give him a sense of what it’s like living here,” said Emmie. They hadn’t reached the point in her relationship with Ted to discuss living arrangements. But she really hoped she wouldn’t have to leave her house.

“I have to leave for Skaneateles this afternoon,” Ted explained to Kate and Brad. “My son, Chase, is taking on more and more of my job, but I still have a lot of responsibility. My daughter, Cinda, and her husband, Ryan, are part of the business, too.”

“And you’re a grandfather,” said Kate.

Ted bobbed his head. “Cinda and Ryan have two boys, 6 and 8. Chase and his wife, Diana, have a three-year-old girl, Harper, and a baby boy on the way.”

“That’s heartwarming,” said Kate. “We’re thrilled that Lauren and Rick have baby Clark. Brad and I are hoping our oldest and his wife will start a family soon. They’re trying.”

“It’s a whole other thing, being a grandparent. I’m grateful that Marylee got to know the boys and Harper. But she never got the chance to spend enough time with them. Harper was just a baby, and the boy was still in elementary school.” He turned to Emmie. “Having your first grandchild is such a special thing.”

Brad looked at Kate and patted her hand. “Don’t worry. It’ll happen to us.”

Emmie got to her feet. “Thank you for having us for breakfast. Next time, I’ll do something at my house.” She checked her watch and turned to Ted. “We’d better begin the tour if you’re ready to get the full picture.”

The four of them walked to the front door.

“Thanks for everything,” said Ted. “I’ll let you know when I’m in town, Brad, and we can play golf, as you talked about.”

“Great,” said Brad, shaking Ted’s hand, then exchanging information on his phone with him.

Kate whispered in Emmie’s ear, “He’s delightful.”

Emmie glanced at Ted. They’d gotten off to a great start.