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Emmie and Ted got out of her car and faced one another.

“Thank you for coming back to the restaurant for me,” said Emmie. “Our time together has been precious to me.” She let out a long sigh. “Let me know how you want to handle next weekend. As promised, I’m saving it for you.”

Ted drew her to him, wrapped his arms around her, and rocked her. “I wish I didn’t have to leave. Give me time to think about how we can make things easier between us. The dealership in Newton makes it an easy meeting place. But neither of us wants to use that location for more than that. Agreed?”

“Yes.” She looked up at him, and he bent down to kiss her. The same electric feelings he brought out in her shot through her body. She leaned into him, loving the strength in his broad chest. He made her feel treasured.

Ted finally pulled away and grinned. “Guess I’d better leave while I can still make myself go.”

“I understand, even though I don’t want you to leave me.” She stepped back and allowed him to get into his truck.

“I’ll call you tonight after I get home.” He gave her a wave, and then he backed away and headed out.

Emmie stood there, feeling downcast. She heard a bark and turned to find Pickle trotting her way, with Kate not far behind.

She knelt to pat Pickle, stroking the dog as best she could while the Dachshund wiggled with excitement.

“I saw Ted leave,” said Kate. “How’s everything? Brad and I really like him. Brad is going to call him this week to set up a golf date. He wants to get to know Ted better.”

“What you see is what you get,” said Emmie. “He’s a really outstanding man. I have to admit that I’ve fallen hard for him. We’re trying to figure out how we can see each other. I’ve reserved all my weekends for him.”

“Did he like Ellenton?” asked Kate.

Emmie shrugged. “Yes and no. He’s certainly not ready to think about moving. That will come in time, and he might not ever want to live here. That’s something I have to think about.”

“I’ve said before that I would hate to lose you as a neighbor,” said Kate. “But I want you to be happy. And if that means moving away, it’s something I’ll have to deal with.”

Emmie clapped her hand to her heart. “I can’t think of that right now. We’ll know what to do when the time comes. Both Ted and I have agreed to let things fall into place. He’s close to his family, and I’m close to mine. That’s another issue that has to be resolved.”

“I haven’t seen you this glowing in years,” said Kate. “It might be time to accept those changes.” She wrapped an arm around Emmie’s shoulder. “Let’s take a walk through the neighborhood. That always helps to settle our thoughts.”

“Right,” said Emmie. “It’s things like this that make our friendship special. I never want to lose that.”

“Agreed,” Kate said, calling for Pickle to follow them.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The work week was an extra-busy one for Emmie. Or maybe it felt that way because the days seemed long and full of problems as she waited for Ted’s evening phone calls.

Midweek, Tanner called to ask her out to dinner, and she told him that going forward, she’d be busy most weekends while she and her friend from Christmas tried dating.

“Congratulations,” said Tanner. “I’m happy for you, Emmie. Let me know when you’re free for a friendly dinner. It’s always great to spend time with you.”

“Thanks,” said Emmie. “I hope when you’re ready for more than friendship, you’ll find someone you enjoy being with. You deserve the best.”

After the call ended, Emmie sat back in her chair, feeling as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. She wanted to remain friends with Tanner, but she’d just made an even stronger commitment to work things out with Ted.

When Ted called to say he was coming to Ellenton this weekend to see her and to play golf with Brad, Emmie was relieved that Ted seemed as determined as she was to make it work. Though she checked in with her daughters, she didn’t tell them about Ted’s visit. She needed more time with him before doing that.

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After work on Friday, Emmie stopped at her favorite food market to pick up some steaks to grill and fresh lettuce for a salad. She’d noticed that Ted enjoyed red wine and selected a few bottles she thought he’d enjoy with dinner.

At home upstairs, she made sure there was space in the large master closet for some of Ted’s things should he need it. All of Earl’s clothing had been removed to be given to charity, allowing room for hanging items and a shelf or two for other uses.

She made sure that the master suite and master bath were spotless. Hesitating, she studied the framed photo of her and Earl sitting on the dresser. Then she kissed it and gingerly placed it in a drawer.

Downstairs, she washed the lettuce and set the dinner table. Ted thought he’d arrive sometime around six.