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Later, when she heard his truck in the driveway, Emmie ran to the front door to watch him climb out and lift an overnight suitcase. Through the truck’s windows, she could see golf clubs lying in the backseat.

She went outside to greet him. “Hello. Welcome.”

Ted grinned and hurried over to her. “It’s great to be here. The drive didn’t take as long as I thought, even for a Friday night.” He set down his bag and took her into his arms. “I’ve waited all week to do this.”

“Me, too,” she admitted. “Come inside. I’ve got a fire going and a bottle of pinot noir. I’m hoping you’ll grill a couple of steaks.”

“That sounds great,” said Ted. He picked up his suitcase and followed her inside.

“Do you want me upstairs?” he asked.

“Yes. I’ve cleared space for you in the master bedroom suite. You should find everything you need right there. I saved your toothbrush from last time.”

Ted left to go upstairs and quickly returned. “Did I hear you say steak?”

“Yes. I have a gas grill out on the deck. Do you want to see the setup there?”

Ted followed her out to the expansive wooden deck where a small outdoor kitchen had been installed. “This looks easy. No problem. When you’re ready, I’ll heat the grill.”

They sat by the fire with glasses of wine and discussed one another’s work week.

“This is one of the things I’ve missed most of all,” said Ted. “Being able to relax and talk about my work with someone who’s genuinely interested.”

“And I like bouncing my ideas off you,” Emmie said. “You have a lot of common sense. Even without all the confidential details I’m unable to reveal, you can still give me some insight into cases being handled.”

Later, while Ted grilled the steaks, Emmie set the table and made a salad. When they sat down at the table together, it felt right.

They smiled at each other before they dug into their food.

When they were finished, both cleared the table, and while Emmie put the dishes in the dishwasher, Ted called Brad to reconfirm tomorrow's golf times.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” asked Emmie. “I’m not fussy about choices.”

“Sure, as long as it isn’t a chick flick,” said Ted. “I prefer mysteries or suspense.”

Emmie put on what Earl used to call a “bang, bang, shoot’em up” movie, and they settled down to watch it.

It didn’t take long for Ted to fall asleep.

Emmie realized how much effort Ted had taken to make the trip to Ellenton after what he’d told her was a very busy, somewhat stressful week.

She shook him. “Ted. Wake up. Let’s go to bed.”

He blinked sleepily. “That’s the best suggestion I’ve had all week.”

She helped him up from the couch, and they headed upstairs.

In the master bath, Ted had already put out some of his things. It didn’t take long for him to brush his teeth and get ready for bed.

Emmie left him there and went downstairs to close up the house for the night. As she stood in the kitchen, staring out at the night sky, she said a silent thank you to Earl for giving her the chance to meet the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

Upstairs, she climbed into bed beside Ted and snuggled against him. Though he was half asleep, he wrapped an arm around her and drew her closer. “M-m-m, you feel good. Sorry, I’m tired.”

“Just rest,” said Emmie. He couldn’t know how much she loved having him beside her, knowing that if she needed him to help her, he’d be there for her. He’d already done a lot to show how much he cared.

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The next morning, Emmie woke to find an empty space beside her. Curious, she got up and went downstairs, following an alluring trail of aromas from the kitchen.