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“After I use your bathroom, I’d love some hot tea,” she said.

They stepped inside a wide hallway on the main floor.

“Where should I go?” she asked.

He pointed to a closed door set into the hallway's pine-paneled walls. “There’s a powder room there.”

She freshened up and stepped into the hallway, where she could see a living room, sliding glass doors, and a view of the lake ahead of her.

In the living room, a large stone fireplace sat against an outside wall with a couple of chairs facing it. A large leather couch sat in the middle of the room, flanked by chairs facing the wall of sliding glass doors that overlooked the green lawn, wooden dock, and water of the lake.

The high ceiling sloped upward to the flat ceiling of the second floor, exposing a hallway guarded by a railing overlooking the first floor. Wooden arches formed structural support across the first-floor ceiling and added a pleasing touch to the elegant décor. The wooden floors and arches matched in color, offsetting the white walls and ceilings.

Emmie loved the look and realized that beyond the living space was a lovely, open dining area. She walked from the dining area into a gorgeous kitchen with white cupboards and every conceivable kitchen appliance, including a large refrigerator and oversized freezer built into the cabinetry. A casual eating bar stood in the middle of the room, serving as a convenient place to set things down.

On an outside wall, a sliding glass door led right into a large screened-in porch with views of the lake. A dining table and chairs sat at one end of the porch, while a comfortable seating area and couch sat at the other. The wooden ceiling carried out the indoor theme of simple lines, white walls, and plenty of beautiful wood.

Emmie clasped her hands and gazed around her, dazzled by all she saw.

Ted came up to her. “There’s a lot to see. The upstairs holds the master bedroom, a couple of other bedrooms, baths, and a laundry. I’ll take you up.”

“What’s over there?” she asked.

“In the two-story wing are four bedrooms, a small separate kitchen, and a living area. In the basement of that wing, there’s also a gym and a pool room for the family. That wing is set up for the kids and their families. The other, smaller wing on the other side of the main building is for me, with an office and a man cave.”

Emmie looked around. “Ted, it’s stunning. No wonder you love being in your so-called lake house.”

He chuckled. “It’s grown over the years from a fairly small house to what you see today. Marylee decided we needed space for the entire family. I find it very relaxing to be here.”

Emmie stifled a yawn. “I can see why. This lake air is very refreshing. Is boating allowed on the lake?”

“Yes. By summer, it will be busy with them. We also have sailing regattas. It’s a gorgeous body of water, named by the Iroquois Indians, meaning ‘long lake.’ It’s 16 miles long, is the highest of the Finger Lakes, and is considered the cleanest.”

“I admit I looked up some information before I arrived. I know how charming the village is.”

“You’ll find plenty of shopping and eating opportunities there,” said Ted. “Tonight, we’ll head to the club for dinner. For now, let’s get you settled and enjoy a walk around the area.”

“Sounds like an excellent plan,” she said.

Ted led her up the stairs to the master suite. Off the bedroom, a balcony overlooked the front lawn, where a seating area was set up around a fire pit. Everywhere she looked, there was something to see. She noticed a small building near the shore, which she figured was a boathouse. A stone wall bordered the lawn and served as a divider between it and the lake.

The master bath featured a long vanity, two sinks, ample storage, and a built-in dressing table. The beige-tiled shower had a corner seat and two showerheads. Everything was beautiful, catching her eye and admiration.

Downstairs again, she realized that off the living room was a wooden deck and stairs that led down to the sloping lawn and the fire pit area, leading to the water. Strategically placed flower beds along the lawn's edges hinted at the promise of summer blooms.

“Who maintains the landscaping?” Emmie asked Ted. “It’s more than one person could do.”

Ted chuckled. “We’ve had people from the same company for many years. As you said, it takes a crew. I make them a deal on cars and trucks, and they make me a deal on landscaping.”

She laughed. “You really are a car salesman.”

He playfully waved a finger at her. “You’re saying that like it’s a bad thing.”

“I admire what you and your family have built together. It’s a real success story,” said Emmie sincerely. She’d had no idea how successful he really was.

Ted wrapped her in his arms. “Tomorrow, maybe we can drive to two of my dealerships nearby,” he said. “We can look at the one outside Newton when we meet there. Would you like to go to the village of Auburn? There’s a lot to see and do. Harriet Tubman’s home and historical park are there. In the summer, boats offer dinner tours.”

Emmie hesitated. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay here for the rest of the afternoon. It’s beautiful and restful.”