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Ted gave her a look of approval. “I’m relieved you said that. I want you to feel comfortable in the house. My housekeeper, Halona, has prepared a meal for us here, in case you wanted to relax. Let’s have a glass of wine, and I’ll introduce you to my favorite jazz music.”

“That sounds very relaxing,” said Emmie. “When will I have the chance to see the kids?” She followed him to the kitchen, where he pulled a bottle of wine out of the wine cooler and opened it.

“Tomorrow, we’ll meet them in Skaneateles for dinner,” he said, handing her a glass of sparkling rosé wine. “There’s a great Italian restaurant there. Then on Sunday morning, they’ll come for brunch, which will be more personal. Time is limited because weekends are busy for us.”

“I understand,” said Emmie. “It will be great to be able to see them. I hope it goes as smoothly as your meeting with Lauren and Rick.”

She sat on the couch in the living room, facing the lake.

Ted took a seat next to her.

“I think it will be fine. Cinda and Chase have to get used to seeing you with me and having you here in this house. No matter what happens with us, I’m keeping it, as it’s always been a retreat away from the stress of the business.”

“I see how important this house is to you,” said Emmie. “Let’s not dwell on the issue for now. If things go well, we’ll have to decide then.”

“Agreed,” said Ted. He leaned over and kissed her.

She responded, and soon they were stretched out together on the couch. Gazing at him, Emmie could feel the smile on her face. “I can’t believe this is happening to us, to me.”

“It’s been such a wonderful surprise.” Ted caressed her cheeks. “How can we ever thank the owners of The Beach House Hotel for bringing us together?”

“We might have a chance to do that next Christmas. We both have reserved space there.” Emmie sighed happily. “You were a very handsome Santa Claus. The kids loved you playing the part. I did, too.”

“I knew I had to get to know you better when I saw you hand out gifts to the children. You were having such fun doing it.”

“It really made my Christmas very special,” Emmie said. “The entire vacation was more than I dreamed it would be.”

They were startled when a car rolled into the driveway.

Ted got up, went to the back of the house, and returned. “It’s Cinda.”

Emmie stood and straightened her clothes, then she went into the powder room to cool down her warm cheeks.

When Emmie emerged from behind the closed door, Cinda faced her.

Emmie moved aside. “It’s all yours.”

Cinda frowned and disappeared inside.

Emmie moved to the kitchen, where Ted was pouring juice into two glasses for Cinda’s boys. Mack, at eight, resembled Ted with dark brown hair and startling blue eyes. Six-year-old Cole looked like his father, with his hazel eyes and red highlights in his brown hair. Though she’d met them before, she’d never had much of a chance to talk to them.

“Hello, boys,” she said. “What have you been up to today?”

“We had school,” said Mack. “And now we’re here to check up on you.”

Emmie hid a smile. “Really?”

Cinda entered the room. “Boys, remember what I told you. Don’t disturb Mrs. Withers.”

“We won’t,” said Cole. He studied her. “Are you my new grandmother?”

Emmie shook her head. “I’m just a friend of Papa’s.”

Mack’s blue eyes rested on her. “But Mom says you’re trying to be our new grandmother.”

Cinda’s cheeks turned bright red. “Mack, that’s not what I said.”

He gave her a puzzled look but remained quiet.