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Finally, Lauren said, “I’m exhausted. Let’s go home.”

Relieved, Emmie arranged for the furniture to be delivered at a later date and drove home to see what Rick had done with all the equipment.

He was sound asleep on the couch in the den.

“Move over,” said Lauren, waking him up and sliding down beside him.

Smiling, Emmie left them to set the table for dinner. They were ordering an early meal from her favorite Thai restaurant.

###

After Lauren and Rick headed back to the city, Emmie went upstairs and stripped down for a long soak in the tub. She was tired, and her emotions had been on a roller coaster ride all day.

She filled the tub, sprinkled some of her favorite bath oil in it, and climbed in. Lying back, she let the tears she’d held back all day escape. She missed Earl. She was excited about going to The Beach House Hotel, but she was disappointed she’d be alone. Still, there was no way she would dishonor Earl’s gift to her by changing dates or staying home.

Feeling better, chiding herself for getting emotional, she lit a candle and settled back in the water. Christmas was going to be better than what she’d gone through last year. She’d make sure of it.

She was surprised by a call later that evening, just as she was about to go to bed.

“Hi, Gemma. What’s up?”

“Hi, Mom. Sorry to call this late, but you know how it is at the restaurant. I had to find time to do it. Lauren told me to call you about some interesting news.”

“Oh, okay,” said Emmie. “I was going to phone you tomorrow when you had some time off. How about coming here for coffee? It will be easier to talk then.”

“Is everything okay?” Gemma asked.

“Yes, it’s something good.”

“Okay, I’ll be there by ten, and I’ll bring something yummy from the restaurant,” said Gemma.

Emmie ended the call and sat back, relieved. Gemma’s reaction was bound to be very different from her sister’s.

###

The next morning, Emmie anxiously awaited Gemma’s arrival. Her youngest daughter and Earl had a very close relationship. She would be touched to the core by her father’s gesture, but when she learned the gift was for the Christmas holiday, it would be disappointing. Emmie heard a car in the driveway and went to the living room window. Full of love for her daughter, Emmie watched Gemma get out of the car, carrying a plate of what could be tasty desserts from the restaurant.

Gemma moved forward. Her strawberry blond hair came from both her parents: blonde from Emmie’s family and a touch of red from Earl, who had burnished red hair. Gemma was small, like Emmie, and was full of energy like her. But she was emotionally fragile in a way that neither Emmie nor Lauren was.

“Hi, darling! What delicious things have you brought today?” Emmie took the plate from her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they walked into the house.

“Some different cannoli. There’s a ricotta raspberry one that you’ll love.”

Next door, Pickle saw them, barked, and ran over to greet Gemma. They’d adored each other since Pickle was a puppy.

Laughing, Gemma picked up the dog and hugged her. “Hi, Pickle.”

Kate saw them and walked across the lawn to greet them. “Beautiful November day. How are you, Gemma? I’m sorry you won’t be able to make Thanksgiving, but I understand. Maybe you and Tony could join us another time.”

“Hi, Aunt Kate,” said Gemma, giving her the name that Emmie had chosen for the girls to use when addressing her.

Gemma and Kate embraced.

Emmie gave Kate a warning look. “I’m about to tell Gemma about the surprise.”

“Well, don’t let me keep you. I’ll talk to you later. “ She picked up Pickle and headed home as Emmie and Gemma entered the house.

Inside the kitchen, Gemma turned to her mother. “Hurry and tell me the news.”