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The television was still on when Emmie was awakened by her cell buzzing in her ear. Ted.

“Hi. Is everything all right? What time is it?” she asked, still groggy.

“It’s six o’clock. Cinda has had the surgery and will have a smooth recovery, according to Dr. Clauson. They’ll send her home this afternoon.”

“That’s such great news. Did the doctor say anything about recovery time?”

“He warned it would take 10 to 16 weeks to heal, depending on a number of things. It helps that Cinda is healthy and that she keeps active. He thinks she’ll do well with therapy. Realistically, it’s going to be difficult with the use of crutches. I’m already thinking of hiring a nurse’s aide to come in. Maybe Halona or a friend of hers can help with the other stuff.”

“Okay. Remember, I will stay right here until you get the help you need lined up.”

“Thanks. How about I bring you a cup of coffee and an egg sandwich?” said Ted. “I’m going to stop at my favorite coffee shop.”

“Fantastic. I’ll make breakfast for the boys when they wake up. They were sleeping soundly when I checked on them.”

“Okay. I’ll head out right after I say bye to Ryan. Hopefully, Cinda will be awake.”

Emmie ended the call and went to the bathroom to freshen up. She’d just emerged from it when she saw a boy coming down the stairs.

“Cole, what are you doing up this early?” Emmie asked.

He stopped and stared at her. “Where’s Mommy?”

“Mommy will be here later in the day. Right now, I’m here taking care of you. Do you remember me? Papa’s friend, Emmie?”

He nodded. “I want to watch my program. Mommy lets me.”

“Okay, let’s go into the den, and I’ll turn on the television,” said Emmie. “Which program is it?”

“Tubby’s Cartoon Friends,” said Cole. “I know how to get it.”

Emmie followed Cole into the den and watched as he picked up the television control and, with a few presses of buttons, pulled up the program on the screen.

“Are you hungry?’ she asked him. “When Mack gets up, I’ll fix breakfast. All right?”

“Okay.” Cole turned back to the television screen.

Emmie sat down on the couch, eager to see what the program was all about. She recognized a few of the cartoons and laughed with Cole, who was delighted by her participation.

Mack entered the room. “Where’s Mom?”

Emmie reminded him who she was and that his mother had been hurt in an accident, but was doing okay and returning home this afternoon. “I’ll stay here until she and your dad get home. And if you’re hungry, I’ll fix breakfast. What do you like?”

“Pancakes,” they said together.

“Okay, let me see if I can do that for you,” said Emmie.

She left the room and rummaged in the kitchen pantry, easily finding a pancake mix. Keeping things as simple as possible, she pulled out the box and found the necessary additional ingredients.

Ted arrived, bringing her a cup of coffee and the egg sandwich he’d promised. He set them down on the table and drew her into his arms. “Morning, Angel.”

“Angel? I think I’d rather be Mrs. Claus. She has more fun,” teased Emmie.

Ted burst into laughter. “God, I’ve needed that laugh.”

He nuzzled her neck, then his lips met hers. “Ah, you’re so lovable.”

“Papa! What are you doing?” asked Cole, staring at them.