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Ted chuckled and drew her into his arms. “You’ve been wonderful. I’ll pamper you from here on out.”

She snuggled against his chest, felt a tug on her shirt, and turned.

Harper looked up at them. “Me too.”

Without thinking about it, Emmie lifted her up, and the three of them clung to each other.

“This is what Earl and I used to call a ‘pig pile’ with our girls,” said Emmie.

“I like it,” said Ted. “You’re such a loving person.”

They heard someone call their names, and then Chase appeared at the bedroom door.

Daddy! Daddy!” cried Harper, running to him.

“She’s ready for bed,” said Emmie. “We’ll leave you to it.”

Downstairs in the kitchen, Ted hugged her. “I can’t wait to get you alone.”

“Then you’d better start cooking.” Chuckling, she handed him the platter of steaks and got out the ingredients for a salad.

Chase walked into the kitchen. “Boy! I’m exhausted. As soon as we eat, I’m going to bed. Diana was sleeping when I left. We agreed I’d stay at home until tomorrow morning. Will you be able to babysit Harper until Diana’s mother gets here tomorrow afternoon?”

“Yes, I’ve already notified the office I won’t be in,” said Emmie.

“Thanks.” Chase got out his phone and handed it to her. “Here are a few more photographs of the baby.”

“What are you going to call him?” asked Emmie.

Ted walked into the room. “It’s been a big secret, but you can’t wait any longer to tell us the baby’s name.”

Chase grinned. “In honor of you, we’re naming him Ayden Theodore McAllister.”

Emmie watched Ted’s eyes fill. “Wow. I didn’t realize …”

“It’s a very strong name for a special person,” said Emmie.

“Yeah,” said Chase gruffly, hiding his own emotions. “Diana and I agreed.”

“He’s a beautiful baby,” said Emmie, gazing at the photographs. She handed the phone to Ted. “Take a look at your namesake.”

“He’s a handsome fellow,” said Ted proudly. “Oops! I’ll be right back with the steaks.”

While Chase took care of the water and wine for the table, Emmie put together the salad.

A short while later, the three of them enjoyed a delicious meal.

Rising from the table, Ted announced he and Emmie were going home.

“Thank you for everything,” said Chase. “I’ll call you in the morning, Emmie.”

Ted and Chase clasped hands. “Thank you for the honor of giving Ayden my name.”

“Now we can carry on the name in the business,” said Chase proudly.

“By the way, just a heads-up,” said Emmie. “Harper now thinks the baby is a prince and he’s hers.”

Chuckling, Chase said, “How did you do that? She didn’t want a baby, and now she does?”