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“A little magic from Mrs. Claus,” said Ted.

When Chase gave him a quizzical look, Ted and Emmie exchanged amused glances.

“Oh, that’s right. You were Santa, and Emmie was Mrs. Claus,” said Chase, grinning. “Well, Harper still believes in Santa, so I guess it works.”

Chase walked them to the door.

Emmie and Ted left and hurried to his car.

###

Later, lying in bed, Emmie said, “I really like your family. In just a few days, we’ve learned a lot about one another. They’re great, adults and kids alike.”

Facing her, he lifted a lock of hair away from her face. “They certainly love you.”

“I was worried that Cinda would fight our being together, but she seems okay with it,” said Emmie.

“She and I had another talk today, and she likes you,” said Ted. “Give her time. Once she decides she wants to be your friend, she’ll be there for you. Always.”

“I can live with that,” said Emmie. “I don’t think Gemma will resist our being together. She already thinks you’re an awesome customer.”

Ted chuckled. “I’ll be sure to leave a healthy tip at the restaurant.” He rubbed her back. “This is what I want, being with you, living with you. The only thing standing in our way is living arrangements.”

“I have a few ideas of my own,” Emmie said.

“Me, too,” said Ted. “One thing I want to do is to invite your daughters and their spouses, plus Clark, to my lake house for Memorial Day. By then, we should have a clear idea of our relationship.”

“It’s not that far away,” said Emmie, “but I think it’ll be the best way for our families to meet and get to know one another. There’s plenty of room for them here.”

“Yes,” said Ted. “There always will be if we move in together here.”

Emmie’s mind spun. She’d gone over the housing options time and time again, and realized there was one sensible solution. Still, it wasn’t enough. Not yet.

###

The next morning, Emmie received a call from Chase, asking if she could come to the house to take care of Harper. Diana had called him in tears because the baby’s pediatrician is suggesting they keep Ayden in the hospital for a couple of days, to make sure all was going well. He was healthy but had naturally lost a little weight.”

“Will Diana be coming home today?” asked Emmie.

“I think so, but we’re to meet with her doctor and Ayden’s pediatrician before she can,” Chase explained. “Diana’s worried. She doesn’t want to leave Ayden.”

“Okay, I’m on my way,” said Emmie. She ended the call and turned to Ted. “I know my way to Chase’s house if you want to go into the office.”

“Great! I won’t stay long, but I need to check on a few things,” he said.

Emmie grabbed her purse and headed out. The area was easy to navigate, especially the roads along the lake.

She pulled into Chase’s driveway, parked, and got out.

Chase stood at the front door, while Harper ran toward her. “Hi, Em!”

She caught Harper in her arms and swung her around. “How are you?”

“I gots a baby,” Harper said.

“That you do,” said Emmie, setting her on the ground and taking her hand.

Chase greeted her with a smile. “As soon as you go inside, I’ll leave. I’m not saying much about Diana’s arrival because there’s a lot to be sorted out.”