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“I can’t blame Diana for not wanting to leave her baby behind,” said Emmie. “But the doctors will know best.”

“Yes. Maybe this morning’s meeting will solve all that.” Chase gave her a wave and left.

Inside the kitchen, Emmie found dirty dishes in the sink and put them in the dishwasher.

“I’m hungry,” said Harper.

“How about some cereal in a cup?” said Emmie. At Harper’s nod, Emmie poured some Cheerios into a cup and sat her at the table. “Stay here. I’ll be right back with something to do.”

Emmie returned with a coloring book and the crayons she’d found up high in the kitchen cupboard.

“Okay, let’s make some princesses pretty.” Emmie let Harper choose a crayon, then she tore out a perforated sheet of the booklet and placed it before her. “Have fun.”

She sat at the table with Harper to make phone calls. When she checked into the office, her assistant, Nan Gingrich, assured her everything was all right and that she’d handle anything that came along. Emmie thanked her and wondered if Nan would be secretly delighted if Emmie ever decided to leave her job at the firm. The suggestion was both unsettling and reassuring.

Next, she phoned Lauren to ask her and Rick to bring the baby to Ellenton next weekend. Then she phoned Gemma to tell her she’d stop in Newton and meet her at the restaurant for dinner before making her way home.

Her cell rang. Cinda.

“Hi, how are you feeling?” asked Emmie.

“Ugh. I feel as if a truck ran over me,” Cinda said, attempting to joke. “Ryan is back to work, the boys are in school, and I’m here alone. I’m wondering if you could pick up the boys at school at three. I wouldn’t normally ask, but my friend who would usually do something like this for me is out of town on a spring getaway with her husband.”

“I’m delighted to pick them up. Diana’s mother should be here by then.”

“Chase texted me pictures of the baby,” said Cinda. “Ayden Theodore McAllister is such a great name for him. I bet Dad was thrilled.”

“Your dad was touched by the gesture. It was very endearing to see,” said Emmie. “Is there anything else you want me to do before I leave?”

“When you pick up the boys, could you stop at the Ice Cream store and get me more of their homemade strawberry frozen yogurt? I might as well enjoy myself while I’m stuck here.”

“Of course, I will,” said Emmie. “I told Ryan to ask what you need. I’m sure there will be rough days ahead.”

“Thanks,” said Cinda. “I know why my Dad thinks highly of you.”

Emmie ended the call, satisfied with the opportunity to help Cinda.

Bored, Harper jumped down from her seat at the table. “I wanna watch TV.”

Emmie went into the family room and switched on the television, turning on a children's streaming program. Apparently, old Mr. Rogers' episodes were still a favorite.

While Harper watched the program, Emmie made a few more phone calls.

Later, after lunch, Emmie walked Harper to her bedroom for “quiet time”. She felt certain Harper would take a nap, but didn’t want to challenge her with that idea.

She’d just come downstairs from checking on Harper when Chase and Diana arrived with the baby.

“Oh, you were able to bring Ayden home with you. I’m glad,” said Emmie, giving Diana a gentle little hug and gazing at Ayden in his father’s arms.

“For now, I’m keeping him in his bassinet near me while I rest. Then I’ll want him in his nursery, where it’s quiet. Where’s Harper?

“Asleep in her room. We’ve had a busy day playing and watching television. And she helped me make lunch.”

Smiling, Diana clapped a hand to her mouth. “Who are you? Mary Poppins?”

Emmie laughed. “I’m just reliving my years as a mother to young girls. But I’ll happily turn the duties over to your mother.”

Diana sighed. “She just called. Her flight has been delayed. She’s flying in tomorrow.”