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“Let me fix our coffee, and let’s sit at the table. Something very unexpected has happened.”

Sitting across from each other, Emmie smiled at her daughter. “You’ll never guess what surprising thing your father has done.” She told Gemma about the arrangements that had been made for her to stay at The Beach House Hotel and how it had come about.

“Oh, Mom. That’s the loveliest thing ever. I’m pretty sure he meant for Lauren and me to join you. Why else would it be a suite?” Her face fell. “But you know I can’t go. Not with my first Christmas with Tony’s family. Grannie has something special planned for me.”

“I don’t know what Dad meant except for me to stay there. Who he thought I might share it with was never discussed with Uncle Brad.”

“Can you change the date?” asked Gemma.

Emmie shook her head. “I don’t want to dishonor the gift. He wanted me to be there for Christmas, and that’s what I’m going to do. I hope you understand.”

Tears slipped down Gemma’s cheeks. “I miss him. I wear the little diamond necklace you both gave me every day. He told me it was only right for me to have it, that I was his little Gem, remember?”

“Yes, you still are his little Gem and mine,” said Emmie, rising to give her a comforting hug.

“I’m relieved you spoke about it to me here, in the house. It makes it seem right,” said Gemma. “Lauren told me to look at Dad’s office and for you to explain what’s happening to it.”

“Sure, but first, let’s talk about you. Tony’s family has made you their little gem, too. That makes me happy for you.”

Gemma beamed at her. “I sometimes can’t believe that I found a man like Tony, and I love his family too. We know we can’t start our own family just yet, but I can’t wait to welcome my children into it and for them to know you.”

“Enjoy this time while you can. A first Christmas together is important. And what will you do for New Year’s?”

“We’re going to a hotel in New York City. The restaurant is always closed for the first two weeks of the year. After that, we’re going to work on finding a new rental. A house this time. Something convenient to the restaurant. Tony’s family will help.”

“I have something for you,” said Emmie. “Come to Dad’s office with me. Then after I give you the gift, I’ll tell you about Lauren’s idea for it.”

“Is it a baby nursery?” asked Gemma, smiling. “Lauren hinted at it. She hoped I wouldn’t be disappointed to have the room changed.”

Emmie led Gemma to the office and pulled out the box of china. “This is lovely dinnerware. I thought you and Tony might like it because you entertain a lot.”

They opened the box and removed a plate.

Gemma clasped her hands. “I love it! Thank you! Thank you!”

“There are ten place settings,” said Emmie, delighted with Gemma’s response. “And there’s another box of items for you to look through.”

“Okay. I’ll have Tony drop by some morning to pick them up in his truck. We can store them at the apartment.”

She glanced around the room. “Is this the color the room will be?” She walked over to the paint chip taped to the wall.

“Yes. The theme will be blue and yellow with hot-air balloons and different animals riding in them. Cute, huh?”

“Darling,” said Gemma. “That’ll work for both boys and girls.”

“Whoa! Let’s start with one baby boy,” said Emmie, chuckling.

“Don’t tell Lauren, but it makes me sad to see Dad’s office gone,” said Gemma.

“It’s a change, but it will be a nice one. Right?” asked Emmie, giving her daughter a steady look.

“Yes. I can’t wait for Lauren’s baby to arrive. She’s going to be a sensational mother.”

Emmie’s lips curved. “Lauren will definitely go by the book and become an excellent mother.”

“That’s what she does,” said Gemma. “I wish I were more like her.”

“You’re perfect the way you are, and so is she,” said Emmie, realizing how lucky she was.