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Emmie’s heart fell. She hoped she wouldn’t be required to stay.

“No worries,” said Diana. “Dad already arranged for Halona to help through dinner hour and to put Harper to bed. We all love her.”

“I’ve yet to meet her,” said Emmie.

Diana gave her a mischievous look. “She’s at Dad’s house, waiting to meet you. We’ve all had to pass her inspection.”

“Oh, well. I guess that’s part of the process,” said Emmie, feeling a bit nervous.

Diana grinned. “She’ll love you.”

Emmie gathered her things and left the house to face a new challenge.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Ted’s car was in the driveway next to a shiny red truck when Emmie pulled up to his house. Knowing he was waiting with Halona to greet her, she sighed and climbed out of the car.

Ted met her at the front door. Behind him stood a small, squat woman with gray hair in braids. She was wearing jeans, brown moccasins, and a white sweater that served as a backdrop for a stunning silver-and-turquoise necklace.

As she got closer, Emmie could see that Halona’s strong features were striking. Her dark eyes settled on Emmie.

“Hi, sweetheart. I want you to meet Halona,” Ted said. “She’s been a part of the family since the kids were small.”

“I’ve heard about you,” said Emmie, smiling and holding out her hand.

Halona took her hand in both of hers and stared into her eyes.

Emmie had the strangest feeling that Halona understood everything about her. She wasn’t afraid. The feeling was one of mutual respect.

Halona spoke with confidence. “This is the one.”

“Thank you,” said Ted. It was more than an exchange of pleasantries. It was an acknowledgment of Halona’s approval of her.

“Come in,” said Ted. “Halona has made lunch. We want to give you a tasty meal before you head home.”

“I can’t head home until after I pick up Mack and Cole from school. Then I’ll be on my way.”

“Are you sure you want to do this? I could do it for you,” said Ted.

Emmie shook her head. “I need and want to do this for Cinda. I was thankful she asked me.”

“I get it,” said Ted. “Me, too.”

“You’re a very genuine woman,” said Halona. “I think Marylee would like you.” She led them into the kitchen. “I made you a vegetable stew for lunch. I don’t eat meat.”

“It sounds lovely,” said Emmie. She’d noticed how muscular and strong Halona’s body was.

The three of them sat down in the kitchen for lunch.

Halona asked questions about Emmie’s family and gazed at her with sympathy when Emmie told of Earl’s stroke and death, then smiled at hearing about Clark’s arrival.

“Life has taken from you and given back,” said Halona. “Now there is more to come.”

Emmie glanced at Ted and saw how his blue eyes glowed with affection as he gazed at her. She felt something shift inside and knew she wanted to be with him for the rest of her life, no matter what it took.

After lunch, Ted said, “Want to sit on the dock? It’s one of my favorite places to relax.”

“Sure,” Emmie said. “It’s nice in the sun.”