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When she was through, Gemma said, “That works for me. Mom, you and Ted really are serious about one another.”

“Yes, this proves it,” said Emmie. “You are my darling daughter, and I appreciate you.”

“Thanks, Mom. Let me know how things work out.” Gemma checked her watch. “Let me get that meal-to-go for you, and then I have to get back to work.”

After Gemma gave her the meal-to-go, Emmie left the restaurant, satisfied. One part of her plan was set.

An hour and a half later, Emmie arrived home, tired and hungry. She hauled her luggage inside and set her meal on the counter. As soon as she got a load of laundry into the washing machine, she was pouring herself a glass of wine and heating her meal. Then, she was going to bed.

She got her laundry started and was in the kitchen when her phone rang. Ted.

“Are you home?” he asked.

“Yes, I got here a short while ago. What’s up?”

“Aside from telling you that I miss you already,” Ted said, “I wanted you to know that I’ve arranged lunch with Gemma and Tony on Wednesday. They’ve agreed to give me some private time.”

“I already told Gemma about Memorial Day weekend, and she’s excited to meet your children at the lake. She’s elated for me, for us.”

“Great. We’ll put together a great weekend for everyone,” said Ted. “I’m sure you’re busy. Call me when you can, and I’ll do the same for you.” He hesitated, then said softly, “Love you.”

“Love you right back.” Emmie hung up the phone. Had it been only a little over four months since they met? It might seem foolish to others that she and Ted had fallen in love quickly, but she believed that when people like the two of them had been happily married, it took less time to realize you’ve found the person who could become your new partner in life. Or maybe it was dumb luck. Either way, she’d take it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

The next morning, Emmie hurried into the office, wanting to make sure everything had been running smoothly while she’d been gone.

Everyone greeted her with smiles as she went to her desk. Nan joined her. “All is well. I’ve left an update on your computer.” She leaned closer. “I gather your weekend away went well.”

“It was a very hectic one, but I love Ted’s family. Thanks for taking over for me.”

“Sure. Anytime. You and I have worked together for long enough that it’s never a problem.”

Emmie sat at her desk and watched Nan move away, realizing that if she left the firm, she might be missed, but the work would go on. She, like everyone else, was replaceable. The thought was troubling, but then it gave her a sense of relief.

The thought of her upcoming weekend with Lauren, Rick, and the baby made her look forward to it.

###

The week was busy, both at work and with investigating the project Emmie had in mind.

She and Ted talked every evening, falling into the pattern they’d begun of sharing the day’s events with one another.

Emmie was pleased when Gemma called mid-week to gush about spending time with Ted. “Mom, he’s amazing. Tony agrees. I’m not supposed to say too much, but he loves you and can’t wait for you to be together. I can’t believe how right I think he is for you, even after missing Dad.”

“Ted’s a great person,” said Emmie confidently. “I love him, too.”

They talked some more, then Emmie ended the call to pick up one from Ted. He made it clear that he liked Gemma and Tony as much as they liked him.

By Friday, Emmie was ready to spend a girls’ night out with Kate and a couple of other women in their book club.

They went to Biscuits, a southern-style restaurant in town, where fried chicken, biscuits, and coleslaw were among the favorites. It was a place they all loved but allowed themselves to visit only rarely.

Sitting at the table for six, sipping a margarita, Emmie gazed at her friends of many years, gratified as always to be part of such an interesting group of women. Kate was the only one who didn’t work for a salary. She did volunteer work instead. The other four women consisted of a lawyer, a doctor, a librarian, and a newspaper reporter. It meant the group pretty much had the latest news on all fronts.

After a pleasant evening, during which Emmie avoided sharing little more than a word or two about her relationship with Ted, the group broke up.

Emmie left with Kate.