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On the drive home, Kate turned to Emmie. “Okay, what’s going on? You were very careful not to share too much information about yourself and Ted with the group. But I know there’s something you’re not mentioning.”

“Lauren and Rick are coming tomorrow for the weekend. I’m hoping to have some time on Sunday after they leave to talk to you. Why don’t you plan to come over to my house on Sunday afternoon around four? I’m sure they’ll be gone by then.”

“Okay, deal,” said Kate. “I’m glad you had such a great time with Ted and his family. That’s very important.”

“They’re a delightful family. I feel like I got to know them in ways I might not have without the trauma of the accident and the unexpected birth of Diana’s baby.”

Kate sighed. “I’ve had no baby news yet from Hank and Janelle.”

Emmie laughed. “It’s only been a couple of months.”

Kate chuckled. “I know. I already think I’m going to be an outrageous grandmother.”

###

Lauren and Rick arrived late Saturday morning. Emmie had the baby equipment out and ready to use. The nursery was in order, and she’d already prepared beef stew for dinner, one of Rick’s favorite meals.

After greeting Lauren and Rick, Emmie was delighted to be handed Clark, who’d grown into a beautiful, round-cheeked little one. At four months, he was a content, smiling baby who cooed in response to her baby talk, delighting Emmie.

“Oh, my, he’s adorable. He’s looking a lot like you, Lauren, but has Rick’s brown hair and hazel eyes.” Emmie laughed when Clark reached a hand out and grabbed a lock of her hair. “He’s going to be a handful.”

Lauren beamed at her. “The doctor said he’s doing remarkably well for being born early.”

Rick placed a hand on Lauren’s shoulder. “You’re a great mom.”

Seeing that, Emmie felt a tug of warmth for Rick. He was a kind man and a great father. She thought he and Ted’s sons would get along very well.

“As soon as the baby goes down for a nap, I need to talk to both of you together,” Emmie said.

Lauren gave her a questioning look. “Does this have anything to do with your … boyfriend?”

“Ted? In a way. I just had a remarkable weekend with him and his family. Our relationship had deepened. We are in love with one another.”

“Wow! Isn’t that happening fast?” asked Lauren.

“Yes, but in a thoughtful way. We both have had happy relationships with our spouses and know when something is right.”

“Emmie, I’m really delighted for you,” said Rick. “I know how much you’ve missed Earl, and I liked Ted. He seems like a great guy.”

“He liked you, too, Rick,” said Emmie. “Your opinions are important to me. As a matter of fact, the three of you are invited to Ted’s house, his lake house, for the Memorial Day Weekend. Gemma and Tony have already agreed to come.”

“Will he have room for us, or do we need to make a hotel reservation?”

“His house is plenty big for everyone. Stunning, really,” said Emmie. “It even has a wing for family, with a separate kitchen for his kids and their families to stay. It’s a little separate from the main house, which was great when they were teens. Now, his kids live close by, but sometimes they come to stay there for family events.”

“It sounds fabulous,” said Lauren. “I don’t want to miss out on seeing that. We’ll come, right, Rick?”

“Yes. It’ll be nice to get out of the city for that.”

“What do you want for lunch?” Emmie asked. “Should we go out to eat? Stay here for sandwiches?”

“Let’s eat here. We can put Clark down for a nap,” said Lauren. “He didn’t sleep that much this morning, and I don’t want him to get cranky.”

Emmie and Lauren chatted about life while Lauren fed Clark in the rocking chair and Rick carried in the last of the baby equipment.

“While you’re taking care of Clark, I’m going to jog around the neighborhood,” said Rick. “I want some fresh air.”

After he left, Lauren said, “It’s great for us to be able to get out of the city.”