Page 88

“That sounds like a perfect solution,” said Brad. “One of my partners bought a townhouse in that complex and loves it there. They keep canoes for the residents to take on the river. And the sports gym is fantastic.”

“Now is the time to buy there,” Ted told Brad. “How about a beer?”

While the men sipped beer, Emmie and Kate talked about the condo and who to get as a decorator to help furnish it.

Brad shook his head. “I can’t believe Lauren and her family will now be our neighbors. All the kids are close, and it will be nice to have her take over your house and not some old, fussy neighbors who would make us miserable.”

“It’s the best solution I can think of for all of us,” said Emmie. “You’ll love Ted’s house at the lake.”

“I invited them for our Memorial Day Weekend,” said Ted, smiling at them.

“It’s going to be fantastic,” said Emmie.

###

After Brad and Kate left, Ted put an arm around Emmie’s shoulder. “We haven’t had much time to talk privately, but I’m elated you’re excited about the choices we’ve made. I’m going to head back home, but I want you to have the keys to the condo. All the paperwork has been signed and notarized. I want you to decorate the condo anyway you want.”

“That’s a real honor, but I won’t do anything without your approval. It’s your house here.”

“Well, someday it’ll be our house,” said Ted. “I want you to think of it that way now.”

She’d been so intent on settling living arrangements that she hadn’t given much thought to an engagement and wedding. What did Ted have in mind?

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

The next few weeks flew by as Emmie worked with Rick and Lauren on the house purchase, went through what items in the house she might want to take with her for either the lake house or the condo, and spoke with an interior designer about what she and Ted imagined for the condo.

She understood some people might think she was doing things backward because Ted never mentioned an engagement, let alone marriage. But there was no way she was going to let that interfere with their plans.

###

Emmie left for the lake house the day before the Memorial Day Weekend at Ted’s house. She needed to be there to make sure everything was the way he wanted it. Halona was taking care of getting the house ready. His children had planned the activities for the weekend as a welcoming gesture.

When she arrived, Halona greeted her and squeezed her hand. “It is right that you are here,” she announced solemnly.

“Thank you,” said Emmie, understanding how much Halona’s words meant.

Not long after she got unpacked, Diana called her to welcome her and offer what help she could. But the most surprising greeting of all was Cinda’s appearance at the house.

Seeing Cinda’s car enter the driveway, Emmie went outside to meet her. She no longer used crutches but had a walker with her instead.

“Welcome,” said Emmie. “I’m grateful to see you’re making progress since I last saw you.”

“Thanks. It makes such a difference to have more mobility. I still can’t put full weight on my leg, but I’m building up to it.” Cinda allowed Emmie to help with the walker, and then they went into the house together.

“Can I do anything to help over the weekend? Cinda asked. “I’m looking forward to meeting your family and special friends.”

Emmie waved her to a chair at the kitchen table. “I’m sure my daughters, Lauren and Gemma, are going to like you. I’ve shown them pictures, and your dad has talked about all of you kids.”

“I couldn’t believe it when Dad told me about your daughter buying your house,” said Cinda. “That’s such a satisfying outcome for everyone.”

“Yes, I think so, too,” said Emmie. “Can I get you some coffee? Tea? Something else?”

“Tea sounds lovely. I like peppermint herbal tea.”

“Oh, my favorite too,” said Emmie. She got the tea ready and then gave one cup to Cinda and kept one for herself.

“I wanted this time to talk to you,” said Cinda. “I know I’ve seemed unwelcoming. But I want you to know I fully support Dad and you living together. I haven’t seen him this happy in a long, long time.”