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“Yes,” she said. She’d automatically written off any possibility of seeing him after leaving the hotel. But now she wondered if that could happen. It changed everything for her. Not that she’d ever let Ted know her feelings.

They talked for a while longer, then Emmie said, “I’m going to go and get ready for dinner tonight.”

“Okay. I have to take care of a few things for the family,” said Ted. “Do you want me to meet you at the suite to go to dinner?”

She wanted to say yes, but didn’t. “No, thanks. I’ll walk there myself.”

“Okay. See you at six,” said Ted, standing while she signed for the bill and got ready to leave.

###

At six o’clock, Emmie stood outside the front door of the larger guesthouse and drew a deep breath. She told herself it was just a friendly evening among people who were kind enough to invite her to join them for a casual meal. But she knew she’d be judged.

She rang the doorbell.

A tall man with brown hair, a hint of red, and wearing tortoise-shell glasses answered it. “Ah, you must be Emmie Withers. Hi, I’m Ryan Cross, Ted’s son-in-law, married to Cinda. Come on in.”

Ted came over to them. “Good, you two have met each other. Come meet the rest of the family, Emmie. You already know Chase.” He led her to the pretty blonde pregnant woman wearing an attractive sundress that couldn’t hide her pregnancy. “Diana, I want you to meet a friend of mine here at the hotel. This is Emmie Withers. Emmie, this is Diana, and I think you already know Harper.”

Emmie knelt down to Harper’s height. “Hi, Harper. Did you get to see Santa Claus today?

Harper studied Emmie and then grinned. “And I gots a present.”

“You’re a lucky little girl. That’s for sure,” said Emmie, rising to her feet.

Diana smiled at her. “You’re very nice with kids. Do you have some of your own?”

“Yes. I have two daughters. My eldest is about to have her first baby. We’re all excited about it.”

“Gosh, you don’t look old enough to be a grandmother,” said Diana.

“She makes an excellent Mrs. Claus,” Ted said.

“What are you talking about?” asked Cinda, approaching them. She was tall like her husband and had a thin but muscular body. Her black hair was swept away from a face with classic features into a ponytail. Though she didn’t look like him, she had Ted’s startling blue eyes.

“I’m just saying that Emmie doesn’t look old enough to be a grandmother,” said Diana.

“Hi, I’m Cinda. My father was most anxious for you to be included. I hope our messy family won’t bother you.”

“Not at all. I love having kids be part of the holidays. My two daughters couldn’t join me for a variety of reasons. My oldest is due to have a baby in a few weeks, and my second child…

Ted interrupted. “She’s part of the Romero family, who owns the restaurant we’ve all been to. Isn’t that great? Maybe we can get some deals there.”

“Great! It’s fantastic,” said Chase, giving her a teasing grin. “Now, I’ll be able to get in anytime I want. Right, Emmie?”

She laughed. “You can test how much my name might mean to them, but I can’t promise anything. They’re a terrific family.”

“The food that we order in tonight might not be as tasty, but it was a favorite of Marylee’s and mine,” said Ted.

Emmie gave him a thumbs-up. “Then, I’m sure it will be delicious. I already know how much everyone likes to eat.”

They all laughed, and Emmie let out a sigh of relief. It was a friendly group.

While the adults enjoyed some wine, Ryan offered to supervise the kids in the pool. “Anything to get them tired out.”

Emmie moved with the others to the pool deck to watch the boys play a water game. Harper sat on the pool steps watching her.

While everyone was occupied cheering on the boys, Cinda came and stood next to her.