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“The kids are leaving on the thirtieth for a New Year’s Party at home,” said Ted. “I’m staying until the first of January to avoid that same one.”

Emmie chuckled. “I don’t blame you. I’m staying until then, too, and am glad of it. Last year, friends forced me to join them for the New Year celebration, thinking it would be helpful. But it was awful.”

Ted’s look was tender. “I like that I can talk to you.”

Emmie tugged on his arm. “C’mon, we’d better move, or everyone will be wondering what happened to you.”

They walked along the beach until they reached the boardwalk leading to the hotel.

“I’m fine from here,” said Emmie.

“Do you want to join my family tomorrow?” asked Ted.

Emmie shook her head. “It truly is a family time, and I don’t want to cause a stir.”

“Can I come visit you in your suite, maybe share a cup of coffee or a glass of wine?”

“That would be fine. Just let me know when and I’ll arrange to be there,” said Emmie. “It may seem like a very long day.”

“Exactly. I’ll let you know the best time to get together.” He studied her with those blue eyes of his that drew her in. Then he kissed her on the forehead. “Thanks for a nice day, Mrs. Claus.”

“You were a fun Santa. It was my honor.”

He gave her a little wave and headed back up the beach, carrying a flashlight whose glow warmed her heart. My word, but she was falling fast.

CHAPTER NINE

When Emmie got back to the suite, she reconfirmed with the events department that she’d help pass out Christmas gifts at midnight. She checked the clock and decided to take a brief rest before assisting them at what was a late hour for her.

She set the alarm on her cell and stretched out on her bed.

What seemed like minutes later, the alarm went off. She got up, refreshed herself, and prepared to leave the suite. Excited for the opportunity, she thought it was like it was when her children were little. She and Earl had to put together toys late at night so the girls wouldn’t hear or see them.

Downstairs, she joined some of the hotel staff in the private dining room where several piles of gifts for individual rooms had been placed. There were more than she’d expected. She loved the idea of guests having their own private celebrations in their rooms.

A friendly-faced young woman approached her. “Hi, I’m Laurie from the events department. Ann and Rhonda told me you’d be able to help us. Thank you for this kindness. It helps give staff members a chance to be home with their families.”

“Somehow, it makes my Christmas come alive with memories of doing something similar with my own children.”

“You’ll be taking gifts to guests on the first floor,” said Laurie. “It’s essential that there be no talking, no noises of any kind in the hallway. Set the presents down carefully by the door and go on your way.”

“Understood. Like a real elf,” Emmie said, eliciting a soft laugh from Laurie and those around them.

As Emmie delivered the gifts she’d been assigned, she couldn’t help wondering what was inside, especially the small square boxes. She imagined all kinds of things.

Finally, when all the gifts had been delivered, she went with the others who’d helped to the hotel kitchen, where beer, wine, coffee, and tea were offered to them, along with Christmas cookies.

Thrilled to be there, Emmie listened to the chatter of the staff and realized how much they enjoyed their jobs. She thought it might be like the kitchen staff at Romero’s restaurant and got a better chance to appreciate why Gemma loved her work there.

“Thank you, everyone,” Laurie announced. “Merry Christmas! Have a good night’s sleep.”

Emmie left with the others and headed back to her suite.

As she climbed into bed under the luxurious sheet, a pang of loneliness went through her. This was the first time since Earl died that she wished she had a man beside her. Tears filled her eyes. The stroke and its aftermath were horrible memories.

She turned on her back and stared up at the ceiling fan twirling slowly. Had Earl timed this trip, thinking she might be ready to accept his loss and move on by now? A lot had happened with the girls in the last two years since his death. But she had more or less continued the same pattern of work and rest, and filling empty times with friends and reading.

Emmie thought of Ted, a man she found very likable. More than that, really. Maybe their meeting was practice for her, to let herself believe her life could include a man from Ellenton.