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“I know from reading that some days will be hard,” said Lauren. “I hope you’ll help me.”

“Of course. That’s why I’m here.”

The baby had fallen asleep, and in the quiet, with the three of them together, Emmie knew this intimate moment would stay with her.

The nurse returned to the room to check on the baby and Lauren.

Emmie moved to the couch, thinking she’d just rest for a moment.

###

Sometime later, Emmie felt someone gently shake her. “Wake up.”

She sat up and blinked rapidly, trying to get her bearings.

Rick smiled at her. “It’s your turn to go to the condo and get some rest. I’ll call an Uber and ask that he help with your luggage.”

“Thanks, what time is it?” she asked.

“6 AM.” Rick helped her to her feet. “Want me to call the Uber now?”

“Please,” she said. The whole time in the hospital seemed like a dream until she heard Clark cry. Emmie went over to him. Gazing at him, joy filled her.

She was a grandmother.

###

Emmie let herself into Lauren and Rick’s condo, relieved to be able to clean up and rest. The Beach House Hotel and plans for dinner with Ted seemed a long time ago. She made herself a cup of coffee and fixed some toast. While sitting at the breakfast bar, she called Gemma.

“Hi, Mom, what’s up?” Gemma asked.

“Have you spoken to Lauren?” she asked.

“No, but I got a text message from her, with pictures of the baby. He‘s beautiful. I was going to call her later,” Gemma explained. “Are you still in Florida?”

“Lauren called me yesterday afternoon, and I arrived in New York early this morning. I’ve been to the hospital to see her, the baby, and Rick. All are doing well. Even though Clark Earl Harrison is early, he’s an adorable, healthy baby. Lauren will give you all the details, but I know you and Tony are planning a trip to New York and wanted you to know everything is fine with your sister.”

“Thanks, Mom, for telling me. I’ll talk to Lauren and arrange a time to see her. How long will she be in the hospital?”

“I don’t know. I’m in their condo to get some rest. Rick is with Lauren and the baby now. He’s already a loving and caring father.”

“Like Dad,” said Gemma. “I love the name they gave the baby, and they included Dad.”

“Me, too.” Emmie couldn’t stop a yawn. “I’ll talk to you later. Right now, I’m going to bed.”

They ended the call, and Emmie stumbled to the guest room and collapsed on the bed.

###

Emmie checked the bedside clock. 2 PM. Stretching, she got up. If she stayed in bed as she was tempted to do, she’d ruin her regular schedule.

She took the time to shower and to change into the warmest clothes she had with her. With her stomach rumbling, she headed to the kitchen for another cup of coffee and to scramble some eggs.

Feeling better, Emmie checked the baby’s room and the supplies. She’d make a list and check with Lauren to see what else might be needed. Looking at the empty crib, knowing how fortunate they were that a healthy baby would soon fill it, she closed her eyes and said, “Earl, you’d be so proud.”

When she realized what she’d done, she chuckled. She hadn’t spoken to Earl for a while. But this occasion called for it.

Her thoughts flew to her time spent in Florida and the man who’d caught her attention there. She checked her messages, studied Ted’s latest one to her, and then put the phone down.