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“I promise,” said Emmie. She turned to Tanner. “Are you enjoying Ellenton? How long have you been here?”

“It’s been just a few weeks since Derek and I moved into one of the condos by the river,” Tanner said. “I visited the town earlier for interviews and to look around. But I couldn’t have possession of my condo until December. ”

“People in town were concerned when they learned those condos were going to be built,” said Kate. “But they’re stunning and suit the landscape with their wood and natural stone exteriors.”

“I was really happy to find one like mine,” said Tanner. “It has enough space for a man and a teenager to comfortably share.” He chuckled. “And for all of Derek’s sports equipment.”

They talked some more about their jobs and the town, and then Kate excused herself, went to the kitchen, and returned. “Come sit in the dining room. I’ve made a favorite dish of Brad’s.”

Tanner helped Emmie to her feet, and the three of them went into the dining room. On top of the handsome cherry dining room table was a wooden bowl of tossed green salad, a bread basket with French bread, and a steaming-hot chicken piccata casserole.

Emmie’s appetite grew. Kate was an excellent cook.

Brad passed the bread and salad around, while Kate served and handed out plates of the casserole.

After everyone had been served a glass of white wine and received their food, Brad raised his glass. “Welcome to Ellenton, Tanner. It’s great to have you here with us and Emmie, our special family member.”

Emmie and Tanner exchanged glances and then raised their glasses.

As they ate, Emmie studied Tanner out of the corner of her eye. He was a pleasant man, kind, congenial, and somewhat shy. Kate had mentioned he’d been divorced for ten years. Maybe, she thought, he was the type of man who liked living alone with his son.

After dinner, they went into the living room for a cup of coffee and an aperitif. Emmie chose a small glass of Crème de Menthe. The green peppermint drink would settle her stomach.

Brad kept the conversation going with his jokes, and Tanner dutifully laughed.

Finally, Emmie said, “I’ve got to get back home. I’m on night duty with the baby. Thanks for the delicious dinner, Kate. And Tanner, I hope you enjoy living here in Ellenton.”

Tanner stood with Brad while Emmie hugged Kate goodbye. “Thanks.”

“Would you like someone to walk you home?” asked Kate, glancing at Tanner.

“No, thanks. I’ll dash across the lawn as usual. Thanks, Brad,” said Emmie as he helped her with her coat. “ ’Night, Tanner. It was nice to meet you.”

She left and ran across the lawn to her back door, opened it, and found Gemma and Tony in the kitchen with Lauren and Rick.

“How was your date?” asked Gemma. “Lauren said it’s your first one since your vacation.”

Emmie sighed. “He’s a very agreeable man, but I feel as if I don’t really know him. I’m not sure what I would say if he ever wanted to go out.”

“I hope you’d give him a chance if he does call,” said Lauren. “Now that you’ve decided to date, it’s important to let someone have the opportunity to get to know you.”

“And for you to get to know him,” added Gemma.

“All right. I’ll be sure to let you know if Tanner calls me,” said Emmie, laughing. She turned to Tony and Gemma. “Are you going to stay the night?”

“No,” said Tony. “We’re almost home. And we have an appointment tomorrow to meet with a realtor.”

“I just had to see Clark again,” said Gemma.

“How was your New Year’s Eve?” Emmie asked, getting herself a glass of water.

“It was fantastic,’ said Gemma. “Our hotel room was lovely, and the hotel was in a great location for walking around. We had some delicious food.”

“We did a some restaurant testing in Little Italy,” said Tony. “I got a few ideas for a couple of new recipes.”

“It all sounds lovely,” said Emmie. “It’s great that you had the chance to get away.”

“Send pictures of Clark,” said Gemma, rising from her seat at the table. “He already looks bigger than when I last saw him.”