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“No worries. You’re beautiful as you are. Let me take Clark to give you some time to yourself.” Emmie set down her overnight bag, hung up her coat, and washed her hands. “Okay, where’s my darling grandson?”

Lauren led her to the guestroom/nursery. “I just fed him. He’s all yours. Thanks, Mom.”

Emmie went to the bassinet where Clark lay, looking up at her. A thrill went through her. He was a healthy, alert newborn. Gingerly, she lifted him into her arms, where he nestled against her chest.

She walked through the condo with him, looking for ways she could help Lauren. When Clark fell asleep, Emmie carefully put him in his bassinet and left the room.

While Lauren took a shower, Emmie cleaned up the kitchen and straightened the living room. Lauren had done an admirable job of keeping things tidy, given her limited time.

Lauren joined her, dressed in clean clothes, her hair still wet. “Thanks. I’ve been trying to keep everything going smoothly.”

Emmie frowned and cupped Lauren’s cheek with one hand. “Honey, you don’t have to keep everything flawless. Your health and Clark’s are what really matter. He looks healthy and happy, and you look much better.” Lauren had always wanted things to be perfect. Emmie had thought she’d outgrown some of that. “How is your scar?”

“Dr. Spellman says I’m healing nicely.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Would you like a cup of coffee? Tea? Or something to eat?” Emmie asked.

“I’d like a cup of tea and the honey toast you used to make for Gemma and me,” said Lauren.

Amused, Emmie said, “Take a rest on the couch. I’ll bring it to you.”

She found all the ingredients and took the tea and toast to Lauren, and then fixed herself a cup of Peppermint Herbal tea.

Sitting in the living room, she faced Lauren. “You’re doing an excellent job as a mother of a newborn. How are you handling your emotions?”

“Dr. Spellman has arranged for me to join a support group of her patients. I’ve gone to one meeting, and I can tell the other women will be a big help to me. I’ve tried talking to Rick about my hormones and what they’re doing to me, but as a man, he doesn’t really understand.”

“No, but I’m sure he’s helpful, isn’t he?”

Lauren shrugged. “He tells me to relax, but I can’t stand having a mess around me all the time. And sometimes I’m too tired to clean up.”

“What can I do to help while I’m here?” Emmie asked.

“Laundry,” said Lauren without hesitation.

“That’s easy. I’ll take care of it,” said Emmie. “Do you have enough undershirts and outfits for Clark?”

Lauren made a face. “If I keep up with the laundry, I do. Thanks.”

“Do you want to get out of the condo? Go somewhere?” asked Emmie.

Lauren’s face lit up. “I’d love to pick up a few things at the drug store. I’ll dry my hair and leave.”

Emmie went to the baby’s room to gather dirty laundry and to the closet where the washer and dryer were kept. A huge pile of dirty clothes sat in a basket on the floor.

Busy with the laundry, she thought it was just as well that she wasn’t having dinner with Tanner as he’d asked.

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On the drive home the next day, Emmie was satisfied that Lauren and Rick had decided to hire a babysitter to come in from time to time, giving Lauren some time to herself. After doing as much as she could to help out, Emmie was tired. There was a reason that babies were given to the young.

At home, she settled into her new routine of working, spending time by herself, and occasionally going out to dinner with Tanner. The pressure for either Tanner or her to actually date was gone, and they enjoyed one another’s company. Even though they shared a Valentine’s dinner, there was no sexual tension between them, and Emmie decided that was fine with her. But at night, remembering her time at The Beach House Hotel, she missed Ted and all the emotions he brought out in her. She hadn’t heard from him and realized she wouldn’t. He had a busy life with his work and his family. A family with one member who wasn’t keen on seeing her father with Emmie.

Still, life was good. Lauren and Rick were blissful in New York with Clark and seemed to have a better routine after hiring a qualified babysitter. Gemma and Tony found a house in Newton, not too far and not too close to the restaurant. Gemma called to ask for her opinion on the photos online. “If we go forward with this purchase as Tony’s family wants, we’ll be able to get into the house on April 21st,” explained Gemma.

Emmie looked at the pictures of the house. It was a small Cape Cod, ideal for a young couple starting out. With a living room, dining room, three bedrooms, two baths, and a fenced backyard, it had plenty of space for them. The updated kitchen, an important factor for Tony, was outstanding for someone like him, who enjoyed cooking.

“It’s lovely,” gushed Emmie. “I’m delighted you found it. Let me know how I can help.”