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“I get it,” said Brad. “You know Kate and I are here if you need anything.”

“I do. Thank you.” She turned as Kate and Brad’s Dachshund ran up to them, wiggling with joy when Emmie said, “Hi, Pickle,” picking up the small black and tan dog. She’d taken care of the dog plenty of times when Kate and Brad wanted to get away.

“I’ll see you later,” said Brad. “When you get tired of her, please bring Pickle home. If you want to keep her overnight for company, just give us a call.”

“Thanks.” Emmie had used the dog for comfort from time to time when she felt overwhelmed by all that had happened. Kate called Pickle her therapy dog.

Inside the house, she gave Pickle a freeze-dried treat approved by Kate and changed the laundry from the washer to the dryer. She liked to plan her work outfits for the week, making the mornings easier.

She was required to be at her desk by eight o’clock, so that clients from out of town wouldn’t have to wait until nine o’clock to speak to someone. One or more of the six partners usually joined her before the support staff arranged. She’d worked with them for years and was regarded as more than the office manager, more like a real partner in their business.

After prepping for the week foodwise, Emmie sat on the couch with Pickle, watching the mystery shows she liked. Pickle grew restless. Emmie checked her watch: Pickle’s dinnertime.

“Okay, girl, time to go home.” Emmie called Kate to let her know the dog was leaving, then she walked Pickle to the front door and let her out.

Kate stood outside on her lawn and waved to Emmie as Pickle trotted from Emmie’s house to her home next door.

Shutting the door behind her, Emmie went to the kitchen to fix herself a light snack. Many times, her girls had asked if she wanted a puppy. Emmie always said no. Now, she wondered if the day would come when she could bring a dog into her life permanently. There were many things to think about. One thing she did know, she wouldn’t make any major changes to her life until after the holidays.

CHAPTER THREE

The following Saturday, Emmie arose, eager to see Lauren and Rick.

One of the assistants in the office was pregnant and told her all about the fantastic equipment they made for babies and parents.

Now that Lauren was past the first trimester, the arrival of a grandson became more real. Emmie wondered what Lauren had in mind for converting Earl’s office. She planned to go with her to one of the big box stores to check out baby furniture.

She dressed for the day before padding down to the kitchen. Feeling domestic, she decided to make one of Lauren’s favorites—chicken noodle soup. The weather on this blustery day was cold and threatened snow.

She pulled some chicken out of the freezer and placed it in the refrigerator to defrost for dinner and then fixed herself a cup of coffee, eager to begin her day. When she and Lauren had a quiet moment, she’d tell her about Earl’s Christmas surprise. She’d love it if Lauren and Rick could make the trip with her.

Shortly after ten, Lauren and Rick arrived.

Emmie greeted them with hugs and kisses and then turned to Rick. “Are you ready to take care of the electronics in Earl’s office?”

An easy-going guy, Rick said, “Sure. I understand you want to exchange your printer for his. Right?”

“Yes,” she said, delighted that he remembered. “The furniture was picked up earlier this week as a donation to a local women’s welfare program.”

“Great,” said Rick. “How about one of those doughnuts, and do I smell soup cooking?”

Emmie grinned. She loved that he liked her cooking. Lauren didn’t enjoy working in the kitchen.

The three of them sat at the kitchen table.

As they were eating doughnuts and sipping coffee, Emmie thought this might be the time to tell them about Earl’s surprise gift. “I have something to tell you. Something very thrilling.”

“You’re ordering the baby carriage we want?” said Lauren, smiling.

“No, it’s about something your father arranged for me, for us. Uncle Brad helped him with it. I’m booked into The Beach House Hotel in their Presidential Suite for December 23rd through January 1st.”

“Wha-a-at?” said Lauren. “How? Dad’s been gone for almost two years.”

“That’s fantastic! said Rick. “I know all about the hotel. My boss and his wife have gone there.”

“Your father paid a substantial deposit for the space and arranged with the two owners to keep the reservation intact for me. For us, really. The suite can accommodate you two, as well.”

Lauren’s and Rick’s faces fell.