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As Emmie drove Ted through the town, pointing out places of interest, their talk turned to families and what each one wanted for them.

“I like that the girls can easily come home for a visit. For Lauren, at this stage in her life, it’s a place where she can find a bit of a break from being a mother to a newborn. Gemma, too, likes knowing her home is waiting for her whenever she needs time away from the business and Tony’s family. And you’ve met Kate and Brad and understand how much their friendship means to me.”

“So, you’re telling me that if the time came, you wouldn’t want to move to my home in the Syracuse area?” asked Ted.

“I would never say never, but I can’t promise that it’s something I want,” Emmie said honestly.

Ted was silent. “I’ll keep that in mind going forward. Right now, I want to see how we can arrange to meet as often as possible. You have your job, and I have mine. I admit that mine is more flexible than yours. And I want as much time with you as I can get. If that means my driving to see you, I will.”

“We can meet in Newton from time to time if that’s easier,” said Emmie. “But I don’t want to meet at Gemma’s new house.”

“Neither do I,” said Ted. “We need more privacy than that. Let’s see how it goes. Am I being presumptuous if I ask you to commit your weekends to us?”

“Not at all. If we’re serious about seeing where our relationship can go, we need to spend as much time with one another as possible. Do you agree?”

“Yes,” said Ted. A sexy grin crossed his face. “I like that you feel the same way.”

Emmie’s cheeks grew hot. She knew he was thinking about how they’d spent this weekend together.

“One thing we should remember is that my kids need a chance to get to know you. So, at some time, it’ll be important for you to come to my house for a weekend.”

“That’s fair,” said Emmie. “The only reason I spoke up about staying in this area of the state is that I don’t ever want to mislead you. Honesty is important to me.”

“And to me,” said Ted. “Let’s go to lunch, and then I’ll have to think about getting home.”

Emmie pulled into Belle’s, her favorite sandwich and soup place.

Inside the restaurant, the décor was definitely small-town cozy with a daisy theme. Each wooden table was covered with a green vinyl tablecloth beneath a glass bud vase holding daisies. The waitresses wore yellow blouses, dark-green skirts, and a cloth apron with a large daisy design.

On this April day, the interior seemed exceptional. Or maybe it was being with Ted that made Emmie feel that way.

They were seated at a table by the window.

An older waitress approached with menus and a pitcher of water. “Can I get you something to drink besides water?”

“I’ll have a glass of your strawberry lemonade,” said Emmie.

“And I’ll have just water,” Ted said. “What do you suggest for lunch?”

“Our burgers are always excellent, but our roast beef sandwiches are a favorite of mine. Beef sliced thin, Russian dressing, and coleslaw on Rye bread. My husband liked it best.”

“Sold,” said Ted. “Thank you.”

“And I’ll have a chicken Caesar salad,” said Emmie.

After ordering, Ted looked around. “Seems busy. Is it always this way?”

“Pretty much. The downtown area is active, making it an enjoyable place for visitors and businesses.” Emmie leaned forward. “Do you like the look of Ellenton? Can you ever see yourself living here?”

Ted shook his head. “I don’t know. We both need to be open to going ahead with our relationship and letting things fall into place.”

Worried, Emmie said, “You’re right. We shouldn’t allow that decision to ruin what is growing between us, as long as we both realize we’ll have to make some compromises moving forward.”

Their food came, and they chatted easily about the weather, Ted’s trip back home, and Ted’s promise to meet Brad for golf.

After a delicious lunch, they left the restaurant and went to Emmie’s house.