Page 58

Ted was standing at the stove, cooking bacon. “Coffee’s ready. I’m fixing bacon and eggs. Okay?”

“Sure,” said Emmie. “I didn’t realize you were handy in the kitchen. That’s great.”

He chuckled. “There’s still a lot you don’t know about me. I’m usually up early to start the day. It’s the most peaceful time of day for me.”

Emmie walked over and wrapped her arms around him. “I like a man who can cook.”

Ted kissed her and turned back to the stove. “Breakfast will be ready shortly.”

“I’ll set the table,” said Emmie. “It looks a little cloudy, but the weather station said it was going to be a nice day for golf.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Brad said you and Kate would join us for lunch at the country club.”

“They have great food,” she said. “When Earl died, I canceled the golf membership but kept the social one.” She poured herself a cup of coffee and freshened Ted’s before taking a seat at the table.

Ted served up the meal and sat opposite her.

“Here’s to an enjoyable morning,” she said. “How did you sleep?”

“Like a baby,” said Ted, smiling. “Are you sure you don’t mind my playing golf instead of doing something with you?”

Emmie waved away his concern. “Go and enjoy yourself. I like to have some time to myself. We’ve got the rest of the day and the night ahead to ourselves.”

“Too bad we don’t have time for a special morning tryst,” said Ted, giving her a sexy grin. “I’ll make up for it tomorrow.”

“Deal.” She didn’t want to mention it, but she was going to use her free time to get her hair cut and frosted, something to fit her rising spirits.

Ted took a quick shower, got dressed, and met Brad at the end of the driveway with his bag of golf clubs.

Emmie checked in with Kate about timing for lunch and got ready for the day.

###

Four hours later, Emmie and Kate walked into the club’s sports dining area, delighted to see the men laughing together at a table for four.

“Hi,” said Emmie. “We’re here.”

The men stopped their conversation and turned to them. Emmie was delighted to see the look of admiration on Ted’s face. Her hairdresser had cut her hair in a new, carefree chin-length style that suited her face.

The men stood and helped her and Kate get seated. Brad signaled the waiter, and the women ordered iced teas.

“How was your golf game?” Emmie asked Ted.

“Just okay for me,” said Ted. “Brad is a real pro, but give me some time, and I’ll give him a run for his money.”

Brad grinned. “He’s a lot better than he’s leading you to believe, Emmie.”

“Did you get a look at what the club has to offer?” Emmie asked Ted.

“It has everything one could want,” said Ted. “I’m anxious to try the food. If it is as delicious as everyone says, it’s a win all around. Brad said if I moved here, he’d put me up for membership. But, of course, we are far from making that decision.”

“Agreed.” Emmie exchanged glances with Kate. She’d already told Kate that she wasn’t sure where their relationship might lead them, as far as living arrangements went.

A waitress came to the table, and they placed their orders. Burgers for the guys and salads for Kate and Emmie.

While they were waiting for their food to arrive, Sue Childress, who’d shown interest in Tanner, came up to the table.

“Hi, everyone!” She turned to Emmie. “Where’s Tanner?”