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Emmie jumped to her feet and straightened her clothes, feeling like a teenager making out. Amused by the thought, she offered a hand to Ted, and they walked out of the library to the front door together.

While Ted stayed behind her, Emmie rushed to greet Lauren. “Hi, you made excellent time coming from the city. Come and meet Ted.”

Emmie made the introductions and was satisfied when both Ted and Lauren wore big, genuine smiles. She introduced Ted to Rick, and while they stood shaking hands, Emmie reached inside the car, unbuckled Clark from his car seat, and lifted him into her arms.

“Wow! He’s getting heavy,” said Emmie. “How much does he weigh?”

“Thirteen pounds,” Lauren said. “He’s a good baby and likes to eat.”

Emmie cuddled Clark closer to her. “He’s adorable and very handsome.”

Lauren’s face brightened. “Everyone says so.”

“How are you, Rick?” Emmie asked as he removed the car seat from the backseat.

“I’m fine, thanks,” he responded, “but I’m as sick of the noise at the condo as Lauren.”

Ted helped Rick with the luggage and baby equipment, and soon they all headed indoors.

“I have the downstairs guest room all set for you,” said Emmie, leading the way. “I’ll hold the baby while you get settled.”

“Thanks, Mom,” said Lauren, glancing from her to Ted and back again.

Emmie walked to the rocking chair in the kitchen nook and sat down. Ted watched her.

“Being a grandparent is special, huh?” he said.

“Yes, there’s something magical about realizing you’re part of this child.”

Rick joined them. “Mind if I grab a beer?” he asked Emmie.

“Not at all. Please help yourself to whatever you want.” She turned to Ted. “You, too, of course.”

Ted glanced at Rick. “How about I join you?”

Rick gave him a thumbs-up signal. “Sure. I’ll grab them.”

Emmie stayed where she was, speaking softly to Clark, telling him how special he was, how much she loved him.

When Lauren didn’t appear for a while, Emmie took the baby to check on her.

She stopped at the doorway to the guest room, gazed at her daughter asleep atop the bed, and backed away.

In the kitchen, she joined the men sitting at the table. “Lauren’s asleep. How bad is the construction at the building?” she asked Rick.

“Pretty bad. It’s been going on most of the week. They start as early as they can and stay as late as they’re allowed, but it wreaks havoc with the baby’s schedule. I hope you don’t mind that we’ve barged into your weekend.”

“Not at all,” said Emmie. “I’ve wanted you and Lauren to meet Ted.”

“Me, too,” said Ted. “Emmie and I are seeing where our relationship can take us, and having both of our families’ support is extremely important.”

“It’s great to see you two together,” said Rick. “I know how lonely Emmie has been, and as she’s told me, Ted, you’ve been lonely, too.”

Clark started fussing.

Rick checked his watch. “It’s the baby’s feeding time. I’d better wake up Lauren.”

After he left, Ted said, “Rick is a straight-up guy. I like him. Lauren seems very friendly, too. She looks a lot like you.”