Page 76

“Cinda and I are trying for a girl,” he said.

“I know,” said Emmie. “It’ll happen. Right now, you’re both going through a lot.”

“Tomorrow I’m calling the insurance company to make sure they know that the accident wasn’t my fault.” He put a hand over his eyes and then looked up at her. “I can still see that truck coming right at us, knowing I didn’t have time to get out of the way.”

“It must have been awful,” said Emmie. “Thank God, it wasn’t worse. Poor Cinda. The weeks ahead will no doubt be frustrating for her. Be sure to let others know when she needs time for herself, time to get out of the house, or time to talk about the accident itself.”

Ryan looked at her. “I meant what I said. You’re great for Ted and all of us.”

“Thanks,” said Emmie, blinking rapidly at the sting in her eyes. She wanted them to like and trust her.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Just as Ted and Emmie were thinking of taking Harper home, Ted’s cell rang. He snatched it up and listened. A look of delight spread across his face. He turned to face the others sitting in the den watching television. “He’s here! And Diana is doing fine.”

“How much does he weigh? How big is he?” asked Cinda.

“Hold on. Okay, he’s six pounds even and 21inches long,” Ted announced. “Diana will call Cinda later. They send their love.”

“What a day,” said Ted, beaming. “Another grandson.”

“Hold on! I’ll get out a bottle of sparkling rosé. It’s not champagne, but it’s the best I’ve got,” said Ryan.

“I probably shouldn’t have any,” said Cinda, “but I’ll take just a sip or two. Our family is growing.”

They all toasted Chase and Diana’s baby boy.

It wasn’t until they were almost through that they heard a little voice say, “But I don’t want a baby brother.”

Emmie couldn’t stop herself from swooping up Harper and dancing a little with her. “A princess needs a prince. Yay! Now you have one.”

Harper smiled and clapped her hands. “He’s mine?”

“He’s for all of us.” Emmie realized everyone was staring at her. She hugged Harper and set her down.

“How’d you learn to do that-–change a young mind that quickly?” Cinda asked.

Emmie chuckled. “I’m sure Harper’s new feelings are temporary, but it might be a beginning. When Harper sees that baby, I’m pretty sure she’ll love him. At least until he starts walking and getting into her things. That’s how it was with my daughters.”

“I’ve met Lauren, Emmie’s oldest daughter,” said Ted. “Cinda, you and Diana are going to like her. This week I’m going to the Newton dealership. While I’m there, I hope to get to spend some time with Emmie’s younger daughter, Gemma. She and her husband, Tony, only know me as a customer at Romero’s, his family’s restaurant.”

“Wow! Romero’s has some of my favorite food,” said Ryan. “Maybe she’ll give me the family recipe for red sauce.”

“I should warn you that they don’t usually give it out,” said Emmie. “But I have an inside connection.”

“See how delightful Emmie is?” Ted wrapped an arm around her and grinned.

Even Cinda sent her an approving look.

###

Emmie and Ted took Harper home. It was obvious that the little girl was tired. Emmie hoped to put her to bed, giving her and Ted time for a quiet dinner by themselves. After all that had happened, she was looking forward to spending some downtime with him.

Harper didn’t object to brushing her teeth and washing up before putting her princess pajamas on. Just as Emmie was putting her under the covers of her “big girl” bed, Ted came into the room.

“I’ve checked with Chase, and he’s going to join us for dinner. I’ll add his steak to ours to grill.”

“With the lettuce and other things you bought at the store, I’ll put together a salad for us,” she said. “Then, after dinner, I’m ready to go to your house. Frankly, I’m pooped.”