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“Ted doesn’t know about this?” said Lauren.

“No, but he’s coming sometime next week, and I’ll tell him then,” said Emmie. “I know he’ll be thrilled to learn of this option. As I mentioned, he’s stated very clearly that no matter what, he doesn’t intend to sell the lake house.”

Lauren got up from the table and went over to her. “Thank you for thinking of us. This is a dream come true for me. And just think, I’ll be living next door to Kate and Brad, like always.”

“Don’t you mention a word to Kate about it. I need to talk to her myself,” said Emmie. Her eyes stung. “She and I have gone through many trials and celebrations together. It’s going to be hard to leave that.”

“But she can visit. How long does it take to get to Skaneateles?” asked Lauren.

“It took me over four hours, but it didn’t seem that long,” said Emmie. “And it’s only an hour and a half from Newton.”

“Notwithstanding your having to leave here, it makes sense for you to live where Ted has his businesses,” said Rick. “Will you look for a job there?”

“It’s something I need to think about,” said Emmie. “This past weekend with his kids wasn’t usual, with all the unexpected happenings. One thing I do know is that I need to keep busy. But first things first.”

Lauren turned to her with a frown. “If we buy the house, you’re not going to be upset with any changes we make, are you?”

“Of course not. It’ll be your home, not mine,” said Emmie. “It’s a big house, a lot to take care of, but you’re both young and strong. That’s another consideration I’ve had to think about when I was deciding whether to keep it.”

“Thank you for your generosity,” said Rick. “We’ll work it out. We should be able to move in sometime this summer. Hopefully, the sooner, the better.”

Clark's cries were heard through the baby monitor.

“I’ll get him,” said Lauren. “He hasn’t slept long enough. Maybe he just needs to be burped.”

Emmie turned to Rick. “Let’s make copies of the paperwork you want so you can work up a proposal of some kind.”

“Okay,” he said. “Lauren and I are grateful for this opportunity. Believe me, I’ll make it work.”

He left with the file, and Emmie continued to sit in her chair, aware that a major change in her life had already been made. There would be no turning back.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Shortly after their meeting ended , Emmie was surprised by a call from Ted. “I know Lauren and Rick are there, but would you or they mind if I spent the night? I have business to take care of in Ellenton tomorrow morning, and I need a place to sleep.”

“You know you’re always welcome here. What kind of meeting do you have on a Sunday?” she asked.

“Something personal,” Ted said. “I can be there in time for dinner and am willing to take you all out.”

“That won’t be necessary,” she said. “I’ve made Rick’s favorite beef stew for dinner. There will be plenty of food for all of us. But before you come to the house, let’s meet somewhere private where we can talk.”

“Okay, I’ve got the place,” Ted said. “When I get into town, I’ll call to pick you up.”

“Thanks, that will work well,” said Emmie.

She went to Rick and Lauren, sitting in the living room, and told them what was happening. “I’ll use this time to tell Ted what I’m planning to do about the house. “

“I’m relieved that you’re going to talk to him about it before I see him. I’m very excited about the house, and I’m not sure I could keep the news to myself,” said Lauren, beaming at her.

“Well, then, it’s a plan.” Emmie was both excited and nervous to tell Ted. Excited because it would solve their problems, nervous because it cemented their relationship.

Later, when Ted called her, Emmie fussed with her appearance, grabbed her purse, and stood outside as he’d requested.

He drove into the driveway and waited while she climbed inside his truck.

“Good afternoon,” she said, smiling as he leaned over to kiss her. “I’m delighted you came to town. I have something to tell you.”

“Me, too,” said Ted, pulling out of the driveway.