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“Wait until you see the condo. It’s gorgeous,” said Emmie.

“Maybe another time,” said Lauren.

“We’re going to go back home tomorrow morning. I want to talk to our financial manager to explore how best to sell our apartment and manage the finances. I’m also arranging an inspection of this house, Emmie. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. This will be a business deal and should be done properly,” she said.

“We’re as excited about moving here as you are about moving out,” said Lauren.

They shared a look of delight.

“What is Kate going to say when you tell her?” asked Lauren.

“That’s something I’m worried about. I’ve arranged to see her tomorrow afternoon.

###

The next afternoon, Kate arrived at Emmie’s house.

Seeing her at the open door, tears stung Emmie’s eyes. Their friendship had lasted for over thirty years. As excited as she was about moving to the lake to be with Ted, she was enormously sad to think that moments like this would be hard to come by in the future.

“Come in,” Emmie said, rushing to greet Kate.

“It seems like forever that we’ve seen one another,” said Kate. “I can’t wait to hear what’s happening. It was great to see Ted. He and Brad really like one another. In fact, Ted invited us to come to his home for Memorial Day Weekend.”

“He has? How nice,” said Emmie. “There will be plenty of room for you there. Come sit. I got out a special bottle of wine for us to share. One I’ve been keeping for the right moment.”

Kate grinned. “Are you engaged to Ted?”

“What? No, but we are making plans to live together,” said Emmie. “That’s what I want to talk to you about. It’s both good news and bad news.”

Kate sank onto a kitchen chair and stared glumly at her. “Please don’t tell me you’re moving away.”

“Not exactly,” said Emmie. She poured the sparkling rosé into two tulip glasses and handed one to Kate. Then she lowered herself into a chair next to Kate and raised her glass. “Here’s to our continuing friendship!”

“Always,” said Kate, clicking her glass against Emma’s. “What’s going on?”

“I’m selling my house to Lauren and Rick and moving into a condo by the river,” said Emmie.

“Wow! That’s a lot to think about,” said Kate. She struggled not to cry. “Don’t mind me. I knew this day would come.”

“That’s not all. I’ll be living with Ted most of the time in his lake house. We haven’t figured out the rest, but at least we’ve got this stumbling block taken care of.”

Kate dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “Oh, Emmie, I’m thrilled for you. I really am.”

Emmie wrapped her arms around her. “You’re my best friend, the sister I never had, the family I lost early. I will always be there for you.”

Kate sniffled into her tissue and gave Emmie a wavering smile. “I know, and I’ll continue to be there for you. I can’t believe I’ll be living next door to your daughter. If it had to be someone else living there, I’m glad it’s Lauren and Rick.”

“Me, too. It makes everything more manageable. Though the girls won’t be living at the lake, it’s within easy driving distance for me to reach them. And by having the condo here, I won’t miss out on much with Clark.”

“It’s a workable plan, Emmie.” Kate leaned forward. “Now tell me about your weekend with Ted’s kids.”

They were still laughing over some of the shenanigans with Diana and Chase’s baby arriving early and how Emmie convinced Harper that every princess needs a prince when Ted and Brad showed up.

“What’s the celebration?” asked Brad.

Emmie explained what the new housing arrangement was.