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“Thank you. That means a lot to me,” said Emmie. “Both your dad and I have our spouses to thank for our coming together. If he and your mother hadn’t had such a wonderful relationship, Ted might not have been looking for someone. I felt the same way about my husband, Earl, as he did about your mother. That’s how things between the two of us deepened quickly.”

Cinda’s cheeks flushed with emotion. “That’s so important. I needed to hear that.”

“Second chances like this are very rare. I’m grateful to Ted for all the thoughtful things s he’s shown me, my family, and my friends. It’s sure to be a fabulous weekend.”

“I understand your daughters and friends will arrive on Saturday afternoon,” said Cinda. “That night we’ll have a big picnic here. Then on Sunday, we can show them around or have a lazy day. We’re planning a gourmet dinner here Sunday evening with caterers we’ve used in the past. Then on Monday, if anyone wants to celebrate in town, a parade and other festivities to celebrate the holiday are taking place there.”

“It sounds as if you have everything well planned,” said Emmie. “Thanks.”

Cinda’s lips curved. “It wasn’t just me. Diana and I planned it together with input from Ryan and Chase.”

“That’s even better than.” Emmie sipped her tea, thrilled by Cinda’s acceptance.

###

Ted arrived home later than usual and explained that Memorial Day sales were big in the automotive industry, with the summer months facing customers who wanted to upgrade their vehicles. The Jeep dealership, in particular, was expecting a lot of business because camping and exploring were on a lot of customers’ minds.

They ate a simple meal and went to bed early.

Lying beside him, Emmie realized she now felt more at home here with him than she did in her own house. The condo would take a few more weeks to get ready, but with the new bedroom furniture delivered last week, she and Ted could live there together for the days he was in Ellenton.

Lauren and Ted were planning to move into her house by July 4th. Because she was leaving most of the furniture behind, it was almost livable for them now. Emmie was taking a lot of the kitchenware, some family decorative pieces, her desk, a favorite chair, and little else with her. She would tread carefully about changing much at Ted’s house. It was beautiful as it was.

Ted rolled over and faced her. “Not asleep yet?”

“I’m too excited about the weekend. It’s going to be special to have my family here.”

He grinned at her and cupped her face in his hand. “I’d help you get to sleep in a loving way, but I’ve been run ragged this week.”

She chuckled. “Let’s cuddle. That’ll put both of us to sleep.”

###

The next morning was cloudy. Disappointed, Emmie stared out the partially opened bedroom window and lay quietly. No matter what the weather, they’d all have a wonderful time.

Ted awoke with a start and glanced at the bedside clock. “I’ve got to go to the truck dealership. We’re having a grand opening day for our weekend sale. I won’t be gone long. I’ll take a shower when I get back.”

“No worries. I’m going to make sure everything is set for the day and take a walk. It’s not raining.”

“It’s not supposed to rain all weekend,” said Ted, dressing quickly.

Ted left, and Emmie stayed in bed a while later, luxuriating in the downtime given to her.

She’d just entered the kitchen dressed for the day when Diana arrived.

“Hi, Emmie. Have a cup of coffee for me?” she asked, looking great for having a baby just a couple of months old. “I’m here to welcome you and to check on baby equipment and the like for Lauren.”

“Oh, that’s so nice,” said Emmie, handing her a cup of steaming coffee. “What do you think? Are the skies going to clear?”

“I think so. Clouds around the lake aren’t unusual with temperature changes at this time of year,” said Diana. “Let me go check the second kitchen for supplies for Lauren. There are diapers from Harper’s time and a few other things she might need for her baby.”

“Thanks,” said Emmie. “I’ll come with you.”

They went to the guests’ wing of the house and to the small kitchen there. With a microwave oven, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, and cupboards there, it was handy for people staying with children. Lauren would be thrilled to see it.

“I’m making a list of things to buy,” said Diana. “Ryan’s at work, but I’ll try to go to the store.”

“I can do that for you,” Emmie said. “I need to get used to the area.”