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CHAPTER FOUR

When Emmie told Stan Pierce, the partner-in-charge of the Pierce, Neames, and Cabot law firm, about her request for vacation time to go to the hotel, he was happy for her. With the girls’ support, and now his, Emmie became excited about the time away. It wasn’t like any Christmas holiday she’d imagined, but it meant she was looking forward, not reminiscing about what had been. Bless Earl for that!

The law office closed on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Instead of staying home and cooking, Emmie decided to meet Lauren in the city for a day of shopping. Some of the bigger stores had their resort wear already out on display for those like her who would head to warmer weather for the holidays.

Lauren was delighted to have Emmie visit. By the time Emmie arrived that Tuesday morning, Lauren already had a list of places to go, suggestions for what Emmie might need, and photos of guests at the hotel from various promo shoots showing what they were wearing.

“The Beach House Hotel is upscale, Mom. Even if you have things at home you could wear, let’s refresh your wardrobe. How about it?”

Emmie grinned. “Why not? I never expected to spend Christmas like this. Let’s go all the way with some attractive, fun things to wear.” She loved that Lauren was organized and excited for her.

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A couple of hours later, Emmie was as tired as Lauren, but both wore satisfied looks. Shopping together was always interesting because while Emmie was short and shapely, Lauren was tall and thin. What worked for one of them didn’t work for the other. Lauren had an eye for style and sales. Shopping with her was always a treat for Emmie. In this instance, she needed several true resort pieces of clothing because very little at home was right for a Christmas spent at the luxurious hotel.

Emmie and Lauren relaxed at Lauren’s condo, recovering from the energy spent on shopping, chatting easily.

When she was ready, Emmie stood. “Thank you, darling, for helping me. It was a rare day off for me, and I enjoyed the time with you. I’m going to head home. I need to get up early tomorrow and do some baking for Thanksgiving.”

“Okay. You can just beat the rush hour traffic if you leave now. But, Mom, you’re welcome to spend the night.”

“I know, but it will be easier in the long run if I go home. I’ll see you for Thanksgiving.” She picked up some of her packages.

“Rick and I are looking forward to it.” Lauren walked Emmie to the garage, where she’d parked in Rick’s spot, carrying the rest of Emmie’s packages. “Remember, now that you have an idea of styles, you can order items online for the trip. I love that you’re willing to pamper yourself. Heaven knows you deserve it.”

They kissed goodbye, and then Emmie drove out of the city toward home.

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That night, as Emmie hung up the items she’d purchased, she felt a thrill course through her. It was actually happening. Though her daughters couldn’t go with her, they were excited for her to have this opportunity.

Standing in front of the closet, she clasped her hands. Earl had been a wonderful husband, attentive, loving, and kind. But for him to do this for her was way beyond his usual behavior. He wasn’t that sentimental. The thought of him doing this for her touched her. It was a show of faith that she’d be all right. Now, it would be up to her to prove she was.

Emmie got up the next morning with new enthusiasm. She would make her famous sweet potato casserole and her homemade cranberry sauce to set aside.

On Thanksgiving morning, she’d bake two pumpkin pies and make her cheesy appetizer balls, which everyone loved. Kate was taking care of the stuffing, turkey, and mashed potatoes. Kate’s daughter-in-law would bring a string bean casserole, and Lauren made a delicious vegetable dip appetizer and had ordered some desserts to bring. Anyone else who came would bring whatever they wanted. It always worked out.

Now, she walked into the kitchen and fixed herself a cup of coffee. She tuned the house's music system to a soft contemporary jazz station, and the sounds filled the house, satisfying her need for company.

She heard a knock on the door and moved to answer it, knowing who it was.

“Hello, Kate,” said Emmie. “Come on in. I just made coffee. Sit and have a cup with me.”

“Happy Day Before Thanksgiving,” said Kate, sitting at the kitchen table. “How did the shopping with Lauren go?”

Emmie couldn’t hold back a grin. “Wait until you see what I got. Lauren has such excellent taste. I was able to get some basic things at a good price. She’s suggested other items I can get online to fill in. First, let’s have that coffee.”

The two women sat at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and chatting like the best friends they were.

Finally, Kate said, “Let’s go see those new clothes.”

Emmie eagerly led Kate to her bedroom and laid out the clothing she’d bought on the bed to give Kate a look.

“Wow! These are great!” said Kate, studying the sundress, beach coverup, skirt, tops, capri pants, pastel silk dress, and black linen dress.

“Oh, and this,” said Emmie, pulling a two-piece bathing suit out of a dresser drawer. “Lauren thought I could get away with a bikini, but I put my foot down at that. This two-piece suit helps to cover my belly.”

“I love it,” said Kate. “There’s no way I could wear it, but it’ll look perfect on you.”