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“I understand,” said Diana. She hesitated and then hugged Emmie. “I’m glad you’re here.”

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After Diana left, Emmie drove to town to do some shopping. As she pulled up to the grocery store, she realized that this was how she’d be living someday. The idea became all too real.

That same feeling of reality overtook her as she walked out of Ted’s house and greeted Lauren and Rick, and shortly after, Kate and Brad, then Gemma and Tony. This was her home now.

Emmie gave tours of the house and made sure everyone was settled into their rooms. Kate and Brad were put on the same floor as Emmie and Ted. Both of her daughters were placed in the kids’ wing, where there was a lot more to keep them busy, and Clark could be accommodated without bothering anyone else.

After the men left to check out the golf course at the country club, Kate and Emmie walked down to the bench at the end of the dock.

“It’s such a beautiful place and the house is stunning,” said Kate. “Though it’s large, it’s comfortable and very accommodating for guests.”

“I gather that Marylee was very social and entertained a lot of friends over the years,” said Emmie. “So, it makes sense to have a home like this. Ted is very content here.”

“I can understand why,” said Kate, patting Emmie’s back. “I can’t believe how all this has happened since Christmas.”

Emmie gave her a thoughtful nod. “It was such a fantastic Christmas, a gift from Earl, and the beginning of something new. It makes me believe that it was supposed to happen this way. Me and Santa.”

Kate chuckled. “It sounds like a fairy tale.”

“Sometimes I think that’s what this is,” said Emmie. She turned as someone called for her.

Cole and Mack were running toward her.

“Hi, Em,” said Cole. “Mom said to say hi before we go play some games inside.”

Emmie stood. “I’d like you to meet my friend, Ms. Neames. And Kate, this is Cole and his older brother Mack, Cinda’s boys.”

They all walked off the dock together.

Cinda was sitting in a chair on the living room patio and waved when she saw them.

Emmie waved back and took Kate’s arm. “That’s Cinda. We’ve become friends.”

After making the introductions, Emmie went inside to get her girls, who were in the guest wing of the house.

Gemma and Lauren were fussing over Clark, putting a little blue, red, and white onesie on him.

“Cinda is here,” Emmie announced. “Please come to the living room patio to meet her.”

Emmie returned to the patio with Clark and the girls. As she made the introductions, she warmed at the friendly response each woman made. She sighed with relief. It was going to be fine.

“Where’s Diana?” asked Gemma.

“Diana will be here as soon as she can,” Emmie explained. “She has a three-year-old and an infant, so it takes her longer. Halona is helping her.”

Cinda held out her arms to Clark. “May I?”

“Of course,” said Lauren, sitting down in a chair next to Cinda and then handing Clark to her. “I guess you know all about boys.”

Cinda laughed. “I’m learning more each day, believe me. Your Clark is adorable. This is such a cute stage.”

Emmie left the girls on the patio and went to check on the picnic supplies. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and Italian sausages were going to be served, along with three different kinds of salads and a variety of things for dessert.

When Ted returned with Brad, Tony, and Rick, the house came alive with their talk and teasing. Soon after, Diana arrived with her children. It didn’t take long for Harper to have everyone fussing over her.

“This is my prince,” said Harper, patting Ayden on the head gently. “Em said so.”