Page 92

“And super excited about you agreeing to be Santa and Mrs. Claus. This time it’ll be a real love story,” said Rhonda.

“Were you able to take care of my request?” Ted asked them.

“Yes,” said Ann. “You will be in the Presidential Suite.”

Touched, Emmie turned to Ted. “You did that for us?”

Ted’s eyes twinkled from her pleasure. “Of course. I knew you’d want another Christmas in the Presidential Suite.”

“This is perfect,” said Emmie. “Our family and friends will arrive for the ceremony tomorrow. Ted and I wanted one day to ourselves before the wedding.”

“It’s smart that you chose December 23rd. That way, you’ll have your first Christmas together at the hotel,” said Rhonda.

Emmie and Ted smiled at Rhonda and then at each other. They’d talked about dates and didn’t want anything to take away from the kids' Christmas excitement, which is why they’d chosen that date.

Ann and Rhonda walked them inside the hotel and into the front entry, where they motioned for a blond woman to join them.

“This is my daughter-in-law, Nell, who will be handling your wedding arrangements,” said Ann. “I know you’ve had many discussions, but it’s always rewarding to actually meet the person who’s helping you.”

“Nell, you’ve been terrific,” said Emmie. “After we’re settled, I’d love to meet with you to go over the plans.”

“I’m ready to do that any time you are,” said Nell. “We’re delighted we can be part of your special time. I love the story of how the two of you came together. That adds an extra meaning to all the plans.”

“I think so, too,” said Emmie, feeling as if she were in a dream. The hotel staff was just as fantastic as she’d remembered.

“Okay, we’re ready to take you to your room,” said Ann. “Your luggage should be there along with any special items you ordered.

Moments later, Emmie stepped inside the Presidential Suite and was glad to see a beautiful floral arrangement in the center of the round table in the entry.

She went into the living room. A Christmas tree stood in a corner just as she’d hoped. The colorful round glass balls glowed in the sunlight streaming into the room.

“It’s beautiful,” said Emmie. “Thank you for everything.”

“Have a delightful stay,” said Rhonda.

“Please let us know if there’s anything we can do for you,” Ann said, giving them a little wave.

Alone in the suite, Emmie wrapped her arms around Ted. “Thank you for making this happen. It seems so right for us to be here in the suite.”

“I think so, too,” said Ted.

“What do you want to do on this our own day before the others come?” she asked.

“Now or later?” said Ted, with a teasing grin.

Emmie laughed. She’d always liked his sense of humor.

“Seriously, I’m hungry. We can eat here or walk to town,” said Ted. “Your choice.”

“Let’s eat in town,” said Emmie. “Let me unpack first. I promise I’ll hurry.”

“Okay,” said Ted. “I’m going to walk around the hotel. Call me when you’re ready.”

###

A short while later, Emmie and Ted sat at an outdoor table in the sun at a little French restaurant called André’s, where they’d shared a glass of wine during their first stay. One of the owners, Margot Durand, greeted them, and when she heard they were staying at The Beach House Hotel, she told them they were friends with the chef, Jean-Luc Rodin.

After the best vegetable quiche Emmie had ever had, she chose to forgo dessert. “After my wedding, I’m going to return here for dessert,” she told the waitress, who gave her an understanding look.