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As they walked back to the hotel, holding hands, Emmie turned to Ted. “A lot has happened since our engagement and my moving in with you. Cinda is pregnant. A spring baby is nice.”

“Yes, our family is growing,” said Ted. “Lauren’s recent surprise announcement that she’s having another child will bring her and Cinda even closer. Who knew our daughters would become fast friends?”

“I like that all the men seem to get along. Tony is even learning to play golf. Something he’s never had too much time for in the past.”

“We’re very lucky. They’re all great kids,” said Ted. “Chase gave Marylee and me some rough moments, but he turned out okay.”

“A fine young man,” agreed Emmie. “We want to take lots of photos this Christmas. They’re all busy, which makes it almost a miracle that they could all come to the wedding. Kate and Brad, too.”

They walked back to the hotel and climbed the stairs to their suite.

Emmie picked out a book to read while Ted headed to the bedroom for his afternoon nap. Sitting alone in the living room, Emmie gazed around, loving the holiday touches here and there. She could hardly believe all that had happened in her life.

###

The next day, family and friends arrived on a shuttle bus that had been hired to bring them from Tampa International Airport to Sabal.

Standing with Ted, Ann, and Rhonda by the front steps, Emmie could hardly contain her excitement at seeing them disembark.

Both babies were crying, Harper was whining, and the adults looked a little frazzled, except for Kate, who declared all this commotion was excellent training for her as she was about to become a grandmother after the new year.

Emmie took turns with Ann and Rhonda to greet them. Staff quickly got them sorted out for room assignments. Lauren, Rick, and Clark were staying in the house with Ted’s children. Tony and Gemma were staying in the hotel, along with Kate and Brad. Gemma confided in Emmie that she was treating this vacation like a second honeymoon and wanted as much alone time with Tony as possible.

Emmie wrapped an arm around Kate. “When you’re ready, come join me in the Presidential Suite. I’ve missed our chats in person.”

Ted and Emmie walked to the beach house he’d rented to make sure the setup was approved by everyone. Thankfully, the three couples were used to children and could handle having two babies and three children, including one demanding princess in the house.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Kate and Brad agreed to have lunch in the suite with Emmie and Ted. The weather held a chill, and Emmie decided eating there would be more welcoming.

Emmie greeted them and led them into the living room. Ted had ordered a small lunch buffet of sandwiches and salads.

“Happy Wedding Day,” said Kate, taking a seat on the couch next to Emmie. “I can’t believe you’re not fussing about getting your hair done and all that.”

Emmie shrugged. “This is me. Ted and I want this to be as normal a day as possible, to spend that time with family and friends like you and Brad.”

Kate accepted a glass of wine from Ted and turned to Brad in a chair nearby. “Now?”

Brad gave her a thumbs-up.

“We have a Christmas surprise for you. You know how much I’ve missed our morning and evening get-togethers,” Kate said to Emmie. “Guess what? We’ve bought a condo in the same complex as you and Ted.”

“Really? Do you mean we’ll be next-door neighbors again?” said Emmie, her heart pumping with joy.

“Not exactly,” said Brad. “We’re in the building next to yours. As Ted said, it’s a wise investment, and I’m tired of trying to keep up the maintenance on a house that’s too big for the two of us.”

“Yay! I can’t believe it. Such a fantastic surprise,” said Emmie, rushing over to Kate to embrace her.

“That’s terrific,” said Ted. “Even though we may come and go, it’s nice for Emmie and me to know you’re close by.” He shook hands with Brad while Emmie and Kate hugged.

###

The afternoon flew by. Soon it was time for everyone to get ready for a private ceremony and dinner in the hotel’s private dining room.

Gemma came to the suite to help Emmie with her hair and makeup. Though Emmie didn’t want to fuss too much, she wanted to look put-together.

She’d chosen to wear an ivory silk, tea-length dress that didn’t overwhelm her small stature. It had a scoop neck, elbow-length sleeves, and a skirt that fell in soft folds. She and Kate had picked it out together.