They shared a large cheese pizza and split a salad. Over dinner, Grayson asked what Simone’s favorite part of her trip to Vermont had been.

“Hmm, I really liked skiing until I hurt my arm, and the sleigh ride was pretty cool, too. I liked meeting you.”

“I liked that, too.”

She pushed her new iPhone across the table. “I’m putting everyone’s contacts in my phone. Will you put yours?”

Emma could see that he was touched that she would ask.

“Of course, but only if you’ll text me.”

“I will.”

“Remember that I have no cell service in Butler, so it might take me a day or two to reply, but I’ll always reply.” He handed his phone to her. “Add yourself to my contacts.”

As Simone dedicated herself to the task, Emma and Grayson shared a smile. She mouthed the words thank you to him. Under the table, he grasped her hand and brought it to rest on his leg.

Darkness had descended upon Butler by the time they returned to the Abbotts’. Emma was filled with dread at the thought of saying good-bye to him and was relieved when he came inside with them. They found Molly wearing a robe over her pajamas, curled up in front of the fire with a down comforter over her lap, and Linc asleep in his chair.

“This grandparent gig is exhausting,” Molly said.

“How’re they doing?” Grayson asked.

“Very well. The baby is getting great reports, and Hannah actually got some sleep today.”

“Can we see the baby before we go?” Simone asked her mom.

“Not this time.”

“Why not?”

“Moms of new babies are very protective of them when they’re first born. Usually they only allow their immediate family near the baby for the first month or two. By the time we come back to visit Lucy, baby Callie will be big enough for a visit.”

“We should get her a present,” Simone said.

“Definitely. Why don’t you run up and get out your pajamas? I’ll be up to help you in a minute.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

After Simone went upstairs, Molly said, “Lucy called to check on Simone. And Will and Cameron called to invite you guys to a get-together at their house tonight. Lucy said to tell you she’ll be there and wants to see you before you leave.”

“Simone has already had a big day,” Emma said.

“She can stay here with us,” Molly said. “We’re early to bed tonight.”

“I wouldn’t want to impose,” Emma said hesitantly. “You’ve already been such wonderful hosts.”

“Oh please, honey. She’s a pleasure to have around. We’d be happy to have her here with us. You two should go out while you can.”

Emma glanced at Grayson, who raised his brows. “Do you want to go?”

“Only if you do.”

“I’d really like to see Lucy and the others before we leave.”