“I promise, and shortcuts are a way to get caught. This is a way to start small and knock the cobwebs off,” she said, pressing her hand to Emma’s cheek. “I want you to know that you are the love of my dreams. There is no way I’ll ever do anything to lose you or, more importantly, my time with you.”

“Good, and you are my world. If you ever do anything that would take you out of my life, I’ll never forgive you. I’m not that old, so a lifetime without you would really piss me off.” Emma kissed her before touching her until she forgot everything for those long minutes. They were late for breakfast, but she didn’t care.

“You coming back, Mom?” Hannah asked after they finished sledding and sat down to a late lunch. Only her briefcase was by the door, and that seemed to make everyone feel better that her absence wouldn’t be for long.

“I am, but remember I said I had a surprise for you?” She smiled but Emma rolled her eyes. They’d discussed it and decided they’d put a cleaning service on speed dial to protect Emma’s rugs.

“I get a surprise?” Hannah bounced on her knee and it was hard to deny this kid anything.

“Yes, but you have to promise me and Mama that you’re going to take care of it and share with Hayden and Billy.” Lou brought in a small pup that was the runt of Jerry and Maddie’s latest litter of prize hunting beagles. The only hunting in the little guy’s future would be her shoes.

She and Emma cringed when Hannah screamed loud enough to shatter glass, but from the reaction, she loved the gift she’d requested months ago. “I love him,” Hannah said as she carefully took the wiggly puppy from Lou. “I’m going to name him Buddy.”

“That’s a great name,” Emma said as she lifted Hannah and the dog off Cain. “Now kiss your mom good-bye for now, and go show everyone your special gift. And make sure you keep him on the pads we put down until he learns he has to go outside to use the bathroom.”

“Listen to your mother, or we’ll both be in trouble.” She gave Hannah a hug and gave Hayden one before she met Jerry in the kitchen. “And you stay out of trouble,” she said to Emma when she walked into her arms. “I’ll call you on the burner I left you but not until late tonight. If you want, I’ll make it early tomorrow morning.”

“No, call me, I don’t care what time it is. Give Josh a kiss for me, and don’t forget us.”

“Trust me, that’ll never happen. I love you, lass,” she said and kissed Emma long enough that Jerry blushed.