The Good Night that Never Ends . . . (Repeat)

A few nights ago, I was preparing for a talk, sitting at the computer in the quiet of the early evening.   Pete had been asleep for an hour or so, and Emmie had gone down just after that.  It was peaceful.  As I typed away, I heard a flutter from Emmie's room.  I turned my head to see her standing there so quietly, hoping for my attention.  I held out my arms with a smile.  She smiled back and tiptoed quickly to my side.  Her little voice was soft and sweet as she pointed to her collar.  "Grandma," she said, "my pajamas keep coming undone."  I couldn't help but notice her top two buttons, open to her shoulders.  I carefully looped each button back into its hole and smoothed her PJ top straight, again.  I put my arm around her and held her tight, caressing her little freckled face and smoothing her beautiful hair.  I was hoping the clock would stop.  Then I heard the sweet words, "Grandma, I love you.  I sure am going to miss you when I go back to Nebraska."  Tears welled up in my eyes.  I was in heaven.  I told her how much I loved her, too and reminded her how much fun we had had.  I knew that if I held onto her any longer she would see my tears, so I pointed her towards the bedroom door and with a pat, watched as she floated back, which gave me a chance to dry my eyes a little.  When she got to the door, she turned and stood there quietly.  I wanted to squeeze her tight when I noticed one last thing. . .  Her top two buttons were open to her shoulders. . .(repeat).