by Judith Keim
“Anything else going on that I should know about?” I asked. “Was Darla able to change her reservations successfully?”
Bernie nodded with satisfaction. “I approved the change a short while ago.”
“I’ll be in my office. Rhonda will be in later. I’m working on some ideas for wedding promotions. Over the next few months, we’ll be busy with that crowd. Rhonda and I are trying to get some national bride magazines to cover a couple of them, along with the social magazines here in South Florida and some life-style bloggers. Unfortunately, we’ll have to be careful how we handle the guesthouse rentals. I’ve promised Tina Marks space there after her baby comes, and she’s ready to test our New Mothers Program.”
“But you’ll keep Lindsay there for the time being?” Bernie asked.
“Yes. At this point, she’s our priority. When she’s ready to leave, we’ll open the guesthouse for rentals again. We can’t wait too long because of the bookings we have coming up.”
“After seeing her ex-husband and his behavior myself, I agree with you. We need to help her out. And it’s not as if the rental on the house is not being paid,” said Bernie.
“Right. We’ll talk later. Thanks.”
I left him and went into the office, my thoughts already diverted to the project ahead. The Beach House Hotel had been listed as one of the best places for a small, destination wedding in the past, but we needed to find new ways to maintain that reputation. While a pain for the staff, they were good moneymakers for us.
I was on the phone when Rhonda came into the office, plopped down in a desk chair, and faced me with a woebegone expression.
As soon as I could, I ended the call. “What’s the matter?”
“Will and I went to Angela’s to have coffee with Katherine and Arthur, as Angela requested, before they take off later this morning.” Her eyes welled with tears. “Annie, it was a fuckin’ mess! You know how sweet Will is, how patient. Arthur was so condescending, so rude that Will, who rarely swears, told Arthur he was an A-hole, that he knew more about good financial management than Arthur ever would, which is why people all over the area hired him and Reggie.”
“And?”
“And Arthur told Reggie if he didn’t wake up and return to New York, he would never be allowed in either of their houses again.”
I clapped a hand to my mouth.
“That’s not all! Katherine freaked and told Arthur to shut up, which made him so mad he walked out of the kitchen and wouldn’t come out of his room, even to say goodbye.”
“Poor Angela! Poor Reggie!”
“I know. Right?” said Rhonda. “They both were crying when Will took Reggie outside so they could talk. When they returned, Reggie was quiet but firm when he told Katherine he wasn’t about to change his mind and he would get a limo to take them both to the airport.”
“My word! What a morning!”
“It was horrible. I felt sorry for Katherine and told her I’d do what I could at this end to make it possible for her to see the kids again. Even if she had to book a room at the hotel.”
Rhonda gave me a wobbly smile. “Katherine thanked me and gave me a hug. How do ya like them apples?”
“Pretty surprising,” I said.
“I told Angela that Rita and I would help her out for the next few weeks whenever she wanted us, that it was time for her to recover and enjoy this new baby and still have time for Evan. He needs his mother right now.”
“I’ll help too,” I said, knowing how devastating the morning had been to both Angela and Reggie, who were one of the sweetest young couples I knew.
As Rhonda would say, families were freakin’ complicated.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
That afternoon, on a whim, I decided to stop by Angela’s house with food from the kitchen for an easy dinner. It would be my first visit without Katherine in the picture, and I was anxious to see how Angela was holding up after a tumultuous morning.
I parked my car in the driveway and made my way to the front, listening for signs of trouble. All was quiet. I knocked gently on the door, and after a few seconds, it opened and Reggie stood there.
“Hi, Reggie! I just wanted to drop a few things off for dinner. I hoped to see Angela.”
“She’s in the living room nursing the baby. I’ll take the package, and you can go to her.”
As I walked toward her, Angela turned and smiled at me. “Ann! I’m so glad you stopped by. Come sit with me.”
I studied her. Angela was dainty compared to her mother, more like her father. Her dark hair pulled back into a ponytail offset a pretty face with delicate features and brown eyes that usually sparkled with life. Now, they showed the strain of the last couple of weeks.
“I heard about this morning. I’m so sorry. Your mother told me all about it,” I said, taking a seat beside her.
“I’m so proud of her,” Angela said. “Katherine broke down weeping, and my mother actually reached out and pulled her into a hug.”
“Ah, I wondered about that. Rhonda said Katherine hugged her.”
“No, it was Mom reaching out to Katherine even after all the horrible things she had said. Before she left, Katherine told me she wanted to get to know Mom better.” She made a face. “That’s a giant step for Katherine.”
I heard the sounds of laughter from the kitchen. “How’s Reggie? According to Rhonda, his father said some pretty terrible things.”
Angela gave me a worried look. “His parents don’t understand their behavior is what kept us from deciding to move north. Now, Reggie has a relationship with Will that will never be broken. He’s become the father Reggie has always wanted.”
“Nice for Will.”
“And very good for my husband,” said Angela, lifting the baby to her shoulder and burping her.
“She’s so beautiful,” I said. Sally’s pretty pink cheeks were adorable as a yawn escaped her butterfly mouth. Fluffy brown hair sat on top of her head, like that of a duckling.
“I think so too,” said Angela. “Want to hold her? She’s falling asleep.”
I took the warm bundle in my arms and looked down at Sally’s sweet face, trying to imagine what it would be like to hold a baby that belonged to Liz.
“I’m sorry about Liz. She called to tell me she isn’t pregnant.”
“It’ll happen in its own good time,” I said, pushing away the disappointment I felt for her. We all had to keep upbeat.
“When’s Nell coming to town?” asked Angela. “Liz thought it was soon. I’d love to see her.”
“She’s going to call tonight with her plans. We’re expecting her this weekend, but I’m hoping she can stay a couple of extra days.”
“Nell’s staying with you?” asked Angela.
I hesitated. “I’m not sure. She’ll have her choice. Either way, we’ll watch the baby so she can get a good night’s sleep.”
Evan came running out of the kitchen, holding a cookie in his hand. When he saw me, he came to a quick stop.
“It’s okay, Evan. This is Auntie Ann. Remember her?” coached Angela.
He studied me and then ran to his mother.
She drew him up into her lap. He stared at me holding the baby and tapped gently on Sally’s head. “Baby. That’s my baby.”
“Yes,” I said, wondering at the change in him.
“Different, huh?” Angela said. “I know Katherine tried, but we all suffered under her heavy hand. This little guy most of all.”
When Sally started to cry, Evan scrambled out of Angela’s lap. “Stop, baby! Stop!” he crooned, patting her again.
Angela looked at me with tears in her eyes. “He loves her.”
“Yes, he does.” I handed the baby to Angela. “I’m glad to see things are so much better. If I can help in any way, please feel free to call me.”
“Thanks.” Angela got to her feet and, holding the baby, gave me an awkward hug. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” I adored her in part because she was Rhonda’s child and
felt like my own.
###
I drove home thinking of Vaughn’s daughter, Nell. She was another young woman I truly loved. She’d been accepting of me and had even encouraged the relationship between Vaughn and me from the beginning. Though she and Clint would probably never leave the D. C. area and move to Florida, they made an effort to visit as often as they could. And before the baby came, Nell often visited her father in New York.
Now that Bailey, their daughter, was over two months old, Clint and Nell were driving to Florida to spend some time with us while Nell took advantage of the New Mothers Program at the hotel. Besides offering healthy, low-cal meals to those in the program, the spa was offering free massages, facials, and nail services. Troy, who managed the spa, also had designed a low-key exercise plan for those who wanted to get back in shape after giving birth. Unlike the unrealistic pictures of Hollywood stars following the birth of their child, photos of our attendees would look more normal. Rhonda and I insisted the program be more about pampering a new mother than trying to make her look as if she hadn’t just had a baby.
Nell was one of our first participants and had agreed to test the program and give us honest criticism of it. In time, Angela would do the same.
As I drove into the driveway, I noticed Debra’s SUV parked to the side. What now?
Trudy greeted me at the door and raced back outside, where Vaughn was sitting with Lindsay, Debra, and Whit. Robbie was playing with his cars beside them.
“There you are!” said Vaughn getting to his feet. “I was getting ready to call you. We were thinking of an evening cruise. Are you game?”
I looked at the eager expressions on all their faces. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Yay, Mommy!” cried Robbie, running to me.
I swung him up in my arms for a quick hug and let him down again.
“I’ll go change my clothes,” said Lindsay and headed indoors.
“Me, too,” I said. But before I could leave, Debra caught my arm.
“Whit and I thought it might be good to talk to you,” she said. Her gaze met mine. “Lindsay would like to stay in the guesthouse as long as possible. Whit and I will stay with her. Considering what has happened with the breach by Thomas, we want to assure you that we’ll continue to be on high alert.”
“We do suggest, however, that you add a gate across the drive leading to the house,” said Whit. “It would prevent an automobile from getting too close. I understand your neighbor and others may be watching for a sign of her.”
“No problem. Unfortunately, it’s true that others may be watching,” I said, irritated by Brock all over again. “I’m not sure if he’s the only one Thomas spoke to, and I can’t bring up the subject.”
“Of course not,” said Debra, glancing at Whit. “Together, we can work things out.”
He put an arm around Debra’s shoulder. “We’re a good team. We’ve worked together in the past.”
The loving looks they exchanged told me Rhonda just might win the bet after all.
###
Aboard the Zephyr, we sipped margaritas or beer as we made our way out into open water. The conversation remained pleasant and stayed away from Lindsay’s situation. Whit talked about some of the places he’d visited in the past without giving specifics about his former job. Debra spoke about her life in Washington and how she was looking forward to the time when she could leave.
“Where would you go?” I asked her.
“Someplace warm,” she said. “I was thinking of Miami.” She glanced at Whit.
Whit smiled at her, then explained, “I’ve got a house in Coral Gables. I’ve been telling her she can get all kinds of work there.”
“So, it would be a good workplace for you,” I said, unable to stop teasing them. It was so obvious they were in love.
Debra’s cheeks grew red, but she laughed with good nature.
Lindsay looked at me and grinned.
When Vaughn set the anchor and then dropped and furled the sails so we could eat, Lindsay and I set out dinner—chicken salad, French bread, and a cheese and fruit plate from a local delicatessen.
Soon, the conversation turned to Vaughn’s job in New York.
“It’s one of those crazy things where my character keeps going on. As long as they want me to be the mayor of the town, I’ll continue, though I’m also looking at movie scripts. If the right one comes along, I’ll do that too.”
“I admit I’d never watched the show until we came here,” said Lindsay. “But I enjoy it. And Darla Delaney is great in the role of the new school teacher in town. It somehow works.”
“I wasn’t sure we could pull it off, but Darla is a good actress,” said Vaughn.
“And you’re a good actor,” I said, smiling at him.
“And you’re a good mommy!” said Robbie, making us laugh.
Playing along, I added, “And you’re a good son!”
“I know,” Robbie said. “I got another gold star today.”
“You did? For what?” I asked, pleased to see the pride on his face.
“For telling Katy I was sorry I hit her.”
“Whoa! You hit her? Why would you do that?”
“Because she hit me first. Brett says it’s because she likes me. But I don’t think so.”
Hiding my amusement, I remained calm. “Hitting is never the answer. Isn’t that so?”
“I know. That’s why I didn’t do it again,” said Robbie.
I glanced at Vaughn.
“We’ve talked about it,” he said, and I let the matter drop. Robbie was usually a peacemaker, not a fighter.
“I’m glad to see you discuss hitting with your son,” said Whit quietly. “I’ve worked with so much violence that I worry about all of it in the games kids play today.”
“Me, too,” I said, “which is why we keep an eye on things for Robbie.”
“I like sailing,” chirped Robbie proudly.
“And you do a nice job with it,” I said. Though he couldn’t handle the boat alone at his young age, he knew much of the terminology and the basics of sailing.
“My son, Ty, and I used to do a lot of sailing together when he was young. He still loves it today. It’s why I’ve been so happy to teach Robbie.”
“Would you ever consider helping me out?” said Whit. “I’ve done a lot of sailing, but I’ve never owned my own boat. This time with you is making me think about buying one. I could use your input.”
“I’d be happy to help,” said Vaughn. “And while you’re here, we can do some sailing together whenever you can get away. I think you’ll agree this Pearson is one to consider.”
“I’d like that a lot,” said Whit. Grinning, he saluted Vaughn. “Happy to be your mate!”
Vaughn laughed. “Anytime.”
###
That night as Vaughn and I lounged on the steps of the pool under the moonlight, I lay back in his arms. I loved these quiet times together when few words were spoken as we gazed up at the stars, and I felt the comfort of him so close to me.
“Makes me wonder about so many things when I study the nighttime skies,” I murmured.
“I wonder how I could’ve been so lucky to find you,” Vaughn said, drawing me closer.
“After Ellie died, I never thought I’d find a woman as wonderful, but, Ann, you’re everything I’ve always hoped for and more.”
I turned and faced him. “I love you, Vaughn, and always will.”
“Let’s go to bed,” he whispered. “I want to prove to you how much I care.”
We climbed out of the pool and tiptoed inside, hoping not to disturb Trudy sleeping with Robbie.
Some nights it was enough to cuddle. But this wasn’t one of them.
###
The next morning, I packed a lunch for Robbie and made sure he had a good breakfast before Vaughn drove him to school.
I’d already talked to Rhonda and Bernie about adding a simple, unobtrusive gate on the road to the house. A second phone call with Bernie con
firmed he had scheduled the work for today, and Lindsay would be better protected on hotel property.
A call came through to me from Amelia.
“Good morning!” I said. “I’m sitting here on my lanai facing a lovely day.”
“Good. I just wanted you to know Thomas is here in D. C. The president has assured me that he’ll be ordered back into rehab or will, instead, continue treatment in Vermont at their home. Gotta go but wanted to be in touch. Again, thanks for all you’re doing for Lindsay.”
“Knowing he’s there makes me feel a whole lot better. Thanks for calling me.”
We hung up, and then I called Lindsay.
“I suppose you heard the news about Thomas being back in D. C. and under the president’s dictates.”
“Yes,” Lindsay said. “Amelia told me the president is furious with his brother and is determined to see that something like his recent trip to Florida never happens again.” Her voice broke. “I’m sorry I had to drag Amelia, you, and Rhonda into my problems. Amelia told me she and the president got into an argument over Thomas being able to break away. Helping abused women is one of her top causes, you know.”
“I also know how much she loves you. I’m sure you’d be as protective toward her as she is toward you.”
Lindsay sniffed. “I would, but it’s all so sad.”
“Are you going to talk to Barbara Holmes about this new development?” I asked, thinking it would be a good idea.
“I’ve already set up an appointment for later this afternoon,” she responded. “Thank you for all you and Rhonda are doing to help. Amelia and I both appreciate it.”
“You’re more than welcome,” I said. “You can relax now. Debra and Whit promised me they’d keep you safe.” I couldn’t help smiling. “By the way, you were right. They’re in love.”
“I know,” said Lindsay. “They’re adorable together. I would love to repay them for all they are doing for me by helping them out with a wedding at The Beach House Hotel. Do you think we could arrange it?”
“Of course. Let me know if they’re interested and when, and we’ll go from there. It would be a lovely gesture on your part.”
