by Judith Keim
“I’d like to keep as many details secret as I can, but, of course, they have to agree to the idea,” said Lindsay.
“A surprise wedding? I like the idea,” I said, already thinking of some cute touches. “Maybe something casual on the beach?”
“Yes!” said Lindsay, sounding excited.
It made me happy to hear her so enthused. Focusing on this would help her through more rough moments of breaking away from her past.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
I was in the middle of reviewing an ad campaign Bernie had arranged when I received a call from Nell.
“Hello, darling! How are you? Are you ready to come to Florida?” I asked, excited about the prospect.
“Yes, that’s why I’m calling,” she said. “To avoid flying with Bailey, we’re driving. We’ll leave Wednesday, make a stop in Georgia to stay with friends, and plan to be there sometime Friday. Sound good?”
“Sounds wonderful. Your father is home for a few days while an issue at work is being addressed, but then he’ll be gone for quite a while to make up for the lost time. One of his co-stars is having an issue with sexual harassment.”
“Oh? Darla Delaney, by any chance?”
“Actually, yes, though I don’t normally talk about it.”
“She’s gorgeous,” gushed Nell.
“You might have a chance to meet her. She’s staying at the hotel through next weekend, though once again, I wouldn’t normally tell anyone that.”
“I understand, but I’d love that. It’s nice to know who Dad is working with.”
“Yes,” I agreed. “Drive carefully. We can’t wait to see you. Robbie will be thrilled. He loves you, you know.”
Nell laughed. “And I love him too.”
I hung up feeling good about how all the kids got along. I quickly called Liz to tell her of Nell’s arrival.
“How are you, honey?” I asked, knowing how disappointed she was.
“Good,” said Liz, sounding more like herself. “I’ve decided to repaint our bedroom. We’ve wanted to do it for some time, and I think a sunny yellow will brighten the room.”
“Sounds like you’re feeling better. I’m glad. Nell called. She, Clint, and the baby will arrive on Friday.”
“I know. She already called me,” said Liz. “I talked to her earlier this week, so she knows about ... me.”
“Oh, good. It’s nice that she’s a good friend as well as your sister.”
“I’m so glad I finally have a sister,” she said. “How are things at the hotel? When I talked to Vaughn earlier, he mentioned someone had been staying at the house.”
“When you have a moment, we need to talk about it. Perhaps we could meet for lunch. Are you free today?”
“Hold on, and I’ll see if Chad can cover the store for me.”
A few moments later, she returned. “Yes! Let’s meet at André’s. Say one o’clock?”
“Sounds perfect. See you then.” I couldn’t stop smiling. Having my daughter live in the same area, available for lunch, was something I treasured.
###
I drove onto Main Street, found a parking spot, and walked to André’s. It was a small French restaurant with outdoor seating in a little alleyway next to a dress shop I loved and a silversmith who did fantastic work.
Liz was already there sitting outside when I arrived. She smiled and waved me over to her. I observed her lovely face with pride. Her features were very much like pictures of my mother. They, her sparkling blue eyes, and long, natural-blond hair were beautiful. More than that, she was a kind, loving person. When and if the time came, she’d make a marvelous mother.
“I grabbed this spot in the corner so we could have privacy,” Liz said. “And if you don’t mind, I’ve ordered a glass of a lovely California chardonnay for each of us. I thought we’d celebrate having the chance to have lunch together. It’s always such a treat.”
“I don’t mind at all. Later today, I’m meeting Lorraine Grace off property to discuss a secret wedding, and then Rhonda and I are going to meet.”
“Are you and Rhonda doing your margarita meetings again?” Liz said, smiling.
“I’m trying to set them up,” I said, placing my purse on an empty chair. “It’s a great way to discuss future plans and keep up-to-date on what’s happening.”
“Speaking of that, a secret wedding and an unnamed guest? What’s going on?”
I leaned closer. “The guest who stayed with us for a night is the same one I told you about earlier.”
“Oh ... now I get it. Does this have something to do with the man who had to be escorted from the party? Chad and I left before that happened, but I heard all about it from his mother.”
“Yes, it does. I’m not mentioning names for obvious reasons,” I said, glancing around to see if anybody was within hearing distance. The place was crowded, and even though the noise level was high with conversations, I couldn’t take the chance of being overheard. “Sometime, Rhonda and I will give you and Angela the entire story, but for now, I’m sure you know enough to figure it out.”
“So where does a secret wedding come in?” she asked, looking puzzled.
“That person is helping to plan one for the two people living with her. As a thank you. Isn’t that sweet?”
“Very special. I often look at the photo album of my ceremony taken at the hotel. It was such a beautiful location for it.”
“That it is,” I said with satisfaction, remembering my wedding there. “She and I are thinking a casual beach setting.”
“Sounds perfect for this time of year,” said Liz. “Now that school is almost out, just a few weeks to go, what are you going to do with Robbie all summer?”
“He and Brett are going to day camp together. And then Elena will take over in the afternoons. Even though it’s slower at the hotel, we’re still busy with group meetings and weddings. And it’s a good time for people who want to take advantage of our gourmet or spa packages.”
“Nell said she’s going to critique the New Mothers’ Program for you.” Liz couldn’t hide a wistful note in her voice.
“It’ll be so helpful. We need inside information on how it’s working before we do a bigger ad campaign for it.”
“Sometimes work at the store is quiet, and you know me, I can easily get bored. So, I’ve been working on some gift ideas for brides and new mothers.” She paused, hesitant. “May I show you?”
“Of course! How exciting!”
Liz opened her purse and pulled out a plastic bag filled with jewelry. She laid the pieces on the table.
I studied the contents. Thin, narrow bracelets held charms and beads of various kinds. For the brides, several bracelets held palm trees, a flamingo, a variety of flowers, initials, along with a pendant with the date strung between crystals and other beads. The new-mother bracelets were done in mostly pinks or blues with tropical charms. There were also some strictly for babies with initials, birth dates, and birthstones.
“They’re fabulous,” I gushed. “Not like so many others I’ve seen.”
“They won’t be cheap because I use only the best of materials that I get online and from a few local artists.”
“If they’re top quality, that shouldn’t be an issue. The new-mother ones can be something we make part of the program. Let me talk to Rhonda about it.”
“Really? You like them that much?” Liz said, her face filling with excitement. “The others can be done for brides and their wedding parties with a choice of beads, colors, charms, whatever they want. The new-mother ones would be pretty standard except for initials and photo charms to show off their baby.”
“I think it’s a lovely idea. They’d all be special order, so you wouldn’t waste inventory,” I said. “Though you’d want to have plenty available as I think these will be a big hit.”
“If they don’t want bracelets, I can make simple necklaces out of sterling silver,” said Liz. “I just want something to do while minding the store when it isn’t busy.”
Liz held up her hand. “I know, I know.”
“As I said, I’ll talk to Rhonda about these pieces, and we’ll get back to you. Maybe we’ll start with a few bracelets for the New Mothers Program. We can ask Nell what she thinks about it when she’s here.”
“Thanks,” said Liz. She gathered the jewelry, returned it to the plastic bag, and handed it over to me just as our glasses of wine arrived.
“Sorry to be so late,” said the waiter apologetically as he placed the glasses in front of us and handed us menus. “I’ll be back in a minute to take your orders.”
After he left, I lifted my glass and clicked it against Liz’s. “Here’s to us! Health and happiness!”
“And good things ahead of us!” said Liz.
I watched her take a sip of wine, wishing I had the power to grant her happiness.
Later, as we finished our grilled shrimp salads, I noticed Liz tense and turned to see Brock Goodwin approaching. I patted my mouth with my napkin and waited for him to speak.
“Good afternoon, lovely ladies. I hate to interrupt your lunch, but I was doing my daily walk and noticed you were having some work done at the hotel. A new gate on the road to the guesthouse.”
I shook a finger at him. “There’s no way we need your permission to do something like that.”
“No, no, that’s not what I meant. I was just wondering why. Are you hiding something or someone, perhaps?”
I felt my pulse race. “Just giving our honeymooners a little more privacy. With wedding season coming up, family groups and honeymooners will want that space to be off-limits to other guests. It’s one of the many reasons guests enjoy our hotel.”
Liz looked up at him. “Excuse me for asking, but why would you care what goes on at the hotel? It’s not your concern. A friend of mine recently moved into your neighborhood, and she says it’s awful that the board is so focused on petty issues.”
Brock’s eyes bulged. “She obviously doesn’t understand what makes our neighborhood so unique. I and my board protect it from becoming cheapened.”
“The difference between one flower and another should be of no one’s concern,” Liz persisted.
“Ah, I know now who your friend is.” Brock shook his head. “She was most uncooperative about us wanting her to plant different flowers to match the theme of the building.”
“It was a petty complaint. Others in the building were fine with it. I just don’t get why you have to be so nosy,” said Liz, her cheeks flushed with anger. “You’ve made her very unhappy when it should have been an exciting time for her.”
“You young people have no idea about respect for your elders,” said Brock. He glared at her and turned to me.
I ignored his look and lifted my wine glass for a sip when what I wanted to do was just to throw it at him.
He left, and Liz said, “I’m sorry, Mom. I hope it didn’t cause more trouble for you. But you know my friend, Chris. She was so excited to buy a condo by the water but ended up in tears when she received nasty letters from the board. She asked me if I knew who Brock Goodwin was. I gave her the story of how he’s harassed you and Rhonda and told her he was a total dick who should be ignored.”
“He’s a most miserable person and one who might be dangerous,” I said, uneasy about his snooping.
###
That afternoon after meeting with Lorraine Grace at her off-site bridal shoppe, I called Rhonda and told her I was on my way.
“I’m ordering the margaritas now and will meet you at our favorite spot,” she said.
During the renovation of the hotel, we’d kept one balcony next to the Presidential Suite available through the maid’s closet and utility room. No guest would ever know how to reach it. Some afternoons we’d sit together there and have anything from ice water to margaritas while we shared reflections on where we’d been and where we were going. In the hotel business, plans were sullied by circumstances out of anyone’s control. We were no different. Weather patterns, illness, and other factors, including Brock and his cronies, played a part in retaining as much flexibility as possible.
Today, I couldn’t wait to fill her in on a lot of things. But as I walked onto the balcony, the first thing I did was hand her a ten-dollar bill. “There, now you don’t have to say ‘I told you so.’”
She grinned. “But that’s always the best part of being right. Does this have anything to do with the lovebirds at the guesthouse?”
“Yes, it does,” I said, setting down my purse, lifting my drink, and taking a careful sip.
I settled in my chair facing her and grinned. “Debra and Whit went sailing with Vaughn, Lindsay, Robbie, and me yesterday, and I have to admit they were adorable together.”
“See? I told you so,” said Rhonda, chuckling.
“I know, I know. But the best part is that Lindsay wants to host a wedding for them right here at the hotel. We’re thinking about a beach setting. As soon as she clears it with them and sets up a date, we can work on it. I’ve already spoken to Lorraine about it.”
“Wow! I didn’t know I was that good at this matchmaking thing,” said Rhonda.
I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. “They were already a match!”
“So, it seems,” she said. “It’s great to get such happy news while we’re going through a difficult time with Lindsay’s safety. I don’t trust Thomas, and I certainly don’t trust Brock.”
“Neither do I. I can’t imagine how Lindsay feels. She was shaken to hear how close Thomas was to her safe location.”
“Is she doing better?” Rhonda asked.
“Yes, she scheduled another session with Barbara Holmes, and I think being part of a wedding is a great diversion for her. An affirmation that some marriages can work.”
“How’s Liz?” Rhonda asked. “Angela told me she’s working hard to get over her disappointment.”
“As a matter of fact, I have something to show you.” I pulled out the bag of bracelets and laid them out on the table between us. “She’s been working on a couple of ideas for both bridal parties and the New Mothers Program.”
I explained Liz’s ideas and watched as Rhonda picked up various pieces. Smiling, she looked at me. “I love these ideas. Especially the pink flamingoes. You know how much I like them.”
“Indeed, I do,” I answered sweetly. When we’d first thought of themes and decorations, she and I had fought over the idea of flamingoes on the front lawn.
“Liz has good taste, like you, Annie,” Rhonda said. “I think we should offer each wedding party the chance to have these made to order, and I like your idea of giving the bride and each participant a free one as a parting gift.”
I let out the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. “Thank you! I think our guests will love the idea, and more importantly, it will allow Liz to do something creative and to earn money of her own.”
“Bless Liz’s heart; I know how difficult it can be to wait for good news on the baby front. I would’ve had more kids, but with Sal, it never worked out.” She grinned. “Who knew Will would be such a rooster.”
“Two kids in less than two years was a surprise to all of us,” I said.
“Most of all to me.” Rhonda raised her glass. “Here’s to all the kids and those to come!”
I clicked my glass against hers, hoping to have good news from Liz in the near future.
Rhonda leaned forward. “While the gate was being put up on the road to the guesthouse, guess who appeared?”
“Brock Goodwin? He all but accosted Liz and me at André’s today. Liz told him off.”
“She did?”
“Yes. A friend of hers has had a terrible time with the Neighborhood Association board all because of different colored flowers.”
“You’ve got to be shittin’ me!” said Rhonda, her face flushing with anger. “What are we going to
do about Brock?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking about it, and when the time comes, I have a plan,” I answered. I explained what I had in mind, and she laughed.
CHAPTER TWENTY
All week, I’d anxiously looked forward to Friday and now stood in the driveway with Vaughn awaiting Nell’s arrival. They’d called from the entry gate to say they were here. Looking at the eagerness on Vaughn’s face, my heart squeezed with love for him. He was such a loving Dad.
Clint pulled their oversized SUV into the driveway. Immediately after the car stopped, Nell was out of the passenger seat and into Vaughn’s arms. Then she turned to me. It always surprised me how much she looked like Liz.
I hugged her. “So glad you’re here!”
“Not more than I am,” Nell said, beaming at me.
I rubbed my hands together with glee. “Now, let’s see that adorable daughter of yours.”
Clint came from behind the car holding the baby in his arms. “Here she is!” He handed her to me, a broad smile crossing his handsome face, pride in his voice.
In the warmth of the Florida sun, the baby wore a little pink sundress that I’d sent to her. Her hazel eyes studied me solemnly; then, a sweet smile stretched across her adorable face.
My heart filled with love. “Hi, baby Bailey!” I crooned. “Want to say hi to Grandpa?”
I moved closer to Vaughn so he could get a good look at his first grandchild.
“Hi, there!” said Vaughn softly. She smiled at him, this time displaying a dimple in her right cheek.
“Ohhh ... she’s so precious!” I said, ignoring the whine coming from Trudy.
Vaughn picked up Trudy and allowed her to see the baby. Trudy barked and wagged her tail.
Bailey’s face crumpled, about to cry, and then she settled her gaze on Trudy with interest.
“I think they’ll be friends,” said Nell. “Someday, we’ll get a dachshund of our own. But I need a little time first.” A bright smile lit her face. “I can’t wait to start the program tomorrow.”
“I think you’ll enjoy it,” I said and turned to Clint.
