Margaritas at the Beach House Hotel

by Judith Keim

He gave me a hug hello. “Wish you had a program for new dads. Bailey’s finally sleeping longer, but it’s been tough. Poor Nell has the brunt of it with the feedings and bulk of the care of her.”

  “Well, we’re going to do our best to let all of you get a good rest,” I said. I’d always liked Clint and his consideration for Nell.

  “Where’s Robbie?” Nell said.

  “At school. Liz is going to pick him up early and bring him home so they both can see you. Chad will cover the store until it closes.”

  “How are they?” Nell asked, concern crossing her face. “I talked to Liz.”

  “She’s using her downtime at the store to make some jewelry for hotel guests. I’ll show it to you later. I think you’re going to like her ideas.”

  “Oh, good. I’m glad she’s keeping busy,” said Nell.

  “We don’t have to stand in the driveway talking,” said Vaughn. “Come on in.”

  “I’ll unload the car,” said Clint.

  “And I’ll help,” said Vaughn.

  When I led Nell to their guest room suite, she stopped and clasped her hands. “Oh, my! I didn’t realize you’d set up a nursery for Bailey. How wonderful!”

  I jiggled Bailey in my arms. “Nothing’s too good for our grandbabies, starting with her.”

  Nell’s eyes filled. “It’s so sweet. You’re always so loving, Ann. I’m disappointed Mom isn’t here to meet Bailey, but I’m thrilled you are. After giving birth, you want to talk about it, you know? And there’s so much I can learn from you.”

  “I’m no expert, but I’m willing to help any way I can.”

  “Good. Because I’m thinking of working part-time from home. My boss wants me back full-time, but I told him no. However, part-time might be a good solution.”

  “That’s a very personal decision,” I said. “I would, however, suggest you wait a few months. The changes in babies during the first year, especially, are constant, and you don’t want to miss out on any of them.”

  “Thanks. That’s what I was thinking.” Nell squeezed my shoulder. “I’m so glad Dad found you.”

  “It was more that The Sins of the Children found Rhonda and me,” I said, pleased.

  “How’s this new starlet doing? Dad sounded concerned when I last talked to him.”

  “Darla is wonderful, and so is her partner.”

  Nell blinked in surprise. “Really?”

  “Yes, but understandable for career purposes, she’s keeping that quiet.”

  “I’m hoping I get the chance to see her at the hotel,” Nell said and turned as the men came in with suitcases and a lot of baby gear.

  “Who do you want to see?” Vaughn asked.

  “Darla, your new love on television,” Nell said, grinning.

  “That’s right. No rumors of trysts. Neither one of us wants that,” said Vaughn.

  “I like her already,” Nell said. “After that horrible woman, Lily Dorio, Darla sounds wonderful.”

  “She is,” Vaughn and I said together, bringing a laugh to all of us.

  I looked down at Bailey. She’d fallen asleep.

  Nell took her from my arms. “Let’s put her in the crib, and we can talk on the lanai.”

  As we headed out the door, Trudy curled up beneath the crib.

  ###

  That afternoon when Liz and Robbie arrived, I watched them exchange hugs with Nell and Clint and filled with joy at the warmth between them. Second marriages didn’t always work with the kids, and I was grateful for mine.

  “Where’s the baby?” Robbie asked, rubbing Trudy’s ears.

  “Right here,” said Nell, patting the covered mound at her chest. “She’s eating right now.”

  “Can I see?” he asked.

  Nell lifted the blanket. Robbie watched a minute and then turned to me with a questioning look.

  “That’s how some babies get their milk,” I said. “Remember the pictures of baby animals in the book we have?”

  “Yes,” he said solemnly, staring at my chest.

  “Ready for your juice and cookies?” said Vaughn winking at me.

  “Okay,” Robbie said and hurried toward the kitchen. I knew, though, that more conversations about nursing babies would arise in the future.

  “Thanks,” I said to Nell. “Robbie’s never seen a nursing baby before. I liked how you handled it.”

  “Nursing babies is as old as time,” she said smiling.

  Sitting beside her, Liz said, “I intend to nurse my babies too.”

  “Good idea,” I said, my heart breaking for Liz. I wanted to say something but knew I should be quiet and not add angst to the situation. “If you two don’t mind, I have a little boy to tend to.”

  Trudy sat at Nell’s feet, and, amused, I saw she was debating whether to follow me into the kitchen or stay on guard for the baby. With a last look at the baby, she trotted after me.

  ###

  That evening, Vaughn grilled up steaks while I made my special spinach salad, to which I added fresh strawberries and then tossed it all in a poppyseed dressing. My German potato salad, made this morning, was Chad’s and Clint’s favorite and something I always tried to have for them.

  At the dinner table, we caught up on what was going on in Washington, D. C. with Nell’s and Clint’s work. They both worked with lobbying groups. As usual, lots of interesting tidbits about various politicians came up.

  “What can you tell me about Thomas Thaxton?” I asked, hoping to hear that he was “back in town.”

  “He’s a slime ball. I met him once at a meeting I attended,” Nell said. “I didn’t like him at all. Pretty scary.”

  “Is he back in town or in Vermont, do you know?”

  “I heard he left the rehab in California and is now in Vermont,” Clint said. “Something about being dangerous to his ex-wife Lindsay.”

  I glanced at Vaughn and Liz and turned my attention to Clint and Nell. “As long as this information goes no further, I have something to tell you.” At their nods of acceptance, I continued. “Lindsay Thaxton is staying here at the hotel in the private guesthouse on the property.”

  “Oh! Is that why Amelia Swanson was here? To help her sister?” said Nell.

  I explained the entire situation to them. “Now that Thomas has left the property, we still have to keep an eye on her. We don’t know how many people he asked, besides Brock Goodwin, to keep watching the hotel for signs of her. If someone were to release information to Thomas, I don’t doubt for a minute he’d come here and try to grab her. The outcome wouldn’t be good. I’ve never met anyone so cold, so dangerous.”

  “If Whit and Debra, her security people, weren’t staying with her, I’d be upset,” said Vaughn. “I hate to leave Ann when something might break open about this situation.”

  “Rhonda and I agreed we’d stay strong. We—our society— can’t look the other way when we see abuse of women. Men too.”

  “I’d consider it a very high honor to have Amelia Swanson’s confidence in both of you and the hotel. She’s someone who doesn’t put up with any bullshit,” said Clint. “I’ve met her, and she’s a very imposing figure.”

  “I suppose it matters what the situation is, but she was wonderful to talk to when she was here. We all must keep our eyes open when we’re at the hotel. Even you, Nell, when you’re part of the New Mother’s Program.”

  “Speaking of that,” said Liz to Nell. “I’ve got something to show you after dinner.” She looked at me and grinned.

  “You’re going to love it,” I said, hoping I was right. Liz was in a fragile condition.

  ###

  Later, after Liz and Chad went home and Nell and Clint had retired to their wing for the night, I sat on the couch in our lanai next to Vaughn, sipping ice water and chatting with him. One of the strengths of our marriage, I believed, was sharing information and thoughts at the end of each day.

  “Nell looks so tired,” said Vaughn. “I remember what it was like for Ellie when she had Nell. So many memories.” />
  “I’m glad they’re such happy ones. You and Ellie were great parents,” I said. At first, I’d been sure I could never measure up to Vaughn’s memory of his first wife, who’d died of cancer—especially after my ex had torn away all my self-confidence. Now, I enjoyed hearing about his memories of her and Vaughn’s children, who I loved like my own.

  “I didn’t want to bring it up earlier, but Darla and I had a brief conversation about our need to meet regarding her position on the show. I told her I’d speak to her tomorrow.”

  “Why don’t we invite Darla and Meredith to dinner tomorrow? They might like being part of our extended family, and I know Nell would love to meet her.”

  “Are you willing to do that? I know how much you disliked being around Lily ...” His voice trailed away.

  I looked at him squarely. “Darla seems like a very different kind of person. As long as you’re going to be working together and playing lovers on the show, we should all get to know one another. I’ll have the hotel cater the meal to make it easy for everyone.”

  Vaughn’s face lit with pleasure. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

  “Well, not since this morning,” I said, playing along.

  He pulled me onto his lap and wrapped his arms around me. “I love you more each day, each morning, and each night.”

  I pulled away from him. “Wait a minute! Haven’t I heard you use that line on the show?”

  He looked surprised. “Did I? Well, I mean it now.”

  I settled against his chest. There were times when it was hard to see Vaughn on television acting and sounding as if he were in love with someone else.

  Vaughn lifted my chin. “I love you and only you.”

  “I know,” I said happily.

  His lips came down on mine, and any momentary thoughts of unease disappeared in the heat of his kiss.

  ###

  The next morning, I got up early and tiptoed into the kitchen, hoping not to disturb anyone. I stopped in surprise at the sight of Nell at the kitchen table pumping milk.

  “I thought I’d get enough bottles set so I can have the whole day to myself,” she said.

  “Good. You can come home anytime to nurse the baby, but I’m hoping you can take part in our New Mothers Program for an entire day without needing to do that. A lot of our mothers interested in the program are waiting until their babies are older, but I like the idea of your doing it now so we can test that aspect too.”

  “I’m so happy to be here,” said Nell. Her eyes filled. “I’ve been weepy, trying to get my hormones settled. And, God! I’m so tired.”

  I rushed over to her and hugged her. “I’m here to help you however I can. Rhonda’s covering for me at the hotel. Stay as long as you wish. We’ll get you rested again.”

  “Thanks,” said Nell.

  “Are you comfortable with me taking care of the baby while you’re gone?” Her answer was essential to me. Without her support, I might end up like Katherine and Angela in a quiet destructive war.

  “Yes, of course. Clint will be around, too. But I know he’s looking forward to spending time on the boat with Vaughn.”

  “I don’t want either of you to worry about my taking care of the baby. I’m thrilled to be able to spend time with her,” I said. “Show me exactly what you want, and I’ll do it. I know things have changed. When Liz was small, we kept babies on their tummies. Now we’re told to have them sleep on their backs.”

  Nell gave me a sheepish look. “I’ve typed up a list of instructions. It’s three pages long.”

  I gaped at her, and suddenly we were both laughing.

  “I’ll read every page,” I promised. “But you might want to rethink a few things. A baby’s needs at this age are pretty basic. They eat, sleep, and poop with time in between for short interactions with people.”

  “You’re right, but books make it seem like every second a mother spends with her baby will make the difference between raising a child who’s ordinary and one who’s a champion at anything she wants.” Nell sighed. “It all seems so impossible.”

  “So-called experts place such unnecessary burdens on young mothers today. Keep it simple with lots of love. I can already see how bright Bailey is, how she responds. By the way, Angela wants to see you while you’re here.”

  “How’s she doing?” Nell asked.

  “Pretty well now that her mother-in-law has left,” I said and told her the story of Angela’s struggles with Katherine.

  “Thank goodness, Clint’s mother was good with the baby. She was a big help, though, to be honest, she drove me crazy with her constant chatter.”

  I looked up as Clint walked into the kitchen. “I need coffee.”

  “Is the baby still sleeping?” Nell asked, putting away the breast pump.

  “Yes, I bet you even have time for a quick shower,” Clint said.

  “Okay, I’d better run,” said Nell, gathering her equipment and leaving the room.

  Clint sat down. “Thank you, Ann, for all you’re doing. Nell doesn’t say much about it, but she struggles with not having her mother here. But she loves you and couldn’t wait to get here.”

  “Vaughn and I are both happy you’re here,” I said. “How have you handled the new baby?”

  “We both are blown away by how beautiful she is, how perfect. But it hasn’t always been easy,” he admitted. “Sometimes I feel as if I don’t need to be around.”

  “I love your honesty,” I said to Clint. “I always have.” It was a piece of information I’d remember.

  Robbie and Trudy padded into the room. As Trudy went out the doggie door, Robbie climbed up into the empty chair beside me and scooted close for a hug.

  “Good morning! Are you ready for something to eat?”

  Robbie nodded sleepily.

  I got up from the table. Then, after Vaughn entered the room, my day began in earnest.

  ###

  Later, as I held the baby in my arms while saying goodbye to Nell, who was crying, I hoped a day of pampering would help her turn the corner into a more relaxed routine of mothering Bailey.

  Bailey didn’t seem to notice the car leaving because she was so entranced by the sight of a blue heron who was walking on his stilt-like legs crossing the side lawn. Hoping the rest of the day would be as easy, I took her inside for a few minutes of playtime before putting her down for a nap. According to the schedule Nell had written, she should sleep for an hour and a half until mid-morning, when her first feeding would take place.

  As I’d told Nell, Bailey was an alert baby. When I laid her on a blanket on the floor, she kicked happily for a few minutes. Then she began to cry.

  Bedtime, I thought, carrying her into the guest room to the crib.

  I laid her down and rubbed her tummy for a few minutes, hoping her eyes would close. She continued to fuss and cry as I talked softly to her. Finally, her eyes began to close.

  I tiptoed away ... and stopped when she started to cry.

  Nell’s instructions said to stay with her until she fell asleep.

  I tiptoed back to the crib.

  After a couple more times of doing this, I quietly left the room and let her cry for a few minutes. I knew she was exhausted, and so was I. I checked my watch. Nell had been gone exactly twenty minutes.

  In the kitchen, I poured myself another cup of coffee and called Rhonda.

  “Hi! How’s it going?” she asked.

  I laughed. “It’s going to be a long day, but Bailey is adorable. I love her so much. Like you’ve told me, grandchildren are special gifts.”

  “Yeah. I’m taking care of Sally tomorrow. Thanks for covering for me then,” said Rhonda.

  “I’ve told Nell about Lindsay and our trouble with Brock.”

  “Good. Then we can put Operation Bastard into play,” said Rhonda chuckling. I’d called it Operation Brock, but Rhonda had quickly changed the name, giving it a more descriptive term.

  Vaughn and Clint came inside.

  “We�
��re ready to go sailing,” said Vaughn. “Robbie decided to go next door to play with Brett instead of going with us.”

  I raised my eyebrows.

  “I think he also wants to spend time with the baby,” said Vaughn. “I spoke to Darla, and she and Meredith are coming for cocktails and dinner at five. She and I will talk then.”

  “Do you guys have everything you need?” I asked Vaughn and Clint.

  “We’re all set to go,” Clint assured me. “Don’t worry, the skies look clear.”

  Vaughn kissed me. “See you this afternoon. I’m guessing around four.”

  I waved them off, thinking I’d use the free time to set the long dining room table for tonight’s dinner.

  I’d just gotten out placemats when I heard the baby cry. I checked my watch. She was supposed to sleep another hour.

  When the crying grew louder, I went into her nursery.

  The crib sheet was a mess, and the smell of her dirty diaper was as horrible. I realized there was no point in changing her without giving her a bath. She’d also need clean sheets. I paused, not sure where to begin.

  Her crying grew worse as I ran warm water into the sink. When the temperature was right, I lifted her out of the crib, stripped off her clothes, and placed them into the tub before washing and rinsing her body off with the organic soap Nell had brought. Wrapping Bailey in a towel, I carried her to the middle of the king-sized guest bed and lay her down while I stripped the sheets and mattress pad off the crib and searched for clean clothes for her.

  Singing a lullaby, I dried and diapered her and put on a little pink, ruffled T-shirt. The rest could wait.

  I placed her in her infant seat, and while she screamed, I rinsed off her clothes, sheet, and mattress pad in the bathtub, wondering how I could get them to the laundry room while watching the baby.

  Forgetting the dirty clothes, I carried her into the kitchen to heat a bottle of milk. But by the time I got the milk out of the refrigerator, I saw she was falling asleep. I carried her back to the guest suite, looked through the suitcase Nell had packed for Bailey and found another crib sheet.

  Silently thanking her for her thoughtfulness, I slipped the sheet on the mattress and then settled Bailey onto it, waiting until I was sure she was asleep.