by Judith Keim
Then I got the wet clothes from the tub, took them to the laundry room, got them started in the wash cycle, and hurried back to the bathroom to scrub the tub.
Not long afterward, I was in the kitchen reading over Nell’s instructions when I heard Bailey cry. Had it been only thirty-five minutes?
My cell rang. Nell. I stepped into the garage so she wouldn’t hear the baby crying. “Hello?”
“Hi, Ann. How are things going?” Nell asked.
“Fine,” I said brightly. I knew if I said otherwise, she’d come home.
“Oh, good! I’m having such a nice morning. But, Ann, I remembered our conversation from the other night. Just now, on my way over here to the spa, I saw Brock Goodwin over by the new roadblock to the house. When he noticed me, he ducked into the nearby bushes.”
“Thank you. If you can, keep an eye on him. I’ve got to go.” I clicked off the call and quickly phoned Debra. “Operation Bastard is a go. He’s in the bushes by the gate.”
“Got it,” she said and hung up.
A few minutes later, while I rocked Bailey in my arms, Whit called. “It’s been done.”
“Good. Step one.”
My cell rang again. Nell.
“Ann! You won’t believe it! While I was watching, a large man, a security guard, I think, came out of the guesthouse, dragged Brock from the bushes, flipped him on his back, and yelled at him. I couldn’t hear everything, but I know he called Brock a ‘pissant pervert who shouldn’t be spying on honeymoon couples.’ From the way Brock lit out of there, I think your troubles with him may be behind you.”
“Thanks, but I doubt it. We’re not stopping with a simple warning. We’re going to make Brock think he’s never going to get rid of Whit.”
While I’d talked on the phone, Bailey kept her eyes on me, soothed by the sound of my voice. Now, hungry, she began to cry ...
... and I started the process over again.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
By the time Vaughn and Clint returned from their sail, I was exhausted. Not just from taking care of the baby, but from watching Robbie in the pool, Robbie and Brett playing on the lawn, and giving them both a late lunch after waiting to feed the baby , all while trying to listen to Bailey, feed her, soothe her, and play with her. My thoughts flew to Angela. I had a greater understanding of how busy the weeks ahead were going to be for her.
When Clint went to the hotel to pick up Nell, Vaughn put his arm around me. “How are you doing, Grandma? You look a little tired.”
“I can’t believe how hard it is to go back to infancy. Robbie was two when we got him. That was difficult enough.”
“We’ll make it an early night, then we can go to bed,” Vaughn said.
“Please don’t mention to Nell how exhausted I am. I want her to have all the freedom she wants while she’s here, though I have to cover for Rhonda tomorrow.”
“I promise.” He kissed me. “Here are the kids now.”
Nell walked into the kitchen wearing a happy smile. Her blond hair had been styled, her skin glowed, and her fingernails were coated with a light-pink polish.
She threw her arms around me. “Thank you so much. I feel wonderful. Tomorrow should be even better. The crew at the spa will work with me on exercises to relax me and reduce stress. Where’s Bailey?”
“She’s taking a nap,” I said.
“But she’s not supposed to be napping now!” Nell said. At the silence in the room, she continued. “I’m sorry. That was such an awful way to thank you. We’ll adjust her schedule.”
“We’re going with the flow. Remember?” said Clint, wrapping an arm around her.
“You’re right. I’ve been so crazy these past few weeks. That’s another thing we’re working on tomorrow in the hotel’s program.”
Darla and Meredith pulled into the driveway.
When Vaughn went out to greet them, Nell gazed out the window. “I’m so glad I went to the program today. Look at Darla. She’s beautiful ... and so trim.”
Clint gave Nell a steady stare. “You’re just fine, Nell. Don’t even go there.”
I slipped out of the room, giving them space, and went to greet Darla and her partner.
“Good evening,” I said cheerily. At the sight of a familiar, bottle-green Jaguar roaring toward us, my smile morphed into a frown. How did he get through the security gate? Probably lied.
Brock Goodwin climbed out of the car and walked toward me with a stiff gait. “I’ve already talked to my lawyer,” he said, “but felt it was only neighborly to warn you that I’ll be filing a lawsuit against you and Rhonda personally as well as the hotel for being assaulted on your hotel property.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked. “I heard you were trespassing in a private area of the hotel, and the bridegroom warned you off. Isn’t that what happened?”
“Well, yes, but he didn’t have to pull some fancy Kung Fu maneuver on me. I ended up flat on my back.”
“Just stay away from private areas, and you shouldn’t have any need to file a frivolous lawsuit that will expose you, the president of the Neighborhood Association, for trespassing,” I said, fighting an urge to laugh at the image of Brock lying on the ground. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have guests to tend to. And once again, you’re trespassing. That’s twice in one day.” I turned away and then, unsettled, turned back to make sure he was leaving.
Brock easily slid into his low-slung car, assuring me the only real injury was to his ego. And that, as we all knew, needed a little adjustment.
As Brock drove away, Meredith said, “He’s such a creep.”
“Why don’t we go inside and relax?” said Vaughn. “My daughter, Nell, and her husband, Clint, and their baby girl are visiting. Nell, especially, is anxious to meet the two of you.”
Darla placed a hand on his arm. “Before we go inside, there’s something I need to tell you. In exchange for my not suing Simon for sexual harassment, the producers are allowing me to announce my engagement to Meredith.”
“Wonderful,” I said, giving each of them a quick hug.
Darla took Meredith’s hand. “I’ve told them we’re all friends, and they agree that’s how it’s going to be played offscreen. Thank you for speaking up, Ann. I might not have had the nerve to face them head-on without your encouragement.”
“I agree with Ann. I think it’s best all around,” said Vaughn, wrapping an arm around me. “Foolish PR games can backfire.”
Pleased, I followed Vaughn and the others inside.
On the lanai, Nell was holding the baby, and Clint was playing a game with Robbie. Clint got to his feet, and Nell moved forward to greet our guests.
“I just love the role you’re playing on the show with my father,” Nell told Darla.
“Thanks, I like it too. We’re becoming friends.” She took hold of Meredith’s hand. “This is Meredith Wilkinson. We’ve just decided to get married.”
“Congratulations!” Nell said. “Have you thought of having your wedding at The Beach House Hotel? It’s the perfect place.”
Darla and Meredith glanced at one another.
“We’ve already thought of it,” said Darla. “Lorraine Grace, the wedding consultant, is helping us figure out the timing for a small one.”
“That’s so exciting! Please let me know how Rhonda and I can help,” I said. Thinking of Rhonda, I smiled to myself. Somehow, she’d find a way to claim that with her matchmaking ability, she’d helped make it happen.
Liz and Chad arrived. After introductions were made and Liz had Bailey in her arms, we all took seats on the lanai. It was a beautiful afternoon with bright blue skies and a soft breeze cooling the temperature, which was in the high 70s. The conversation was pleasant as we all got to know one another. Looking at them, I filled with love, liking the idea of being a big, happy family with our two new additions. Having grown up an only child, it pleased me to see how ours had grown.
###
After dinner and after Nell had made sure Bailey was set for a wh
ile, she and Clint decided to join Liz and Chad and our guests who were going out to a small local bar off the beaten track, which would allow Darla and Meredith privacy.
“I promise we won’t be gone long,” said Nell. “I have to get up early in the morning.”
“Go and have a good time. That’s one reason you’re here,” I said, knowing I’d have to start the day early too.
Though Liz, Darla, and Meredith had insisted on doing most of the cleaning up, I did a few last-minute things in the kitchen.
Vaughn came into the room after putting Robbie to bed and wrapped his arms around me. “Ready for bed? It’s later than I thought.”
“More than ready,” I said, sighing and wiping my hands with a paper towel.
We went to our bedroom and got ready for bed, each with our familiar routine.
Moments later, sliding beneath the silky sheets, I felt every part of my body relax.
Beside me, Vaughn drew me to him. “You’re the cutest Grandma I’ve ever seen. Sexy too.”
I kissed him. “Don’t get any ideas. You can try. Just don’t wake me.”
He laughed. “That bad?”
“There’s a reason they give babies to the young. I feel every bit my age.”
“But you’re not that old,” Vaughn protested.
“I didn’t used to think so either,” I said, snuggling up against him and closing my eyes.
###
The next morning, Rhonda surprised me with an early visit. “Good morning. I couldn’t wait any longer to see Bailey,” she said, coming through the back entrance.
“Come in,” I said, glad to see her. “She’s sleeping now, but she should be up in a little while. Want a cup of coffee while we wait for her?”
“Sure, thanks. I needed to get out of the house and want to get caught up on things. You mentioned a visit from Brock and a bunch of other stuff. Give me details.”
I grinned. “I’ve been saving up a few for you.” There was nothing I liked better than sitting with my partner catching up on the news. Even though we saw each other almost every day, our lives were full.
“Do you think Brock’s lawsuit will go through?” Rhonda asked, looking worried.
“No, I think his lawyer will tell him he was trespassing on private property, and there isn’t a real case. The only injury was to his pride. Brock was in the wrong, and he knew it. Furthermore, I think the security cameras on the house will clearly show Brock was breaking the law, sneaking around in an area where he had no business being.”
“And hiding in the bushes!” said Rhonda. “That’s a big fat giveaway he was in the wrong.” She grinned. “What’s the latest with Darla and Meredith? I’m pretty sure there’s something serious there. I can see a wedding coming up because of us.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, hiding my amusement.
“Well, the hotel can do some magical things for some of our guests. Look what happened to Debra and Whit. They come to the Beach House Hotel, rekindled the flame, and decided to get married.”
“Well, you’re right again. Darla and Meredith have decided to get married and have a small wedding at the hotel.”
Rhonda slapped the table gleefully. “I knew it. Maybe we should do an advertising campaign for couples who think they might want to get married.”
“Mmm, maybe,” I said, “but we’d have to be very careful how we’d word it. We’d have to be subtle.”
“Subtle, shmutle,” said Rhonda. “Something like: ‘Want to turn that spark into a forest fire? Come to The Beach House Hotel for a chance to make it happen.’”
“God! You make it sound like a whorehouse,” I said, laughing.
“We could add no pimps allowed,” teased Rhonda.
I grinned, thinking back to my childhood. I would never have imagined the way my life had changed from the dutiful, restrained existence I’d lived for so many years.
At the sound of Bailey’s cries though the speaker Nell had left on the kitchen counter for me, both Rhonda and I got to my feet.
“Can’t wait to see her,” Rhonda said, trotting beside me. “And it’s so sweet to think Bailey will be friends with Sally.”
“Love it! Bailey and Sally.” A pang of disappointment for Liz traveled through me.
When we got to the crib, Bailey was awake and staring at a lemony stripe of sunshine entering the room between slats in the fabric window blinds.
“Oh, my!” gushed Rhonda. “Your first grandchild! She’s beautiful!”
I couldn’t hide the smile that crossed my face and filled my heart. “She’s a good baby, but I honestly don’t know how you did it with Willow and Drew so close in age.”
“I had wonderful help,” said Rhonda honestly. “Without Rita, we couldn’t function. I’ve always been grateful to her.”
I changed Bailey’s diaper and handed her over to Rhonda’s waiting hands.
Rhonda hummed a song to Bailey as we walked back to the kitchen. “Thank goodness things have calmed down at Angela’s house. And guess what? I got a nice card from Katherine thanking me for my support and my offer to have her stay with Will and me anytime. I don’t think she’d ever follow through with that, but it seems like maybe we’ve come to an understanding. What do you think?”
“Maybe.” As I got the bottle of milk ready for Bailey, I turned to her. “I think it was sweet of you to make the first move. Angela told me it was you who did the hugging, not Katherine.”
Rhonda shrugged her shoulders. “I guess I did.”
“Angela was proud of you, and so am I. It was a kind thing to do. But what about Arthur?”
Rhonda took the bottle I handed her and sat in a kitchen chair to feed the baby. “Angela told me Reggie tried to call him, but when it wasn’t picked up right away, he let it go.”
“Maybe it’s for the best. Arthur was furious when we were there.”
“Yeah, it’s too bad he put such pressure on Reggie to do what he asked. Do you think we’re putting too much pressure on our girls to take over the hotel for us?” Rhonda asked.
“It won’t be for some time, and every time we mention it, they seem excited,” I said. “But I suppose we should go easy with that idea for a while.”
“Yeah, it’s you and me for several more years,” said Rhonda. “The hotel is like our special baby. We can never let anyone else try to destroy it again.”
“Agreed. But don’t worry, we’ll make it through until the girls are ready to take over.”
“Together and with a few margaritas along the way,” said Rhonda grinning.
I laughed. Being her partner meant a lot of detail work for me, some frustrations with the casual way she handled things, and a great deal of satisfaction working with one of the nicest people I knew. We’d always been a good team.
Rhonda burped the baby and handed her back to me. “Can’t stay a minute longer. Willow has ballet lessons. It’s so cute watching toddlers dance around a room. Willow loves it! She’s even decided to follow instructions.”
We laughed together. Willow was head-strong like her mother. But I had no doubt that if Willow decided to be a ballerina, she’d do her best, twirling like a whirlwind.
###
Later, Vaughn returned from doing errands with Robbie in tow. It pleased me that they spent so much time together. Both Vaughn and I enjoyed the second chance of raising a child as loveable as Robbie.
“While I was out, I got a call from New York,” Vaughn said, setting a package down on the kitchen counter. “While Darla is here in Sabal, the producers want to have a glimpse of us with our family, including Darla and Meredith. They asked if they could do a photoshoot here in Florida. I gave them tentative approval with some restrictions on where they could film us.”
“When do they want this to happen?” I asked, thinking of Lindsay hiding out at the hotel and wanting the privacy of my home.
“Tomorrow. They’d fly the crew down today, shoot tomorrow, and then Darla and I would have to return to New York for more shows
.”
“What about Lindsay’s safety? With a film crew set loose at the hotel, something could happen to expose her. We can’t take the chance of that happening.”
“Okay, then, it’ll have to take place here,” said Vaughn.
My first instinct was to call Elena for help in preparing the house. But then I thought it was better for fans to see Vaughn as a real family man, even if it meant baby equipment was part of the scenery.
“Okay. Let’s warn the others that photo shoots will take place. I want everyone in the photos,” I said. “Too bad Ty and June can’t be here.”
“I’ll hand the photographers photos of them and explain. Thanks, hon,” said Vaughn kissing me on the lips. “I’ll be glad to get this PR situation behind us. I know how you hate publicity about our personal lives.”
“Yes, but for once, this is honest. And that I can live with.”
###
Nell came home early that morning from her program at the hotel to feed Bailey. Both Bailey and I were happy to see her. Bailey had been crying for a steady twenty minutes while I tried to get in touch with Nell to tell her we were out of milk.
After she fed the baby and put her down, Nell came out to the kitchen. “Thanks for everything. I think this warm, salty air is good for Bailey. I swear I can see her grow. She’s eating like crazy.”
“She’s a healthy, happy baby, and we love having you here. By the way, a crew is going to be here tomorrow to film us for a new PR campaign they’re doing about your dad and Darla.”
Nell frowned. “How do you feel about that?”
“Actually, very good. It’s to show Vaughn as a family man and friend, not a lover, to Darla. Meredith will be included in the pictures. My only regret is that Ty and June can’t be here, but we’ll provide photos of them.”
“What about the mess we’re making here? Do we need to clean up?” said Nell, indicating the cluttered kitchen counter.
“No, this campaign is going to be real. On another matter, Angela called and is wondering when she can bring her baby over to meet Bailey.”
“I’d love to see her,” Nell said happily. “I’ll call her now and ask her over in a half-hour. Is that okay with you?”
