by Judith Keim
“Two of my favorite young women getting together? Absolutely. The babies are going to be so cute together.”
“These workout clothes need a change. I’d better freshen up.”
After she left, I called Darla to make sure she was okay with the photoshoot.
“Hi, Ann, I’m so glad you called,” she said. “I was about to call you with some exciting news. After Vaughn told me about the photoshoot tomorrow, Meredith and I have decided to get married this evening. I’ve talked to Lorraine Grace, and we’re going to have the private ceremony in the gazebo in the side garden.”
“Oh, my! It’s happening so fast. What can I do to help?”
“We both want you and Vaughn to stand up with us. Will you do it?”
“I’d be happy to do that, and I’m sure Vaughn would too. What kind of ceremony is it going to be?”
“We’re each wearing white sundresses. Thank goodness we found ‘Styles,’ the clothing stores Liz told us about. They were wonderful.” She cleared her throat. “We thought you’d wear a simple sundress, and if Vaughn doesn’t mind, he should wear slacks and a tropical sport shirt. We’re keeping it informal.”
“What about dinner following the ceremony?” Rhonda and I couldn’t afford to have the celebration at the hotel fail to be up to our usual high standards. It would mar our growing reputation as THE place to have a small, intimate wedding.
“We thought we’d keep it simple and just eat as a group at the hotel.”
“Leave all those details to me, and we’ll make it special.”
“That would be wonderful,” gushed Darla.
As soon as I hung up with Darla, I called Rhonda. We agreed to meet at the hotel with Lorraine. This wedding would be talked about tomorrow, and we wanted it to be everything both women and the hotel wanted.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Rhonda and I stood with Lorraine in the hotel’s library. Lorraine was our wedding coordinator and was a very talented event planner. Another, larger ceremony was taking place out on the beach that evening, but we could accommodate both.
“We know you’re busy with the Altamonte party,” I said, “but we need some quick ideas about transforming this room into a lovely place for a reception and dinner.”
“I’d suggest you speak to Emily at Tropical Fleurs. She usually has some extra flowers ordered. In talking with Darla and Meredith earlier, they were open to the idea of a basket of tropical flowers on the altar. Does that help?”
I glanced at Rhonda. “That’ll give us a chance to use all kinds of colors.”
As we talked, I grew more excited about the event. It seemed so easy, so natural, like the participants themselves.
After Lorraine left to take care of details for the other group, Rhonda grinned at me. “This reminds me of how it used to be with you and me doing everything. It’s nice to come back to this now and then. Our lives seemed so much simpler before we grew so busy.”
“In many ways they were,” I admitted.
We talked about appropriate music and the menu. I called Chad to help with the sound system, and we both went to the kitchen to talk to Jean-Luc, who didn’t like surprises like this.
When we told him that we’d need a special dinner for ten people at eight-o’clock, he clucked his tongue. “The restaurant is booked tonight, and I have the wedding for forty people, but for you, I’ll do it. However, it can’t be anything too difficult.”
“Anything you cook is delicious,” I quickly said. It would be a disaster if he weren’t willing to do this for us. I already knew from talking to them earlier that, though they watched their weights, neither Darla nor Meredith had special diets.
After discussing the pros and cons of several selections, we decided on individual Salmon Wellingtons with a spinach-and-lemon topping inside the puff pastry shell, drizzled with a light lemon-and-caper beurre blanc. A mélange of vegetables would accompany it along with Meyer Lemon Rice Pilaf and a simple green salad with a French vinaigrette dressing. And for dessert, we chose a small, double-layered vanilla cake with white buttercream icing decorated with fresh flowers and accompanied by scoops of various fruit sorbets to add color and flavor.
Jean-Luc approved it all, using some of the other event's food items to make our dinner.
Satisfied that it would be unique, Rhonda and I left the kitchen and hurried back to the library to meet with Emily from the flower shop.
She greeted us with a smile, an armful of flowers, and a couple of small baskets. With two round tables of five, we needed two small centerpieces and a basket of wildflowers for the dais to match what Darla and Meredith had selected for the service.
“Instead of buying another basket, have someone carry in the flowers from the short service. Those placed on the dais will be a lovely touch. Then the two centerpieces will be all you’ll need from me,” said Emily.
“Thank you so much!” I said, pleased. “I should warn you we have another small, private wedding coming up soon. I just don’t know the date yet. I imagine it will be a weekday because our weekends are full.”
“Anything for the two of you,” said Emily, smiling. “You’ve helped me so much in the past.”
“It always makes me feel good to have so many weddings here,” said Rhonda. “It’s like bringing my old house to life in a way I’ve always imagined.”
“It’s amazing to think of all the work that you two have done to turn it into a beautiful hotel. It’s been a wonderful addition to the community,” said Emily.
“To most,” I said, making a face.
“If you’re talking about Brock Goodwin, I’ve heard many people complain about the iron-fisted way he’s running his Neighborhood Association. He may not realize it, but he’s sending a lot of business your way because of the complaints he made over other events in the neighborhood.”
Rhonda and I looked at one another and grinned.
“Serves the bastard right,” muttered Rhonda.
“I think so, too,” said Emily as she continued putting together centerpieces with the baskets and flowers that she’d brought with her.
“I’d better get home and get ready. It’ll be 7:30 before I know it, and I’ve got a lot to do.”
Rhonda followed me out of the room. “I’ll see you later. I have to make sure Rita is free to babysit.”
“Elena and Troy are going to watch Robbie and the baby,” I said, sighing with relief. “She just messaged me they could do it.”
We headed our separate ways, and I headed home, hoping Vaughn and Clint hadn’t sailed very far with Robbie. I needed them back and dressed in time for the ceremony.
###
When I arrived home, Angela and Nell were on the patio holding their sleeping babies in their arms. I took a moment to sit with them. The babies looked adorable together, each with a little pink bow in what strands of hair could be gathered.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I need to tell you, Nell, about the wedding you’re invited to.” I gave her the details.
“Nell told me you’re all going to have your pictures taken together. The wedding will make it clear that it’s like one big family,” said Angela.
“I think that was the intent,” I said. “And while we three are together, Nell, please tell me how the New Mothers Program has worked for you. Angela, you’re going to do it also, aren’t you?”
Smiling, Angela nodded. “But I’m going to wait a while.”
“I would encourage your special guests to wait until the first few months have passed. Because I’m still nursing, it’s been a bit of an issue,” said Nell. “By the time their baby is three to six months, a lot of mothers, like me, will be desperate for some downtime, not only to feel healthy but to look good. The hotel’s program is wonderful, though, and I want to come back and do it again when it’ll be easier for me.”
“Good to know,” I said, making a mental note to tell Rhonda.
“I have a feeling the second time around is going to be a very different process of getting
back to close to normal,” said Angela, patting her stomach.
“As long as you don’t push too hard too soon,” I said. “You’re dainty.”
“I know. I take after my father,” Angela said, smiling. She drew a finger across Sally’s soft cheek with tenderness. “I’m so proud that this little one has his name.”
“Angela told me all about the trouble between Rhonda and Katherine,” said Nell. “I’m glad I don’t have that with Clint’s mom.” She gave me a quick smile. “And certainly not with you.”
“That’s good because I’m about to sound bossy. I think you should plan on getting Bailey scheduled so you can be at the ceremony at 7:30,” I said, giving her a teasing grin.
Nell gave me a playful salute.
“And I have to get home,” said Angela. “Reggie and I are having a dinner catered to the house after we get both kids down for the night.” Color flushed her cheeks. “We haven’t had a special moment like that in forever. I just hope I can stay awake for it.”
I laughed, remembering my remark to Vaughn.
After Angela left with a kiss goodbye from me, I tried calling Vaughn on his cell. Last time there’d been a wedding—his own—he’d been caught on a sailboat without a way to get back to shore.
“Hey, babe,” Vaughn said. “What’s up?”
“You are about to be part of a wedding party. You guys better bring the boat in,” I said.
“Whoa? Wedding party? Whose?”
I told him about Darla and Meredith’s decision. “I think it’s sweet that they want us to stand up for them. As Angela said, that makes it seem like we’re a real family.”
“Okay, we’re on our way in. See you in a little while,” said Vaughn, sounding pleased about the turn of events.
Maybe this would be a good move, I thought. Tina Marks had been a special family member at Vaughn’s and my wedding earlier. We could always add more.
###
As I was getting dressed, Liz and Chad arrived at the house. I could hear their voices in the kitchen, and then a knock sounded at my bedroom door.
“Mom? Are you almost ready? Can I borrow the shell necklace I gave you?” said Liz opening the door.
“Sure. C’mon in. I’m just finishing up.” I slid diamond earrings into my ear lobes and searched through my jewelry for the necklace Liz had requested . It was one of my favorites.
“You look very nice,” I told Liz. “And, this necklace is perfect with your dress.” She wore a pink, sleeveless sheath the color of hibiscus.
“Thanks. I told Darla and Meredith about Styles dress store and decided to go myself,” Liz said. Her blond hair was shiny, her blue eyes sparkled. “This is all such a lovely surprise.”
I returned her smile, happy to see Liz back to normal. She’d be fine. Take it one month at a time, I told myself. Some would be easier than others.
I wore a simple yellow sundress scattered with tropical flowers as Darla had suggested. And the green Hawaiian shirt Vaughn had picked out was perfect with his tan slacks.
Nell and Clint met us in the kitchen looking as tropical as the rest of us in similar, bright-colored clothes. Elena stood by with the baby in her arms and Robbie next to her.
“Thank you so much, Elena, for stepping in and helping us out,” I said. Like Rhonda with Rita, I wondered what I’d ever do without Elena’s help.
“After all you’ve done for Troy and me, I’m happy to do it,” she responded. We’d helped them secure a loan for their house and paid part of the down payment.
“Can I come?” said Robbie, giving me a woeful look.
I kissed his sun-tanned cheek. “No, I’m sorry, but this is for grownups. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day with everyone here at the house. You’ll have a chance to be part of the group then.”
Robbie’s face puckered, then smoothed out when Elena added, “Besides, I need you here to help me, and Troy is stopping by.” Robbie and Troy were close.
Happy that we had settled things so quickly, I followed the others out the door.
###
At the hotel, I went up to the Presidential Suite to check on Darla and Meredith.
Darla opened the door looking as adorable as her character on the show in a simple white sundress with a small edging of lace at the collar. Meredith stood behind her, dressed similarly and smiling at me. A sprig of bougainvillea was in her long blond hair.
“You both look beautiful,” I said. “Are you ready?”
Darla glanced at Meredith. “As ready as we’ll ever be. Everyone should gather in the gazebo. Lorraine just called to say the Justice of the Peace is already there.”
“Okay, I’ll see you downstairs,” I said.
“We’ll only take a minute before joining you,” said Meredith.
###
The warm evening, the twinkling lights wrapped around the railing of the gazebo, and the basket of fresh flowers on the small altar were perfect accompaniments to the occasion.
As Darla and Meredith walked toward us hand in hand, it was touching to see the expressions of hope and joy on their faces.
The ceremony was very short but sweet, with each woman reciting vows she’d written. As usual, Rhonda was dabbing at her eyes by the time they got through. I’d been floating in and out of the present, remembering my own wedding.
Now, watching them mingle with us at the reception in the library and seeing how gentle Vaughn was with Darla, I felt as if we truly had expanded our family.
Rhonda came up to me. “For a last-minute event, both Lorraine and Jean-Luc performed with flying colors.” She indicated the room with a wave of her hand. “This looks beautiful, and the menu is perfect.”
“I’m going to write up a summary as I usually do for special events here at the hotel. It’ll help us to plan small events like this in the future.”
“Thanks. It’s a good thing you like to do stuff like that, Annie,” Rhonda said, flinging an arm across my shoulders.
I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. I’d learned early on in our partnership that the small details would be mine to resolve.
“What are you two up to now?” said Will, smiling as he approached us. Tall and thin with regular features, blue eyes, and gray hair, Will was one of my favorite people. Rhonda’s effervescent personality was a good match for Will’s quieter ways. I remember how shy he’d been when he first met Rhonda. It was instant love for both of them.
“We’re just congratulating ourselves on having Jean-Luc and Lorraine as part of the team.”
Will’s eyes shone. “That’s something you should be proud of. They’re both excellent. But then, the way you convince every staff member that they’re part of the hotel is very important. I’m proud of you both.” He kissed Rhonda. “I’ve been told we need to get to our seats.” He held out his elbow, and she took it.
Vaughn walked over to me. “Darla can’t stop raving about how nice everything is. Thanks, Ann.”
“It’s important for them to have a satisfying entry into our family,” I said, pleased. “Besides, the hotel has a reputation to maintain.”
We took seats at our assigned table, and I took a moment to observe the staff surreptitiously.
Annette was overseeing an early portion of this dinner but would leave us to help the other group. At a signal from her, waiters and waitresses entered the room together with our first course, a chilled, white-asparagus soup.
Sitting next to Darla at one of the two tables, I watched as she studied the printed souvenir menu at her place then tucked it into her purse.
“I’m so happy we decided to have our wedding here. I can’t imagine anything better. Thank you,” she said, facing me. Her eyes filled. “You and Vaughn have been so kind to us both. As I said earlier, my parents have turned their backs on me. Meredith’s parents are a little better but aren’t that happy about our being together.”
“Time heals many things,” I said. “I hope everyone in both your families comes to accept the two of you. If not, you have friends
who do.”
“No one could be better friends than you and Vaughn. I wish you two were my parents.” Darla dabbed at her eyes with her napkin.
I reached over and patted her hand. “Sweetie, that’s about to happen. As far as your fans are concerned, you’ll be known as part of our family. And as for me, I feel as if you already are.”
Darla’s lips trembled. Her eyes glazed with emotion. Unable to speak, she simply nodded.
From across the table, Vaughn caught my gaze and gave me a warm look of approval.
As the meal continued, each course was as delicious as Rhonda and I had hoped. And when at last the wedding cake was brought in, we all applauded. The idea of serving the cake with assorted sorbets worked beautifully and was one I’d remember for other celebrations.
As soon as everyone had finished and prepared to leave, Vaughn and I said our goodbyes to Darla and Meredith and made our departure. The film crew was coming early.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The next morning, I worked quickly to restore some order to the house before the filming crew came. But, as I decided earlier, we would leave toys and baby equipment in place like any other household. We’d been blessed with a sunny day, so the photographers would take many shots outdoors. Vaughn and Darla would be interviewed separately and then together, talking about the show and their roles in it. The big family portrait was scheduled for ten o’clock.
Vaughn and I decided to meet the crew outside to make sure the rules Vaughn had specified would be honored—no interior shots except in the kitchen or living room. The lanai and pool were fine, as well as the lawn and the boat. We’d all agreed dress was casual.
The photographer was accompanied by an assistant and a woman named Janie Jacobs, the publicist the producers had hired. Short and stocky and in what I guessed was her mid-fifties, Janie had steel-gray eyes that penetrated with their sharpness. No one, I supposed, got much past her.
After a quick tour of the places they could film, Janie asked the cameraman to set up on the lanai. “We’ll start the interviews with you, Vaughn, and hope Darla will arrive soon. I find it best to talk to people at the start of the day when they’re fresh and rested.”
