by Judith Keim
Vaughn nodded agreeably, took a seat, and allowed a microphone to be attached unobtrusively to his shirt beneath his chin. I stood in the background watching as he assumed a natural pose in front of the cameras while they tested for lighting. It always interested me to see him on camera.
Vaughn saw me and winked.
“Ready? Three, two, one!” the cameraman said.
Janie, sitting beside Vaughn, straightened in her chair and smiled into camera. “I’m Janie Jacobs, and I’m here to talk with Vaughn Sanders, the star of The Sins of the Children, one of the longest-running soap operas in the business, due in large part to Vaughn and the character he plays—the mayor of the famous town of troubles. Good morning, Vaughn! It’s nice to be here in Sabal, Florida, at your beautiful home.”
“Good morning, Janie,” he said, giving her the sexy smile that caused a thousand sighs whenever he appeared on the screen. “My wife, Ann, and I are pleased to have you here to meet our family.”
“It’s so appropriate,” Janie said. “You’ve evolved into the patriarch of the television show, and that’s why we’re doing this interview. In the past, you’ve been linked with co-stars like Lily Dorio. But as you’ve aged, you’re no longer the bad boy of the past but more of a fatherly figure. Darla comes under that definition both on and off the show. Isn’t that true?”
I could read the anger in Vaughn though no one else would notice anything but the lowering of his voice. “Just to be clear, I never had a relationship with Lily Dorio. That was part of a publicity scheme that backfired. As far as Darla is concerned, Ann and I have happily welcomed other people into our family—people like Tina Marks—and now Darla and her partner Meredith. We’re lucky enough to have friends we can include like this.”
“Did you know Darla before she started working with you?” asked Janie, pressing close, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Vaughn stiffened slightly. “No, I didn’t. But after working with her, I admire her acting ability.” He faced the camera, “I also like the fact she remembers her lines so quickly. It makes a big difference when you have a real professional working with you.”
I loved the zing of truth Vaughn threw Lily’s way.
“How did you and Darla become friends so quickly then?” Janie persisted.
“Through my wife, Ann.” Vaughn waved me over.
I hesitated, and then because I didn’t want to embarrass him by not obliging, I walked over and stood behind him.
He clasped my hand. “This is the person I come home to, the person who is the anchor of the family, the person who welcomes others into it.”
“Hello, Ann. Nice to meet you,” said Janie. “I understand you and your business partner own The Beach House Hotel. Is that correct?”
“Yes. It’s something we’re very proud of.” I did my best not to be inhibited by the camera though I didn’t like being in the public eye.
“The vice president was recently at the hotel. Do you get a lot of guests like that at the hotel?” Janie asked.
“Each guest is special to us and deserves privacy,” I said, praying she wouldn’t mention Lindsay or Thomas Thaxton. “Excuse me. I’ll let you get back to your interview with Vaughn.”
I walked away and continued to watch from the sidelines.
I winced every time Janie mentioned how old Vaughn was, how many years he’d been on the show, how he’d once been the sexy soap opera star that became the fantasy lover women dreamed about. She made it sound as if he was old and useless. I wanted to tell her what a virile man he still was, but, of course, I couldn’t.
When Janie brought up the topic of sailing, Vaughn perked up. The conversation was easy from then on.
Darla appeared, and sensing more exciting news, Janie ended the interview with Vaughn.
While Janie took a short break, Vaughn and I approached Darla.
“Remember, you don’t have to answer any questions that make you uncomfortable,” said Vaughn. “Janie is persistent.”
“And not always nice,” I added, squeezing Vaughn’s hand.
“This, hopefully, will take the heat off any harassment at work and negativity about your relationship with Meredith,” Vaughn said. “I’ll be right here watching.”
Darla gave him a shaky smile. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
I left them and went to find Nell and Clint. Liz had left a message on my cell that she and Chad were on their way. Bailey was awake, fed, and dressed in an adorable pink jumpsuit with bunny appliqués. Nell looked great in white pants and a turquoise top. Clint had on a golf shirt like Vaughn’s but in blue, not green.
When Liz stepped into the kitchen, my breath caught. She, too, was wearing a turquoise top, and for a minute, she looked so much like Nell it was stunning. Chad was wearing a golf shirt and tan slacks, as had been decided.
Feeling teary at the rush of love I felt, I gave Liz a hug. “Nell and Clint and the baby are already in the living room. You can join them there.”
I looked up as Meredith came through the kitchen door. “I’m here. I didn’t want to be here earlier because I didn’t want to be interviewed with Darla.”
“No, problem. I understand. Vaughn is keeping a protective eye on her. How are you?”
“Great. Thanks again for all your help yesterday. It was such a special day for us.”
“I’m glad. Now come be part of the group.”
We were all waiting in the living room when Vaughn and Darla joined us.
As we gathered, the photographer fussed with his camera while his assistant worked with the lighting. Vaughn and I were told to stand in the middle with the others gathered around us.
“We’re missing my son, Ty, and his wife, June, along with Tina Marks,” Vaughn said. “Please be sure to make that clear.”
“I’ve already made a note of it,” said Janie. “Let’s take a few shots here; then I want a shot of just the women, then a shot of Vaughn, and one with him and Ann and Robbie on the boat. Oh, and one of Vaughn with Nell, Clint, and the baby. Our audience will love that. The sexy grandfather and his family.”
I glanced at Vaughn. His face had tightened at the idea of the sexy grandfather angle. If I wasn’t mistaken, his ego was a little bruised. In a matter of hours, he’d gone from sexy soap star to grandpa.
We all were tired when the crew left after the lunch of sandwiches and cookies that I’d arranged with Consuela to make and deliver.
“How do you think it went?” Darla asked me.
“I think Janie got some good information. Enough that you shouldn’t be troubled at work with the deal you made with the producers.”
“How can I ever thank you and Vaughn for stepping in to help me?” she said.
“It’s the least we could do. No one should have to put up with harassment at work. I just hope this makes things easier for everyone.”
“Me, too.” She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. “You’re the best. I hope to see you in New York soon. Meredith and I are leaving tonight. Vaughn said he’s flying to New York tomorrow morning.”
“Safe travels,” I said to her, hating the thought of Vaughn leaving.
###
Nell and Clint decided to meet Liz and Chad for dinner. Knowing it would be their last evening here and some time before they returned, I eagerly agreed to watch Bailey. It might have been my imagination, but in the previous few days, Bailey seemed so much bigger, so much more alert than when she’d first arrived. Maybe, I thought, I’d be able to make a trip to D. C. to visit them before too much time passed.
Later, sitting at the dinner table with the two of us, Robbie played with his food, then set his fork down and looked at us with tears in his eyes.
“Why does everyone have to leave?” he said.
“Dad has to go to work, and Nell and Clint and the baby were here only for a visit,” I said. “But remember, you have Liz and Chad here, along with Trudy and me, to keep you company.
“And Brett and Elena and Troy, too,” he said, looking a l
ittle brighter.
“Yes, you do. It’s hard to see loved ones come and go, but you always have lots of people around who care about you.” I didn’t mention how much I’d miss everyone, especially Vaughn. Without him around, my days seemed dull no matter how bright the sun shone outside.
After dinner, I changed Bailey and fed her, loving the feel of a baby in my arms. Maybe my disappointment over Liz not having a baby was because I’d wanted so many of my own.
Vaughn came out to the lanai and joined me on one of the couches there.
“She sure looks a lot like Nell did when she was a baby,” he said, smiling down at Bailey as she lay on my legs, kicking playfully.
“It’s interesting to see how genetics work. Robbie is such a combination of his father, mother, and Liz. And with Bailey, I see some of Clint, too. Enough that when I mentioned it to him, he puffed up like a proud papa.”
“How do you feel about being married to a grandpa?” Vaughn said, giving me an uncertain look, which wasn’t at all like him.
I cocked an eyebrow. “Do you mean a grandpa instead of a sexy television star like Janie implied?”
“Yeah, I guess her words hit me pretty hard,” he said.
I leaned over and kissed him on the mouth. “Thankfully, she doesn’t know you that well. A little later, you can show this grandma all your tricks.”
He brightened. “Really?”
“Oh yes,” I said. “As soon as the kids are down, I’m going to bed and dragging you off with me.”
“Deal,” he said, wrapping an arm around me. “God, I’d heard Janie was tough, but I didn’t know what angle she was going to play. I admit it stung.”
“No worries, big boy! You can prove how wrong she is.”
Vaughn drew me closer. “I love you, Ann.”
“I love you too, Vaughn. I always will.”
Robbie came into the room. “Are you kissing again?”
Vaughn and I pulled apart.
“Later,” Vaughn said, getting to his feet.
###
Vaughn and I stood together in Robbie’s room, making sure he was tucked in, and Trudy was settled beside him. Robbie’s arms were flung wide as he slept on his back.
“He’s growing so much. I was pleased by how polite he was to Janie,” I said.
“He’s a great boy,” said Vaughn. He turned and faced me. “I believe you made me a promise. Now that both kids are asleep, let’s go to bed.”
“I’m glad you decided to fly to New York tomorrow instead of tonight,” I said as we left Robbie’s room and walked to the master suite.
He squeezed my hand. “As I told Janie, family comes first.”
We quickly got ready for bed, knowing we wouldn’t have much privacy before Nell and Clint would return.
As I climbed in beside Vaughn, I thought back to when we first met six years ago. Like every other woman under ninety-five, I’d fallen for him. Now, six years later, I loved him even more. He was a good man. Tonight, I wanted him to understand that age made no difference in how I felt about him.
And later, he proved to me how physically fit he was for a man who was about to be recognized as an older patriarch.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Very early the next morning, Nell and Clint left as soon as Bailey had been fed, hoping to make the road trip a little easier. We all were sad to see them go. Even Trudy. After they’d gone, she wandered from the guest suite to the kitchen and back again as if she could rediscover the baby she loved to protect.
For the last time in a while, Vaughn dropped off Robbie at school, and then it was time for him to leave. Knowing he might not be back for some time, he was as quiet as I was on the way to the airport.
Glumly, I pulled up to the drop-off curb at the airport and waited while Vaughn got out of the car and grabbed his luggage.
He leaned into the car and kissed me. “Love you, Ann. I’ll let you know when you can expect me home. Take care of yourself. I don’t like leaving you when things with Lindsay at the hotel are so unsettled.”
“Debra and Whit are good at their jobs. As long as Brock stays out of the picture, I’m not going to worry about it.”
“Move along!” said a patrolman, indicating for me to drive away.
Vaughn gave me another quick kiss and headed into the terminal.
###
At the hotel, I stopped in the kitchen for a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll, attempting to assuage my sadness at feeling alone again.
Rhonda was in the office when I got there. “How was the photoshoot?”
I told her about the day. “I never thought of Vaughn as being worried about his age, but I must say Janie made it seem as if he was much older than he is.”
“Vaughn shouldn’t be worried about it. Not with so many women falling for him on television. Even if they change his role, old roosters have the right to crow,” said Rhonda.
I laughed. “That is something I’ll never say to him. Where do you come up with all these sayings?”
“Who knows? I thought it was appropriate.” She grew serious. “I’ve been over our schedule and Daily Reports and have noticed that our Sunday Brunch numbers are low. Any guesses as to why?”
“Besides having the snowbirds gone? I can’t imagine. We’ll have to look into it. We just put an ad in the local newspaper. Maybe we’d better call Terri Thomas at the Sabal Daily News and see if she’d be willing to do an article for us.”
“I bet she will for free food,” said Rhonda. “I’ve seen the way she gobbles up our cinnamon rolls.”
“Having her here is fine as long as she doesn’t interfere with anything related to Lindsay. You know how nosy she is,” I said, more than a little concerned.
“Thinking of Lindsay, how’s she doing on wedding plans for Debra and Whit? Have they settled on a day? We have some Thursdays that could use a little boost,” said Rhonda. “Let’s talk to them about setting it up for two weeks from now.” She grinned. “Now that we’re such experts on short-notice weddings, we can easily handle this. It’s a small one.”
“That was the plan. Let’s go see.”
My spirits lifted as we headed to the guesthouse. Debra and Whit’s story was a sweet one.
###
Debra met us at the door. “Good morning! What brings you here?”
“A wedding,” said Rhonda bluntly. “Has Lindsay talked to you about one?”
A bright smile filled Debra’s face. “If you’re talking about one for Whit and me, then yes. We’ve been discussing it. Come on in.”
Lindsay appeared. “Hi! Did I hear ‘a wedding’ mentioned?”
“We’d like to talk to all of you about dates,” I said. “Our weekends are booked, but we have other times that would be perfect.”
“Whit is out doing errands,” said Debra. “But let’s talk. Now that we’ve decided to do it, I don’t want much time to pass. It’s going to be just us with Lindsay and a couple of other people.”
“Whether it’s big or small, we want it perfect for you,” I said.
“Right,” agreed Rhonda.
Debra led us to the living room and offered us seats on the couch. Lindsay sat in a chair nearby, holding a notepad and pen.
“I’ve been making notes about different ideas,” said Lindsay to Debra. “It’s been so much fun planning a happy occasion. The two of you are perfect together.”
“Thanks,” said Debra. “Whit and I dated a couple of years ago, and then our jobs caused us to step away from one another. But neither of us forgot what we’d shared. Now that we’re together again, we want to make it official.”
“And I’m helping them do it,” said Lindsay. “I’ve made notes so far on what they want. Whit doesn’t care about the details as long as it happens. The sooner, the better.”
A blush crept up Debra’s cheeks. “We’re both excited about it.”
“Okay, first things first. Let’s pick a date,” I said.
“Thursday evenings are a good time of the week b
ecause then you have the whole weekend to celebrate,” said Rhonda.
“And it’s easier on the staff. Especially with this late notice,” I added.
“I like that.” Debra looked at the calendar Lindsay handed her, and they quickly agreed on two weeks from the upcoming Thursday.
“That’ll give Debra time to find a dress,” said Lindsay.
“You have some options,” I said. “You’d mentioned a beach wedding, or a garden wedding is also available.”
“Whit and I definitely want a beach wedding in the late afternoon,” said Debra.
“And I would like to host a meal afterward for them,” said Lindsay.
“Sounds great,” said Rhonda. “If you need help with flowers or anything else with the ceremony, Lorraine Grace will help you.”
“And, Lindsay, you can work with Jean-Luc on the meal,” I said, watching a smile cross her face.
“We just celebrated a small wedding reception in the library at the hotel, and that worked out well. Lorraine has notes on that too,” said Rhonda.
Debra grinned. “Now I’m getting excited. Thanks so much! Lindsay has insisted on helping us. I can’t tell you what that means to us.”
“It’s the least I can do for protecting me,” said Lindsay. “You make me feel so safe. And after the hell I’ve been through, it’s wonderful.”
“Okay,” I said, getting to my feet. “We’ll tell Lorraine to expect a call from you. Simply call the hotel and ask for wedding services. She’ll put you in touch with everyone you need.”
“And we’ll talk to Bernie about staffing,” said Rhonda, rising from the couch.
“Rhonda and I and the entire hotel staff are at your service,” I said. “This wedding is very special to us.”
“Thanks,” said Lindsay. “You’re two more of my angels.”
Rhonda and I glanced at one another. We were no angels, just two people wanting to keep a promise to the vice president of the United States.
###
We met with Terri Thomas a couple of days later. An older, oversized woman with hair dyed red and beady eyes that reminded me of a snake before it sprung, Terri was a formidable woman intent on spreading the news—both good and bad. But she was essential when we wanted to get the word out about the hotel. In return for bits of information, she was rewarded by being allowed to order anything she wanted to eat. And she always chose brunch time so she could have both lunch and our famous cinnamon rolls.
