"You're right. We won't alarm them, but just let them know he may have plans of his own."
"Okay. In the meantime, I'm glad we have these last couple of weeks to celebrate. This place has always been more like a home away from home rather than work. We're all one big family here."
"Yes, it's just like your father says. It's bittersweet."
"I'm also grateful for the extra time I'll have to take care of him. Some days he really worries me, Payton. This morning he repeated the same question on three different occasions. Other days he's like his old self."
"I know, Mom. We're all here for you guys. You do know that, right?"
"Yes, Honey, we do. Onto something more uplifting. How are things going with you and Cole?"
"Pretty good. Speaking of Cole, I promised to do the photography for his cousin's wedding tomorrow."
"That's wonderful. I don't remember you saying anything about a wedding."
"I just accepted the job today. She was in desperate need of someone because her photographer canceled."
"Poor thing. She must've been frantic. I'm sure you made her day by taking the job."
"Yes, but if I'm going to pull this thing off, I need to get going. I have a few stops to make, and I then I have to get back to the house to test the cameras."
"Well, run along. We're fine here. I'll hold down the fort."
"You sure, Mom?"
"I'm certain."
I was so grateful, I kissed her and hurried along to get everything I needed for the wedding.
The next day I arrived at the venue early to set up for the ceremony. The clubhouse was set just a few feet away from North Beach shores with the most romantic view of the ocean. Inside I snapped a few shots of the arch where the couple would exchange their vows. It was decorated with chiffon draping and gorgeous flowers. I paused to take in the beauty of the space when I felt a tap on the shoulder.
"Hello, beautiful."
The voice was instantly recognized. When I turned around, Cole's handsome smile made my heart flutter.
"Cole. Look at you."
"I hope that's a good thing."
"It is. You look so handsome."
"Thank you, but you're the one who's taking my breath away."
He placed a strand of my hair back in place then softly kissed me on the forehead.
"Looks like you've been busy already."
"Yes, but there's still lots to do. I need to make my way to the bridal suite to get a few shots of the ladies getting ready. Your sweet distractions are going to make me late. I'll see you in a bit?"
"I'm looking forward to it. Oh, before I forget. My mom and Emmie are here. I'd love for you to come say hello later when you have time."
I didn't want to get my lipstick on him, so I teased him with a little nose rub.
"I can't wait."
"Alright. Go get 'em, tiger."
There was something about Cole that was gentle and kind and so familiar. This wedding was giving me so much more than the opportunity to use my camera again. Cole was helping me make room in my heart to love again.
After I wrapped up with the ladies upstairs, I had a brief moment to chat with the bride.
"Thank you so much for helping me out. You don't know how much this means. I could never repay you."
"I'm happy I was able to help. You look absolutely stunning."
"Thank you. Please make sure you make time to enjoy yourself in between taking pictures."
She began to whisper, not wanting anyone to hear.
"The word among the family is Cole really likes you. He hasn't talked about a special someone in his life since his wife passed away. I know I'm biased as his cousin, but he's a really great guy."
I couldn't hold back my smile. Her words felt so good to hear.
"Oh, that smile of yours says a mouthful. You get him, girl!"
"Thank you, Christen. In the meantime, I'm going to snap a few pictures of your husband to be. I'll see you in a little while."
"Okay!" She was so excited to be marrying the man of her dreams.
I turned back one last time.
"Christen"
"Yes."
"Thanks for the advice."
"Anytime!"
I walked past the glass windows with the view of the beach and some early guests starting to arrive. I was inspired and had visions of my photography business getting underway soon. Tonight love was in the air, and I planned to explore everything love had to offer.
Once the reception was well underway, I made my way over to Cole's table.
"Hi, Miss Payton."
"Hi, Emmie. How's the wedding cake?"
"Delicious. I'm on my second piece. Would you like to try some?”
"Why, thank you. I will have a piece."
"Emmie, I think we better slow down with the cake before you find yourself with a tummy ache," Cole interjected.
"Just one last bite, please, Dad?"
"One last bite, and then you're done, kiddo."
"Okay."
"Payton, you remember my mother from the Luau?"
"Yes, Mrs. Miller, it's so good to see you."
"It's good to see you too, Payton. I can see why Cole is so fond of you." She nudged Cole on the arm.
"You look gorgeous."
"Thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Miller."
"Please call me, Alice."
I found a blush pink maxi dress on sale that complimented my figure. With a little make-up and my hair in a bun, I figured it was the perfect way to blend in with the guests.
"Hey Mom, I thought you were on my team. You can't be giving away all my secrets." Cole teased.
"Trust me, Son, I didn't say anything Payton doesn't already know."
Emmie looked at her dad with a grin.
"Thank you, Alice. I'm afraid my coming over here may have started something."
"Aww, it's all in fun. Have you two had a chance to dance yet?"
"No, we haven't. I've been busy taking pictures most of the evening."
"Well, Cole. It looks to me like your dancing partner awaits you."
Cole stood up and extended his hand to me.
"Would you like to join me on the dance floor?"
"Absolutely."
I followed Cole as he led me to the dance floor. I didn't know the name of the song playing, but it didn't matter. I felt like no one else was in the room except for Cole and me as we danced in each other's arms.
"This is the highlight of my night," Cole said.
"Mine too. I can't think of the last time I danced."
"That makes two of us. Now I know what to plan for our next date night."
"Good luck getting this girl to keep up at a night club."
"Who said anything about a night club? We can have our own private dance party right in my backyard."
"Now we're talking. That kind of date is definitely more my speed."
He spun me around and wrapped his arms around me from behind.
"Look at you with the fancy moves."
"Haha, that's as fancy as it gets. As soon as they speed the music up here come the two left feet."
"Aww."
Back at the table, I could hear Emmie just a couple of feet away saying, “Look at daddy dancing.”
Then an older and distinguished looking woman joined Alice at the table. She spoke rather loudly over the music.
"Alice, it's been a while. How are you?"
"Carol Donovan, I'm wonderful. Don't you look fabulous? How have you been?"
"Too busy for my own good. Charles tells me all the time that I need to slow down. Eventually, I'll listen. Besides, my daughter Lexi is still working with me at the boutique, so that helps."
"Oh, that's nice."
"Yes."
Carol looked over and watched Cole and I as we danced.
"Alice, I know it's been a little while since I've seen Cole, but is everything ok?"
"It couldn't be better. What makes you ask?"
"Well, I see
him over there dancing with the help. Poor guy. He must be lonely not having anyone in his life since Laura's passing."
Did she just call me the help? Surely I was hearing wrong.
"The help? Oh, that's Payton Matthews. She's the daughter of William and Helen Matthews, who own The Inn at Pelican Beach."
"Really? I didn't know."
"Yes, she's doing us all a huge favor tonight. Christen's photographer couldn't make it. And since she's a professional photographer, she stepped in to help."
"Interesting. I don't think I've seen her around before."
"She hasn't been back too long. She was living in Connecticut until she got a divorce. Now she's helping her folks out at the Inn. Cole says she's a very talented photographer. I think she plans on opening up a business at some point."
"A divorcee, hmm. I always thought my Lexie would make a fine match for someone like Cole. He needs a certain caliber of a woman by his side. You know, someone who will represent his name and his business well in the community. A classy lady without baggage."
Surely this woman didn’t realize I could hear every word she was saying. I decided to continue enjoying the dance with Cole and ignore it. Besides, it would be foolish of me to think other women didn’t want to be with Cole.
Both women sat and watched us on the dance floor.
"Payton really is lovely, Carol. I'm sure you would think the same if you knew her."
"Oh well. Maybe I can get to know her sooner than we think. I could use some photos of my new collection for my website. You should give me her contact information."
"Certainly. I'll ask her for a business card tonight. Or better yet, I can just text her number to your phone."
"Lovely. Well, Alice, it's been nice seeing you as always. I'm going to make my rounds and say hello to a few more people."
"It was good seeing you."
The woman appeared to be giving her a kiss on both cheeks before making her way to the next table.
“Sounds like my mother is over there recruiting some business for you,” Cole said.
“That’s nice of her. Referrals can go a long way for small businesses.”
“Tell me about it.”
“But the lady she was talking to didn’t seem too fond of me.”
“Don’t take it that way. She has a way about poking her nose around where it isn’t warranted but the Donovans are genuinely good people.”
Cole continued to lead for the final moments of the song.
"Payton Matthews, I'm falling for you,” he whispered.
Words couldn't describe the way he made me feel. I had come a long way from being married to someone who didn't love me the way I deserved to be loved.
Helen
The following weekend all of us were getting together at the Inn for our last hoorah. Our Saturday morning breakfast had an entirely new meaning, as this would be the last time we'd gather together at the Inn. I started my usual questioning and making sure everything was in order.
"Payton, are you ready? We're going to be late, Dear."
"Coming Mom, just grabbing my camera."
"What a wonderful idea."
"Yeah, I was thinking we can capture a few memories and maybe even frame a few pictures for everyone."
"Marvelous. You know how much I love hanging pictures around the house."
"Do you have everything?"
"I think so. If not, it's not like we're far from the house. Let me just check on your father and Wyatt to make sure they're all set."
We were all packed and ready for a fun overnight stay at the Inn, while Wyatt was going to stay back and keep William and the kids company.
You could tell Will didn't approve of all the extra attention.
"Helen, you girls go and have a good time. Don't worry about me, Wyatt, or the grand kids. We have plenty of things to do to keep us occupied."
"That's what I'm afraid of. Wyatt, I'm counting on you to make sure William is in one piece when I get back."
"Yes, Ma'am, don't you worry. I'm on it."
Abby was more concerned about the house being in shambles.
"Yes, keep Dad in one piece, and please keep the kids from turning the house upside down,” Abby said.
"Babe, don't worry. We have everything under control. It's only one evening. Go and have a good time."
I agreed with Wyatt. “He’s right, it's only one evening. Let's go have some fun, girls!"
Payton, Abby, and I drove over to the Inn to meet Rebecca. Their long time friend, Susan, would be stopping by for a little while as well.
When we arrived at the suite, Rebecca had a tray of Mimosas ready for everyone.
"Now that we're all here. This is going to be so fun,” Rebecca said.
Payton hugged Susan. She hadn't seen her since the wedding. They all grew up in the same neighborhood together. Susan was there for all of the significant milestones, so today wouldn't be any different.
"Susan, it's been a while. I'm glad you could make it to celebrate with us."
"So am I. Come here and give me a hug."
Rebecca took it upon herself to get the festivities started. "Okay, before everybody starts getting sappy, we need to grab a glass and make a toast."
Everyone followed suit and gathered around Rebecca.
"To Mom, Dad, and all of the wonderful memories created here at the Inn. More importantly, to all that lies ahead. Cheers."
"Cheers!" Everyone tapped glasses and took their first sip.
"I don't know about you ladies, but our Saturday morning tradition calls for some breakfast. Let's head downstairs to the veranda and then make our way to the beach.” I knew I wouldn’t be the only one who was hungry.
“Just what the doctor ordered. Food!” Payton agreed but she wasn't one for much drinking anyway.
Everything was set up for us downstairs by the staff in our own private section of the Inn. We had a table for five overlooking the gorgeous array of flowers that lined the veranda.
I kicked off the conversation as we all sat down. "You know, I think this is the first time I've really enjoyed the Inn as a guest. This really is such a nice treat.”
“I hope the next owner does us proud,” Abby said.
Payton and I glanced at each other.
"Don't hold your breath with that one, Abby.”
"What makes you say that?"
“Payton and I had a chance to meet with him the other day. He seemed to be in a big hurry to get in. He wanted to push up the closing date and had a lot of ideas for a complete overhaul."
Payton nodded in agreement. “Mom’s right. He seems more of the big chain type. I'm not so sure he has a good understanding of what the Inn experience is all about."
Susan chimed in. "I don't know how well that's going to go over here in Pelican Beach. People have come to expect a certain standard of luxury accommodations, of course, but that's not the only thing that makes this place tick. It's the personalized touch, and the sense of community that really brings it all together. The guests comment about it all the time. It would be a shame to lose that."
I adamantly agreed. "Exactly, Susan. I'm fearful he doesn't get that at all. But what can I do? Absolutely nothing. He has the right as the new owner to do whatever he wants to do."
"Don't you worry, Mrs. Matthews. When he starts losing business, he'll be forced to figure it out. Tourists aren't the only ones that like to come to the Inn. The locals help keep this place afloat as well,” Susan said.
“No matter what he decides to do, we're not going to let it spoil the bond we have with the people of Pelican Beach. Furthermore, we're not going to let it ruin our special day,” Rebecca said.
My daughter meant well but that must've been the Mimosas kicking in. I can’t recall the last time she had much interest in anything other than having a good time.
Later that morning, the ladies and I laid out on the beach and indulged in a little girl talk. Susan asked to hear all the details about Payton's new beau.
&
nbsp; "So what's this I hear about a new beau, Payton?"
"Ha, one of my lovely sisters must've filled you in if you've heard something already."
They denied any wrongdoing.
"Mom? Was it you?"
"I don't know what you could possibly be talking about."
"Mmm, hmm. Sure, you don't. Well, I guess it's no secret anyway. We've been spending a lot of time together lately."
"We, meaning you and Cole Miller?” Susan said.
"Yes, do you know him?"
"Do I know him? He has the most popular renovation company in all of Pelican Beach, and he's hot. Do you know how many women would love to be in your shoes right now?"
"Out here? Not many, I would assume. Aren't most of the women out here married with kids?"
"Most, but not all."
"Yeah, Payton. We're not all married." Rebecca spoke on behalf of all the single women in town.
"Well, perhaps there are a few exceptions. He's so quiet and laid back. I don't even think he knows how much of a hot item he is. Or at least if he does, he never seems to show it, which I love,” said Payton.
Susan questioned Payton a bit further. “Does it feel kind of strange being back out there dating again?"
"Not really. I guess I don't consider myself to be back out there. Things took an ugly nosedive with Jack. After that was over, I had absolutely no interest in seeing anyone. I just wanted to come back to Pelican and focus on getting my life in order. Meeting Cole was more like a sweet surprise. Very much unexpected.”
I was happy it turned out that way. "That's usually how love shows up. In the most unexpected ways."
"I'm happy for you, Payton," Susan said.
"Thanks, Susan. How's everything with you, Ross, and the kids?"
"Pretty good. The kids are keeping me on my toes with all of their clubs and activities. I don't recall being nearly as busy when I was a child growing up. Ross and I have to be more intentional about penciling in date nights. We love our little ones, but if we're not careful, we can quickly find ourselves running low on adult time."
"I hear ya."
Payton sat up and reached in her bag for her camera. She took a couple of shots of the beach, she captured a sandcastle left behind by kids, and one or two shots of the Inn.
"This would make a nice brochure for a hotel or travel agency."
The Inn At Pelican Beach (Pelican Beach Book 1) Page 9
