by Judith Keim
His blue eyes studied me.
“Sleep tight,” I said, as Elena took hold of his hand and led him away.
Thoughtful, I watched him go.
“He seems to be making a good adjustment,” Vaughn commented.
“Almost too good,” I said. “It makes me wonder if he was as neglected as Liz once told me. When I first met him, he seemed unusually content to be by himself, as if he was used to it. Maybe he had to entertain himself because Kandie wouldn’t.”
“Could be. He’s certainly getting a lot of attention here along with exciting new experiences.”
Liz joined us. “What are you two talking about?”
“Robbie,” I answered. “You mentioned once that Kandie didn’t spend a lot of time with him, that he was a total brat with her.”
“Yeah, that’s true. I don’t like to talk about it, but she pretty much did nothing around the house but watch television. That’s why Dad wanted me there. I’d at least see that Robbie’s diaper was changed and that he was fed regular meals. He loves being here. And I’ve noticed that after the first couple of days, he’s never mentioned Kandie or Dad again.”
“I’ll talk to Barbara Holmes about it. If you remember, she’s the psychologist Tina Marks used when she was staying with me.”
Before our conversation could continue, Elena returned. “Do you mind if I do some personal errands while Robbie is down for his nap?”
“No problem. In fact, why don’t you take the rest of the day off?” I said.
“I’m going to read a book in my room,” said Liz. “I’ll hear Robbie if he wakes up. I’ll take care of him. I want to spend some quality time with him anyway.”
“How about we go for a walk along the beach?” Vaughn said to me after taking the last bite of his salad. “I’ve missed our doing that and there’s something I want to discuss with you.”
“Okay. I’ve got the rest of the day off. Bernie’s got things under control at the hotel and Dorothy is due to come in. She’ll stay through the dinner hour to take care of the office.”
“So Bernie is working out for you?”
I nodded. “He wants to feel like he has more control, so I’m leaving him alone more and more. It’s a learning process for both of us.”
“But?” Vaughn stared directly into my eyes. “The tone of your voice tells me you’re not entirely happy with that.”
“But The Beach House Hotel is still my baby and always will be,” I admitted.
Vaughn lifted my hand and kissed the palm of it. “And now we have a baby of our own. I’m so glad I found someone like you, Ann, because I know you’ll be the kind of mother Robbie needs even as you take care of the hotel.” He features softened as he continued to gaze at me.
My heart filled at the look of love in his eyes.
###
The white sand felt soft and warm under my feet as I strolled hand-in-hand with Vaughn. We’d changed into bathing suits, and the afternoon sun warmed my shoulders even as an onshore breeze brought a whisper of coolness to us.
From a distance, I could see The Beach House Hotel sitting like a royal entity embracing the beach, the wings of the building like open arms.
“It really is beautiful, huh?” Vaughn said. He gazed down at me. “But not as beautiful as you.”
I smiled up at him, forcing myself to recognize the words he spoke to me were real and not merely his lines for the television show in which he was famous.
“I’ve talked to my kids about Robbie,” Vaughn said. “After explaining the situation to them, they’re okay with my going ahead with the idea of adopting him. It means a lot to me to have their acceptance.”
“And to me,” I said, giving his hand an affectionate squeeze. “I’ll be sure to send them a thank you for their support.”
“It’ll be good to talk to Mike Torson tomorrow. My understanding is that he’s already been in touch with Syd Green, your divorce lawyer, to help us at his end to take care of all the paperwork and court filings.”
“Syd is good. He’ll help clear the way for us.”
Vaughn pulled me to a stop. “I’m changing my will to include you and Robbie. I know it’s a little premature in both cases, but should anything happen to me, I’d want you taken care of, along with my children.”
The idea of losing Vaughn made my stomach clench.
He chuckled. “Get that stricken look off your face. Nothing’s going to happen to me. It’s just a precaution. That’s all.”
In defiance, a shiver danced across my shoulders. “You take very good care of yourself, hear?”
“Yes, Ma’am. I will. I’m looking forward to being married to you for a very long time.” A sexy smile appeared on his face. “Maybe we can sneak in a little...nap...this afternoon if we hurry back.”
I grinned. Vaughn was Vaughn, and I loved him.
###
Chad’s truck was in our driveway when we returned to the house.
“Great,” said Vaughn. He turned to me with a smile. “Wait until you see all the things I want to do with wireless.”
I shook my head. “Okay, boys and toys. I get it. Have fun!”
When we walked into the kitchen, Chad was sitting at the table. Sheets of notebook paper were spread out in front of him. A coffee cup sat on his right. Liz sat opposite him.
Chad stood. “Hello, Ann. I’m here to do the work we talked about.”
I shook his hand. “This is Vaughn Sanders. Actually, you’ll be doing the work for him.”
They shook hands and then I turned to Liz. “Robbie’s still sleeping?”
“Yes. I just checked on him. I think he’s worn out from all the digging in the sand.”
We smiled at each other.
“As long as you’re here, Mom, I thought I’d call Angela back. She and Reggie got the house and she wants me to see it.”
“Okay, I’m off the rest of the day.”
I left Vaughn and Chad going over plans in the kitchen and headed to Robbie’s room. Quietly, I opened the door and peeked in. He was just beginning to stir. Watching him, I couldn’t help thinking of past miscarriages. I’d wanted more children after Liz, but it had never happened.
Robbie sat up sleepily. “Izzie? Layna? Mommy?”
“Peek-a-boo!” I stepped forward.
His smile warmed my heart.
“I’m here, Robbie.”
He held up his arms. “Up. Want up!”
I lifted him in my arms and nestled my cheek against the still warm skin of his face. He squirmed. “Down. Get down.” I laughed. “Hey, Mr. Up and Down Boy! You’re not going anywhere without a fresh diaper.”
We played a little counting game as I changed him. Afterward, I set him down and handed him the blue blanket we’d bought him and he took off, holding one corner of it to his mouth and trailing the rest behind him. I wondered if he’d be just as cute as a teenager.
I followed Robbie into the kitchen and lifted him into his highchair. “How about some milk?” I poured milk into his sippy cup, and after handing it to him, I placed a graham cracker— his favorite—on the tray. As he took a sip of milk and nibbled on his cracker, his eyes never left me.
I sat down beside him. “Did you get enough?”
He held out his hand. “More, Mommy.”
Not sure I’d heard correctly, I froze. “What did you say?”
His solemn gaze remained on me, and I had the odd feeling he was testing me. “More, Mommy.”
“Sure,” I said, rising and turning my back so he wouldn’t see my tears. His clear voice, that magical word, made everything seem right with me.
I turned back to Robbie. “I love you, son.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
After offering Mike Torson a cup of coffee, which he happily accepted, Vaughn, Liz, and I sat at the kitchen table to get his legal advice regarding Robbie.
“As soon as I got the initial call from you, Ann, I phoned Syd Green in Boston. He’s agreed to handle the filing of paperwork for us.” He t
urned to Liz. “From the time of death when you were given guardianship of Robbie, a 30-day window was opened during which you were to sign an acceptance of appointment. I informed Syd that we wanted to make a change to that appointment. Technically we have to file an objection but, of course, we’re making it clear to the judge involved that this is a family decision in Robbie’s best interest.”
At Liz’s stricken look, I clasped her hand. “It isn’t a real objection to you. It’s just terminology.”
Mike went on.
“I have some forms and other paperwork for the three of you to sign. We’ll file all of it with the Probate and Family Court in the county where Robert and Kandie last lived. As far as adoption is concerned, my understanding is that Robbie will have had to live with you for six months before we can do anything concrete about it. But, again, the judge involved may deem that requirement unnecessary because it’s all family-related. The important thing is to have these papers of appointment filed right away.” He pinned each one of us with a steady gaze. “Is everyone in agreement as to what we plan to do?”
I nodded along with Vaughn and Liz.
He smiled. “Okay then, we’ll move forward on this. And may I say, off the record, that I admire the three of you very much for making the future of this child so secure.”
Tears stung my eyes. I’d never imagined starting a family over again, but my sympathy had gone out to Robbie. In my heart, he was already mine.
Liz and I left the kitchen arm-in-arm, while Vaughn stayed behind with Mike to go over matters of his will.
Liz and I found seats on the porch and sat a moment, sharing silence.
Elena and Robbie joined us, wearing bathing suits. “Swim lesson time,” Elena announced.
“Hi, sweet boy!” I said, holding my arms out to Robbie.
Robbie ran over to me. “Look, Mommy! A turkle!” He held up a plastic turtle.
I laughed. “It’s a turkle all right.”
Liz looked over at me, her eyes wide. Mommy? She mouthed.
I grinned. “It started yesterday. I think he’s heard you call me Mom so many times, he thought it was right.”
A smile slid across Liz’s face. “You’re perfect together. I’m so glad he already loves you like that. It takes a lot of my worry away.”
Troy walked into the room, wearing a bathing suit that set off his muscled torso. “Ready for another swim lesson, Robbie?”
I saw the eager expressions on both Liz and Elena’s faces at his appearance, and I wondered how he’d handle the situation.
Liz spoke up. “Vaughn and my mother are adopting Robbie. We’re working out the details now. I thought you both should know.”
Elena glanced at me. “That’s wonderful.”
“So you’re free to go back to school and all?” Troy said to Liz.
Liz nodded. “He’ll always be my special brother, and I’ll always give him a lot of attention, but he’ll have a much better lifestyle with Mom and Vaughn.”
“That’s nice. I’m happy for all of you.” He turned to Elena with a warm smile that told its own story. “Ready to join me?”
I noticed Liz’s hurt expression, but I said nothing as Troy and Elena moved to the pool with Robbie.
“That’s the woman Troy is interested in?” Liz whispered. The features of her face drooped with disappointment.
“It would seem so,” I responded.
Liz gave me a long look and got up. “Guess I’ll go see what’s happening with Ange. We’re supposed to go furniture shopping today.”
After she left the room, I walked out to the pool to check on Robbie’s progress.
“Mommy! Look!” Robbie cried. He held onto the side of the pool and eagerly kicked his legs, splashing water everywhere.
“Good job!” I said, proud of how he was adapting to the water. “Elena, I’m heading to the hotel. Call if you need me for anything. And thank you, Troy, for making the time for this lesson.”
He smiled at Elena and turned back to me. “No problem! I’ll see you back at the hotel as soon as this lesson is over. I’m pretty busy for the rest of the day.”
I said goodbye to Vaughn and Mike and headed out. On the short drive to the hotel, I thought of Liz. I was glad Vaughn and I could relieve her of the daily care of Robbie but knew she’d always be bound to him. And when she fell in love, her future husband would need to know about the little boy we’d all taken into our hearts.
When I arrived at the hotel, breakfast was over and lunch preparations were underway. I grabbed my usual cup of coffee and headed into my office, which seemed especially empty without Rhonda’s usual, exuberant presence. I picked up the phone to call her.
A knock on the door stopped me.
“Come in,” I called.
Bernie entered the room, followed by his faithful dog, Trudy. “Have a minute?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
Bernie took a seat and lifted Trudy into his lap. “What do you know about the Hassels?
“The Hassels who were supposed to have a wedding here?”
“Yes. I just got a call from a relative of theirs. A woman by the name of Annette Bauer, who lives in New York. Her daughter Babette is getting married, and she wants to have the wedding here. The Hassels are encouraging this because they feel bad they had to cancel.”
“Is this family some kind of royalty too?” The last thing we needed was another wedding go sour on us at the last minute.
Bernie shook his head. “No. In fact, Annette made it plain that her budget is limited, that she’s doing this as a favor to a distant cousin who’s helped her in the past. She’s been a widow for quite some time.”
“What dates are we talking about?
A smile filled Bernie’s face. “The last weekend in April. I know it’s a rush situation, but it’s a slow time for us.”
I returned his smile. Even with a late Easter, we had a few weeks in April when little was happening before we were hosting a slew of weddings, including my own.
“Okay, let’s have Sabine get in touch with her and then meet with us. Lorraine Grace at Wedding Perfection owes us a favor for rescuing her from the Hassel loss. Maybe she can help to make this a nice wedding for PR purposes.”
“Great,” said Bernie. “Annette is coming down this weekend to look at the property. I told her I’d show her around. I met her at several functions at my old hotel. She’s very nice.”
An intriguing trace of color appeared on his cheeks.
I hid a smile. “Sounds like a plan. Anything else?”
“Not at the moment.” He left, and I phoned Rhonda.
“Annie? How are things going?” she said, picking up the call right away. “I should be back to work part-time by the end of the week. As much as I want to spend time with Willow, I miss the hotel. Give me the scoop on everything that’s happening.”
When I told her about the wedding and Bernie’s reaction, she let out a whoop, “I knew it! Bernie has a soft side to him. Maybe if we handle it right, he’ll fall in love with her.”
“Rhonda, we are not, repeat not, going to play matchmaker with him. He’s a grown man still recovering from his loss. Remember?”
“We’ll see,” said Rhonda, stubborn as always.
I couldn’t help laughing. Rhonda was Rhonda. Poor Bernie was in trouble and didn’t even know it.
###
Before I left to go home for the evening, Bernie and I met with Sabine.
“I’ve talked to Annette,” Sabine reported. “Her daughter Babette is thrilled with the idea of a wedding at The Beach House Hotel and promises to cooperate with whatever we create. They both seem like very nice people. Annette told me quite frankly that this was being paid for, in part, by her cousin.”
“I admire her honesty,” I said. “Under those circumstances, it would be fun to put together a very nice wedding for them. In return, maybe they would let us photograph it for a new brochure. It would be fun to have the brochure focus on the mother of the bride.” I tu
rned to Bernie. “You’ve met Annette. Is she photogenic?”
“Oh, yes. Very much so.” There was something in the tone of his voice that led me to believe he truly admired her.
“Okay, then. Let’s make this work. Tomorrow, after I drop Vaughn off at the airport, I’ll get in touch with our ad agency.”
I quickly ended the meeting, anxious to spend as much time with Vaughn as I could.
###
“Mommy!” cried Robbie when I walked onto the screened porch of the house. He and Elena were sitting on the floor, building something with wooden blocks.
“Hi!” I went over to him and swept him up in my arms. It still surprised me that we’d formed a bond so quickly, but I reveled in it. Maybe he realized how eager I was to see that he was loved. Or maybe, I thought honestly, I’d slipped into the role of Mommy because there was no one else to fill it. Either way, I was grateful for the chance to raise a child with Vaughn. It made our relationship so much deeper.
Vaughn and Liz walked up toward the house from the dock. Watching the easy chatting between them, I had another reason to be grateful. I stepped outside to greet them.
“Hi, Mom!” said Liz, running up to me and giving me a hug. “Guess what? Vaughn helped me with a deal for Kandie’s van. Tomorrow, I trade it in for a second-hand SUV, a four-wheel drive that I can use to go back and forth from here to school.”
“Wonderful!” I smiled at Vaughn. He was such a nice guy.
He put his arm around me. “You ready for my last night here for a while? I’ve got something special planned.”
“Oh?” I felt my lips spread into a broad smile.
“Yeah. Go pack an overnight bag and let’s head out.”
“Where are we going?”
“Not far,” he said, grinning like a naughty school boy.
Curious, I hurried inside to pack. When I entered our bedroom I noticed a small suitcase sitting by the door. I resisted the temptation to look inside and went into the bathroom to freshen up before changing my clothes.
Several minutes later, I snapped my small suitcase shut. I hoped I’d packed the right things. The sundress I now wore would do for both dressy or casual situations, and I was pretty sure Vaughn would love the sexy new peignoir I’d ordered online.
