by Judith Keim
I held the baby while Angela prepared formula. Unlike her mother, Angela had problems nursing from the beginning. Her pediatrician finally said to try formula. That seemed to be working fine.
Angela and I chatted for a bit while she fed the baby, and then I bid her good-bye. Checking my watch, I decided to swing by the hotel and check a few numbers before going home to Robbie.
###
When I walked through the hotel kitchen to get to my office, Consuela stopped what she was doing and ran over to me. “Hi, Annie. So good to see you. I’ve missed you here these past few mornings.”
I hugged her. “Rhonda and I are trying to let you and Bernie and the others carry on without us being here. But it’s hard to let go.”
“Rhonda’s away?”
“Yes, she left a few days ago. She took the baby to see her brother Richie. You remember him, don’t you?”
Consuela chuckled. “Of course. He’s just like Rhonda.”
We smiled at one another. Richie and Rhonda were like two peas in a pod—same looks, same wacky sense of humor, same big, loving hearts.
I grabbed a cup of coffee and carried it into the office. It had been awhile since I’d reviewed the schedule of events, and I wanted to see how I could help. We’d canceled our meeting with Bernie.
As I looked through the records, I saw that weddings continued to be the bulk of our events. I was pleased to see two new weddings scheduled for June, filling in a few Sundays.
A knock sounded at the door. Bernie stuck his head inside the office. “Can I speak to you, Ann?”
“Sure. C’mon in.”
He came inside and took a seat. It seemed so odd to see him without Trudy at his feet. But she, dear dog, was visiting Robbie at my house.
“What is it?” I asked after he was settled in his chair.
“We’ve had some people snooping around recently, taking photographs and even wandering the halls, peeking into guest rooms when the housekeepers have doors open. I don’t know for sure, but I suspect they’re looking at this property. Are you planning to sell it?”
“Nooo. Why?”
“If you are, I’m concerned about my job. I want to continue managing the hotel.”
I leaned back in my chair. “Bernie, if we ever decide to sell the property, we’ll be the first to tell you. But I think you understand that this hotel is more than a structure or a business; it’s the heart and soul of Rhonda and me.”
“Yes, I know. Thank you for being so honest with me.”
“I always will be honest with you, which leads me to a very different issue. Vaughn and I are considering getting a dog like Trudy. Do you know of a good breeder in the area?”
A pained expression crossed Bernie’s face. “I wasn’t going to bring it up just yet, but would you consider keeping Trudy as yours? It turns out that Annette is allergic to both cats and dogs. She’s been pretty miserable lately but didn’t want to tell me. I finally had to ask her what was wrong and she confessed that it’s Trudy. Annette loves Trudy; she just can’t be around her for any length of time.”
“Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this, Bernie.”
He looked down at the floor and then raised his face. His eyes were suspiciously watery. “Will you consider it? Taking Trudy? If you did, I could see her from time to time.”
“Oh, Bernie, I don’t even have to think about it. Trudy is perfect for us. She and Robbie love one another. And I promise we’ll give her a good home.”
Fighting emotion, he managed to say, “Okay, then. I’ll bring all her stuff to your house later today.”
He left, and I picked up the phone to call Vaughn to tell him about our acquisition. His phone rang and rang. Disappointed, I left a message for him.
After reviewing financial reports, I went home appeased. There was no need for me to worry. Bernie was doing a good job of overseeing the hotel.
As I entered the house, Trudy ran to me, wagging her tail and letting out little yips of welcome. I leaned over and stroked her silky head. “Hey, little one. You’re going to live here with us. What do you think of that?”
Trudy licked my hand, sat down on the kitchen floor and gazed up at me with what I could only describe as a doggy grin.
Laughing, I picked her up and hugged her to me.
When Robbie came running into the kitchen, Trudy wiggled to get down. I set her on the floor and the two of them ran in circles around me, filling the air with shrieks of glee and responding barks.
Elena came into the room. “Hi, Ann! What’s all the commotion?”
I grinned. “It’s these two. They love playing together.”
“They’ve become such good friends, it’s adorable.”
“Trudy is about to become ours. It turns out that Bernie’s woman friend is allergic to dogs. Sadly, Bernie has to give Trudy up.”
Elena shook her head. “He must be heartbroken. Trudy is a real treasure.”
Watching Robbie and Trudy play together, I was pleased her new home would be with us.
As I was changing into a bathing suit, Liz called. “Hi, Mom. I heard from the court. They want you and Vaughn to set a time to appear regarding Robbie’s adoption. It’s just a formality, but it’s important.”
“Okay. Vaughn is away, but when he comes back, we’ll make those arrangements. If you don’t mind, email me the information. Any other news?”
“As a matter of fact, there is. I’m going to spend the summer in Sabal working with Chad on growing his business. I’m glad I’ve been taking marketing courses because I’ve got some good ideas for him.”
“Great, your room is ready for you anytime.”
“Uh, Mom, the thing is I will be staying with Chad. Remember? We need to be sure of our relationship before moving forward with the idea of getting engaged.”
“But, Liz...”
“It’s not all about the benefits of our friendship; it’s about finding out what the other person will be like as both a business partner and a life partner. I’ve seen what a bad decision can do to a person and I don’t want to end up like Dad—broken, broke and unhappy.”
I held back a sigh. “You’re an adult and can make your own choices...”
“I know, Mom,” said Liz, cutting off my remarks. “I hope you understand where I’m coming from. It’s all happening fast, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone else.”
“It will be wonderful to have you around.”
“Yeah, I’m pretty excited about it. How’s my baby brother?”
“Robbie is doing fine.” I gave her the news about Trudy. “It’s great to see them together. The two of them have already bonded.”
“I bet,” Liz said, laughing softly. “And how’s Vaughn?”
“Having the time of his life. I miss him, of course, and can’t wait to have him back home with me. Our wedding is so close.”
“Speaking of your wedding, I ordered the casual dress you want me to wear. I love it! It fits perfectly.”
“Oh, I’m glad,” I said. “It’s a simple ceremony, but I thought the dress was perfect for you.”
After we’d chatted some more, I hung up. My thoughts returned to the wedding. As the time was drawing closer, I was becoming more and more anxious for the ceremony that would bind Vaughn and me together.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Long after Robbie was safely tucked away in his crib for the night, I said goodnight to Elena and went into my bedroom to read. I changed into pajamas and climbed into bed eager to finish my book.
When I heard scratching at the door, I got up to check it out.
As I opened the door, Trudy marched into the room on her short, crooked legs, went over to the bed, and sat by it, giving me a steady look.
I walked over to her. “Really? You think you’re coming into bed with me?”
Trudy wagged her tail so hard she almost tipped over.
I caught her in my arms and lifted her onto the bed. What harm could a little cuddle time with her do? I asked myself.
I moved her over and resumed reading.
When I closed the book—happily ever after achieved—Trudy was still asleep beside me. I turned out the light and rolled onto my side. Trudy moved so that she was spooned against me. I trailed my hand down her sleek coat.
She made little puppy sounds in her sleep and moved closer.
###
The feel of something wet on my cheek jolted me awake. Startled, my eyes sleepily focused on a long dark nose, two bright eyes and a pink tongue. “Ugh. Good morning, Trudy.”
I glanced at my bedside clock. Six AM.
“Better go back to sleep,” I murmured, and rolled over.
Trudy climbed on top of my body and nudged my face with her cold nose.
I sat up. “Really?”
She wagged her tail and gave me a bright look.
I got out of bed, lifted her down and followed her to the kitchen door. “All right. Hold on. I’ll get your leash.”
Hoping nobody would see me, I stepped outside in my pajamas.
My next door neighbor, in jogging clothes, waved at me. “New dog, huh?”
I smiled and then hissed at Trudy to hurry up and do her business.
By the time Trudy had finished walking over every inch of our front yard to find the “perfect spot”, I heard Robbie calling for me inside the house.
We hurried into the kitchen.
Tears spilling down his rosy cheeks, Robbie stood in the kitchen, holding onto his stuffed giraffe,
“I’m here, Robbie. I’m here.”
I swept him up in my arms. I knew from talking to Barbara Holmes, the psychiatrist I’d used for Tina, and then Robbie, that he had a fear of being left alone as a result of losing his parents.
“You’re all right, Robbie,” I said, hugging him close.
Trudy whined at my feet.
“Down,” said Robbie.
I set him down on the floor.
Robbie knelt beside Trudy and patted her on the head. “Here, Trudy. Here.” He laid his head against hers, and she turned her face to give him a kiss.
Seeing their interaction, I was glad we’d taken in Trudy, even if, when sharing the bed with me, she was the biggest hog in the world.
###
As the next days passed, I was often reminded of the time when Liz was a toddler. Then, I’d been a very young mother who was trying her best to keep both her baby and husband happy while helping him build a business. Now, I was beginning to realize the benefit of having children at a much younger age. The difference between boys and girls was something else. Liz had liked to play quietly with her dolls and stuffed animals or try to read books by herself. Robbie wasn’t the same quiet boy I’d first met in Boston. Now that he was comfortable in his new home, he was on his feet, running, climbing, and noisily “driving” cars and trucks, with Trudy at his heels.
Even though I was busy, I missed Vaughn. I tried calling him again and left a message on his cell, wishing him a good time and asking him to call when he could.
Rhonda phoned me one morning. “Hi, Annie. It’s been so nice being with my brother’s family, that I’ve decided to stay a few extra days. Will is going to join us. You don’t mind holding down the fort?”
At the sound of the happy lilt in her voice, I smiled. “Not at all. But when you come back, I’m going to need your help to get ready for my wedding.” A nervous flutter crossed my shoulders. I’d wanted a very casual wedding, but as I awaited word from Vaughn, I thought I might want to do things a little differently—more memorable.
One afternoon, as I was watching Robbie take swimming lessons from Troy, my cell rang. I jumped up to get it. It was Angela.
“Hi, sweetie! How are you?”
“Can you come over? Mom’s gone, and I really need to talk to someone.”
My heart stopped and sprinted ahead with concern. “Is everything all right?”
“Sorta,” Angela said in a troubled tone that belied the word.
“Sure, hon. I’m on my way.” I said goodbye to Robbie, Troy, and Elena and hurried to the kitchen door. Trudy trotted after me and gave me a hopeful look.
“No, Trudy. Stay.”
Her ears drooped, and she dropped her head dramatically.
“Another time. Not now,” I said and left the house.
###
As I pulled up to Angela’s house, I wondered what was troubling her so much that she’d called me. But then, we were exceptionally close.
I got out of the car and went up to the front door.
Before I could knock, Angela opened the door.
I stared at her tear-streaked face with concern. “Honey, what is it?”
“I can’t do this anymore.” She took my arm and led me into the house. As I followed her through the living room to the kitchen, I noticed empty coke cans sitting on the living room table, pillows on the floor.
In the kitchen, dishes were stacked in the sink, several empty baby bottles lay atop the granite counter, and dirty pans sat on top of the stove.
“How long has this been going on?” I asked, surprised by the changes.
“For a couple of days,” Angela said, sinking down into a kitchen chair. “Evan has decided to stay awake all night and sleep during the day when he isn’t crying to be fed. Reggie is staying a few extra days in Boston to be with his buddies, and Mom is gone. What am I going to do? I’m so tired I can hardly see, and I can’t keep cleaning the house all the time. Like you said, it’s like I’m Reggie’s maid.” Her breath caught in a sob. “And he isn’t even here.”
“Oh, honey. I’m sorry.” I wrapped her in my arms and hugged her shaking shoulders.
“I’m a terrible mother, huh?” she said between sobs.
“No. You’re a very tired new mother. Why don’t I send Elena over here to help you with Evan for a couple of days? She can make sure you catch up on your sleep. Then Reggie will be home to help you.”
She lifted her wet face. “Would you? Could you?”
“Sure,” I said. “Elena is a wonderful person. I’m sure she’ll be willing to step in and help.”
When I called Elena, she seemed genuinely happy to move into Angela’s house for a couple of days.
I helped Angela clean up the kitchen and straighten up the house, then prepared to leave.
“Thanks so much, Ann. You’re such a treasure,” Angela said, giving me a hug.
“Love you,” I said. “Now, I’d better go so Elena is free to come here.”
We hugged goodbye, and I left feeling better about things. Angela was just tired and missed her mom.
###
With Elena at Angela’s, my time was filled with taking care of Robbie and checking in with Bernie at the hotel from home. I realized my days of practically living at The Beach House Hotel were over. I missed it. During those times when Robbie was napping or asleep at night, the house seemed too big, too quiet. And me, too lonely.
As Robbie was napping one afternoon, I settled on the couch to read a book. I was in a good part when the trill of my cell phone broke the silence, startling me.
I raced into the kitchen where I was charging the phone. I checked caller ID and eagerly picked up the call.
“Liz! How are you?”
“Mom, where are you?” she said, her voice wobbly.
“At home with Robbie. Why?”
“You need to turn on the television to the entertainment station. I’m catching a plane to Florida this afternoon.”
“Why? What’s going on? I thought you were going to drive home when your classes were over.”
Liz let out a sob. “Turn on the television, Mom. I’m going to hang on while you do.”
A picture of Vau
ghn flashed in my mind. Feeling as cold as a northern winter, I stumbled into the family room, clicked on the television, and turned to a news channel.
A picture of Alaska was up on the screen and an announcer said, “The plane carrying producer Sam Nichols, Vaughn Sanders, and their pilot guide was last seen leaving a small airstrip northwest of Denali National Park. Weather in that area is very unpredictable. On the day of their flight, a sudden snow storm came up. Since then, the weather has been unusually cold, rainy, and foggy, making a search for them difficult.”
I dropped the phone on the floor and ran to the bathroom, where I emptied my stomach. The dream I’d had of Vaughn earlier came back to me. A throbbing worry pounded in my brain, making me feel as if I was going to get sick again. Tears rolled down my cheeks. I should have begged him to stay home.
When I was able to make my way back to the family room, I heard Liz screaming through the phone. “Mom! Mom! Are you all right?”
Feeling as if I had no strength left in me, I picked up the phone. “I’m here, Liz.”
“I’ll be there this evening. I’ve made arrangements with Tim to pick me up. Don’t worry. They’ll find Vaughn and the others. Love you, Mom. I’ve got to catch my flight.”
She hung up, and I collapsed against the cushions on the couch. Deep, heart-breaking sobs echoed in the room around me.
“Ann?”
I caught my breath and turned.
Angela walked into the room. “Liz called me. She wants me to stay with you until she gets here. My mother is on her way too.”
She sat on the couch beside me and I allowed her to pull me into her arms.
“Oh, Ann. I’m so sorry, I can’t imagine how you feel. But I truly believe they’ll find them. And, remember, Vaughn is tough.”
I closed my eyes and willed myself to be strong. I told myself if I was strong, then Vaughn would be. I dabbed my eyes with a tissue Angela handed me and sat up. Drawing several deep, shaky breaths, I sifted through the reporter’s information in my mind. A new thought occurred to me. If he was in a big tourist area, phone service might have been available.
I jumped to my feet. “My phone! Where’s my phone!”
