Coming Home

by Judith Keim

  “Are we close to Congressman Kingsley’s room?” asked Katherine.

  “No, unfortunately he had to cancel at the last minute. Something unexpected came up,” said Cami, unable to hide her disappointment.

  Katherine made a face. “What a shame. I’m in charge of several charities and wanted his participation in one of them. Now, I’ll have to call him.”

  As Vanessa led Katherine and Howard away, Cami couldn’t help exhaling a sigh. She glanced at Olivia.

  “We’ve tried our best to keep things pleasant between us for the kids’ sakes,” said Olivia. “Not to worry. As one might say, their barks are worse than their bites.”

  Cami smiled, thinking of Katherine as a snippy terrier and Howard as a great dane with a deep-throated growl.

  ###

  The next morning was as beautiful as predicted. Blue skies and sunshine complemented the burgeoning vines with a promise of a nice day. Cami uttered a thanks to the heavens and headed to the inn. She and Becca would oversee the wedding party until later in the morning when Vanessa would relieve them. Vanessa didn’t mind the “late shift” with their guests, something for which Cami was grateful. By the end of the day, she needed a break from the inn. She remembered how trapped Nonnee sometimes had felt about having the responsibility of the inn and vineyards. Cami understood why. Owning them sometimes seemed as if she were dealing with a temperamental two-year-old clinging to her, demanding more and more of her energy.

  But on this day, Cami was determined to enjoy as much as she could while making sure the wedding went off well. Some of the people in the wedding group had daughters wanting to get married at the inn too. She couldn’t avoid the cost of extra staff for the event and additional purchases of furnishings for Chandler Hall and the outdoor gardens. As worried as she was about expenses, she realized it was excellent PR and could mean a lot of future business. She hoped so, anyway.

  Cami drove to the inn, parked her car, and walked into the building. All was quiet. A good sign, she thought, aware of the fabulous time the wedding party must have had last night. After dinner at Rudy’s, most of the group had planned to go to the hotel downtown and party. Vanessa had sent a text message that some of the group didn’t get back to the inn until well after one o’clock.

  Cami went into the dining room to check on the breakfast arrangements and was surprised to see Howard sitting at the table alone, sipping a cup of coffee.

  “Good morning. Nice day for a wedding,” she said, smiling at him.

  “We lucked out on the weather.” He studied her. “So, you own this place?”

  “Yes. I inherited it from my grandmother. Why?”

  “Pretty big load for a young woman like you. You’re about the same age as George and Justine.”

  “I grew up here and always knew it would become mine. I just didn’t think it would happen this soon,” she replied, wondering where he was going with the conversation.

  “One of my clients is a man named Rod Mitchell, a neighbor of yours. You know him, of course.”

  Cami nodded and waited for him to continue.

  “He’s thinking of selling his property. Says living here is like being part of a television show called Hicksville, USA. His words, not mine.”

  Not willing to be caught up in the conversation about Rod Mitchell, whom she detested, Cami said cheerfully, “I hope you’re able to find a buyer soon—someone who is truly interested in growing grapes and making excellent wine. It’s a lot of work, but for someone who is committed, it can be very rewarding.”

  “I’ve tasted Chandler Hill wines, of course. They’re fantastic. You must be proud of them.”

  Cami relaxed. “I am. After a season at the helm of the inn, I’ll be able to spend more time on that aspect of the business.”

  He squinted as he studied her. “Very interesting. I’m glad I’ve talked to you. I feel better about advising Rod on any sale.”

  “Oh?”

  Howard shook his head. “He’d be better off hiring reliable help and making it a very profitable year before he puts the property up for sale. What do you think about the coming season?”

  “If the weather holds, it’s predicted to be an excellent one.” She didn’t tell him that no matter what the weather held, Rod’s crops and his wine would never be at the top. They never had been. Some people thought it was because Rod was too stubborn to listen to advice, but Cami felt there was a nastiness about Rod that affected his grapes. And Bernard would only add to their sourness.

  ###

  The day that had begun so quietly erupted into one filled with the noises of a happy gathering. Even Katherine seemed to mellow in the sun as she sat outside reading a book apart from the others.

  The girls of the wedding party chattered with excitement as they got their nails and hair done. Observing them, a streak of regret flashed through Cami. It wasn’t that long ago that she’d had images of herself preparing to wed Bernard. Life, as cruel as it could sometimes seem, had rescued her from making a foolish decision. Now, if she were honest with herself, any thoughts of romance and weddings included a friend named Drew. A friend who apparently had plans of his own.

  Cami unobtrusively studied Lulu. With her hair pulled away from her face, Lulu’s earlobes were shown to be slightly misshapen like hers. What were the odds of that happening with just anybody?

  Lulu noticed Cami looking at her and turned away.

  Not wanting to ruin the wedding, Cami decided to let it go for now. In weeks to come, she hoped to follow up with her or her father.

  As the time for the wedding neared, Cami filled with anticipation. It was a beautiful day, a lovely setting. What could go wrong? The minister would arrive any minute for final instructions, and then it was only a matter of a few minutes more before the ceremony took place.

  Cami checked the parking lot. She’d instructed the minister from a local church to park right in front of the inn to alert the wedding party that he’d arrived. Observing the still-vacant parking spot, worry threaded through her. She quickly called him.

  “Sorry,” he said above the noise of his car’s engine. “I’ve been delayed at another wedding. I’m on my way and will get there in about ten minutes.”

  Cami had just hung up the phone when Olivia approached her. “The minister’s late. Have you heard from him?”

  “I just spoke with him and he’s on his way.”

  “All right,” sighed Olivia. “Who knew weddings would be so stressful?”

  Cami’s felt her eyes widen. “Is anything wrong? Have you needed something from me or my staff? Everything seems to be in order, but if we’ve fallen down, please let me know.”

  Olivia smiled. “Oh, sweetie, it’s not that. I’ve been designated to entertain Katherine, and I’m about worn out. We love George, but it breaks my heart that my daughter will have such a difficult woman for a mother-in-law.”

  Cami hadn’t gotten that far in her relationship with Bernard, but she realized how important that could be. “Perhaps time will change things. And seeing how much in love they are, Katherine might soften. George is an only child. Surely, she won’t want to ruin her relationship with him.”

  “That remains to be seen. Don’t worry. Everything here has been terrific.”

  Cami went into the living room and found George and his groomsmen dressed and ready to go. They looked handsome in Navy blazers, tan slacks, and pink ties that matched the color scheme of the wedding.

  Katherine entered the room and stopped in front of George. “What? You’re getting married in a sport coat?”

  George made a face. “Mom! I told you we were having a casual wedding. No tux, no silly stuff.”

  “Well,” she huffed, “I hope you’re not thinking of marriage as casual, a faithful church-goer like you.”

  George took hold of his mother’s elbow. “C’mon. Let’s go find Dad.” As they left the room, he turned back and rolled his eyes at the sympathetic group.

  At that moment, the minister arr
ived. Looking harried, his dark hair hung at his shoulders, his white shirt was a bit wrinkled, and he held a gray tie in his hands. Cami had heard of James Bliss, but had never met him. He was young, full of energy, and well-liked among more open groups in the community. But she was pretty sure Katherine would find fault with him.

  Cami approached him and introduced herself.

  He shook her hand in a firm grip and gazed at her with warm brown eyes. “Sorry to be late. There was no way I could leave before the receiving line was over, and I could make a proper exit.”

  She returned his smile, charmed by his down-to-earth manner. “No worries. We’re ready to go anytime you are. Take a few moments, and then I’ll show you where the ceremony is to be held. We had a rehearsal of sorts last evening, but your part simply requires you to stand behind the temporary altar that’s been set up in the garden.”

  “Easy enough for me,” he said agreeably.

  George entered the room and came right over to them. “Jim, glad you made it. Guess I can’t back out now.”

  “Afraid not,” Jim said, playing along. “Don’t worry. Like you wanted, we’ll make the ceremony short and sweet. Got your vows memorized?”

  George pulled a small card out of his jacket pocket. “In case I forget.”

  Jim clapped George on the back. “I have a feeling you’ll have no trouble. When I met with you and Justine, you both seemed really in tune with one another. Now, let’s get this show on the road.”

  Chuckling, the three of them headed to the garden. Cami took a moment to study the scene. With some wedding guests staying at other properties, the number of guests for the ceremony totaled seventy-five, a nice number for the flat expanse of lawn.

  White wooden chairs were lined up in several rows. A white cloth covered the back of each chair, softening the look of the wood. At the end of each short row on either side of the aisle, small wicker baskets filled with assorted pink and white flowers were tied to the chair with a pink bow. The same kinds of flowers, arranged in a large, rectangular, white-wicker basket, sat atop the temporary altar, along with two tall, wide white candles. The effect was stunning in its simplicity.

  A harpist had already set up her instrument near the altar. Her fingers played over the strings, emitting lilting sounds that Cami always considered angelic. She thought of Nonnee and wished she could see how beautiful the setting was with their recent improvements to the landscaping.

  Vanessa approached them. “Guests have gathered in the living room. We’re ready to have the ushers escort them, if everything is ready here.”

  “Let’s do it.”

  The harpist began playing a different song in earnest, and Jim took his place at the altar. George stood beside him.

  Cami hurried to the side of the garden and waited for the first guests to walk into the garden. With three young men doing their jobs as ushers, guests were quickly seated.

  Then it was Katherine and Howard’s turn to walk down the aisle. He wore tan slacks and a navy blazer as requested. Cami’s eyes widened. Looking straight ahead with little expression, Katherine wore a white, ankle-length, sleeveless dress that made her look more like a bride than mother-of-the-groom. A wrist corsage of wildflowers rested on her arm.

  Olivia followed in a short, rose-colored, silk sheath whose simple lines fit her thin body perfectly. Even though her eyes were glazed with tears, a happy smile lit her features. She clutched the wrist corsage in her hands like a tiny bouquet.

  One by one the two bridesmaids followed, each stunning in ankle-length, pink dresses in different styles. One was sleeveless with a boat neckline; the other dress was a V-neck with capped sleeves. Lulu, the maid of honor, entered the garden. Dressed like the others in pink, her dress was sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline. Even from where she was standing alongside the group, Cami noticed the large, solitaire diamond pendant she wore around her neck. Lulu’s smile as she gazed out at the audience was bright. When she noticed Cami watching, her smile wavered then turned bright again as she looked away.

  The music changed to Pachelbel’s Canon in D.

  Cami turned with the others to watch the bride’s entrance. Justine’s dark-brown hair was pulled back away from her face into a flowing gathering of curls into which wild flowers had been woven. Dressed in a long, sleeveless lace dress, Justine was the most beautiful bride Cami had ever seen. And knowing how compatible she and George were together, they were, in her mind, the perfect couple. Justine’s father, David, walking at her side, was unable to hide the tears that escaped his eyes and slid down his cheeks.

  A sharp pang cut through Cami. She would never know the joy of having a man she knew as her father walk her down the aisle. In time, if Rafe were still alive, the honor would be his.

  When they reached the altar, David kissed his daughter and went to his wife’s side.

  The ceremony was as short and sweet as the minister had promised. Both George and Justine recited their vows to each other, and after a quick exchange of rings, Reverend Bliss said a few concluding words and pronounced them man and wife.

  As they kissed, applause rang out, and then the happy couple stood and talked to their friends before heading to the reception festivities.

  Cami hurried over to Chandler Hall to alert the staff that the crowd was on its way. She entered the building through the opened doors, and stood a moment surveying the room. It was exactly as Justine had wanted. Crisp pink tablecloths covered the rounds of eight. Pink flowers in small, white-wicker baskets sat on top of the tables and perched wherever there was a space for them. Mini-lights sparkled in the rafters, making it seem as if stars were twinkling above the colorful, tasteful hall.

  As guests flowed inside, Cami stood aside and listened to fragments of conversation as everyone waited for the bride and groom to appear. After having their pictures taken, George’s parents arrived.

  Cami overheard Katherine tell her sister, “Hardly seems like a wedding. The minister, the service was awful.”

  “Katherine, it was a very lovely wedding. I know you wanted it to be held at the gallery in San Francisco, but this is even better,” her sister replied with impatience. “If you ask me, George is a very lucky man to have found someone like Justine.”

  “But you don’t understand ...” Katherine’s voice trailed off as her sister marched away.

  Good for you! She’d liked Katherine’s sister when they’d first met and liked her even more now.

  Katherine turned and noticed Cami. “Such a different wedding.”

  “Just as Justine and George wanted. Very sweet.”

  The arrival of the wedding party caused an outbreak of applause. Laughing, George picked up Justine and swung her around crying, “We’re married!”

  After he set her down, they walked over to Justine’s parents, who were beaming at them. As Justine and George exchanged hugs and handshakes with them, Cami heard a sigh come from Katherine.

  Cami turned to her with an encouraging smile. “Such a nice couple.”

  Katherine’s pursed lips morphed into a small smile. “Yes, yes.”

  ###

  While dinner dishes were being cleared away, Cami went into the bathroom. Lulu was standing at the sink washing her hands. No one else was in the room.

  “Hi,” Cami said pleasantly. “I need to talk to you.”

  Lulu’s lips thinned. “What do you want from me? Or is it something from my father that you’re after? Need him to do a favor for you? Money? What?”

  “I’d simply like the opportunity to talk to him,” Cami said in a calm, controlled manner, though her insides had squeezed tight.

  Lulu placed her hands on her hips and glared at Cami. “I know what you’re thinking. We look alike, but that doesn’t mean anything. My father is a pillar in our community, our church, in the state, in the nation. He’s going to run for president one day. Stay out of our lives.”

  Cami took a step backward and stared at her, startled by the venom in Lulu’s voice. “It might mean s
omething important. Important to both of us.”

  “Leave me alone! Understand?” Lulu tossed the hand cloth into the wicker basket by the sink and stomped out of the room.

  Shocked, Cami watched her go.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Sunday morning, the wedding party was slow to rise, and then the inn burst with activity as people prepared to leave to catch flights or to make the long drive home. By three-thirty in the afternoon, the only guests left were Justine’s parents, who’d decided at the last minute to stay an extra day.

  Though a change in the weather was due in the next couple of days, the sun shone bright in a sea of blue, filling the air with a welcome warmth. Cami joined Justine’s parents in the small garden between the main house and the guest wing. It was one of her favorite spots. She and Nonnee used to sit and talk there.

  “It was such a lovely wedding weekend,” said Olivia. “We want to thank you again for everything you and your staff did to make it special.”

  “Believe me, it was our pleasure,” Cami replied. “Can I bring you anything now? Coffee? Tea? A glass of wine?”

  Olivia glanced at David and turned to Cami with a smile. “A glass of wine and some of those little cheese puffs that you served in the library would be delightful. It’s a little early in the day, but a nice, quiet celebration of our own is called for.” Her eyes filled. “Our little girl is on her own now, and it’s both sad and satisfying.”

  Sitting in a chair next to her, David reached over and clasped her hand. “Olivia’s suffering a bit from the empty-nest syndrome.”

  “Why don’t I have the kitchen staff put together a special tray for you?”

  David shot her a grateful look. “That would be superb.”

  Cami hurried to the kitchen to make sure Olivia and David would be taken care of. This, she reminded herself, is the kind of thing Nonnee had impressed upon her—doing the extra little things for guests that made a difference to them. That was true hospitality.