Coming Home

by Judith Keim

  Allison’s gaze settled on her. “I wish there had been some unknown connection between us. I like you already.”

  Cami grinned. “Me too. Now, we’d better talk about that wedding of yours.”

  “Yes, even though it isn’t real family, I have a connection to the Chandler Hill Inn that feels very nice, as if I belong here and my great-grandmother somehow knows it.”

  As it turned out, planning the wedding Allison wanted was easy. She was a woman of definite tastes.

  “A midweek wedding will suit your needs much better than planning for a weekend,” Cami said, grateful once more for the improvements they’d made to the garden, the area around it, and the lawn space outside Chandler Hall. “We can block off the area around the garden, which will give you all the privacy you want for the ceremony itself. The small dining room is available for your dinner, and Chandler Hall is entirely yours, if you so choose.”

  An hour after filling out the sheet of information for all departments, Cami said, “I think we’re all set. Two weeks from today, we’ll be ready for you.”

  “Thanks.” Allison beamed at her. “It’s going to be perfect. My parents, Graham’s parents, my best friend and her husband, and Graham’s three siblings and spouses will make up the wedding group. I want the smallest, most non-Hollywood wedding as possible. Luckily Graham has agreed.”

  “What is Graham like?” Aside from the fact that he was an accountant to the stars, Cami knew nothing about Graham Watson.

  The pink flush that washed over Allison’s cheeks was telling. “He’s a doll! One of my friends told me I was wrong to marry a boring old accountant, but she’s been married three times.”

  Cami easily joined in the laughter and then waited for Allison to continue.

  “Graham is forty-five, divorced for many years, and is anything but boring. Besides, I like a down-to-earth guy who’s not enthralled with all the fake Hollywood stuff. It’s all make-believe, you know.”

  “I can imagine,” said Cami. “I’ve never been attracted to the rich and famous in that group.”

  Allison stood and gave Cami a big hug. “We should have been related. It would be such fun to discover a new member of the family.”

  Cami stood back and smiled at her, hiding her disappointment. She’d hoped for that very thing with Edward Kingsley, and that was never going to happen.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  That night sitting on the deck after dinner, Cami held Sophie in her lap. The dog hadn’t left her side since she’d come home from the short vacation with Drew. Stroking Sophie’s smooth fur, Cami’s thoughts turned to the events of the day. She gazed out at the landscape wondering if she’d ever know who her father was.

  “You’re awfully quiet, sweetheart,” Drew murmured, giving her a worried look. “Everything all right?”

  She shrugged. “I didn’t get the chance to tell you about my visit with Allison Silverstone.” She gave him the details. “I guess everyone needs to know who they are and where they come from. The awful part of not knowing is being worried about the worst, or manufacturing something so far from reasonable it becomes a mental game. A destructive one. I can’t imagine how my grandmother dealt with not knowing anything about her heritage.”

  “At least you know who your grandparents and mother are. Then there’s someone like me who had a mother who left. As the saying goes, ‘You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family.’”

  Cami gave him a worried look. “Do you think I should ask Lulu for a DNA test?”

  Drew shook his head. “No. That poor woman has gone through enough. I know you’re anxious to learn if there’s any connection there for you, but you’re going to have to drop it for now and maybe forever.”

  Cami sighed. “You’re right.”

  ###

  As if fate was confirming Drew’s viewpoint, a few nights later, as they turned on the nightly news, Cami heard an announcement that sent chills through her. “Rosalie Kingsley, the widow of Edward Kingsley, has been hospitalized after being found unconscious in her home by her daughter. Mrs. Kingsley was treated in the past for a problem with opioids. That is suspected now. The family is asking for privacy at this difficult time.”

  Cami placed a hand over her heart. “Oh, my God! How awful for Lulu. I’m so relieved I never called her.”

  “And you hoped you might be part of this family? You’re lucky not to be. Poor Lulu,” said Drew with a note of sympathy she appreciated.

  In the days that followed, Cami’s thoughts stayed on Lulu. She took out a piece of notepaper and wrote a brief, but tender message of encouragement to her and again offered her a place to stay should she need to get away.

  As before, she slipped it into the mail before she could change her mind.

  The days fled. As busy as she was with the inn and the upcoming wedding for Allison, Cami’s thoughts turned to the upcoming harvest of grapes. She could hardly wait for the picking and crushing of them. Everyone in the valley was optimistic about its being a superb year.

  ###

  The day before her wedding, Allison arrived with her fiancé. Graham Watson was anything but boring in appearance. Tall, with short black hair, classic features and a smile that brightened his hazel eyes behind the horned-rimmed glasses he wore, Graham, with his easy smile, won Cami over right away.

  “After you’re checked in and settled in your room, give me a call. My extension is 100. We’ll meet in my office and go over the notes for the wedding with Laurel. She’s been working on the details you’ve requested.”

  “Okay,” said Graham. “I’ve got my own notebook with notes.”

  Cami and Allison exchanged glances filled with humor.

  Allison gave Graham a loving squeeze. “I can’t do anything without him.”

  He grinned. “So, I’m a notetaker. That shouldn’t be a problem. Right?”

  “Don’t change one bit,” Allison said, giving him a sizzling look that brought a flush of color to his cheeks.

  They were, Cami thought, adorable together.

  Later, sitting with them in her office with Laurel, Cami realized how proficient Graham was with the details. Allison had very specific ideas about how she wanted things done, and Graham had written every one down.

  After the plans had been made, Cami said, “The cocktail party is about to start. Why don’t you go have a drink, and you and your guests can relax before your big day tomorrow.”

  Allison checked her watch. “Mother and Daddy should be here by now. I want them to meet you, and Laurel too. They’ll be so happy to be here. It’s not every day they finally get their daughter married.”

  “They almost paid me to do it,” teased Graham.

  Cami chuckled, but saw the look of love Graham gave Allison.

  ###

  Cami was struck by how un-Hollywood Arthur Silverstone appeared. Of average height and a bit on the dumpy side, the sharp intelligence in his sparkling blue eyes enhanced his looks. She was pretty sure he wouldn’t miss a detail of the setting. His wife, Evelyn, was a willowy blonde who was charming. In preparation for the wedding, Cami had read about them and learned that though Evelyn had the beauty for film, she was too tall to work comfortably with many of the actors. Arthur had been enamored of her from the moment he’d met her. Instead of becoming a star, she married him, became a mother to Allison, and served as a leader in doing charity work for older, retired actors who needed financial assistance. They were a well-respected couple in Hollywood.

  It was interesting to see how much they adored their daughter. At thirty-eight, Allison had given them despair over her ever being married and producing a much-awaited grandchild. Now, she was doing both.

  The rest of the wedding party was as down-to-earth and humble as Allison and her parents. And when Graham’s family arrived, she was amused to see the teasing he got from his three brothers, who ribbed him about being the last to marry. Cami could see how Graham, serious and a bit on the shy side, might have been overwhe
lmed by his brawny, loud siblings, ten, eight, and six years younger than he. They, their spouses, and Graham’s parents joined Arthur and Evelyn for dinner. Allison’s friend Sybil and her husband had been caught at LAX with a delayed flight.

  Once Cami was assured the wedding party was content with their private party in the small dining room, she slipped away from the inn. Laurel was in charge and doing a great job.

  ###

  In the hotel business, even the best-laid plans go awry, Cami thought, staring glumly at the still dark sky and hearing the tapping sound of rain on the windows. She wondered how Allison and Graham would like an indoor garden wedding.

  She climbed out of bed and picked up Sophie, being careful not to wake Drew. Though the dog would hate it, she had to go outside. Then, Cami would allow her to sneak back into bed with Drew while she herself took a shower to get ready for work. Oh, to be the dog!

  Smiling at the thought, Cami stood aside while Sophie did her duty and came trotting back toward her, giving Cami a look that made it very clear she was not amused by being forced out of a warm, comfy bed on such a rainy morning.

  As she placed Sophie back in bed, a hand reached out and grabbed her arm. “Where do you think you’re going?” said Drew playfully.

  She laughed. “I have to get to work.”

  “Your guests are not going to be up demanding your presence at this time of morning. Come back to bed.”

  She almost succumbed to the suggestion, then reminded herself that she needed to make sure Allison’s wedding party was taken care of. Laurel wouldn’t be in until later.

  ###

  When Cami walked into the inn and saw Arthur sitting in the living room sipping a cup of coffee, she was glad she hadn’t stayed with Drew any longer than she had. This was a chance for her to find out more about Rex Chandler, a man her grandmother adored.

  “Good morning, Arthur. Did you sleep well?”

  He smiled. “Very well. But I’m an early riser. It looks like the weather isn’t going to cooperate with us. The weatherman on television said the rain will stop this afternoon, but it’s going to remain unusually cool and damp.”

  “Yes, I heard that too. In the past, with situations like this, we’ve held indoor weddings in Chandler Hall and they turned out to be beautiful. I’m going to suggest to Allison to do that.”

  “Guess you need the rain,” said Arthur.

  “Yes, it’s been a mixed summer weather-wise for our guests, though we are expecting an excellent crop of grapes.” Cami hesitated then said, “May I ask you a few questions about your family. I understand your grandmother, Darla Rose, and Rex Chandler wrote love letters to one another.”

  He patted the seat on the couch next to him. “Sit down. I’ve been wanting to talk to you about it.”

  Curious, Cami lowered herself onto the couch and faced him.

  “After Allison showed me the love letters between Darla and Rex, I did a little investigation of my own. Their relationship remained a well-kept secret through the years, with each marrying someone else.” He shook his head. “It’s pretty amazing to think of the power of some of the Hollywood studios back in the day. But it’s a beautiful love story. I’m thinking of suggesting it as a script for a movie. I gather you’re the last remaining member of Rex’s family. Would you be agreeable to something like that?”

  “But I’m not a real member of the family. Not by blood anyway,” said Cami, aware how her mother must have felt when she’d first been told that Rafe, not Kenton Chandler, was her father.

  “Still, through your grandmother, you’ve inherited all that was his, including his name,” persisted Arthur. “I’ll have my lawyers look into it, but I need to know how you would feel about doing a project like that.”

  “I’m inclined to say yes, but I need to talk to my grandfather. Then I’ll get back to you. What about Rex’s ex-wife?”

  “She’s not alive, and with Kenton being their only child together, the issue becomes moot.”

  “I’d love to see the letters someday.”

  He smiled. “I can arrange that. They’re really quite lovely.”

  “Thanks. Done tastefully, it could be a very special story. Nonnee often talked of Rex and how special a person he was.” Cami rose and shook hands with him. “I’ll get back to you on that. Now, I’d better see to your daughter’s wedding.”

  He chuckled. “Anything she wants is fine with me. Evelyn and I have waited a long time for this.”

  As Cami headed to the kitchen she thought of families, how different some of them were. She wished she’d gotten more information from Nonnee, but each time questions had arisen they’d remained swamped by a sea of unknown facts.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Having the wedding indoors proved to be an inspired solution to the unpredictable weather outside. Cami stood in the shadows off to the side observing the small group as they settled in a semi-circle around Allison and Graham. The flower-bedecked altar, the soft music, and the muted lighting in the small section of Chandler Hall that had been blocked off made the perfect background for the live trees and pots of flowers that had been brought in for the occasion. In the rafters above, twinkling lights added a nice touch to the space. When not in use for weddings, the potted trees and flowers were spread around the property.

  Cami listened as the minister began the service. As she did each time, her eyes welled. She thought of Drew and wondered when she might hear those words for her. She knew he loved her, but she wished he didn’t have so much pride. Yes, she had inherited land, the winery, the inn. But she knew very well he wasn’t after her money. Not like Bernard. Besides, he was going to have land of his own someday through Rafe. In the meantime, she needed him to help with hers.

  The ceremony was as lovely as Allison herself. Her voice trembled as she recited her vows, and when Allison listened to his vows, her eyes glistened with tears that matched Graham’s. Their love was so obvious.

  Laurel handed Cami a tissue. “Have one of mine. I’ve learned to have them ready. Weddings like this always make me cry.”

  Cami smiled. “Me too. I’m going back to the inn to see to our other guests. Are you ready there?”

  Laurel nodded. “Everything’s set. We’ll move them into the small dining room for the dinner. Thank heavens, it’s finally stopped raining.”

  The main dining room was packed. Rainy weather either drove guests away or brought them here in groups looking to add a little brightness to their days. Tonight was one of those nights.

  Becca was standing by, overseeing the new hostess they’d brought in. When she saw Cami, she smiled. “Dori’s doing a great job. And I’ve checked the small dining room. Liz is overseeing the service there.”

  “Very good,” said Cami. Liz Bullard liked to handle the service for private dinner parties.

  As she was leaving the small dining room, the wedding party headed in her direction.

  Allison, wearing an A-line, jewel neck, tea-length dress of white chiffon hurried over to her. The simplicity of the dress gave a stunning effect as Allison seemed to float toward her. “Thank you! Thank you! Everything looked beautiful for the wedding.”

  Cami returned her hug. “I loved it too. And you look gorgeous!”

  “The dress is perfect,” Allison said. “My mother and I picked it out.”

  Cami smiled but a painful pang stung her. She’d been thinking of weddings, but who would help her pick out a dress when the time came?

  ###

  The days that followed the rain were hot and dry. Some thought too dry. The heat held its breath over the valley adding to the worry about the upcoming grape harvest not being as spectacular as originally thought.

  Cami kept busy at the inn. Early fall was an especially busy time for the hotel, and this year, like others, rooms were being filled.

  Becca came into her office and plopped down in a chair in front of Cami’s desk. Giving her a worried look, she said, “Guess the latest? The luxury tent at Lone Creek Wine
ry is completed and looks great. According to the waitress who went to work there and who is a friend of Dori’s, it’s the sexiest thing ever. The first wedding of its kind will be held there in two weeks. It’s a super deal with one of the travel magazines scheduled to cover the event, which they’re calling ‘love under the stars.’”

  Cami held up a hand to stop her. “Don’t worry. There’s a time and place for everything. Let’s just sit back and see how it goes. I’m not going to try to copy every little thing they do. We’re known for classy, upscale weddings, and that’s what we do best.”

  Becca let out a long sigh. “You’re right. Every time I see Vanessa, I get upset with her all over again. You think you know someone, and they prove you wrong.”

  “I know,” said Cami with genuine sympathy. “The whole situation drives me crazy, too.”

  ###

  That night, Cami and Drew sat on the deck and discussed the new luxury tent and the wedding program around it.

  “You’re right,” said Drew. “You stick to what you do best. You’ve always had competition, though it’s never been as blatant.”

  “Do you know how much I love you?” Cami said, rising to her feet and going to him. Clasping his face in her hands, she lowered her lips to his.

  With a quick, smooth movement, he pulled her into his lap. “There! Now I have a better hold of you.”

  Purring softly inside, she nestled up against his chest and inhaled the spicy, sexy smell of him. His heartbeat matched hers. She hugged him tightly, wishing they’d always feel this way about one another.

  When his lips met hers and then his tongue did a dance with hers, she told herself not to worry. Each time they were together, it was like this.

  Later, after making love, Cami stretched out beside him and fit her body to his. Loving him was such a soul-satisfying thing. He nourished her in a way nothing else could. She thought of Rex and Darla, Nonnee and Kenton, and Nonnee and Rafe. They’d all been great loves, too.