Home at Last

by Judith Keim

  “That, and the chocolate I’ve ordered from San Francisco to accompany the wine.” Cami put a hand on Lulu’s shoulder and bent over to read the blurb.

  “Distinctive quality ready for you to enjoy.”

  “You’re so good at this,” Cami exclaimed. “Who knew I’d end up with such a talented sister.”

  Lulu and Cami exchanged smiles.

  “Are you going to be ready to handle your first wedding this weekend as our candid photographer?” asked Cami. “Fall weddings here are so lovely.”

  Lulu nodded emphatically. “I’ll be ready. I didn’t realize when I signed up for the photography elective in college I’d end up using my skill like this. I love taking pictures of people. Maybe because I grew up meeting so many surrounding my father. They always fascinated me.”

  “I’m very grateful you’ll give this a try. I think it’s a great service to offer our brides. Photographing couples on their special occasions is another added feature to events here at the inn. We do so by offering links to videographers and professional portrait photographers. But this more informal approach is something we wanted to test with you. We can’t always hire professional help for the brides, and sometimes they don’t want it.”

  “Not a problem. I’m happy to help you any way I can.” At first, Lulu hadn’t understood that being an integral part of the inn and vineyard meant working 24/7, but she soon discovered that’s what it meant for everyone, including Cami. The Chandler Hill crew was a good one.

  “Laurel is planning on meeting with you tomorrow to go over the details of the wedding. I’ll leave you two to handle it for a sweet, young couple from Idaho.” Cami saluted her and left.

  Lulu turned back to the screen for a last edit of the verbiage she’d put together.

  Later, she was preparing to go back to Cami’s house when her cell phone chimed. She checked caller ID. Miguel Lopez. Again. She let the call go into voice mail. She’d decided to have nothing to do with him.

  ###

  Two days later, Lulu stood with Laurel Nelson in the lobby waiting for the arrival of Sarah Pendleton and Lee Wing. She wanted to get a candid photograph of them arriving at the inn. Her forte was capturing spontaneous moments. A videographer had been hired to film the actual wedding ceremony.

  A shiny black Range Rover promptly pulled up to the front of the inn as scheduled. Lulu adjusted her camera for a close-up of the couple as Sarah and Lee emerged from his SUV. A small woman with blond hair, Sarah stood beside a thin, handsome Asian man. Their eyes lit and smiles crossed their faces as they stared up at the inn crowning the hill like a tiara on a royal head.

  Click! Click! Lulu stood at the entrance and captured the moment and then followed Laurel out the front door to greet them.

  Laurel was the perfect person to oversee weddings. Attractive and refined, she exuded enthusiasm for each of her wedding projects. She’d been known to bring a smile to even a disgruntled bride’s face.

  “Welcome to the Chandler Hill Inn,” Laurel said with a practiced smile. “I’m Laurel Nelson. I’ll be handling your wedding details. And this is Louise Kingsley, your candid photographer. We’re so happy you’re here to celebrate your big day.”

  After handshakes all around, Laurel said, “We have your room ready.”

  “Thanks. The other two couples are coming directly from Boise and will arrive later today,” said Sarah. “We came from Portland. We really appreciate your help with our last-minute plans for this evening.”

  “You have followed through with everything as we asked?” Lee asked. His dark eyes focused on Laurel, and Lulu had the impression he was used to having people do his bidding.

  “Oh, yes,” said Laurel. “It took us a while to find the proper music, but I think you’ll be pleased.”

  Lee made a little bow. “Many thanks. I want this ceremony to be perfect for Sarah.”

  Sarah’s face lit with pleasure. As she turned to him, Click!

  There was no mistaking their love for one another.

  “We’ll send someone out for your luggage,” Laurel said. “Why don’t you come in and register. Then, if you like, I can give you a quick tour. It isn’t often that weddings are planned with no prior visits to the property. But nowadays, with online videos and reviews of the property, people have a pretty good idea what Chandler Hill Inn can offer.”

  Sarah smiled and, with a sweep of her arm, indicated their surroundings. “The minute I saw photos of it, I knew it would be perfect for us.”

  Laurel and Lulu led the bridal couple inside. After she snapped a few more photos, Lulu left them and went to Chandler Hall, the functions building. The main room was being sectioned off, and decorations were already being assembled in the small area by the fireplace for both the wedding ceremony and reception that would take place a little later.

  Cynthia, from Fabulous Florals, was decorating with yellow and red chrysanthemums and lilies Sarah and Lee had requested. A red-linen tablecloth covered the round of six for the wedding party. A miniature bouquet sat at each place next to a crystal tea-light holder. The effect was stunning.

  Lulu knew from reading information in the wedding folder that this was a small, private wedding to counter the disapproval of Lee’s family. His father had picked out a bride for Lee among the families of his wealthy business associates. Bright and capable, Lee was willing to go against his family’s old-fashioned wishes. And with money apparently no problem, he’d arranged a very lovely ceremony for the woman he loved.

  The thought of such devotion to his bride drew a sigh from Lulu. She and one of her father’s young supporters, Wilson Chambers, had enjoyed a mild flirtation, but that’s as far as it had gone.

  “What do you think?” said Cynthia, standing back to admire the effect of her work.

  “It’s gorgeous. Red and gold are important colors for this culture, and with the dull colors outside at this time of year, it’s refreshing to see them.”

  “I can’t wait to see what the bride will wear,” said Cynthia. “Her online photo makes her seem like a tiny angel with blond hair and big blue eyes. You’ll take plenty of photos, won’t you?”

  “Yes, I promise,” Lulu said. With the way Sarah and Lee had gazed at one another, she was sure to get a lot of romantic shots.

  As Lulu was leaving Chandler Hall, Laurel approached with Sarah and Lee. “You’re going to love what’s been done! See you later.”

  Lulu hurried off. One of the requirements of her job as a wedding photographer was to dress appropriately for each ceremony. She wanted to compliment the couple by wearing something extra nice. And she needed to make sure the photo albums she’d ordered had arrived at The Barn. In addition to photos on a disk, this couple had ordered actual photographs placed in an album.

  Lulu walked into The Barn and stood a moment to admire the special fall and Thanksgiving offerings for sale. They would remain in place through Thanksgiving. The following day, the entire staff would cooperate to convert the décor of the interior to a winter wonderland of offerings. Lettie had always insisted the seasonal transition be handled this way, and Cami was keeping to that schedule. The Christmas catalog, however, was available at the store months ahead of time, building pre-orders.

  Gwen Chapman, the manager, came over to her. “We received those photo albums you ordered. I’m hoping you’ll get permission from a bridal couple to use their photos in one of them for display.”

  “Nice idea, but I don’t think this is the right couple. Neither set of parents is happy about the wedding, which is why the wedding party consists of only the bridal couple, a matron of honor, a best man, and two others. But you should see Chandler Hall. Cynthia has done a great job of dressing up a small section of the room for this occasion.”

  “I understand that even though only six people will be in attendance, everything is going to be first class, including the meal Chef Darren is making for them,” said Gwen. “It’s too bad their families can’t agree to put issues aside and allow the couple a
special time. I’ve heard through the grapevine they are adorable together.”

  Lulu couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped her. She’d learned early on there were no secrets in the hospitality business, that news among staff spread faster than wildfire. “They seem very much in love.”

  Assured everything was available for her first official presentation of a wedding album of photographs, Lulu went back to her office to check on things there before going home.

  An email message had come in from the printer regarding a delay in adding the new offerings to the Christmas catalog. Someone had left a sticky note beside her computer telling of a telephone call from someone named Ross Coughlin. Lulu frowned at the name and then remembered he was Becca’s teacher friend who was in charge of the after-school programs for the local elementary schools. He was someone she definitely wanted to meet.

  She picked up her desk phone and punched in the number.

  A deep voice said, “Hello?”

  Lulu, who was used to talking to strangers regarding her father’s campaign, suddenly felt hesitant. “Hi, this is Lulu Kingsley returning your call. I’m a friend of Becca’s, the substitute teacher ...” her voice trailed off.

  “Oh, yeah, that’s why I called. I thought maybe we could meet up sometime, maybe catch a quick cup of coffee together sometime. I want to ask you about some of the incentives the L.A. schools were using for their after-school programs. I need to come up with more ideas if I’m to keep the kids interested.”

  “I’m happy to share any information I have. Though I’m busy at the Chandler Hill Inn, I promise to make time for you.”

  “Great. How about coffee next week? I have some time then.”

  “I can manage that,” said Lulu, wondering at the way her pulse was sprinting. It was just a voice. A very sexy voice.

  “Okay, there’s a great coffee shop downtown on the main street. I’ll meet you there at two o’clock on Monday. Is that doable for you?”

  “Yes, that’s fine. Most of our weekend guests will be checked out by then.”

  After saying goodbye, Lulu hung up the phone, intrigued about the man behind the voice. She checked her watch and let out a gasp. She had to get moving in order to get the photos she wanted of the wedding party. The four of them were scheduled to arrive at four o’clock.

  She hurried out of the inn to her car. Above her, the sky was clinging to the last strands of pink that threaded through the clouds, promising a good day tomorrow.

  As she drove up the driveway to Cami’s house, her heart lifted. The house couldn’t compare in size to the one in California she’d always called home, but it was the warmest, most welcoming place in which she’d ever lived.

  She got out of the car and hurried inside, stopping to pet Sophie on the head. There was no question about who ruled the house. Like any dachshund Lulu had ever met, Sophie was in charge.

  The guest wing, away from the main part of the house, was quiet. She stripped out of her work clothes, raced into the bathroom to freshen up, and emerged with a clean face, fresh makeup and the flowery scent of an expensive perfume she loved.

  She was standing in the middle of the closet trying to select the perfect dress for the wedding when Cami knocked and stuck her head inside.

  “Getting ready to go back to the hotel?”

  “Yes. It’s going to be a small ceremony as you know, but everything is being done with no expense spared. The flowers alone must have cost a fortune. I heard they hired a trio to play romantic music. Do you know who they are?”

  Cami’s smile was sly. “Yes, I do. That’s all I’m going to say. I think you’re in for a little surprise.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Lulu hurried into the lobby of the inn in time to see two couples heading for the registration desk. One of the women was a petite, beautiful Asian dressed in dark slacks and a furry white jacket. The other woman and her two athletic companions looked like an ad for a sports magazine with their hiking boots, jeans, and lightweight parkas.

  Before Lulu could reach them, Sarah bounded into the lobby, followed by Lee. “At last! You’re here,” she cried. As Sarah hugged each woman, Lee shook hands with the men and thanked the women for coming.

  Laurel came up behind Lulu and watched the group from the sidelines with her.

  Sarah noticed them and waved them forward. “I’d like you to meet my best friends.” She glanced at Lee. “Our best friends. And everyone, this is Laurel Nelson, the wedding coordinator. And our special photographer, Louise Kingsley.”

  A look of recognition crossed the taller woman’s face. She studied Lulu with interest, but to Lulu’s relief, she didn’t say anything.

  Sarah put her arm around the Asian woman. “This is Amy Chou. She was my roomie in my freshman year at Boise State and is still one of my besties, even in grad school.” She indicated the other woman. “And this is Mindy Peters, our mutual close friend.” She turned to the men and indicated the shorter of the two. “Sam Dwyer is Lee’s lab partner and buddy, and Elliot Brinkman is their TA.”

  “We’re working together on a genetic research project at the university,” said Lee. “We’ve been good friends for a few years now.”

  Taking pictures, Lulu liked the ease between the men. They might dress in a casual outdoorsy style, but she bet these men were brilliant at their work. Their eyes shone with intelligence.

  She focused on the women, taking plenty of photos. The excited buzz of their conversation was nice to hear, and she loved the happy expressions on their faces.

  The sound of a phone ringing stopped their talk. Sarah lifted one from her pocket, looked at it, and frowned.

  “Is it your mother?” asked Amy, giving her a worried look.

  Tears filled Sarah’s eyes. “She’s going to be furious that I’ve gone ahead with these plans, but that woman doesn’t have a kind bone in her body. No wonder my father left her years ago.”

  After taking a couple of shots, Lulu stopped aiming her camera at them.

  Mindy turned to Lulu and explained, “Her mother is prejudiced and has warned Sarah that if she goes ahead and marries Lee, she’ll never speak to her again.”

  Even though Lulu told herself to stay quiet, she thought, Easy choice. Marry Lee. She’d seen enough bigotry and hate to last a lifetime.

  Amy’s gaze rested on her. “Sad, isn’t it? Worse yet, Lee’s family has already selected someone else to be his bride. Me.” She glanced at Lee. “We would be a poor match. We’re not interested in each other.” She turned and smiled shyly at Sam.

  “Right,” said Lee. “All the old-fashioned ideas have to go away.”

  “Besides, Amy and Sam are great together,” Sara said. “Like Lee and me.”

  Lulu snapped a picture as Amy and Sam smiled at one another.

  “Now that everyone is here, let’s have some fun,” said Sarah. “Lee has arranged a little pre-ceremony party.”

  “That sounds good. Remember, if you need anything, please let me know. We want this wedding to be perfect for you,” said Laurel, who’d been standing by.

  After they’d left the area, Laurel turned to Lulu. “It’s sad to have such unhappy overtones to the occasion. But Lee has done every imaginable thing to make it memorable for everyone. Wait until you see the jade jewelry he bought all three women! And the men are receiving gift cards of some kind.”

  “Too bad Sarah’s mother is being so awful about the wedding. I wonder what Lee’s family will say to his marrying her.”

  “As far as we’re concerned, it’s none of our business,” said Laurel. “There’s a note at the registration desk that no calls are to be sent through to their room for either Sarah or Lee.”

  “Just a few more hours and they’ll be safely married.”

  “Yes, and I’ll be able to breathe a little easier.” Laurel let out a sigh. “I don’t like secret weddings.”

  ###

  Lulu was in the kitchen talking to Darren about the special meal he’d prepared for the wedding
party, when Cami walked into the room.

  “We need to move up dinner. Lee’s father is on his way to the inn. He sent Lee a text saying he expects to get here within two hours.”

  “Where are Sarah and Lee now?” Lulu asked. “I was supposed to get pictures of Sarah as she dressed.”

  “They’re in Chandler Hall, going ahead with the wedding ceremony. Take as many photos as you can because we cannot reach the videographer Lee hired to tell him of the change in plans.”

  Lulu ran to her office, grabbed her cameras, and hurried to Chandler Hall.

  She opened the door quietly and stepped inside. Reverend James Bliss, who’d performed many weddings at the inn was speaking. “I now pronounce you man and wife.”

  Lulu checked her watch. It’d had only been an hour and a half since she’d seen the group in the lobby. She hurried over to the scene of the wedding and began snapping pictures of the happy couple, the setting, and the bridal party.

  “Sarah, your dress is gorgeous,” said Lulu. “Stand still and I’ll get a few photos of you in it.” She gave Sarah a quick hug and stepped back to get a good look at her.

  Though not beautiful, Sarah had a wholesomeness about her that was very attractive—a ready smile, shining blue eyes, and hair the color of pale wheat. Her dress was a sheath in a white, satiny fabric with capped sleeves. A beaded border of flowers edged the hemline which reached just below her knees. Simple but elegant, the dress was a perfect choice for this small ceremony. A jade and gold bracelet surrounded Sarah’s right wrist, and jade earrings shone on her earlobes, no doubt gifts from Lee. The other two women, she noted, wore jade earrings too.

  When she’d taken enough shots of Sarah, Lulu called to Lee. “Come stand beside her. Then let’s get a picture of all of you together.” The girls wore simple A-line dresses in gold. The men wore gold ties with their navy blazers and gray pants.

  After she’d captured several photos, Lulu approached Sarah. “Why didn’t you call me? I would’ve taken photos of you getting dressed with the girls helping you.”