Page 5 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER TWO

The next couple of days were hectic as Rhonda and I stepped in to help wherever we could at the hotel and did what was needed to support Angela and Reggie in dealing with the emotions and practical details following a death in the family.

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the same day as Nell was due to arrive with her children, I was assigned to help with a wedding. Nell promised to call me when she was about to enter Sabal, so I could race home to meet her. The guestrooms were ready for her and the children, with welcome gifts in each one.

The day was full of mixed emotions as I dealt with sadness over Arthur’s passing, happiness for the wedding couple, and excitement for Nell’s arrival. I arrived at the hotel to make sure the bridal party of six had a breakfast buffet before heading out to a morning at the spa and then a bride’s luncheon at André’s. The bride, Melinda Peterson, a sweet girl from Cohasset, Massachusetts, greeted me with a hug of enthusiasm.

“Thank you, Ms. Sanders. Everything has been delightful. Henry and his parents agree.”

“I’m delighted you’re pleased. You have a beautiful day ahead of you. The garden looks lovely. It’ll be a perfect setting for your wedding. Please let us know if you need anything.”

“Thank you,” she said, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Most weddings weren’t this easy.

I went to check on the work status in the hospitality office.

Lauren, who was now a co-wedding planner, was there reviewing her Excel spreadsheet.

“How is everything?” I asked her.

“Very well,” she replied. “I’ve told Lorraine we have no worries, that she should just concentrate on her family.” Her eyes filled with tears. “It’s sad this has happened. Lorraine and Arthur were very happy together.”

I swallowed hard. “It doesn’t seem fair, I know. We’ll have to be a big support to Lorraine in the coming weeks.”

“Annette and I have already promised to take the lead on all social activities,” said Lauren.

“Thank you. Rhonda and I appreciate all you’re doing,” I said. “You’ll make sure the side lawn is set up well in advance of the ceremony today?”

“Oh, yes. Don’t worry. I know your daughter is arriving today, and you want to be able to be with her.”

“I’m hoping she gets here before noon, as she said. It’s a lovely day for a wedding and a homecoming.”

Though I continued doing work around the hotel, my mind stayed focused on Nell’s arrival. We usually saw Nell and her family at least once or twice a year. I was eager to see how much the kids had grown. At eight, Bailey was the same age as Angela’s Sally Kate. They loved to play together. Ned, at five, was about the same age as the triplets, and he and Noah were best buddies. It seemed a shame Nell’s family had chosen to live and work in Washington, D.C., when the rest of the family wanted them to move to Sabal.

I was talking to the kitchen staff about the breakfast buffet for wedding guests tomorrow when my cell chimed with a call from Nell.

“We’re almost there,” said Nell, her voice sounding a lot more upbeat.

“Okay, I’m heading home from the hotel. I’ll meet you there.” I ended the call, phoned Lauren to give her the news, and left the hotel.

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At home, Vaughn and I stood together in the driveway, our arms around each other as our black and tan dachshund, Cindy, gamboled at our feet, sensing our anticipation.

When Nell drove into the driveway, I raced forward to greet her as she got out of the car.

The kids climbed out of the back seat and went to Vaughn while I hung onto Nell. The worry I’d held since her call flared inside me as I studied the circles beneath her eyes and the lackluster smile she gave me.

“I’m overjoyed to see you,” I said, hugging her tight. “You can relax in our warm sunshine.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

She stepped away and said, “Hi, Daddy,” in a voice that reminded me of Liz when she was hurting.

I turned to Bailey and Ned, giving them my attention with hugs and kisses, then said, “C’mon. Let’s get you inside. Then I bet you’re ready for a swim in the pool.”

“Hooray,” said Ned, and I loved his enthusiasm.

Robbie emerged from the house and smiling at Nell said, “Hi, sis.”