Page 51 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The staff Christmas party was a favorite event for our employees and for Rhonda and me. Even Vaughn played a part, dressing up like Santa Claus to hand out gifts to all their children.

This year was even more exciting for me because Bailey and Ned were living with us, and that made the magic of the season even more real.

When I checked in with Annette at the hotel to see how the plans were shaping up, she said, “Very well. In fact, we have a surprise for you and Rhonda.”

“It’s a secret?” I asked.

“Definitely,” she answered, wearing an enigmatic smile.

I, who hadn’t had childlike holidays growing up with my stern grandmother, grinned back. “I can’t wait to see it.”

“It’ll be worth the wait,” said Annette, laughing.

Later, when I told Rhonda about it, she said, “Guess that’s why it’s a surprise. No one will give me a hint about it. Clearly, we’ll have to wait a couple more days to find out.”

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On the late afternoon of the day of the party, we closed the dining room. We were going to transform it into a holiday scene with presents placed around the Christmas tree that stood in the corner of the main room. Buffet tables were lined against the wall, and a special cookie table was set up in a corner for the children. A bar serving beer, wine, and punch was located near a table offering coffee, tea, and cocoa. If anyone overindulged in alcohol, we had drivers ready to deliver them home, but with it being a family affair, we seldom had that kind of trouble.

As usual, Rhonda and I arranged to arrive early to greet our employees’ families together. Today, she was wearing a crimson caftan while I’d slipped on a dark green sheath in keeping with holiday colors.

“You look festive,” I said, giving her a hug. “I never grow tired of doing this party for our employees.”

“Same,” said Rhonda. “The kids look forward to it as much or more than their parents.”

“And we all have a fun time,” I said, watching the young, single wait staff put out the food. We’d learned long ago to feed the crowd first, then open the gifts.

Families were lined up outside the doors when Rhonda and I finally opened them to welcome the people inside.

Noticing children in new dressy clothes, a sweetness filled me. They looked excited to be here. Though some of them tried not to show it, most of the teenagers in the group seemed pleased to be among the group of kids and parents.

Angie and Liz arrived with their children, followed by Nell, Clint, and the kids, accompanied by Vaughn and Robbie.

Once the room was full, Bernie went to the microphone and welcomed everyone to the party. It seemed only right for him to speak as he was the leader of our employees.

Later, as people were continuing to eat the ham, turkey, and beef that had been served, Rhonda went to the microphone.

“Happy holidays to everyone! Annie and I always look forward to this party because … presents for the kids!”

The kids erupted into cheers.

Adults looked on as Rhonda explained how, when a child’s name was called, they’d move forward, receive their gift, and bring it back to their parents to open it, keeping the process going.

I went into the back hall to greet Vaughn, dressed as Santa. He looked adorable in the suit that did a decent job of covering him up.

“We’ll have you sit right by the tree,” I said, looking with surprise at the big elf following Vaughn into the room.

Laughter bubbled out of me as I stared at Bernie dressed in a green and white striped costume and wearing big red booties on his feet.

Rhonda came over to us. “Bernie! You’re the surprise!”

Bernie nodded sheepishly. “I got talked into doing this by the staff.”

I clapped my hands together. “It’s perfect. You’re a doll to go along with it.”

Bernie shook his head. “I would only do this for the two of you. It’s been a helluva ride.”