Page 81 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

She was on the phone and waved me inside the room.

I lowered myself onto the lounge chair and waited for her to finish, pleased to have this moment to relax.

She ended the call and turned to me. “The new furniture won’t be delivered until after Christmas. But the moving company has reconfirmed delivery for December 27th, which means Clint and I, and the kids can start the new year in our own home.” She clasped her hands and let out a sigh. “This whole month has seemed as if we’ve had one miracle occur after another to make a move here possible. There’s no way any of this would’ve happened without you and Dad and Rhonda and the rest of the family.” She chuckled as she took a seat on the lounge beside me. “I think Clint is in a state of shock at how fast everything is changing.”

“Did you take the kids to see the house when you and Clint went back to look at it again?” I asked.

“Yes. They’re thrilled with their new rooms. Clint and I noted what else we wanted to add to the function and décor. I think he would’ve been very discouraged if he’d seen it as the Wileys had it. Everything looks clean and fresh and welcoming.”

“It’s a beautiful home,” I said.

“We’re lucky to have it,” Nell said. “I have a feeling the money Clint gave the company won’t be returned for some time. They can’t keep it forever, but they can make it difficult for us. I don’t want to borrow any more money after we pay off Rhonda. We’ve both learned a lot of lessons from this past year,” said Nell, and let out a little sigh. “More lessons to come, I’m sure. Clint and the kids will have to get used to my working at the hotel. It’s too important to me.”

“You’re lucky to have outside help to make it less stressful for them.”

Nell sat up straighter. “I know I’m luckier than most, and I appreciate that. But, Ann, I believe every woman has the right to grow and expand beyond her personal experiences, even when she has a family. I understand it’s difficult for some to do that, but the idea that she’s not entitled to do so is scary to me.”

“Me, too,” I said. “But each woman must decide how best to handle what they’ve been given. For many, choice is taken away by circumstances and sometimes even brute force.”

“Are you talking about abuse?” asked Nell.

“Physical and emotional abuse. Even ordinary control by others. Maybe something as simple as trying to meet the expectations of the people around her.” I realized how different it was today from when I was growing up with my grandmother.

“Do you think Liz and Angie mind that I’m working at the hotel when they’re not ready to do so?” asked Nell.

I wrapped an arm around her. “Not at all. You’re the oldest of our three daughters. Rhonda and I are delighted. The time will come when the three of you will be responsible for the hotel. You can start.”

“Thanks. That makes me happy,” Nell said, and rising together, we went to be with the rest of the family.

###

The next day, Tina’s husband, Nicholas Swain, arrived. A well-known Hollywood director, he and Vaughn were friends. After meeting in the afternoon, Vaughn agreed to take him sailing in the morning.

At dinner, Vaughn shared his plans with us.

Clint surprised everyone by asking if he could go too. “I need to be on board to overcome any fear I have. I promise to stay in the cockpit the entire time.”

“Okay. Robbie is going, too,” said Vaughn. “We’ll all keep an eye on you.”

“Thanks,” said Clint. He grinned at Vaughn, but I could tell that Nell was worried. She glanced at me, and I remained silent. His right arm and lower left arm were almost healed. His upper left arm, however, was still in a cast.

“Robbie, sweet brother, I’ll depend on you to help Clint,” said Nell, ruffling his hair as he sat beside her.

“I will,” Robbie said earnestly, and I wanted to hug him.

“The weather is supposed to be nice,” said Vaughn. “Warm and gentle sea breezes.”

“I’ll be fine,” said Clint. “I need this.”

Nell studied him, and the issue was settled.

###

The next morning, I decided to take a walk on the beach. I loved having my family around, but I relished a few quiet moments to myself. I quietly dressed and left the house while everyone was still sleeping.

As I drove to the hotel, the rising sun was spreading pink fingers through the gray morning sky. I knew they would be met with orange and yellow colors as the day grew lighter.

Sunsets and sunrises along the Gulf Coast drew the attention of visitors and locals alike.