Page 89 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

“I’ll take you home,” said Liz. “It’ll give me a chance to talk to Nell. I’m ecstatic about the news of a wedding vow renewal.”

“Me, too,” I said with feeling.

I hugged Chad goodbye, and we left for my house.

###

When we entered the house, I immediately noticed that the people we’d paid to clean up from dinner had done their job. Relieved, Nell and I joined the others.

Nell and Clint were sitting in the living room with Vaughn.

“Hi,” Nell said. “Bailey and Ned are finally asleep. We’re just relaxing here.”

“I want to tell you and Clint how very proud I am of you,” I said, facing them as they sat on the couch. “A vow renewal is a beautiful way to recommit to a relationship. It’s a lovely thing for you to do, Clint.”

He grinned. “I like the idea.”

“Let me see the ring again,” said Liz. “When is the wedding going to take place?”

Nell glanced at Clint. “I’ve always wanted to get married in April. It didn’t work out last time. But now we can do it and have a true April in Paris second honeymoon.”

Clint grinned. “Sounds fine to me as long as it’s toward the end of the month, after Tax Day on the fifteenth.”

Nell leaned over and kissed him. “Perfect.” She stood. “C’mon, Liz. Let’s go chat.”

The girls left, and Clint said, “Guess I’d better put together a couple of toys for the kids.”

“I’ll help,” said Vaughn.

“I’ll check on Robbie,” I said.

When I looked in on Robbie, I found him lying on top of his bed. Cindy was asleep, nestled up against him as he played some games on his phone.

“Ready to settle down for the night? Bailey and Ned will get up very early to awaken us.” I sat on the edge of his bed. “Did you have a pleasant day?”

He nodded. “Stephanie and Randolph will be here tomorrow morning, right?”

“Yes,” I said. “They wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“I have a special present for each of them because they’re my grandparents. Right?”

“Yes, your grandparents of our hearts,” I said. “We were lucky to find them.”

“I like it,” said Robbie. “ ’Night, Mom.”

“I love you, son.” I kissed him and patted Cindy, pleased that my house was full.

When I went into the bedroom, I found Vaughn waiting in bed for me.

After I got ready for the night, I joined him.

He pulled me to him and kissed me. “Merry Christmas, Ann. Another good year.”

“For me, too,” I said, resting my head on his chest. “And a better year to come.”