Page 91 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

“I’m here, but it took forever,” said Rosie, staring at me with dark brown eyes. I set her down to allow her to greet Vaughn, and turned to Bo to give him a big hug. The children were beautiful and very well-behaved. Their mother, June, was loving but strict, with oversight from her mother and her aunties, who adored the kids. Having never been part of a normal family, I was a bit overwhelmed when I first met her parents and all her relatives.

While Vaughn and Ty exchanged hugs, I kissed June hello. “I’m thrilled we get to have you here for a few days alone before the wedding. We don’t see you often enough.”

“Thanks,” she said, hugging me. “We’re looking forward to relaxing here. And to help celebrate Nell’s wedding, of course.”

I hugged Ty, and then we all walked to the baggage claim area. I knew from the smile on Vaughn’s face that he was as pleased as I was to start the week off this way.

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On our way home, both Nell and Liz called June to see if they’d arrived. My heart was happy to hear the girls’ chatter. I thought how lucky they were to be this compatible.

After things were settled at the house, Bo and Rosie wanted to go into the pool. Although the air felt cool to me, for visitors from different areas, the temperature was perfect. Besides, our pool was heated.

The kids had just jumped into the water when Nell arrived with Bailey and Ned. The four played in the pool while the adults sat around and watched them.

Ty and Nell were siblings who obviously loved one another. Ty had his father’s dark hair and eyes, while Nell resembled her mother with blond hair and blue eyes. However, there was a similarity in the way they spoke and moved that was reminiscent of Vaughn.

Nell and June left us to go inside for girl talk.

Liz arrived a short while later with her four children, dressed for the pool.

The Ts had no problem mixing in with the other kids. I made sure to give Gabe, who was the youngest, my attention. He was adorable with strawberry-blond hair like Chad.

Holding him in my lap for a snuggle, I watched the kids playing and let out a long, grateful sigh. I’d felt hopeless trying for more children after Liz, never dreaming I’d be this blessed with grandchildren.

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The next few days were filled with all kinds of activities. Ty and Vaughn were able to get away for a private sail on Vaughn’s boat, and then Vaughn and Ty were joined by Clint and Reggie. Clint was a sport about the teasing he took about ducking out of the way of the boom while the boat was coming about.

The girls shopped, gossiped, and hung together as much as possible while Rhonda and I helped by watching over the children, with Liana and her friend’s help.

The wedding was going to be small, with just my family members, Rhonda and her entire family, Stephanie and Randolph, Bernie and Annette, Lorraine, and Lauren from the hospitality department, making a total of twenty-some people. The timing was perfect for everyone to be present, as it coincided with spring break from school.

Clint and Nell had decided that this ceremony would be all about the children. Bailey was scheduled to be the maid of honor, and Ned was the best man.

Nell asked her father if he’d be disappointed if she had Robbie, the oldest of the children, walk her onto the beach. Vaughn gracefully said no.

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On the day of the wedding, Rhonda hosted a luncheon at Andre’s for all the women who were attending the ceremony, declaring it a rare opportunity to have this occasion together.

All of us dressed up for the affair, and as I looked around the small, private dining room, admiring gleaming new manicures and styled hair, I was glad to be part of this festive occasion. Now that the high season was over at the hotel, it was important for us women to be able to celebrate as a group.

As soon as everyone was seated and champagne served, Rhonda got to her feet.

“It’s fabulous to see all my favorite women gathered here today to celebrate Nell’s wedding later this afternoon. I feel very honored to have you here. Here’s to a lovely wedding, Nell!”

“Hear! Hear!” we all cried.

I stood. “I want to say how proud I am of Nell. She’s an example of a strong woman working to make life right for herself and her family.”

After I sat down, Nell stood and raised her tulip glass of champagne. “I want to thank you all for being here for me. I needed to make changes in my life, but it wasn’t until I came to Sabal and received your support that I was able to do it.”

We raised our glasses to her and then took a sip.

“Okay, now that we’ve got that taken care of, let’s eat,” said Rhonda as the waitresses carried in our lunches: asparagus quiches and leafy green salads.

“This is the healthy part,” announced Rhonda. “I’ve saved the best for last. Wait until you see our desserts.”

I laughed with the others. This was a sweet beginning to the celebration that was about to happen.