Page 16 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER SIX

I took a last look at myself in the mirror. Satisfied I could do no better, I turned and went into the kitchen to say goodbye to Vaughn and Robbie.

“You look nice, Mom,” said Robbie, earning a hug from me.

“Gorgeous,” Vaughn said, sweeping me into his embrace.

Laughing, I said, “Have fun, you two. I shouldn’t be too late. There’s plenty of food choices in the freezer.”

“We’re ordering pizza. Dad said we could,” said Robbie.

“Okay, enjoy!” I bent to rub Cindy’s ears and left the house, my thoughts already turning to duties at the hotel.

I arrived there to see a lot of activity at the registration desk.

“What’s going on?” I asked Laura.

“The bride’s parents hired a bus to drive many of the guests from the airport in Tampa to here. Now, there’s a line to get everyone checked in.”

“Let’s offer those guests waiting in line some lemon water,” I said. “Where’s Elise Gorman?”

Laura indicated a tall, regal-looking blonde who was standing aside talking to people. As I approached, I could hear her say, “I’m sorry check-in is taking so much time.”

I walked up to her. “Welcome to The Beach House Hotel. I’m Ann Sanders, one of the owners. I’m sorry we were never made aware of the transportation arrangements. We have a reception table set up in the lobby with ice-cold water, hot coffee, and fresh lemonade. Perhaps those waiting in line would like some refreshments.”

Elise smiled. “Yes, that would be helpful. I should’ve told Lorraine we’d be arriving in a big bunch.”

“It’s a beautiful day and an exciting time for you. No reason to worry. The staff will take care of everyone as soon as they can,” I said, pleased Elise wasn’t making a fuss. Maybe this wedding would be easier to handle than some.

With people standing around the refreshment table in the lobby, the atmosphere changed. No longer were guests disgruntled over the wait time.

Elise introduced me to her husband, Corwin, an older man with pleasant features and thin gray hair who obviously adored his younger, attractive wife.

“Is Arthur Smythe around?” Corwin asked me.

“I’m afraid both he and his wife, Lorraine, are sick with the flu, but I know he’s anxious to see you. Hopefully, this illness is just a 24-hour thing.”

Elise frowned. “But Lorraine is supposed to handle all the details.”

I waved Laura over. “This is Lorraine’s reliable assistant, Laura Young. She and I will be taking care of the details. If there’s anything we can do for you, anything at all, please let us know.”

“Thank you,” said Elise.

A short redhead woman approached us.

Elisa greeted her with a hug. “Janelle, this is Ann Sanders, one of the owners, and Laura Young, Lorraine’s assistant. They are going to help us with the wedding.”

Janelle held out her right hand. A large diamond flashed on the other one. “Hi, I’m Janelle Cummings. We’re excited to be here. Lorraine has been wonderful to work with. I’m sure you will be, too.”

I liked Janelle immediately and vowed to do my best to make the weekend go smoothly.

Janelle waved a middle-aged man over. “Wilbur, I want you to meet Ann Sanders, one of the owners, and Laura Young, Lorraine’s assistant. They will be making sure everything will run smoothly for the wedding. The Rehearsal Dinner is here this evening and should be fantastic.”

Wilbur Cumming hadbutterscotch hair and hazel eyes set in a handsome face. His trim figure indicated a healthy lifestyle. I wondered what he’d think of the dinner Janelle had ordered and then told myself not to judge. But I wasn’t surprised when Wilbur asked what exercise facilities we offered.

I gave the four of them a quick review of our services and Laura handed them a wedding itinerary she’d printed for each guest. “There will be information in each room, along with a welcome basket requested by Alyssa and Burr.”

“Wonderful,” said Elise. “This is going to be a much smaller wedding than either Janelle or I wanted, but I want it to be perfect.”

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