Page 23 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

Vaughn lowered his lips to mine, and I felt like a bride all over again. When he stepped away from me, Vaughn winked. “To be continued.”

I laughed and waved to Robbie who was cleaning out the dinghy, and I headed to the house to get ready for work.

In my bedroom, I took a quick shower and dressed in a simple black sheath and comfortable, low heels.

Rhonda and I always dressed nicely for work and especially for weddings. But we’d quickly learned the importance of comfortable clothing and shoes. One never knew what was going to happen at affairs like these.

For luck, I added the gold necklace Vaughn had given to me before we were married. The Initials A and V were brought together and crossed over with a bar holding three diamonds which had indicated our three children. Now, the three diamonds also symbolized the triplets.

CHAPTER NINE

At the hotel, I went directly to the side garden where Alyssa and Burr were to be married. Manny was supervising a small crew lining up chairs in the grass. Annette followed behind slipping white covers over the backs of the chairs. Two people from Tropical Fleurs were tying flowers to the chairs closest to the aisle between the two sections of chairs. A huge basket of flowers would be placed on the altar at the last minute and then used indoors in the dining room set aside for the bridal party.

Alyssa’s theme of blush and peach worked well, and I couldn’t wait to see the bridesmaids’ dresses. I was standing there looking over the garden when I felt someone come up behind me.

I turned to see Rhonda smiling at me. “You know I love weddings. I couldn’t miss this one.”

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. It was one of those twenty-four-hour cases of flu. Everyone at our house is back to normal. I’m sorry I left you and Laura to do the bulk of the work.”

“No problem. But as soon as I can, I’m leaving to go home to Vaughn and Robbie. You know how it is, I’m never quite sure of Vaughn’s schedule.”

“That’s why I’m here. Love the colors,” said Rhonda. “How’s everything else going? Any bad news from Brock?”

“Not yet. You know it’s coming. It’s just a matter of when,” I said, feeling my blood pressure rise. It amazed me that one man could cause us so much trouble. But we knew what kind of person he was and did our best to stop his nosing around.

“Have you checked the dining room?” Rhonda asked.

“No, let’s do that now. I’m satisfied with the way things are going here,” I said. “Annette should be overseeing the work there.”

When we investigated the private dining room, the tables were set with white linen and light blush-colored linen napkins. The silver rims on the plates matched the sparkling silverware and crystal water and wine glasses standing at each place. In the middle of the tables sat a thick white electric candle placed inside a ring of fresh flowers in the bride’s colors. The effect was understated loveliness.

“It’s beautiful,” said Rhonda to Annette who’d walked over to us.

“I think so, too,” said Annette. “Mrs. Gorman is a pleasure to work with. She knows what she wants and isn’t too demanding.”

“You’re lucky,” said Rhonda. “I remember other weddings that weren’t as easy.” She glanced at me. Weddings brought out the best and the worst in people.

Rhonda and I went to the lobby to see if the minister and the guitar player had arrived.

The minister of the Unitarian Church was often called upon to handle weddings for different couples who’d opted for a destination wedding. She was a lovely, older woman who related easily to people with a quick smile and open mind.

The guitar player, a young man who played in a local classical music quartet, was another wedding regular at the hotel. Professional and eager for the work, he was reliable. Even now, he stood ready with his equipment talking to Bernie.

Rhonda and I went over to talk to him just as the minister arrived. After we’d greeted them both, we led them to the side garden to show them how it was set up.

They stopped a moment at the entrance to the garden to take in the sight, and I could see from their looks of pleasure that they were as satisfied as I was. The garden, with its palm trees, tropical landscaping, and flowers, was Manny’s domain, and he took great pride in his work. On occasions like this, his dedication made all the difference between ordinary and something very special.

The minister walked up to the simple white altar on which two candles sat, waiting for the centerpiece to be placed between them. She took out the bible she’d brought with her.

The guitar player sat in a nearby chair and took out his guitar.

The staff member from Tropical Fleurs carried the centerpiece in and set it up on the altar.

Rhonda grinned at me. “Looks like we’re set to go.”

I stood aside with her as Burr arrived with Adam and the other groomsman. Burr stood at the front beside the altar as people were ushered to their chairs. Then, in what seemed no time, Janelle and her husband were seated in front. And then it was Elise’s turn to be seated. She looked gorgeous in a peach-colored, tea-length dress.

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