Page 57 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

Lorraine hurried away from us, talking on her cell to the bride’s mother.

Rhonda and I looked at one another and breathed out sighs of relief. We couldn’t afford to lose this wedding after all the expenses of getting ready for it.

“I want to see how things are going down at the sunset deck. There was a call for more chairs. I love having that deck available to our guests.”

“It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset and to relax any time of day,” said Rhonda. “I’m glad we got that project done over Brock’s objections.”

We walked from Lorraine’s office to the pool area and down the path to the beach to the deck. I was pleased to see several chairs positioned around the deck with a supply of folding chairs stacked in the corner.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see a man strolling the sand in the distance and said to Rhonda, “C’mon, we’ve got to get back to the hotel.”

She followed my gaze. “Let’s go. I don’t want to talk to Brock.”

We hurried back to the safety of the building and into the lobby.

Bernie was there, talking to the front desk staff.

We waited until he was through and told him about the wheelchair situation. “That’s fine. I was just reminding the staff that the wedding is supposed to be very private. A photographer has been hired to take pictures. The wedding party has asked that all other photos by guests be held off until after the dinner. And, no media.”

“Let’s go check the dining room,” said Rhonda. “I want to see how that color scheme worked.” The bride had chosen a bright, rich orange and dark green for her wedding colors.

We walked to the entrance of the private dining room. Peering inside, I let out a soft gasp of delight. The tables of six were covered in dark-green linen, the color of which was reflected in the crystal glassware and off the sparkling silverware. A small bouquet of orange lilies, and white, orange, and peach roses, accented with sprigs of spiral eucalyptus and other greenery, sat in the center of each table like a beacon.

“It’s gorgeous,” said Rhonda. “Who woulda thunk it? Can’t wait to see the bridesmaids’ dresses.”

“Me, too,” I said. “Let’s take a quick peek at the garden.”

We walked to the side garden which was a perfect spot for a wedding. Lush greenery and palm trees gave it an elegant tropical setting. A small white altar stood on the lawn. A pathway between two sets of chairs led to the altar. Thankfully, there was no attempt to place a running cloth on the grass defining the aisle. Instead, at the aisle end of each row of white cloth-covered chairs, small baskets of flowers hung. The effect was beautiful.

“The bright colors go well in this setting,” said Rhonda. “Can’t wait for the ceremony to begin.”

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As soon as all of the guests had been received at the front entry and were being directed to the side garden, Rhonda and I took our usual spot along the side at the back and waited for the bride’s arrival. We could see Robert standing by his best man by the altar, hanging on to his crutches for balance. The best man was doing his best to keep Robert comfortable by helping to brace him.

The harpist the family had hired changed from soft background music to “At Last”, the song made famous by Etta James. The notes shimmered in the air as caressing as the soft, onshore breeze. And when the two bridesmaids entered the garden in stunning deep orange dresses, I let out a sigh of pleasure.

The bride was an attractive young woman who wore a simple, white-silk slip dress that was perfect for her handsome figure.

I turned and looked at Robert’s face. When I saw his look of adoration, I felt a sting of tears. This is how a wedding should be.

As my gaze followed the bride down the aisle, I noticed the guest standing beside Lily speak to her and take the cell phone from her hand. Lily knew the rules. Why couldn’t she honor the simple request?

We watched as the minister they’d hired raced through the short ceremony, aware of Robert’s discomfort. Still, their pledges of love were touching and as the audience clapped their congratulations, the wheelchair was brought out. The applause grew and the moment turned tender when Brianna took control of the wheelchair and pushed it along the pathway that had been carved into the lawn for that occasion.

Rhonda wiped her eyes. “That was touching. I’m going to speak to the wedding party and then I’m going home to celebrate another wedding completed.”

“That’s a great idea,” I said. “I’m not staying for dinner either. As soon as I’ve paid my respects to the families, I’m off. I don’t like the idea of Lily being here, wanting to speak to Vaughn. And I don’t want her knowing who’s staying at my house.”

As unobtrusively as I could, I congratulated the bride and groom and then, before Lily could cross the room to me, I slipped away. Vaughn was still refusing to take her calls, and I wasn’t going to get caught up in any scheme of hers.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

When I got up the next morning, I went into the kitchen to find Abbie and Darryl sitting at the table sipping coffee.

“Wow! You’re up early,” I said, grabbing a cup for myself. “Where’s Vaughn?”

“Down by the boat,” said Abbie. “Robbie’s still in bed.”

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