Page 77 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

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That evening, I stood aside as the specially selected staff members served the four men in the small reserved dining room. Allowing political guests to meet in private had helped grow the hotel’s business. In the beginning, I‘d been the one to oversee the dinners, assuring the diners that any information overheard would remain privileged.

It had amazed me what was taking place behind the scenes—the maneuvering, compromises, and deals. But I soon learned that even that information turned out not to be true. In any case, I could never discuss it with anyone else.

Governor Horne from Florida thanked me as three men and one woman rose after dinner. “It’s always a pleasure to be here at The Beach House Hotel. Lorna and I want to come for a restful stay before the holidays.”

“It’s our pleasure for Rhonda and me to have you here,” I responded as the other members of the group gathered around us to thank me.

They left, and after seeing that the staff would take care of cleaning up, I drove home, lost in memories of such dinners in the past. Never would I have imagined having such a glamorous life. I thought of my blessings and hurried home.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

The next morning, I met Emma on the beach. Seeing her smiling face as she approached me, I knew things must be going well with Rand and her, and I was happy for her.

“That's fantastic, huh?” I teased.

She laughed. “Well, we’ve done a lot of talking. And getting to know Rand is very satisfying. He is a fascinating man with a lot of interesting experiences. But the real man, the somewhat shy and introspective person I’m beginning to know is the one who intrigues me.”

“And the chemistry?”

She giggled softly. “Out of sight.”

I gave her an impulsive hug. “It sounds perfect.”

She hugged me back. “I can’t believe I’m so lucky. We’ve even talked about my coming to Florida after the twins graduate high school.”

I saw Darryl jogging toward us with purpose and turned toward him.

“’ Morning! What’s up?”

Darryl ran up to us and paused to get his breath. “Emma, you won’t believe what’s happening. I got a call from Kim. She, Jessie, and Alex will be here this afternoon. Kim said they’re staying with me to make sure I’m all right. But I know better. Our sisters are coming here to check out Abbie and Rand.”

“Oh, dear,” said Emma. “I think you’re right. They can stay with you, and I’ll ask Rand if I can move to his house to give them space.”

“They said not to worry about the kids. Joe is staying with them.” Darryl stood with his hands on his hips and faced me. “Kim is my oldest sister and has been married to her husband, Joe, for years. They’re both very protective of me, especially after my mother died when I was still in Middle School. My other two sisters used to like to boss me around, but since we’ve grown up, they, too, want to make sure I’m okay.”

I remembered the many times I’d wished for siblings. “You’re a very lucky man.”

“I guess. Well, Emma, this is it. The family test.”

“Nothing anybody says is going to interfere with the relationship I’m building with Rand,” she said. She noticed Rand jogging toward us and waved.

“My sisters don’t know Abbie. She’s one tough lady,” said Darryl.

“Where is she?” I asked.

“Sleeping in,” said Darryl. “We stayed up late. I told her I’d go ahead without her.”

Silence followed, but we all thought the same thing. They’d had a very sexy reunion.

“Hey, there,” said Rand. “What’s going on?”

“Can I move in with you?” Emma asked.

Rand blinked rapidly and then grinned. “Yes, but do you want to tell me why.”

Emma told him about her sisters’ visit. “They’re great and you’ll love them, but it’s best if I give them the space at Darryl’s house.”

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