Page 20 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

I sat for a moment, collecting my thoughts. Everything I told them was true. I felt it to my bones.

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Later, I discussed the situation with Annette and Bernie. “There will be no changes to the wedding as Lorraine and Laura have planned it. When you think about it, it’s a sweet story of kids not wanting to upset their parents.”

“It’s fortunate that we had the private party sign posted for the pool area. No one got hurt. We’re lucky about that. The fewer people involved, the better,” said Bernie.

“I’ll keep an eye on Adam and the other young people at dinner tomorrow night,” said Annette. “Adam had too much to drink at the dinner.”

“That’s a very tricky position to place yourself in,” said Bernie. “But we’ll mention it to the staff and ask for them to be aware of such things.”

“If you don’t mind, I’m going home,” I said, rising. “I promised Laura I’d be present for breakfast.”

“Thank you, Ann, for coming here and being part of the resolution,” said Bernie somewhat formally.

I smiled. “Thank you, Bernie.” We were very lucky to have him looking out for us. He’d made sure no claims would be filed against the hotel.

All the way home, I imagined cuddling with Vaughn.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Rhonda called in the morning to check on the situation. “I think I’ve stopped throwing up, but I’m too weak to come into the hotel today.”

“Until you feel better, stay away. The last thing we need is for everyone at the hotel to get sick.”

“How’s the wedding shaping up?” she asked, and I filled her in.

“Glad we could keep the booking and everything turned out right,” said Rhonda.

“Me, too. The bride and groom are very sweet. I think everything will be fine. As far as weddings go, it’s one of the more pleasant groups. I hated the thought of losing them and creating bad news about the hotel. No one was hurt, and the wedding is going forward. Laura is doing an excellent job.”

“I talked to Lorraine yesterday,” said Rhonda. “She and Arthur both have the same type of flu. I suspect she’ll be able to help on Sunday and give you more time with Vaughn.”

“That would be nice. He’s busy with Robbie today, but tomorrow I’d like to go sailing with him.” We hung up, and I headed over to the hotel to walk on the beach. I was anxious to see how things were going with Darryl, Tina, and Abbie.

On my way, I realized I’d forgotten to tell Rhonda about Brock meeting Elise on the beach and how she hadn’t liked his interrogation. Rhonda would be furious.

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I parked the car at the hotel and made my way to the beach, easily bypassing a few guests who were up at this early hour.

Kicking off my sandals, I wiggled my toes in the cool sand and headed to the water.

As always, the salty air, the rhythmic sound of the waves, and the cries of birds above me filled me with thankfulness to be alive and well.

I turned and walked away from the hotel toward a more private area of the beach in front of the houses on the property. When I looked up, I saw Darryl and Abbie running toward me. Darryl kept up with Abbie’s long-legged stride, but he looked winded. When he got closer, I could see the sweat pouring off his face. Wearing swimming trunks, he was in a little better shape than he’d been just a few days ago.

“Hi,” I said.

They came to a stop beside me and bent over to catch their breath.

“I guess Abbie is working you hard,” I said to Darryl.

He straightened, glanced at her, then turned to me. “I’ve had more exercise in the time spent here than I have in a long while. It’s painful, but I like it.”

Abbie laughed. “We’re just getting started, if we’re going to accomplish what you wanted.”

He grinned at her. “You’re a health dictator.”

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