Page 24 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

One bridesmaid, then another came down the aisle and stood by the altar. They were young and lovely in sleeveless dresses, one in a blush color, the other in a very dark peach -colored dress.

The guitar player strummed the familiar sounds of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, and everyone stood as Alyssa and her father arrived.

My breath caught as I gazed at Alyssa. She was a striking bride and had that special glow that some pregnant women get. Her blond hair was pulled back into a French twist, and white orchids were woven into the braid which I thought was more effective than a crown of flowers.

From the look on Burr’s face when he saw Alyssa, I felt comfortable that the two of them would make their marriage work.

Rhonda and I stood quietly on the sideline making sure everything was going smoothly. This was the part of working a wedding that we loved most, hearing the vows, and seeing our guests happy and hopeful.

Listening to these vows, I felt my eyes water. Beside me, Rhonda was blowing her nose as tears streamed down her cheeks. I’d learned to be sure to have plenty of tissues with me if Rhonda was present. She couldn’t hold anything back.

When the minister said, “You may now kiss your bride,” Rhonda and I gave each other a subtle high-five. We’d made it through another wedding. Now the real work would begin, making sure there would be no problems with the following celebrations. I noticed that Adam seemed subdued after almost ruining the wedding.

At the cocktail reception in the dining room, Rhonda and I had the opportunity to congratulate the bride and groom.

“You look gorgeous, Alyssa,” I said.

“I hear we have you to thank for talking our mothers into being reasonable,” said Burr.

“I’d like to think this is a perfect opportunity to celebrate both the wedding and the upcoming first grandchild,” said Elise joining us.

Burr and Alyssa looked at one another and beamed.

“I’m very happy for the two of you,” said Rhonda. “I’m excellent at matchmaking, and I would’ve put the two of you together right away. You’re perfect together.”

As we walked away, I shook my head. If Darryl and Abbie continued to show interest in one another, I was sure Rhonda would take all the credit.

###

With Rhonda’s and Annette’s blessings, I left the hotel to go home to Vaughn. As I’d mentioned to Rhonda, I never knew what his schedule would be. Maybe that’s why we tried so hard to take advantage of every opportunity we had to enjoy one another.

At home, Robbie was on the couch on the lanai with Cindy watching television. I saw Vaughn down by the dock sitting on the boat. Even though it was getting dark, he sometimes liked just resting there.

“I’m going to change my clothes and go sit with Dad for a while,” I said to Robbie.

I left him and went to my room, slipping out of my work clothes and putting on a pair of jeans and a knit top. Then, not wanting to waste a minute, I hurried down to the boat.Zephyrwas a beautiful sloop and Vaughn’s pride and joy.

He looked up from his seat in the cockpit and smiled. “I was hoping you’d get back soon. It’s a beautiful night and the stars are already coming out. How did the wedding go?”

“It was charming. The couple is very special. Hopefully, after a Bridal Brunch, it will be another one over and done with.”

“Great, because I just got a call from the producer. I have to leave on Monday morning. I was lucky to have a few days off, so I’m not complaining. But I always hate to leave here. After we wrap up the last few scenes, I’m going to check on my condo in New York City. Want to meet me there?”

“I might be able to. Thanks. Let me know when the dates are, and we’ll take it from there,” I said, suddenly excited to be in New York. And if that didn’t work out, maybe something else would.

“Care for a nightcap to celebrate being together?” he asked.

“I’d love to celebrate us with you.” Starring in the soap opera, Vaughn had spoken many romantic lines in his role as mayor of a small town. It had taken me a while to realize that not all heartwarming lines were from the show. He had a natural, romantic way about him.

He poured me a drink from a container he had and handed it to me as I settled on the bench next to him. We gazed up at the stars that had sprung to life above us in the darkening sky. The moon was a glowing round orb above us, shedding silver light on top of the gentle waves lapping on the shore of the inlet and against the dock’s pilings. A deep sense of peace filled my soul. Nature and Vaughn’s love did that for me.

I turned to him, and his lips met mine, gently at first and then with growing passion.

When we pulled apart, Vaughn smiled at me. “And people ask why I always want to come home.”

We chuckled together. I hoped that as the years passed, we’d always have these special moments.

###

---