Page 78 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“Best for you,” grumped Darryl and then elbowed her. “Kidding. Go ahead and stay with Rand. That way, it might be less confusing. Abbie will have a better chance to get to know them.”

“Are you sure it’s okay?” Emma asked Rand.

“Of course,” said Rand, and winked at her.

“Do you still have time for a walk?” I asked Emma.

“Sure, everything else can wait. Let’s go.”

We walked side by side down the beach. As we moved, I could sense Emma’s excitement.

“Do you think there will be any problems with your sisters?” I asked her.

“Honestly, all three of them will be surprised at the way things are between Rand and me. They’ll be happy for me, of course, but I think they might object to my falling for him so quickly. It’s not like me.”

“Maybe they, like others, won’t see the man you know beyond his appearance and manner.”

“His money and looks will mean little to them. They’re all happily married to decent men. They will want to make sure he’s worthy of me.”

“I like that,” I said, thinking some interesting days were ahead. “If there’s anything Rhonda and I can do for you or them, please let us know.” I checked my watch. “I’d better go.”

“Thanks,” said Emma. “Maybe you and Rhonda can stop by after work for a quick drink. I’d love my sisters to meet you both.”

“We’ll do that,” I said, knowing full well that Rhonda would never be left out of such an opportunity to keep an active role in her matchmaking plans.

###

Before going into the office, I raced home to change my clothes. I’d hoped to see Vaughn but realized he was meeting that morning with the board of cultural affairs in Sabal. He liked helping out where he could to keep theater alive in town.

As I showered and dressed, my mind kept comparing Rand and Vaughn. Both men were very handsome and successful. And more alike than some might suspect. Beneath their smooth manner and appearance were men who were quiet and introspective when alone or with someone they trusted.

###

Late afternoon, at a call from Emma, Rhonda and I headed to Darryl’s house anxious to meet the Douglas sisters. And we couldn’t wait to see Abbie again.

I carried a tray of appetizers from the hotel kitchen and Rhonda held two bottles of chilled, sparkling rosé wine.

Before we could even knock, Emma opened the door. “Hi, I’m glad you’re here. Come inside.” She accepted the tray from me and came back from the kitchen to take the wine from Rhonda. “Thanks for the treats.”

We stepped into the living room. A group of women were sitting together, talking.

“Hey, everyone!” said Emma. “Let me introduce Ann Sanders and Rhonda Grayson, the owners of the hotel.”

As one, they turned to face us.

Abbie waved, and I studied the other three women as Emma introduced them.

Kim, the oldest, was an attractive woman who wore her blond hair pulled back into a bun, had brown eyes, and wore round horn-rimmed glasses. Stylish, almost regal-looking, she smiled warmly at us.

Jessie was introduced as next in age to Kim. She was a little shorter and was pleasantly plump. Her facial features were similar to Darryl’s. She moved forward and hugged both Rhonda and me.

Alex, closest in age to Emma, looked a lot like her with frosted brown hair and bright hazel eyes. She wore a two-piece bathing suit showing off her trim, curvy figure. Her grin was impish, and I suspected she and Emma got into trouble as children.

Darryl came over to Rhonda and me and took the bottles of wine from Emma. “Here, let me open these, and we can toast being together. Rand should be here soon.”

I followed him into the kitchen to see if I could help.

“How’s it going? Any news from your lawyer?” I asked him.

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