Page 72 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“We want to get married at The Beach House Hotel. Do you think we could do it on Sunday after Thanksgiving? I know it’s a busy time for you, and I suspect Saturday is out. It will be a simple, private wedding for only sixteen people, and ...”

“Hold on,” I said, stopping her. “We do have a wedding on Saturday. But we could do your small wedding that Sunday evening. What accommodations do you need?”

“Are the houses available that weekend? Caro asked.

“Let me see. Hmmm. One house is available that Friday, the other not until Saturday.”

“Please hold. I’m texting Henry now. I’m in Pennsylvania packing up. Henry is at our new apartment in D.C.”

“Yes! He says we’ll take both of them. One on Friday and one on Saturday. But he asks if we can have them through Tuesday. The parents are making room reservations on their own.”

“That’s fine. I’ll notify the reservations department. Send a deposit right away to confirm the houses. Would you prefer me to send that information to Henry?”

“That would be great.” She gave me his phone number and then gushed, “Oh, Ann. It was such a lucky day when the book club decided to come to The Beach House Hotel. It’s such a magical place.”

“It was a lucky day for us, too. So, all five of you will be here?”

“Yes. They’ll come with me on Friday. My parents, Henry, his parents and brother, and Slade will come later.” She giggled. “I feel like I’m in the middle of a fairytale. Henry is everything I’ve always wanted in a man. I don’t know how I went so wrong the first time.”

“This is very sudden, but I’m sure you’ve both thought it through,” I said.

“We’ve talked and talked about everything from our favorite books to how I feel about his Dachshund, Duke. It’s all so fantastic. First, to be taken in by the book club, the youngest in the group, and secondly, to meet a man and know right away that he was the one I’ve been waiting for my whole life.”

“And Henry feels the same way?” I couldn’t help asking.

“Yes. He was engaged once but couldn’t go through with it. But now, he’s ready, with me, and doesn’t want to wait. I don’t either.”

I heard the catch in Caro’s voice and felt a sting of tears. It was a true love story. I couldn’t wait to tell Rhonda.

###

On my way home, I droveto Rhonda’s house. We were so used to seeing each other every day that it seemed only natural for me to go out of my way to visit her.

When I rang the doorbell, Willow answered. Her face lit up at the sight of me, and I wrapped my arms around her. “Hi, Sweetie. Where’s Mom?”

“In the kitchen. Rita’s not here, and Mom has to make after-school snacks for us,” said Willow, taking my hand and leading me inside.

“Hi, Auntie Ann,” said Drew, grinning at me. “We’re having peanut butter treats. Do you want one?”

I looked at the toasted bread cut into squares and topped with peanut butter. “No, thank you.”

Rhonda laughed. “They were easy to do. I’ve been making some of Will’s favorite foods, so I haven’t time to fuss now.”

I walked over to the stove, lifted the lid on a pot, and inhaled the garlicky tomato sauce.

“Delicious. Your mom’s recipe?”

“I’m trying to be careful about what food we eat, but Will is so thin I want to give him some home cooking. What can I get you?”

“How about a cup of coffee? It’s been quite a day. I’ve got some exciting news for you.”

After Rhonda made sure the kids were set, we took our coffee to her upstairs sitting area. It was a favorite spot in her house where we could have some privacy.

“So, how are things going with Will?”

Rhonda frowned. “He said he was going to talk with Reggie about something that’s been bothering him. I don’t know what it is, but I was glad to hear he’s talking to someone about it. How about you? You said you’ve got exciting news?”

“Guess what! Caro, who is part of the book club group, and Henry are getting married at the hotel on Sunday after Thanksgiving.”

---