Page 73 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“Wow! It didn’t take them long to let the hotel and our matchmaking skills go to work,” said Rhonda.

We looked at one another and laughed.

“Seriously, they’ve been talking every day and being with one another as often as possible,” I said. “Henry was engaged once before and backed out, but now he’s ready and doesn’t want to wait. He also knows what a miserable time Caro had with her ex. That must have something to do with wanting their relationship to be stable.

“They’re perfect together,” said Rhonda, reinforcing my feelings. “You could see how well-matched they were. I’m surprised it’s happening so quickly. But then, after knowing what her friend, Amy, went through with her ex-husband being found dead and all of us realizing how short life is, I get it. No reason to wait.”

“I think it’s doubly sweet they want to be married here. Henry is renting both houses that weekend. One on Friday and the other on Saturday. Caro says it’s going to involve only sixteen people. So, it will be small and simple.”

“Is it going to be on the beach? The weather is a little unpredictable then,” said Rhonda.

“I don’t know. Caro is talking to Lorraine about it now, I suspect.”

Rhonda took a sip of coffee and smiled at me. “You know, Annie, we’ve always thought of the hotel as our home, allowing people to stay and enjoy it. I’ve wanted our guests to find the same happiness we’ve found here with each other and with our families. I think that’s why I enjoy matchmaking so much. It just seems right. Ya know?”

“I do. Caro called the hotel magical, and I think of it that way too.”

“Let’s keep that feeling going,” said Rhonda. She lifted her coffee cup, and I clinked mine against hers.

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That night, Robbieand I had just finished dinner when Vaughn walked into the kitchen.

Cindy, Robbie, and I all raced to him to greet him.

Vaughn set down his suitcase and hugged Robbie, patted Cindy, and then drew me into his arms. “Mmm. I’ve missed you.” He noticed Robbie standing by. “Missed all of you.”

“What can I get you to eat?” I asked. “We have the fixings for Elena’s tacos. Want some?”

“Sounds delicious.” He reached into the refrigerator for a cold beer and opened it. “It always seems like a long flight home. What’s happening here?”

“I’ll let Robbie tell you about school and everything while I put together a meal for you. I thought you’d be home later.”

“I was able to catch an earlier flight and grabbed at the chance to do so. We wrapped up shooting, and I don’t have any commitments away until sometime early next year.”

“Perfect,” I said and listened as Robbie and Vaughn talked while Cindy continued to wriggle with happiness at Vaughn’s feet.

It always felt better with Vaughn at home.

Later, after Robbie was settled for the night, Vaughn and I were able to show each other how much it meant to have him here.

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