Caro, Lisa, and Amy joined us.

“How is everything here? Is there anything we can do for you?” I asked.

“We’ve arranged for a limo to take us to get our hair and nails done,” said Amy. She glanced toward the water. “If this wind doesn’t stop soon, it won’t matter what our hair looks like.”

“The important thing is we’re here together,” said Lisa.

“That’s right,” said Jane.

“We’re having flowers delivered to the house next door for the ceremony. We’ll have your bouquet delivered there, too,” I said. “I assume you’re dressing there.”

“Yes,” said Caro. “Then Henry and I will move to the Bridal Suite.” She grinned. “It’s all still a dream.”

###

Rhonda and I returnedto our office, looked over the arrivals and departures schedule, and went to check on rooms needed for the wedding. With the five women and their guests staying at the two houses, we needed only four rooms. One for each set of parents and one for Henry’s brother, and, of course, the bridal suite for Henry and Caro. Amelia would be staying with her sister and Jean-Luc at their house, which had been partially remodeled to accommodate her and her security people.

Three of the four rooms were already empty.

Rhonda grinned at me. “Easy, peasy.”

I groaned. “No! Don’t say that!”

“You’re right. Now, we’re doomed to trouble. I should know better.”

I opened the notebook and stared at the tasks remaining to be done. Nothing unusual.

Henry’s parents were due to arrive. We went to the lobby and waited for them. When we saw our hotel limousine pull up to the front of the hotel, Rhonda and I went down the front steps to greet them.

It was always exciting to meet new people, and I couldn’t wait to see what Henry’s parents were like.

A smiling, blond-haired woman got out of the back of the limo and stood gazing around. Her husband, standing very erect and with classic features, came quickly to her side.

Rhonda and I moved toward them.

“Welcome to The Beach House Hotel,” Rhonda said.

“And for such a happy occasion,” I added.

Both of his parents smiled and eagerly shook our hands.

“I’d almost given up on Henry getting married,” said his mother. “I’m Cilla Watson, and this is my husband, Chester.”

“We’re so pleased to be a part of the wedding between Henry and Caro. If you need anything, please let us know,” I said.

“We were a bit surprised at the suddenness of the ceremony, but once Henry makes up his mind about something, he moves fast,” said Cilla.

“His brother, Mark, is due to arrive a little later,” I said.

“Yes. I don’t know if he’s notified the hotel, but he’ll be bringing a young lady to the event. That was a last-minute arrangement,” said Cilla.

“No problem,” Rhonda said. “Come inside. We’ll get you registered.”

“We’ve been able to arrange an early check-in for you,” I said as I led them inside while Rhonda took care of seeing that the luggage was handled.

###

In the office, Rhondaand I went over our list.