Page 95 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

Later, we checked thehouse again to make sure everything was spotless. While we were there, a staff member from Tropical Fleurs came into the house. “We’ve got the van here with the flowers. Is it okay to set up?”

“Yes,” I said. “Good timing. We want the flowers to be fresh.”

Rhonda and I went over Lorraine's notes about the flowers and made sure the bouquets were placed exactly where Caro wanted them.

After we were pleased the arrangements were right, we left to inspect the private dining room and drop in at the hen party in the Bridal Suite. It was almost time to get ready for the wedding.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Rhonda and I steppedinto the dining room and sighed with pleasure. The small room looked stunning, with dark green tablecloths on the tables. Crystal goblets sparkled at each place beside shiny silverware. In the middle of each table was a crystal vase holding sprigs of dark green pine, white orchids, and holly branches to add to the holiday décor.

At the far end of the room, the bar was set up, and next to it was a place for the harpist to sit and play music.

“Seeing this makes me want to get married all over again,” gushed Rhonda.

We walked to the Bridal Suite and heard the sounds of laughter before we even opened the door. The “Fab Five” plus Cilla and another woman we hadn’t met were all talking.

Seeing the group of women like this, I made a mental note that doing something like this for small wedding groups was a great way to put people who might not know one another at ease.

Caro saw us and came over to us. “This has been such a lovely day already. Come meet my mother.”

She led us to a tall, thin woman with gray and white streaked hair who was strikingly attractive. It was very clear where Caro got her lovely looks.

“This is Adrienne Graber. And Mom, these are the two fantastic women I told you about. Ann Sanders and Rhonda Grayson, the owners of the hotel.”

“It’s such a pleasure to meet you both,” said Adrienne. “I applaud women like you who’ve accomplished so much. I’ve had my own retail business for years.”

“Retail, like the hotel business, has its ups and downs,” I said.

“Oh, yes,” Adrienne said. “I’d hoped Caro would take over the business, but she’s off on her own adventures. I understand how important that is.”

“I haven’t seen Henry yet to congratulate him,” I said. “But he’s a lucky man.”

“Yes. They both are,” said Adrienne. “They make a great couple.”

“Thanks, Mom,” said Caro. “I’m going back to the house now to change.” She turned to Jane. “Ready?”

---