Page 50 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

When we met, he swept me up in his arms, and I held on tight, never wanting to let him go. After dealing with the ups and downs of running the hotel, I always felt safe in his embrace.

He tilted my chin, and his lips met mine. And I knew from his kiss how happy he was to be here.

“They changed the shooting schedule around, so I have some time off,” he said when we finally pulled apart.

“You’re in time for our Halloween weekend. Rhonda and Will are taking off for a much-deserved break, but I’ll spend as much time with you as I can. How would you like to dress up in costume for dinner on Saturday evening?”

Vaughn let out a sigh and squeezed me tighter. “If you weren’t so darn cute, I might say no. But, for you, I’ll do it. But only if I have to. I don’t want to interfere with the planned festivities by being recognized and forced to sign autographs.”

“Absolutely not. That’s not fair to you or me,” I said.

Cindy jumped around my feet, barking for attention. I picked her up. “Guess she was glad to see you.”

Vaughn laughed. “She wiggled so fast she fell. Not that she had far to fall.”

I hugged the dog and put her down. “Robbie should be home soon from swim practice. I’d planned just a light dinner, but we can change that to celebrate your being home.”

“No, let’s keep it simple. Want me to grill up some steaks?”

“Sure. I’ll make a salad,” I said. Chicken breasts could wait for another night.

“I’ll change my clothes, and then we can relax on the lanai.” Though temperatures were a little cooler at this time of year, it was still in the low 80s.

“How about a swim?” Vaughn asked.

“You just want to see me in my bikini,” I teased.

He laughed. “I’ve missed being home with you. But, yes, there’s that too.”

We went into the bedroom together to change.

Glancing at Vaughn as he stripped down to change, I couldn’t help smiling. Though we were aging, we worked to keep ourselves healthy for our jobs, and he looked great.

He sensed me looking at him and playfully flexed his arms.

I chuckled and went to give him a hug. Hearing Robbie come into the house, we hurried to get dressed.

“Mom! Where are you?” called Robbie. He stepped into the bedroom as I slid my coverup over my bathing suit.

When he saw Vaughn in his trunks, Robbie grinned and dashed over to him for a hug, crying, “Dad! You’re home!”

My heart filled with love for them.

“Are we going out on the boat?” Robbie asked Vaughn.

“Maybe tomorrow. I want to spend some time with you and Mom right here. I’m going to clean up the boat and make sure everything is in order before we take her out.”

“Aw, okay,” said Robbie.

“How did you do with your swimming?” Vaughn asked him.

Robbie grinned. “The coach expects me to place first at the next meet.”

“Great. But even if you don’t win, remember to enjoy it,” I said.

“I know,” groaned Robbie. “I’m hungry. I need a snack after all that swimming.”

“Help yourself. Dad is going to grill steaks later, so don’t go overboard,” I said, amazed at how much my skinny boy could eat, and realized he was about to go through a growth spurt.

---