Page 61 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

I was aware of the cameras focused on us.

“Thanks for having us,” Ryan said, glancing at Jessica. “This is the first time we’ve ever been away from the baby. My mother is babysitting.”

Rhonda and I exchanged places, and I had a chance to speak to Jessica. “We hope you enjoy your special stay with us,” I said. “Your husband said this is your first time away. Let’s make this a special time for you both.”

Jessica smiled. “We’ll try to.” She lowered her voice. “His mother is staying with the baby. It was supposed to be my mother, but she got sick and couldn’t do it.”

“I’m sure Ryan’s mother will do a satisfactory job. I can promise you that being a grandparent is an honor. I have three of my own and another on its way.”

Jessica studied me for a moment. “Do you love them all the same? I’m worried that if we have another baby, he or she will never be as loved as our baby boy, Wade.”

“With love, there’s always room for more,” I said and turned as Ryan joined us.

“Let’s go see our room,” he said to Jessica.

“Liz Bowen and Angela Smythe, your hostesses for the next couple of days, are waiting for you in the lobby,” I said.

We walked into the hotel together, and Rhonda and I stayed behind as Liz and Angela came forward to greet them.

Watching our daughters take on our roles as greeters, I felt a pang. The day would come when they would do those jobs permanently. But not until we all were ready.

I glanced at Rhonda and could see from her expression that she felt the same sense of loss at handing the hotel over to our girls.

“I’m not ready to give it up, are you?” she asked.

“Not yet.” I hugged her, and we stood there as observers.

###

Much later, beforeI left the hotel, I went to see Lorraine’s assistant, Laura. “You’re trailing our Pamper Program couple, aren’t you?”

“Oh, yes. Liz and Angela made it clear they wanted someone from the hotel to be aware of what was happening with Jessica and Ryan at all times and to notify them if there were any problems. They seemed a little worried about it.”

“If this works, it could become an important campaign. We’d be doubling the original Mother’s Pamper Program by following it up and connecting it with a couples program.”

“It’s a great idea,” said Laura. She frowned. “So far, not much is happening. Ryan has been wandering around the property alone.”

“I’ll walk by their room,” I said. “If I hear them inside, I’ll see if they need anything and be able to assess the situation.”

“That would be great,” said Laura. “I’m to stay in the background. Jessica and Ryan are supposed to have their picture taken at dinner tonight. Liz said she’d be here, but we want to be sure they’re up to doing it.”

“Okay, I’ll see if they’re around. If not, I’ll leave to go home.”

I left Laura’s office and wandered down the hallway to the bridal suite where we’d placed Jessica and Ryan. At the end of a first-floor corridor, the suite had an oversized patio and plenty of privacy created by lush landscaping. It was a perfect place for brides, honeymoon couples, and romantic getaways.

When I approached the room, I could hear Jessica’s voice. “You don’t understand. You haven’t even tried to understand what I’m going through since the baby and I came home from the hospital.”

I glanced around. The corridor was empty, so no one would’ve heard this.

Hoping I wouldn’t be making a mistake, I tapped on the door.

Ryan answered the door.

“Hi,” he said as Jessica walked outside to the patio.

“I just wanted to know how things are going. Are you two going to be able to be photographed at dinner tonight?”

“Come on inside,” said Ryan. “We’re trying to adjust to time away from our usual routines.”

---