CHAPTER TWENTY
A n hour later, Rhonda and I headed to the library, anxious to see how the high tea photoshoot had gone.
When we walked into the room, we were surprised to see Angela and Liz sitting with Jessica and Ryan, laughing and talking.
Liz got to her feet when she saw us. “Come on over. We’ve been talking about some of the early days at the hotel.”
“No wild tales,” said Rhonda, pulling up a chair and sitting with the group.
I joined them. “Those were some pretty tough days.”
Jessica shook her head. “I don’t know how you did all of it when you had young children at home.”
I laughed. “Talk about being busy with young children at home. Together, Liz and Angela have six children under the age of ten. And another on the way.”
Jessica’s eyes rounded. She turned to Liz. “I knew you have triplets, but I didn’t know you were having another baby.”
Liz chuckled. “It was a big surprise. I wasn’t sure I could handle it. But I have a supportive family and friends.”
Jessica shook her head. “I know I couldn’t do anything like that. One baby is so much work.”
Liz studied her. “Tell you what. Why don’t you and Ryan come to my house? You can meet the kids and see how it works for us.”
Jessica and Ryan exchanged glances, and then Jessica said, “Okay, thanks.”
“Angela and her husband, Reggie, are close friends with me and my husband, Chad, so it works well to get together. Sometimes, we end up having dinner as one big group.”
“It’s special,” said Angela, smiling. “We let our kids play together and have some adult time to socialize.”
“Mom? Rhonda? Want to join us?” asked Liz.
“I’m sorry I won’t be able to this time,” said Rhonda, getting to her feet. “In fact, I’d better go. The kids will be getting home from their school activities, and I need to keep an eye on Will.”
“I’m delighted to be invited,” I said. “I haven’t seen the Ts in some time, and I need a GeeGee fix.” I faced Jessica. “My son, Robbie, has swim practice, so he’ll be late getting home from school.”
###
L ater, I was sitting on the patio at Liz’s house, watching Chad and Ryan toss a ball back and forth. The triplets, laughing and shouting with glee, raced back and forth between them, trying to get the ball.
Angela had called to say they’d be a bit late, so while Liz was fussing in the kitchen, I had a chance to talk to Jessica alone.
“You mentioned that your baby, Wade, is ten months old. Is he an active child?”
Jessica’s lips curved. “Yes, he’s not walking yet, but he’s into everything. I can’t leave him for a second. It’s exhausting. Ryan wants more children, but I don’t see how I can handle it.”
“I wanted more children before and after Liz’s arrival, but it didn’t happen. I’ve always been sad about it. Having my grandchildren means the world to me. Does Ryan help you with the baby?”
“Not really,” said Jessica. “I mean, he’s gone for the day and is tired when he gets home.”
“He looks like he’s enjoying the kids now,” I said. Ryan was on all fours on the grass, giving Noah a “horsey ride.”
“Yeah, well, he isn’t that cooperative about changing diapers,” grumbled Jessica.
“Does he ever do that?” I asked.
“Sometimes, but I’m left alone all day to take care of everything,” said Jessica. “ Ryan’s ready for more children. But even the thought of it is exhausting to me. I was hoping that by coming here for the promo opportunity, he would see that we don’t need more kids; we just need to reconnect with each other.”
“Have you talked to a professional about this? It might help to understand one another’s point of view.”
“Maybe that would help,” said Jessica, sighing. “Look at Ryan now.”
Ryan had both girls on his back now, prancing around on the grass. Nearby, Chad held Noah upside down by his feet as Noah shrieked joyfully.
Liz joined us. As soon as she sat down, all three kids came running over to her. “Can we have a juice?” Olivia asked. “We’re all thirsty.”
Liz started to stand.
“Sit tight. I’ve got it,” said Chad. “C’mon, kids. Inside.”
The look of surprise on Jessica’s face was matched by Ryan’s.
“Is that how it always is?” asked Jessica. “Chad helps?”
“Yes. I may be the mom, but Chad is the dad and has to share in the care of the kids. Otherwise, he’s not doing his job.”
We sat quietly until the kids burst outside, each holding a sippy cup. “Remember what I told you,” Chad said to them. “No running around while you’re drinking your juice. You might choke on it. Sit and drink it.”
The three children ran over to their wooden table and sat in chairs at it.
“They’re so well-behaved. How do you do it?” Jessica asked Liz.
“You haven’t seen them fighting or fussing or how they act when they’re over-tired. All of that happens. But even at a young age, we had rules for them. We had to,” said Liz.
“They’re still mischievous and get into trouble because they’re so curious, but they do listen when you talk to them,” I said.
“Yeah, my mom was like that. Easygoing but with rules. I’ve got three brothers, and she made us all mind. I want to give Wade brothers.” Ryan paused. “Or sisters.”
“I didn’t like growing up without a sibling,” said Liz. She turned to me. “But I’ve always known you wanted more.”
“I was thrilled to have you,” I said softly, glancing at Jessica, who kept watching the triplets.
“We’re here!” said Angela as three children dashed past us and onto the lawn. The oldest, Evan, carried a soccer ball. The two little girls, Sally and Izzy, held dolls.
Reggie appeared carrying a tray with cheese and crackers. “Hello, everyone; I’m Reggie, Angela’s husband.” He set down the tray and shook hands with Ryan and Jessica as they were introduced.
Sitting beside me, he said, “Nice to see you, Ann.”
“How are you? You must be busy handling the office alone.” I studied the dark circles beneath his eyes.
“I’m busy, but it’s fine. I’m just worried about Will. Something’s off with him. I know he’s been wrestling with a personal problem, but he refuses to talk to me about it.”
Liz interrupted the conversation. “Okay, what can we get to drink for everyone? We have lemonade, iced tea, and a light white wine. And water, of course.”
After drinks were taken care of, I hoped to resume my conversation with Reggie, but he rose to talk to Chad.
Olivia and Emma ran over to me and climbed into my lap together. After juggling their bodies into comfortable positions, I hugged them both and began talking softly to them. We did a three-way patty cake game, with all of us laughing.
In minutes, they scrambled out of my lap to go back to the yard to play with the other kids.
“That was quick,” said Jessica.
“Oh, yes, but I’ll take every moment I can with them. How about Wade? Does he have a playtime with a grandparent?”
Jessica made a face. “My mother-in-law lives in town. But we don’t get along that well. And when she babysits Wade, she won’t follow my directions.”
“Really? What are they?”
“Well, I keep Wade on a special schedule. He needs to go to bed at a certain time, wake up at a given time, and eat on my schedule. My mother-in-law likes to do her own thing with him.”
“Has that hurt him in any way?” I asked.
Jessica’s cheeks grew pink. “Now, you’re sounding like Ryan. He’s not hurt; he's just thrown off his schedule, which is one that I follow online. They say you must stick to it if you’re going to raise a secure child. Believe me, I want to do everything right for our baby.”
“I’m sure you do, but didn’t Ryan say he had three brothers? That was a lot for his mother to handle. I’m sure she has some tricks of her own for keeping her children happy and secure.”
Jessica let out a long sigh. “My mother is too busy with all her social activities to see the children often. Of course, she lives four hours away, so a visit would usually mean an overnight stay, which neither of us wants.”
Chad cleared his throat. “Time for a toast. It’s always interesting to meet new people. Jessica and Ryan, we’re glad you came to The Beach House Hotel. Thanks for being part of the promo program Liz and Angela are running.”
“Thanks for having us,” said Ryan. “I remember how excited Jessica was when she came for the new mother’s program.”
“Yes, I’m delighted to be back at the hotel. It’s such a beautiful place.” She glanced at Ryan. “Magical, almost.”
After a while, I left to get home for Robbie. But as I drove away, I hoped some of the magic of the hotel would stay with Jessica and Ryan. They had a lot to work out.
###
T he next morning, I told Rhonda what Reggie had said about Will having some sort of problem he wouldn’t discuss.
“It’s the same situation for me. I won’t press him on it until he’s feeling better and stronger. But it’s a conversation that will have to happen sometime.
Angela and Liz arrived to give us a status report on the promo project.
“It’s going well. The sunset and dinner shots were fabulous. We’ll take one photo at the beach this afternoon, and that’s all,” said Angela.
“I don’t know what you said to Jessica, Mom, but she told me she enjoyed her talk with you,” said Liz.
“Just girl talk,” I said. “It was very sweet of you two to entertain them yesterday afternoon. I think it’s something they’ll always remember.”
“Ryan told Chad he hoped it would make a difference in some choices they had to make,” Liz said.
“Yes, it was helpful for Jessica and Ryan to see what it was like having so many children around,” said Angela. “Jessica told me she wasn’t so afraid to loosen her schedule.”
“We’re going to do some work in Dorothy’s empty office and then go home,” said Liz.
“Thanks for all you’re doing,” said Rhonda. “I’m sure you don’t need any guidance from us.”
Angela chuckled and went over to Rhonda to give her a hug. “How’s Dad today?”
“Better,” said Rhonda. “It’s just a matter of time before he’s more like himself. Or so they tell me.”
“Okay. Talk to you tomorrow after Jessica and Ryan leave.”
After Angela and Liz left, Rhonda and I exchanged looks of satisfaction.
“I did good. Right?” said Rhonda.
“Yes. And me, too. I wanted to ask a million questions, but I didn’t.”
Rhonda and I gave one another high fives.