CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Harper and Luciano arrived at my house promptly at two o’clock.
Cindy and I went to the door to greet them. “Welcome! This is our Dachshund, Cindy. She’ll be going out on the boat with us, too.”
Both Harper and Luciano bent down to pet Cindy and then Harper handed me a bakery box. “Homemade canapés for the boat trip.”
“Perfect. Thanks so much. Are you ready to head down to the boat?”
We walked down the slope of lawn to the dock where Vaughn and Robbie were waiting for us.
“We’re all set as soon as Cindy is put in her life vest,” said Vaughn.
I introduced him to Harper and Luciano and introduced Robbie.
Robbie took the box from me and went below to stow the goodies for later.
Then he came up to the deck and took the wheel while everyone but Vaughn got settled in the cockpit.
As captain, Vaughn explained the rules of sailing and how one must follow a captain’s orders at all times, especially when the boat was coming about.
“Robbie, you start the engine and take the wheel while I cast off,” said Vaughn.
With obvious pride, Robbie did as he was told.
Cindy settled between Harper and Luciano loving the attention they gave her.
Moments later, the boat eased from the dock and motored slowly out of the lagoon, past condos on the waterway, and out into the open Gulf.
Robbie and Vaughn worked in tandem to get the sails raised. As the wind filled the sails, Vaughn said, “Okay, cut the engine.”
“I always love this moment,” I said to Harper and Luciano. “It’s such a special feeling to have it go quiet and listen to the soft sound of the boat moving through the water.”
“Sì,” said Luciano. “Thank you for including us.” He glanced at Harper and then looked ahead.
“Do you and your family sail often?” Harper asked me.
“When Vaughn is home, it’s an excellent way to relax and bring the family together again. My daughter, Liz, and her husband go sailing with us sometimes. And we’re starting to get their triplets used to it.”
“Your daughter has triplets?” Luciano asked, putting his arm around Harper.
I couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “It’s quite an experience.”
“I come from a big family,” said Luciano. “But no triplets.”
We all laughed when he pretended to wipe his brow with relief.
“I think it’s a good way to have children. Close together,” Harper said.
Luciano gave her an approving look. “You could handle it.”
They smiled at one another, their gazes lingering on each other.
After we’d sailed for a while and tacked a couple of times, Vaughn suggested we find a quiet spot, toss the anchor, and enjoy our appetizers and wine.
“Over there,” said Robbie pointing to a cove along the shore.
“Okay, come about,” said Vaughn just as Harper stood to go below.
She was on the boat for a minute, and in the next one, she’d been swept into the water by the swinging boom.
I immediately grabbed a floating cushion and tossed it to her, hitting the back of Luciano as he swiftly dove into the water.
Robbie started the engine and helped Vaughn take down the sails.
As part of my training, I kept a steady eye on Harper and Luciano clinging together in the water, relieved to see the waves weren’t an issue. It was clear that Luciano was an excellent swimmer.
Vaughn took over the wheel and guided the boat back alongside the swimmers.
Robbie tossed a rope ladder to them.
Harper grabbed it and began to climb up onto the deck.
When she was safe, Luciano swam to the end of the ladder and followed her up to the deck.
I checked Harper for any injuries and though she had a slight bruise on her shoulder, she told us she was fine. “I just feel foolish.”
“No,” said Vaughn. “I didn’t see you get to your feet. So, the fault is mine.”
“Thank God, you weren’t seriously hurt,” I said. “And Luciano, you were splendid. What a hero you are.”
He shook his head. “It wasn’t even a conscious decision. I just knew I wasn’t going to let anything happen to Harper.”
“Great job,” said Vaughn clapping a hand on his shoulder. “I say it’s time to have some refreshments.”
I handed Harper and Luciano several beach towels. “Dry yourself off and keep yourselves warm. The wine will help.”
They wrapped themselves in the towels and sat. Then Luciano pulled Harper to his side to keep her warm. “You okay?” he asked softly, stroking her back.
Harper nodded. “Thanks. You really are my hero.”
He kissed her on the cheek and drew her closer.
We motored to the cove and anchored the boat. The evening was pleasant with warm temperatures and a dying wind that allowed us to be comfortable as we ate and drank and got to know one another better.
I noticed how kind Harper and Luciano were to Cindy and Robbie. As a mother, it meant a lot to me. And I watched the interaction between Harper and Luciano, noting how they couldn’t keep their eyes off one another and how frequently they briefly touched hands.
The sun was going down as we motored back home, and a quiet peacefulness filled the boat. Regardless of the accident, it had been a wonderful sail. A meaningful one.
Later, when Vaughn and I talked privately about them, we agreed that Harper and Luciano showed all the signs of being a successful couple.
“Rhonda is going to be thrilled. Of course, she’ll say it’s because she knew it first and wanted it to happen.”
Vaughn chuckled. “Rhonda is Rhonda, and we love her.”
###
The next morning, Vaughn agreed to see Robbie off to school, and I wanted a quiet time on the beach to consider the week ahead.
The morning air was full of moisture, and I had the impression that the weather news might be right about the storm system developing off the coast of Africa. It was hurricane season, after all.
I pulled my car through the gates of the hotel and noticed Chet and Philippa emerging from the apartment we’d given to Chet. It made me wonder if Harper and Luciano were sleeping there too.
I continued to my parking space behind the hotel. There, I tossed my sandals into the car and headed out to the beach, looking forward to some peaceful moments.
As usual, at this time of early morning, a quiet busyness hung over the area as people either jogged or walked along the beach and others stooped to collect shells. The cries of the seagulls and terns above me seemed even softer as if they too were not quite ready for the day to begin.
I sighed with pleasure and stepped into the water feeling as if I was part of both the present and the past. The waves rolled in and pulled away in a timeless fashion that never failed to make me grateful for such constant beauty.
A few moments later, I turned and faced the hotel, admiring its lines, loving the idea of being part of it. I’d missed Rhonda and couldn’t wait for her to get back from her weekend away.
“Hello,” came a voice alongside me.
I faced Catarina. “Hello. I’m happy to see you. It’s a lovely time of day to be here.”
“A quiet place to think.” She let out a sigh. “You have a daughter too?”
“Yes, I do. My daughter, Liz, is around the same age as Philippa. She’s married with four children and lives in town. I’m very blessed to have her so close to me.”
“That’s wonderful for you. I face a very different situation.
I have no idea whether Philippa will remain here in Florida as she says or will decide to do something else.
It’s the first time, though, that she’s found someone who she’s very serious about.
But then, how serious can you be in such a short period of time? ”
“It’s hard to face losing a daughter,” I said sympathetically.
“She’s resisted other offers,” said Catarina. She shook her head and looked at the waves before turning back to me. “I guess I hate the idea of losing my daughter to a way of life I never envisioned for her.”
“Philippa is a lovely young woman. You should be very proud of the job you’ve done with her. We’re very excited about having her in our hotel family.”
Catarina placed a hand on my shoulder. “Thank you for your kind words. I’ve never felt she should be bound by the promise between two old Italian men. That isn’t fair. Enrico has tried to show respect for his elders, but this particular thing seems so silly.”
“You can’t plan someone else’s happiness,” I said. “It has to come from them. Just as you can’t plan love.”
“Oh, Ann, I hope we can become friends when I move to this area.”
“The sale of the house has gone through?” I asked.
“Enrico is flying in today,” Catarina said. “But I’m pretty sure he’s going to agree that this is a perfect house for us. We’ll keep an apartment in New York City, but I already think of Sabal as my new home.”
“I’m so happy for you,” I said, giving her a quick hug.
We walked along the beach together, each of us quiet as we settled into our own thoughts. I glanced at Catarina out of the corner of my eye and was glad she wanted to be friends.
“By the way, Luciano and Harper came on a sail with my husband and son yesterday. They are very cute together and are obviously attracted to one another.”
“I’m happy for Luciano. He’s a fine young man who’s been wanting a chance away from family to make some decisions of his own,” said Catarina. “He’s not bound to the vineyard like his brothers.”
“It’s too early to tell what will happen to this relationship, but both Vaughn and I were impressed by their mutual behavior.”
Catarina smiled but didn’t say anything.
I checked my watch and said, “I must head back. I can’t miss our executive meeting.”
Catarina beamed at me. “I’m so happy I happened to see you.”
“Me, too.” I rushed back to the hotel. Bernie didn’t like it if we were late to his meeting.
###
That afternoon, I checked the weekly calendar. Until an important dinner on Thursday, my schedule was lighter than usual, which made my idea of spending as much time as I could with Vaughn feasible. The only problem was the weather forecast.
A hurricane had formed off the African coast and might be heading to Florida.
Though the track of the storm was unpredictable.
I was concerned, but not overly worried.
Fall months in Florida were often filled with uncertainty about the weather, and though we’d keep alert, we’d wait and see until the system moved closer.
As soon as I made sure everything was in order at the office, I left.
###
When I arrived home to surprise Vaughn, he wasn’t there. But Cindy greeted me with her usual enthusiasm. I decided to work in the kitchen. It had been awhile since I’d done some cooking, and I knew Vaughn and Robbie loved my chicken casserole.
A short time later, Vaughn arrived home with Robbie.
“Ah, a pleasant surprise to see you here,” said Vaughn kissing me.
“I’m making one of your favorite meals,” I said. “For both of you. How did school go today?”
“Fine,” said Robbie. “They’re having another fall dance this weekend, and Brett and I decided we’d go.”
“Sounds like fun. Do you have to invite a girl?” I asked, amused by the way Robbie’s cheeks had turned pink.
“No,” he said. “A group of us guys will go and hang out.”
“Okay. Tell Brett’s mother I’ll be glad to share driving,” I said as Robbie grabbed a snack from the cupboard and then left the room.
“Where does the time go?” Vaughn said. “Didn’t we just bring him in the family? And now he’s doing more and more on his own.”
“It’s fabulous for us to have so many grandchildren. They will keep us young,” I said, realizing Robbie would be driving in what would seem no time at all.
Vaughn drew me to him. “You’re the sexiest grandmother I know. Don’t forget it.”
I laughed as his lips met mine for a longer kiss than before, reminding me that as long as we thought of ourselves as young, the better we’d feel.
###
Later, just as Vaughn and I were heading to bed, I got a call from Rhonda. “Hi, Annie. We’re back in town. Thought you’d want to know. Did I miss out on anything?”
“Nothing I can’t tell you tomorrow. Did you have a delightful trip?”
“The best. Will, the old rooster, still has it,” said Rhonda, and I couldn’t help laughing.
We ended the call, and I laughed all over again telling Vaughn about it.