CHAPTER TWO
The next couple of days were hectic as Rhonda and I stepped in to help wherever we could at the hotel and did what was needed to support Angela and Reggie in dealing with the emotions and practical details following a death in the family.
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the same day as Nell was due to arrive with her children, I was assigned to help with a wedding.
Nell promised to call me when she was about to enter Sabal, so I could race home to meet her.
The guestrooms were ready for her and the children, with welcome gifts in each one.
The day was full of mixed emotions as I dealt with sadness over Arthur’s passing, happiness for the wedding couple, and excitement for Nell’s arrival.
I arrived at the hotel to make sure the bridal party of six had a breakfast buffet before heading out to a morning at the spa and then a bride’s luncheon at André’s.
The bride, Melinda Peterson, a sweet girl from Cohasset, Massachusetts, greeted me with a hug of enthusiasm.
“Thank you, Ms. Sanders. Everything has been delightful. Henry and his parents agree.”
“I’m delighted you’re pleased. You have a beautiful day ahead of you. The garden looks lovely. It’ll be a perfect setting for your wedding. Please let us know if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” she said, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Most weddings weren’t this easy.
I went to check on the work status in the hospitality office.
Lauren, who was now a co-wedding planner, was there reviewing her Excel spreadsheet.
“How is everything?” I asked her.
“Very well,” she replied. “I’ve told Lorraine we have no worries, that she should just concentrate on her family.” Her eyes filled with tears. “It’s sad this has happened. Lorraine and Arthur were very happy together.”
I swallowed hard. “It doesn’t seem fair, I know. We’ll have to be a big support to Lorraine in the coming weeks.”
“Annette and I have already promised to take the lead on all social activities,” said Lauren.
“Thank you. Rhonda and I appreciate all you’re doing,” I said. “You’ll make sure the side lawn is set up well in advance of the ceremony today?”
“Oh, yes. Don’t worry. I know your daughter is arriving today, and you want to be able to be with her.”
“I’m hoping she gets here before noon, as she said. It’s a lovely day for a wedding and a homecoming.”
Though I continued doing work around the hotel, my mind stayed focused on Nell’s arrival.
We usually saw Nell and her family at least once or twice a year.
I was eager to see how much the kids had grown.
At eight, Bailey was the same age as Angela’s Sally Kate.
They loved to play together. Ned, at five, was about the same age as the triplets, and he and Noah were best buddies.
It seemed a shame Nell’s family had chosen to live and work in Washington, D.C.
, when the rest of the family wanted them to move to Sabal.
I was talking to the kitchen staff about the breakfast buffet for wedding guests tomorrow when my cell chimed with a call from Nell.
“We’re almost there,” said Nell, her voice sounding a lot more upbeat.
“Okay, I’m heading home from the hotel. I’ll meet you there.” I ended the call, phoned Lauren to give her the news, and left the hotel.
###
At home, Vaughn and I stood together in the driveway, our arms around each other as our black and tan dachshund, Cindy, gamboled at our feet, sensing our anticipation.
When Nell drove into the driveway, I raced forward to greet her as she got out of the car.
The kids climbed out of the back seat and went to Vaughn while I hung onto Nell. The worry I’d held since her call flared inside me as I studied the circles beneath her eyes and the lackluster smile she gave me.
“I’m overjoyed to see you,” I said, hugging her tight. “You can relax in our warm sunshine.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
She stepped away and said, “Hi, Daddy,” in a voice that reminded me of Liz when she was hurting.
I turned to Bailey and Ned, giving them my attention with hugs and kisses, then said, “C’mon. Let’s get you inside. Then I bet you’re ready for a swim in the pool.”
“Hooray,” said Ned, and I loved his enthusiasm.
Robbie emerged from the house and smiling at Nell said, “Hi, sis.”
Nell stepped back and studied him. “You’re grown even more since I last saw you. You’re going to be as tall as Dad.”
She gave him a hug. “Ned has been talking about his uncle.”
“I want to go in the pool with you. I’m really fast,” said Ned.
Robbie ruffled Ned’s blond hair. “Glad to hear it.”
He put his arm around Bailey, who gave Robbie an adoring smile. There was no doubt that she was going to be a beauty when she grew older. With butterscotch hair and big hazel eyes, she loved dressing up and was already very stylish.
“Was the drive difficult?” I asked Nell as I took her arm and led her inside.
“Not too bad. But I’m glad we decided to spend the night in Georgia. And the kids knew I needed them to behave, which is why they might get cranky later on.”
“No worries. We’re just happy you’re all here. You can relax before the holiday.”
“Before Clint comes,” Nell said. “I really need to talk to you.”
“I’m ready anytime, but I suggest we wait until tomorrow. The wedding will be over and you hopefully would have been able to get some sleep.”
“I look like hell, don’t I?” said Nell. “That’s another thing I’m hoping for—some spa treatments and to get my hair cut and colored.”
“No problem. After you get settled, we’ll make those appointments. It’s a busy season of year, but I can manage it.”
Nell leaned her head against my shoulder. “That will be wonderful.”
When we entered her guestroom, Nell saw the envelope I’d placed on her bed and smiled at me. “What delightful thing have you done for me?”
I laughed. I always treated Nell to something whenever she came for a visit.
Nell swept the envelope up into her hands and opened it. Grinning, she said, “Thank you. I need a new outfit, and Christine at Styles always knows what I like.”
We hugged and I said, “I hope this stay will be healing for you.”
Nell frowned. ‘Me, too.”
I left her to check on the kids. Bailey loved her sundress I’d left on her bed, and Ned held onto the bulldozer toy I’d bought him to use at the beach.
I helped get their clothing settled in their rooms while they went swimming with Robbie and Vaughn.
As I filled their chests of drawers, I realized they’d each brought a lot of clothes.
Were they prepared to spend the next few weeks here in Sabal instead of going home?
It was something Nell and I would, no doubt, talk about.
I went to my room to change to go to the hotel. Rhonda and I tried to attend as many weddings as possible, and we always made an effort to dress for them. With Rhonda busy with her family, I would represent us.
I’d just slipped on my chocolate brown linen sheath when Nell appeared. “Liz told me about Arthur Smythe’s death. I’m sorry. I want to go to the funeral service with her. Can we arrange for a sitter?”
“Yes, Liana will be glad to help, I’m sure. Vaughn and I pay her fees at the local community college in return for her babysitting when we need her. It works out well for both of us.”
“I wish I had that arrangement at home,” said Nell. “Though my social life is about zero,”
I studied her. “That’s not like you, Nell. You like to get out.”
“Nothing is like me anymore. We’ll talk tomorrow. I know you’re about to leave for the hotel.”
I gave her a hug. “I love you, you know.”
“I know. I’m delighted my father found you,” said Nell.
“You helped make it happen,” I said, giving her another squeeze. “I’ve always appreciated your support.”
We left my bedroom together and walked outside to the pool.
“Have fun, everyone,” I said. “See you later.”
Vaughn came over and gave me a kiss. “Everything is fine here. Go and enjoy the wedding.”
I held up the handkerchief I’d tucked into the pocket of my dress. “All set.”
“You’re such a romantic,” Vaughn said, leaning down to kiss me again.
I noticed Bailey and Ned watching us and wondered if they saw this often at home. Or was it as bad as I thought they might be?
###
Back at the hotel, I met with Lauren and Annette to make sure all was ready for the wedding, reception, and dinner. After confirming that everything was in order, I walked outside to the garden where the ceremony was to take place.
Manny and his crew had done an excellent job preparing the grounds. Grass lay like a green velvet cover atop the ground. The hibiscus hedges along one side and against the hotel walls were trimmed, their pink and red blossoms creating a lovely accent.
Chairs, whose backs were covered in white linen cloth, lined up in two sections in front of the gazebo where the harpist would play behind the minister. Pale blue ribbons adorned the backs of the chairs.
As I was standing there, Danielle from Tropical Fleurs entered the garden, carrying an arrangement of blue hydrangeas, white roses, and white calla lilies.
“How beautiful! And so unusual,” I said.
“The bride discovered blue flowers stand for not only desire and love, but also hope and the beauty around her. Very appropriate for an art teacher, don’t you think?”
“Very sweet,” I said. “She’s become one of my favorite brides.”
“Mine, too,” said Danielle. “The mother of the groom not as much.”
“Oh? Was there a problem?” I asked.
“She was afraid the blue wouldn’t look compatible with the russet color of her dress. She wanted to make sure the blue would be soft enough.” Danielle shook her head. “I talked to the bride, and we figured it out.”
“This arrangement is stunning. Thank you. Rhonda and I are delighted that you’re part of our wedding business group.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Danielle finished placing the arrangement on the white altar, and then, satisfied, she left.
Studying the flowers and knowing what they signified, I thought back to Nell and Clint’s wedding.
It had been such a happy one. Nell was truly in love, and Clint had become overwhelmed with emotion when he saw Nell stroll into the garden on Vaughn’s arm.
I hoped whatever problems they were having could be resolved.
I turned as the harpist arrived with her instrument, and I helped her up the steps into the gazebo.
“Lovely day for a wedding,” she said.
After a few minutes, she sat and began playing. As those pure musical notes floated above and around me, I felt my eyes water. My emotions were all over the place.
Forcing myself to concentrate on the details ahead, I hurried to my spot at the garden entrance to help guests find their seats.
I stood back as the bride appeared, looking angelic, and was then ushered into the garden by her father. Usually, Rhonda was with me. I missed her by my side as, once again, emotion overcame me.
Once the ceremony was underway, I headed into the hotel to check on the reception by the pool. We’d enlarged the pool deck to accommodate such affairs, and weather permitting, many wedding groups opted to be outdoors near the pool.
Inside the dining room, which had been partitioned, the area for the wedding dinner was ready, with baby blue linen tablecloths adorning the tables. I loved that we could offer a variety of colors for table linens to match the wedding's color theme.
Annette came over to me. “Hi, Ann. How are you doing? I spoke to Lorraine a while ago. She’s devastated by Arthur’s death. I think it’ll be quite a while before she’s ready to come back to work. I told her not to worry about it, but I’m concerned about staffing.”
An idea flashed through my mind. “I think I may have someone to help out. Let’s talk on Monday after the weekend is over.”
“With Thanksgiving coming up, I didn’t want it to be a problem,” said Annette.
“You’re right to bring it to my attention. What would we do without you?” I said, giving her a quick hug. Married to Bernie, she was a treasured addition to the hotel family.
Lauren joined us. “Ann, I know your daughter just arrived. Everything is set for the reception and dinner. Why don’t you go home and spend time with your family? I’ll see you tomorrow at the after-wedding breakfast buffet.”
“Thanks. I think I’ll do that. Everything seems to be running smoothly.” I left and went to my car, eager to be home with Nell.