CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The staff Christmas party was a favorite event for our employees and for Rhonda and me. Even Vaughn played a part, dressing up like Santa Claus to hand out gifts to all their children.
This year was even more exciting for me because Bailey and Ned were living with us, and that made the magic of the season even more real.
When I checked in with Annette at the hotel to see how the plans were shaping up, she said, “Very well. In fact, we have a surprise for you and Rhonda.”
“It’s a secret?” I asked.
“Definitely,” she answered, wearing an enigmatic smile.
I, who hadn’t had childlike holidays growing up with my stern grandmother, grinned back. “I can’t wait to see it.”
“It’ll be worth the wait,” said Annette, laughing.
Later, when I told Rhonda about it, she said, “Guess that’s why it’s a surprise. No one will give me a hint about it. Clearly, we’ll have to wait a couple more days to find out.”
###
On the late afternoon of the day of the party, we closed the dining room.
We were going to transform it into a holiday scene with presents placed around the Christmas tree that stood in the corner of the main room.
Buffet tables were lined against the wall, and a special cookie table was set up in a corner for the children.
A bar serving beer, wine, and punch was located near a table offering coffee, tea, and cocoa.
If anyone overindulged in alcohol, we had drivers ready to deliver them home, but with it being a family affair, we seldom had that kind of trouble.
As usual, Rhonda and I arranged to arrive early to greet our employees’ families together. Today, she was wearing a crimson caftan while I’d slipped on a dark green sheath in keeping with holiday colors.
“You look festive,” I said, giving her a hug. “I never grow tired of doing this party for our employees.”
“Same,” said Rhonda. “The kids look forward to it as much or more than their parents.”
“And we all have a fun time,” I said, watching the young, single wait staff put out the food. We’d learned long ago to feed the crowd first, then open the gifts.
Families were lined up outside the doors when Rhonda and I finally opened them to welcome the people inside.
Noticing children in new dressy clothes, a sweetness filled me. They looked excited to be here. Though some of them tried not to show it, most of the teenagers in the group seemed pleased to be among the group of kids and parents.
Angie and Liz arrived with their children, followed by Nell, Clint, and the kids, accompanied by Vaughn and Robbie.
Once the room was full, Bernie went to the microphone and welcomed everyone to the party. It seemed only right for him to speak as he was the leader of our employees.
Later, as people were continuing to eat the ham, turkey, and beef that had been served, Rhonda went to the microphone.
“Happy holidays to everyone! Annie and I always look forward to this party because … presents for the kids!”
The kids erupted into cheers.
Adults looked on as Rhonda explained how, when a child’s name was called, they’d move forward, receive their gift, and bring it back to their parents to open it, keeping the process going.
I went into the back hall to greet Vaughn, dressed as Santa. He looked adorable in the suit that did a decent job of covering him up.
“We’ll have you sit right by the tree,” I said, looking with surprise at the big elf following Vaughn into the room.
Laughter bubbled out of me as I stared at Bernie dressed in a green and white striped costume and wearing big red booties on his feet.
Rhonda came over to us. “Bernie! You’re the surprise!”
Bernie nodded sheepishly. “I got talked into doing this by the staff.”
I clapped my hands together. “It’s perfect. You’re a doll to go along with it.”
Bernie shook his head. “I would only do this for the two of you. It’s been a helluva ride.”
The kids gathered around the tree, sitting on the floor or standing nearby as Vaughn called out one name after another.
With a total of over seventy children, it was smart that Bernie was able to smooth the operation by handing a gift to the appropriate child.
There were even a few bicycles and tricycles involved.
When it was the Ts’s turn to receive their gifts, I helped ensure they got the right ones and led them back to Liz and Chad. Their little brother, Gabe, was given his gift in his mother’s arms.
Nell helped Bailey and Ned with their gifts, and then the last one was given to Robbie.
“Last but not least,” I said, giving him a hug.
I stood a moment and watched Bernie help a child open his package.
Unexpected tears stung my eyes. Bernie was such a wonderful man, who’d changed a lot from when we first met him.
Gone was the stiff, proper man who lived by strict rules.
In his place was a softer, gentler man who Rhonda and I treasured.
Rhonda sidled up to me and stood watching Bernie. “What a great surprise to see him dressed in costume like this. It’s made this Christmas special already.”
“It was a lucky day when we hired him to be our general manager,” I said.
“I hope he and Annette like the cruise we’re giving them,” said Rhonda. “It’s the least we can do.”
“They’ll love it,” I said. “Now, let’s get the families moving out of here so we can put the dining room in order.”
Rhonda and I stood by the doors wishing people goodnight. I couldn’t help thinking how fortunate we were to have loyal staff members. Most of them had been with us for years; some, from the beginning.
When I arrived home, the family was gathered on the lanai watching a holiday special. I walked over to the couch and sat down beside Vaughn. This, being here together, was the best gift of all.
###
The next day, Nell and Clint flew to D.C., leaving Bailey and Ned in our care.
Clint was now wearing removable casts on both arms and had begun very light physical therapy to keep his shoulder joints flexible. He was anxious to meet with the board of his company and sever that relationship completely.
Nell was meeting with the real estate agent to sign the appropriate paperwork for the sale of the house.
A family from outside the country was interested in buying it for a fair price, along with a lot of Nell and Clint’s furniture.
Nell was hoping to close the deal so she could begin looking for a house in Sabal.
With a second mortgage placed on the house in D.C.
, her hopes for finding what she thought she wanted were slim.
That evening, Nell called me. “We’re here, staying at the house. It seems strange to be in it, knowing we’ll soon be gone. Sitting beside Clint on the plane, I thought of the past year and all we’d been through, and I’ve never felt closer to him.”
“It’s important for the two of you to have some time alone,” I told her. “Don’t worry about the kids. They’re busy with us, Liana, and our special grandparents, who are loving being with them.”
After we ended the call, I told Vaughn that having Nell and Clint work together to move on with their lives was very hopeful.
“Now, we must let them handle their circumstances.”
I chuckled. “I know, I know. But parents want their children to be content and settled.”
He wrapped his arms around me. “You’re such a good mom.”
I leaned against him, thinking how incredible it was to have found him and his two children.
Liz called as I was tucking Bailey and Ned into bed.
It being a school night, they were more than ready to go to sleep.
Meeting new kids at school was exciting for them, but also nerve-racking.
Especially for Bailey, who was used to her friends at home.
Ned’s first-grade teacher was a favorite, and I didn’t worry about him finding friends.
I kissed them goodnight and took the call from Liz. “Hi, what’s up?”
“I just learned that elderly people in my neighborhood are going to sell their house and move to a 55+ community nearby. I know Nell is looking for a house, and though this house is a real ‘fixer-upper’, I want her to know about it. I’ve tried her cell and no answer.”
“Keep trying. I love your neighborhood,” I said, vowing not to get any more involved than necessary. I’d promised Vaughn.
###
The next morning, I was surprised by an early call from Nell, who informed me that the house was going up for sale in Liz’s neighborhood. “Would you go take a look at it for Clint and me? We trust your judgment.”
“Sure. I’ll call Liz and make those arrangements. Then, I’ll let you know what I think. Hopefully, they’ll let me take some photos, too.”
“Thanks, Ann. I knew I could count on you. Clint and I will sign the sales agreement for this house today. Once that’s done, I’ll know how much we’ll have to spend on a new one.”
I ended the call with Nell and phoned Liz.
“I’ve already spoken to the owners and told them I have someone interested in buying their house and that we might not need a realtor, only a lawyer, which would be cheaper. They’re very excited.”
“Let me know what time to come and see the house for Nell and Clint. I’ve got a meeting with some magazine people, but no matter when you arrange a visit, I’ll be there. This is too important.”
“I hope they’ll be willing to work on the house,” said Liz. “It’s the best location for a family. Everyone in the neighborhood is extremely friendly. They’ll fit right in.”
“We can only do so much, but I appreciate your quick thinking. What Nell and Clint decide will be up to them.”
“Oops, gotta go. I’ll call you in a bit,” said Liz, and I heard a chorus of cries in the background.
###
Rhonda and I were meeting with the advertising people from one of the society magazines we advertised in when Liz rang my cell to tell me to come to the house right now.
I stood. “May Rhonda and I get back to you with our decision on what and when we’ll advertise? I have another meeting I can’t miss.”