CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The next day, what was supposed to be a low-key welcome home party for Clint, turned into something much bigger.
Vaughn, Will, and Reggie joined Angie, Liz, Tina, Rhonda, and me for a luncheon I had catered by the hotel.
The men had worked as hard as the women in getting the house ready, and it seemed only right to include them.
We gathered in the empty kitchen, waiting to rush out front to surprise them as soon as we heard Nell’s car in the driveway.
I gazed around the room, feeling as if the empty house was already a home because of the love that had gone into changing it. Vaughn caught my eye and winked, understanding what I might be feeling.
The sound of a car in the driveway brought us out of the kitchen and onto the front walk just as Clint awkwardly emerged from the car. His eyes were round with surprise as he gazed from us to the house and back again.
“Welcome home,” said Liz.
“Welcome to your new house,” Angie added.
Nell came up beside Clint, and as she reached for his arm, he turned away from her and us.
It wasn’t until I saw his shoulders shaking that I realized he was crying. My own eyes stung with tears. Clint had been on an emotional roller coaster since Thanksgiving.
“Wow!” said Clint, facing us once more. “This is great! What a change from the original photos. I can’t believe it.”
“C’mon inside,” said Nell. “I can’t wait to show you what our family and other people have done to have this house ready for you. For us.”
“We’ve got champagne,” said Rhonda. “Show him around, and then we’re going to celebrate.”
While Nell took Clint on a quick tour, Rhonda popped open a bottle of champagne, and Will opened another. Vaughn and I arranged the food on the kitchen bar and waited with the others for Clint and Nell to return.
Clint’s face was as flushed as Nell’s when they walked into the kitchen.
Their red-rimmed eyes told a story of their own.
But their smiles met ours. We’d done it.
We’d completely surprised Clint, who was still wearing casts or removable splints on his arms. There’s no way he could’ve done the work that we accomplished for him.
“Thank you, everyone, for all your contributions. Sorry to be emotional, but it’s been a rough time. Having you here and showing us this kind of support makes all the difference.”
“Let’s make a toast to that,” said Vaughn, handing him a plastic tulip glass full of champagne and one to Nell.
After we all had been served, we lifted our glasses in the air. “Here’s to family!” I said.
Cries of “Hear! Hear!” followed, and then we dug into the food.
###
After lunch, Rhonda and I spoke alone about the welcome home for Clint.
“I’ve always been fond of Clint,” said Rhonda. “But when I saw his tears at seeing his house and us standing there, I loved him more than ever.”
“He can be pretty quiet,” I said. “But seeing his reaction meant a lot to me. It’s been tough on those kids. Parents want their children to be happy and settled. I feel as if Nell and Clint are back on track now.”
“Will tells me that Clint is going to work with him for a few weeks as a test period. If it goes well, he and Reggie will ask him to be a partner.” Rhonda shook her head. “There’s no way they’d even test him if they weren’t sure about him.”
“That’s one area I’m definitely staying away from. But I hope it all works out.”
Rhonda winked at me. “It was just you, me, Liz, and Angie not that long ago. Look what’s happened to us.”
I grinned. “I love having Tina and her family included for the holidays. There’s always room for more.”
“Always,” Rhonda agreed before we headed to the private dining room to check on the preparations there.
###
At home, my house was filled with the excited sounds of Ned and Bailey on the lanai talking to their dad about their activities. Vaughn and Robbie were on the dock.
I walked to the guest room to check on Nell.
She was on the phone and waved me inside the room.
I lowered myself onto the lounge chair and waited for her to finish, pleased to have this moment to relax.
She ended the call and turned to me. “The new furniture won’t be delivered until after Christmas.
But the moving company has reconfirmed delivery for December 27th, which means Clint and I, and the kids can start the new year in our own home.
” She clasped her hands and let out a sigh.
“This whole month has seemed as if we’ve had one miracle occur after another to make a move here possible.
There’s no way any of this would’ve happened without you and Dad and Rhonda and the rest of the family.
” She chuckled as she took a seat on the lounge beside me.
“I think Clint is in a state of shock at how fast everything is changing.”
“Did you take the kids to see the house when you and Clint went back to look at it again?” I asked.
“Yes. They’re thrilled with their new rooms. Clint and I noted what else we wanted to add to the function and décor. I think he would’ve been very discouraged if he’d seen it as the Wileys had it. Everything looks clean and fresh and welcoming.”
“It’s a beautiful home,” I said.
“We’re lucky to have it,” Nell said. “I have a feeling the money Clint gave the company won’t be returned for some time.
They can’t keep it forever, but they can make it difficult for us.
I don’t want to borrow any more money after we pay off Rhonda.
We’ve both learned a lot of lessons from this past year,” said Nell, and let out a little sigh.
“More lessons to come, I’m sure. Clint and the kids will have to get used to my working at the hotel. It’s too important to me.”
“You’re lucky to have outside help to make it less stressful for them.”
Nell sat up straighter. “I know I’m luckier than most, and I appreciate that.
But, Ann, I believe every woman has the right to grow and expand beyond her personal experiences, even when she has a family.
I understand it’s difficult for some to do that, but the idea that she’s not entitled to do so is scary to me. ”
“Me, too,” I said. “But each woman must decide how best to handle what they’ve been given. For many, choice is taken away by circumstances and sometimes even brute force.”
“Are you talking about abuse?” asked Nell.
“Physical and emotional abuse. Even ordinary control by others. Maybe something as simple as trying to meet the expectations of the people around her.” I realized how different it was today from when I was growing up with my grandmother.
“Do you think Liz and Angie mind that I’m working at the hotel when they’re not ready to do so?” asked Nell.
I wrapped an arm around her. “Not at all. You’re the oldest of our three daughters. Rhonda and I are delighted. The time will come when the three of you will be responsible for the hotel. You can start.”
“Thanks. That makes me happy,” Nell said, and rising together, we went to be with the rest of the family.
###
The next day, Tina’s husband, Nicholas Swain, arrived. A well-known Hollywood director, he and Vaughn were friends. After meeting in the afternoon, Vaughn agreed to take him sailing in the morning.
At dinner, Vaughn shared his plans with us.
Clint surprised everyone by asking if he could go too. “I need to be on board to overcome any fear I have. I promise to stay in the cockpit the entire time.”
“Okay. Robbie is going, too,” said Vaughn. “We’ll all keep an eye on you.”
“Thanks,” said Clint. He grinned at Vaughn, but I could tell that Nell was worried. She glanced at me, and I remained silent. His right arm and lower left arm were almost healed. His upper left arm, however, was still in a cast.
“Robbie, sweet brother, I’ll depend on you to help Clint,” said Nell, ruffling his hair as he sat beside her.
“I will,” Robbie said earnestly, and I wanted to hug him.
“The weather is supposed to be nice,” said Vaughn. “Warm and gentle sea breezes.”
“I’ll be fine,” said Clint. “I need this.”
Nell studied him, and the issue was settled.
###
The next morning, I decided to take a walk on the beach. I loved having my family around, but I relished a few quiet moments to myself. I quietly dressed and left the house while everyone was still sleeping.
As I drove to the hotel, the rising sun was spreading pink fingers through the gray morning sky. I knew they would be met with orange and yellow colors as the day grew lighter.
Sunsets and sunrises along the Gulf Coast drew the attention of visitors and locals alike.
After I parked the car at the hotel, I walked onto the beach and sprinted over to the hard-packed sand near the water’s edge. Still in sneakers, I began to jog along the shore, grateful for the movement. As busy as we sometimes were, my physical activity was sometimes lacking.
I jogged a distance from the guesthouses and then turned around to go back. As I came closer, I realized the couple I had seen talking together in the distance was Tina and Brock Goodwin.
My steps slowed. I wanted nothing to do with Brock after he’d inserted himself in the investigation concerning Claudine.
Brock noticed me and waved me forward.
Trying to control my temper, I walked over to them.
“’Morning, Tina. I didn’t expect to see you up this early,” I said.
“I couldn’t sleep. Brock saw me,” Tina said tersely. She, too, was not a fan of Brock’s.
“I thought she might introduce me to her husband. I could offer him a real bargain on supplies and props needed for his movies,” Brock said smugly.
“The studio has people who are responsible for that,” Tina said.
“Don’t you ever stop trying to swindle people with your products?” I asked, burning with anger. Rhonda and I had asked him many times not to try to sell his wares to our guests. Actually, we didn’t want him to speak to them at all, but that was impossible to control.
“I don’t know what you mean, Ann. My imports are of high quality,” huffed Brock.
“So, you say. You know, Brock, that Rhonda and I are aware of how you became involved in a recent investigation with one of our guests. You should have nothing to do with it, as they were staying at our hotel.”
“Do you mean Claudine Everett? She was all over me, asking me questions. She’d even agreed to go out with me,” Brock said haughtily.
“Figures,” I said.
Tina came to my side and put an arm around me. “Look, Brock, I’m well aware of what kind of man you are and will not mention your proposal to my husband. Like Ann says, I know what kind of man you are. I’ll never forget the slimy way you treated me when I was a lonely, unhappy teenager.”
Brock glared at us. “You women want to keep bringing up old stuff. Move on.”
“Time for you to move on,” I said.
Tina and I headed toward her guesthouse together.
“Insufferable man,” groused Tina. “Let’s have a cup of coffee on the lanai before you have to get to the hotel.”
We went inside. Tina poured us each a cup of coffee, and we went out to the lanai. I’d often wished for mornings like this with her and sat back in one of the chairs, relishing this quiet moment with her.
At the sound of little footsteps, we turned and saw Victor and Ty in their pajamas.
I held out my arms, and Tyler went into them while Victor climbed up on the lounge chair next to his mother.
Cuddling Tyler, I thought it wouldn’t be too much longer before he’d feel too old for this. He was a sweet little boy, much quieter than his brother.
When I knew I couldn’t stay any longer, I reluctantly got to my feet.
Nicholas entered the lanai and waved at us before kissing Tina. “It’s going to be a great day for sailing. I can’t wait.”
I explained that Clint would be joining them.
Nicholas lifted his eyebrows in surprise. “Brave man.”
“He’s determined to get back on the boat to chase away any bad memories,” I said. ‘I’m glad you men will be together to enjoy the sea breezes.”
Tina and I hugged goodbye, and I left, pleased that Tina had such a lovely family.