Page 46 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

“None. It might be a little chaotic and her long-range plans are on hold, but for now, she’s happily settled here. It’s not how she thought moving here would be, but it’s exactly what she’s wanted all along.”

“Excellent. Because we need her,” said Rhonda. “We have special luncheons and Christmas parties planned for every day for the next few weeks.” She shook her head. “I easily forget how hectic these weeks are.”

I grinned. “Maybe because it goes by in one big blur.”

“When are Tina and her family coming?” asked Rhonda.

“I believe they’ll arrive a couple of days before Christmas and leave right after New Year’s Day,” I said. “It’ll be great to see them.”

“I agree. They’re like family,” said Rhonda. She checked her watch. “We need to greet the wedding guests.”

We tried to be present at weddings, greeting guests and ensuring everything ran smoothly. This kind of attention helped our business grow. And for Rhonda and me, it was a chance to show off the hotel we loved.

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We walked into the lobby together and went to a group of people who were assembled there. Because it was a garden wedding, we’d lead them outdoors to be seated. Mingling among the guests, welcoming them to the hotel, and chatting with them about their stay, we made sure they were satisfied.

Just as we were about to lead the group outside, Claudine walked over to me.

“I see you’re back from your trip. Can you tell me what’s going on?” she asked.

I blinked in surprise at her boldness and decided not to answer that question. “I understand you’ve been staying here. I hope everything is suitable. Clint tells us that he’s meeting you here tomorrow.”

“Yes. I didn’t realize how bad his injuries were,” said Claudine. “But we should be able to come to a quick agreement. After all, we’ve been working on this project for months.”

“I’m sorry, but I must see to our guests,” I said, trying to hide my distaste. I’d met plenty of egotistical people, but there was something really off about Claudine that I found unsettling.

“I think we should get to know one another,” said Claudine. “And I’d like the opportunity to meet Vaughn.”

“Annie, we have to go,” said Rhonda, purposely interrupting us.

Seething beneath the surface at Claudine’s behavior, I followed Rhonda outside to check on the wedding. Was Claudine so spoiled and entitled that she thought if she pushed and pushed, she’d get her way? Was that how she operated?

“I can’t believe that woman,” I said. “She’s working to break up Nell’s marriage and wants to meet her father. There’s something very wrong with her.”

“Ya got that right. I did you a real favor,” said Rhonda. “If I’d stayed with Claudine another minute, I would’ve told her to eff off.”

“I’d like to tell her myself. But now we have to be the sweet, caring hotel owners who want to make this wedding a very special occasion.”

“The bride is lovely, and I like the groom,” said Rhonda. “It’s one of those sweet weddings. You’ll see.”

The ceremony was as touching as Rhonda had promised, with the bride and groom obviously in love and not afraid to show it. I laughed with others in the crowd when the groom said, I do and swept his bride up into his arms and did a dizzying dance.

I thought back to Nell and Clint’s wedding. The same kind of tender enthusiasm had been on display with them. Thank goodness they were working to make their relationship right again. But too often, couples couldn’t get past that stage of needing different environments.

“Ready, Annie?” said Rhonda, elbowing me. “Let’s get to the reception. Once it is running smoothly there, I’m going home.”

“I’ll help handle the bridal breakfast tomorrow, and then I’m taking the afternoon off.”

Rhonda and I were careful about seeing that we each had periods away from the hotel. Being part of the day-in and day-out responsibilities could be exhausting. But owning and running the hotel filled a need in us that we recognized.

Until someone like Claudine entered the scene.