Page 52 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

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.”