Page 6 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

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.