Page 84 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

Nell frowned and nodded. “I didn’t know what to think when Claudine came into the picture. She really went after Clint. I was at home, frustrated with my life. It was a combination that could have turned out to be awful.”

“I understand,” said Tina. “But I hear you’re going to be working at the hotel doing something you love while the kids are in school.”

“I’ve wanted to do something useful for a long time. I mean, in addition to being there for Clint and my kids.”

“It’s a fine line, but I’m happy for you that you’ve managed to work it out,” said Tina. “When I’m away for a movie, I go through the same feelings of wanting to be with my kids and still wanting to do something for myself.”

Nell hugged Tina and turned to me with eyes swimming with tears. “I’m grateful I can talk to you. Women helping each other, supporting one another, is important.”

I faced them. “We’re family, and we’ll always do that. Right?”

We smiled at one another.

###

At dinner, I asked Clint how the sailing had gone.

He grinned and glanced at Vaughn and Nick. “Great. I’m not going to lie; it was a challenge the first time the boat heeled. I had to remember I wasn’t going to end up in the water like last time. But Vaughn knows I love sailing, and I love his boat. Once I knew I could totally relax, I was fine.”

Vaughn gave him a steady look. “You’re a true sailor. If you were scared, you never showed it. We’ve had many hours together on that boat. Now, we’ll have many more.”

“I understand the Coast Guard rescued you,” said Tina.

“Guess why they were out there,” said Vaughn. “Chasing smugglers.”

“Thank God, they stopped to help,” said Nell.

Clint returned her smile with such a sexy look I knew everything was right between them.

###

After everyone was down for the night, Vaughn and I cuddled together in our bed. I loved these times of lying close and talking.

“How did it go on the boat with Clint? I know he feels better about sailing. Did it take away some of your guilt to see him comfortable there?”

“Yeah, I guess. He had a chance to ask me some questions about what is going on for me, and I got the sense that feelings were back to normal between us.”

“Oh, that makes me happy. What a relief. Tomorrow is going to be busy with our Christmas Eve dinner here at the house. Stephanie and Randolph Willis are thrilled to join us, along with Annette and Bernie. Tina, Nick, and the kids will be with us for the meal. After dinner, we’ll all go to Rhonda’s for dessert and a nightcap, giving the kids a chance to be together. Barring any problems at the hotel, I’ll be busy here at home most of the day with a few quick runs to and from the hotel.”

“I’ll take the kids to do some shopping of their own and out to lunch or go wherever they want,” said Vaughn. “How about that?”

I hugged him hard. “That’ll be perfect.”

His lips met mine, and I thought our relationship was the best gift I’d ever been given.