Page 86 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

A short while later, Clint returned to the house without any packages. He didn’t mention doing any shopping and announced he was taking a nap.

Nell arrived in time to escort the children out of the pool and assist them in getting dressed in their special Christmas clothes.

I went to the kitchen to take care of the beef, then, as excited as the kids, I went to my bedroom to change into something festive.

Vaughn saw me enter the room and came over to me. He pulled me into a warm embrace. “Merry Christmas, darling. In all the confusion in the next couple of days, I might not get the chance to thank you for all you’ve done to make this holiday fun for everyone.”

He put his arms around me and lowered his lips to mine. I leaned against him, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having him in my life.

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Just before our guests were due to arrive, I asked Bailey to be the official door greeter. In a green velvet dress and with a green ribbon in her hair, she looked adorable.

Ned, wearing khaki pants and a red and green plaid shirt, kept running to the window to see if the Ts had arrived.

Robbie was helping Vaughn, who was setting up a bar in the butler’s pantry.

Stephanie and Randolph arrived at the same time as Liz and Chad, along with their kids. They helped lead the Ts to our front door, where Bailey was calling out to them.

Chad followed, carrying Gabe in his arms, walking beside Liz, who held a tray of appetizers.

Tina, Nick, and their boys arrived next. I knew Bernie and Annette would be the last to arrive and the first to leave. It was always that way because of their duties at the hotel.

Sure enough, as dinner was about to be served, Bernie and Annette arrived. Bernie, bless his heart, was wearing a Christmas tie. Annette, who always looked elegant, was wearing a black dress with a sparkly Christmas tree pin that held real gems.

After hugs and kisses and greetings were exchanged with them, we all settled at the tables for dinner. Robbie was being a sport about being the oldest at the children’s table, though Liz had promised to eventually exchange places with him to help keep the kids eating.

Before carving and doling out slices of the Beef Wellington, Vaughn stood and lifted his wine glass.

“Here’s to another year of blessings. Ann and I are extremely pleased to share this meal with you because each of you is an important member of our family. Here’s to another good year.”

A chorus of answers followed, and then he sat down, keeping his eyes on me.

My lips curved at the sexy way he stared at me before we all popped open our poppers.

The children laughed to see everyone wearing silly hats on their heads. I loved the idea of adults playing along with the kids.

Vaughn carved the meat as dishes were passed around the adult table and servings doled out to the children. Nell had cooked chicken fingers to add to the kids’ plates, keeping everyone eating.

Even though the children were seated at a separate table, they occasionally joined us adults, coming in for a snuggle or to whisper secrets. It was sweet to have them here, making Christmas memories.

The quiet hum of contented voices was like music to my ears. A scene like this, our dining room filled with friends and family, was in stark contrast to my childhood, and I treasure these moments.

As the meal was ending, Clint surprised us by getting to his feet. He looked around the table and said, “I want to thank everyone in this room for being so understanding, kind, and supportive to me and my family during these last several weeks. I especially want to thank my wife, Nell, for everything she has done for me. Because you all are special to us, I thought it only right to share this moment with you.”

He pulled out a velvet-covered box from his pants pocket, walked over to Nell’s chair, and knelt beside it. “Nell, I love you more than anything. I always want you by my side. Will you marry me again?”

He opened the box, showing her an eternity ring of sparkling diamonds set in platinum to match her engagement and wedding rings.

Nell stared in shock at the ring, then at him, and burst into tears. “Oh, Clint! That’s the sweetest thing ever! Yes, I’ll marry you again. I love you more than you know.”

She stood, and he wrapped his “good” arm around her and kissed her.

Sighing with happiness and trying to control her emotions, she laid her head against his shoulder.

“I know that whatever it is, I love you more. Right, kids?” Clint turned to them, and I realized he’d planned this with them.

Bailey and Ned ran over to their parents.

“A wedding. Can I be a bridesmaid?” asked Bailey, smiling at her mother.

“Do I have to get dressed up?” Ned asked.

Laughing, the four of them hugged each other.

Vaughn began to clap, and we all joined in. As I watched this couple come together like this, I wasn’t the only person in the room crying.