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CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
CHARLOTTE
Charlotte paced the office, waiting for Shane’s father and his family to show up. They’d called from the road a half-hour ago to say they’d be there shortly. Charlotte knew Beryl would go from amused to angry if she checked on their rooms one more time. The connecting rooms were in perfect order, with a vase of fresh flowers in each one, along with the usual bottles of water and a welcome letter.
When at last she heard a commotion, she raced out of the office to greet them in the reception area. She stopped in surprise. Shane’s father looked remarkably like him with blond hair and blue eyes in a handsome, rugged face. No wonder Diana had mentioned their similarity.
Beside Henry stood a short woman with a cute figure, dark hair, and brown eyes. She smiled at Charlotte in a sweet way that made Charlotte’s lips curve in response.
She walked over to them, her hand outstretched. “Hello, I’m Charlotte Bradford. Welcome to The Sanderling Cove Inn. We’re excited to have you stay with us while you’re visiting family.”
“I’m Savannah Ensley,” the woman said, shaking Charlotte’s hand. “Our two kids are outside. They’ll be here in a minute.”
Henry clasped Charlotte’s hand and studied her. “Hello, Charlie. I’m Henry. You certainly are Vanessa’s daughter. You look just like her.”
“Thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment,” said Charlotte, turning as two teenagers entered the room. The boy was tall with dark straight hair and brown eyes, like his mother. The girl had blond hair and hazel eyes. Both had a combination of their parents’ features.
“Meet two of my children,” said Henry. “Brent and Emma.” He turned to them. “This is Charlotte Bradford, Shane’s friend.”
“Where’s Shane? And Austin?” Brent asked him. “I want to meet up with them.”
“Wait until we get checked in, and then you’ll be free to find them,” said Henry. He faced Charlotte. “Is Shane still in Miami?”
“Yes. He had a late meeting and won’t return here until dinnertime,” she said. “He wanted me to tell you both that he’s looking forward to your being here.”
“I can’t wait to see him again. It’s been a few months now,” said Savannah. “He and Austin make our family complete.”
Henry put an arm around Savannah. “Savannah is the heart of our family.”
“Yeah, Mom,” said Brent affectionately, while Emma moved closer to her parents.
After seeing that they were settled in their rooms, Charlotte went downstairs to help Livy and Brooke prepare for cocktail hour. Twenty couples were “in the house,” a hotel phrase Charlotte had picked up. Brooke and Holly would act as hostesses for the party.
“How are they?” Livy asked when she walked into the kitchen.
“I suppose you mean Shane’s family,” said Charlotte, chuckling. “From what I can tell, they’re fabulous. No wonder Shane and Austin have been excited about their visit.”
“That’s important,” said Brooke.
“Yeah, that means a lot,” Livy said. “I’m glad they could come. Like you two, I don’t remember them from earlier visits.”
“What are we serving tonight?” Charlotte asked Livy.
“Stuffed mushrooms, a roasted nut mixture, and toast points with an olive tapenade,” said Livy. “And we’ve invited all the cove people as you suggested.”
“Thank you. Granny Liz was thrilled with the idea when I spoke to her about it.” Being with Shane’s family was a nice way for Charlotte to be comfortable with them. Her cell phone rang.Shane.
“Hey, there. Are you on your way? Yes, yes, they’re very nice, and your brother and sister are adorable. Okay. Talk to you later. Drive safely. Yes, me too.”
Brooke and Livy turned to her when she clicked off the call.
“Meeting the family is an important step,” said Livy with a teasing grin.
“It would be for you too if you were still mooning over Austin,” said Brooke.
“Yeah, Livy, what’s going on with all that? I thought you still had a crush on him,” said Charlotte, happy to give rather than receive some teasing for a change.
Livy’s face fell for seconds, and then she brightened. “I’m exploring my options. I’m not ready for anything serious.”
