Page 87 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“Slade is a decent man,” said Caro. “He’s been through some tough times himself, which is why I think this is a great opportunity for them both.”

“Yes, we’ve talked about making changes in our group, and we’ve all decided we should do it in small or big ways, whichever works for us,” said Jane. “We have our visit here at the hotel to thank for that.”

“It’s almost magical,” said Heather.

Rhonda glanced at me and then said to the others, “We like to think we have a certain ability to help relationships blossom.”

“Like what?” asked Lisa, who was married to her high school sweetheart. “Like matchmakers?”

There was nothing I could do to stop a self-satisfied smile from crossing Rhonda’s face.

“Here’s to Ann and Rhonda!” cried Jane, and all five women lifted their glasses.

“Let’s go out on the lanai,” said Jane. “I want to enjoy the sun.”

Heather carried the charcuterie tray, Amy grabbed the bottle of Champagne, and we gathered on the lanai near the pool.

“Ahh, it feels wonderful to be back,” said Lisa. “When the men get here tomorrow, they’ll discover what they have missed. Geoffrey has agreed to stay for the week. It’ll be our first vacation together in a long time.”

“I’m glad some of you can stay here beyond the wedding,” I said.

“We wanted to have this one day together before family and friends arrive,” said Heather. “With all the changes taking place, it seems a sweet way to face them. “And we’re glad you’re here,” said Amy, refilling our glasses.

I’d just started to take a sip when my phone rang.Vaughn.

“Hi, sweetie. What’s up? Is Randolph okay?”

“He’s recovering nicely. I’m going to take Stephanie home to rest, and then she’s agreed to come for dinner. I thought maybe you could pick up Robbie and make a short visit to Randolph while Stephanie is away. Also, Lorraine and Arthur decided to return to their own home today.”

“Okay. That’s probably better for them. Please tell Robbie to be ready. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Everything all right?” Rhonda asked.

“Yes, a man close to the family just had some minor surgery,” I said. “I’m going to pick up my son to visit him.”

“We sometimes forget that while we’re here on vacation, it’s a different story for you and Rhonda. You have your work at the hotel and your families to fill your time,” said Jane.

“You’ll come to the wedding, won’t you? You and your husbands?” said Caro, looking worried.

“Of course,” said Rhonda. “We don’t want to miss it.”

“Right,” I said. “It’s one of our sweetest hotel stories.”

Geoffrey and Heather’s husband, Craig, will be here tomorrow afternoon,” said Lisa.

I turned to Jane. “Do you have a date for the wedding?”

Blushing furiously, Jane nodded. “It’s the schoolteacher I’ve been dating. Carl Staunton is his name.”

“Some of us will be moving to the house next door tomorrow. The rest of the wedding party has rooms at the hotel.”

I rose. “It’s a joy to have you all here again. Relax and enjoy tomorrow. And then, Rhonda and I will be handling your wedding.”

“It’s going to be beautiful. I know it,” said Rhonda, smiling at the group. “I hope you have your appointments at the spa.”

“Oh, yes. We made sure of it,” said Heather.

“See you later,” I said to the group and left to pick up Robbie.