Page 82 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

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That afternoon, Rhonda and I stood on the sand with our husbands and the other wedding guests. A few chairs formed a circle around the small altar for those who couldn’t stand for long.

To the soft music of the guitar player, Darryl’s sisters walked down the boardwalk one by one and onto the sand. Then it was Tina’s turn to make her way toward us.

Her face was glowing with happiness as she approached Nicholas and the rest of us in the wedding circle.

Then everyone focused on Abbie walking with her father.

Wearing a stunning slip-like mid-calf white silk dress, Abbie’s gaze remained focused on Darryl who was trying not to cry as he stared at her. His father, who was acting as best man, patted Darryl on the back.

As Abbie came closer, I could see tears welling in her eyes and felt her happiness at reaching this very special moment with the man she loved. I glanced up at Vaughn standing beside me, and he squeezed my hand to let me know he was remembering our beach wedding.

Knowing the hotel had played a role, I glanced at Rhonda, who winked at me. The Beach House Hotel was much more than a place to sleep, eat, and play. It brought out the best, sometimes the worst, in people because it was run by us with our wish for each person to find joy here.

After the ceremony, we’d celebrate with excellent food, stunning accommodations, and a toast or two. We might even end the celebration with nightcaps. One thing was for certain, there would be many more celebrations at The Beach House Hotel.

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