Dinner at the Beach House Hotel

by Judith Keim

  Roger Sloan was just leaving when I arrived. “We should be all set for tomorrow’s press conference. I want you to take part in it, Ann.”

  I shook my head. “You know I don’t like that kind of publicity. I’ll cheer you on from the sidelines.”

  He gave me a steady look. “This is Vaughn’s job and he needs your help. Understand?”

  At his scolding tone, I flinched. For Vaughn, I’d do it. “Okay, I’ll do my best.”

  After he entered the elevator, I went into the ladies’ room and dabbed at my eyes. I hated being in the public eye.

  When I returned to Vaughn’s room, he gave me a thumbs-up sign. “Roger has arranged a morning flight for us. If Doctor Rathbone says it’s all right for me to travel tomorrow, we’ll do a quick press conference here at the hospital and be on our way. Nice, huh?”

  I forced a smile. “Very nice. It will be wonderful to have you home. I understand Nell is going to meet us there.”

  “She wants to make sure her Dad is okay.” His voice lilted with pleasure. This time, my smile was real. His kids loved him.

  We chatted about things in Florida, and when Ty and June came to his room, I stood and explained that if I was going to be present at Vaughn’s news conference, I needed to buy a new outfit. I’d come unprepared.

  After a successful shopping trip to Nordstrom, I returned to the hospital to find Vaughn sound asleep. Ty was sitting beside Vaughn’s bed, reading a book.

  “Where’s June?” I whispered to Ty.

  He grinned. “Visiting a friend. She’ll be back soon. And then, Ann, we have to head to the airport for our flight home. You don’t mind, do you?”

  “Of course not. I really appreciate your making the trip. I know how much it means to Vaughn, and to me.”

  “We’ll arrive in Florida for the wedding on the sixth. Can’t wait. It should be a good time for everyone. Especially now.”

  “I’m so excited...”

  “Excited about what?” asked Vaughn, coming awake.

  “Excited to think we’re going to be married in three weeks.”

  He grinned. “Come here, babe.”

  Ty looked from me to him and got to his feet. “I’ll give you guys some time alone.”

  Neither Vaughn nor I noticed when Ty left.

  Lying next to Vaughn on the bed, I was careful not to hurt him. For some time, the spleen injury and broken ribs would be painful reminders of all he’d been through. His left arm was in a cast, and though it was awkward, he could move his arm and his fingers.

  Tenderly, I touched the bruises on his face. A yellowish tinge was added to a few of the spots. The scratches and shallow cuts on his face had begun to heal. I couldn’t imagine what a less-healthy man might look like after such an accident.

  “I should be plenty healed by the wedding,” Vaughn said, trailing a finger down my cheek. “Nothing’s going to stop me from going ahead with it. I meant what I said. During some of my worst moments, I thought of you, Ann.”

  I struggled not to cry. “So many wonderful memories of us together flooded my mind as I worried about you and waited for news. They were the longest days of my life.”

  At the sound of a knock at the door, I scrambled to my feet.

  Dr. Rathbone walked into the room and smiled at me. “Guess everyone is feeling better.”

  “Thanks for all you’ve done for Vaughn. We can’t wait to get him back home.”

  He nodded. “I don’t see that as a problem. If all his vitals look good, you should be able to take that jet back to Florida tomorrow.” He turned to Vaughn. “How are you doing, Mr. Mayor?”

  Vaughn grinned. “Don’t mean to be rude, but I’ll be doing better at home. Hard to get a good sleep around here.”

  “Ahhh, we like it when our patients begin to complain. It means they’re getting better. Now let’s take a look at you.”

  I left them alone and stood outside the room. A young, red-haired nurse hurried over to me. “You’re so lucky! Vaughn Sanders is such a doll! And super handsome.”

  “And so hot,” said another nurse, a blonde, joining us. “Is he really as sexy as they say?”

  I opened my mouth and closed it.

  At my distress, the blonde apologized. “I’m sorry for asking you that. That wasn’t very professional of me.”

  “Yeah, but we both want to know,” kidded the red-haired nurse, laughing.

  They left, and I couldn’t help the sigh that escaped me.

  ###

  After Ty and June left with promises to see us soon in Florida, Vaughn and I spent a couple of quiet hours together. I read a book while Vaughn either napped or watched television. We both watched, fascinated, as The Sins of the Children came on in the late afternoon. I’d forgotten how easily one could get caught up in the twisting plots of the show and how real the characters seemed after a while.

  Later, as we ate supper in his room, we talked about it. “Yeah, I guess that’s why it’s hard for some people to imagine I have a real life—with you and Liz and Robbie and my kids.”

  “I guess that’s why the news conference is so important to the show,” I said, refusing to tell Vaughn about Roger’s scorn at my lack of understanding.

  “It shouldn’t take long and then we’ll be on our way to Florida.”

  I nodded, hoping I wouldn’t disappoint him or Roger Sloan.

  ###

  The next morning, I dressed with care. Studying myself in the mirror, I thought the turquoise knit dress was perfectly suitable for this occasion and would be useful in Florida as well. I brushed my hair, applied some light makeup to my face, and glossed my lips. Though I detested the idea of a press conference, I vowed to do my best for Vaughn.

  When Roger saw me enter the conference room with Vaughn, he gave me a nod of approval.

  A number of reporters, mostly female, and several cameramen had been admitted to the room. Seated or standing before us, they awaited Roger’s introduction.

  Roger cleared his throat. “Once in a while, a television hero becomes a real hero. We at The Sins of the Children are very fortunate to have Vaughn Sanders here with us today. Unfortunately, Sam Nichols, the director of the show, was not so lucky. Nor was their pilot. James Evans. We extend our deepest sympathies to both families.”

  He took a moment of silence and then, with a flourish of his arms, indicated Vaughn. “And now, to all our millions of loyal fans, I present my hero, Vaughn Sanders. Vaughn, tell us exactly what happened in Alaska.”

  Vaughn squirmed uncomfortably in the wheelchair the medical staff had insisted he use. With his arm in a cast and bruises on his face, he looked like a hero, but I know how he hated to be thought of that way.

  Defying orders, Vaugh painfully rose to his feet. When the applause died down, he said, “I’m no hero, but I’m really glad to be alive.” He gave a very brief summary of the accident, leaving out the gory details, and then announced, “As some of you know, I’m engaged to be married to a wonderful woman in three weeks, which is what kept me going. I keep my promises. I’m noted for that, even as mayor of my television town. Right, Roger?”

  Laughter broke out. Vaughn held up a hand to stop it. “I want to say how sorry I am that Sam and Jim didn’t make it. Sam has always been a wonderful influence behind the show, and Jim was a great guy—full of adventure and willing to take a risk to show off the state he loved so much. I’ve set up a fund to help his family. Jim left a wife and five beautiful children behind. Roger has prepared an information sheet on making donations. Please share that with your readers and audiences.”

  “Is that your bride-to-be?” asked a reporter, nodding his head at me.

  Vaughn turned to me and smiled “Ann, come join me.”

  Reluctantly, I went to his side and shyly faced the group of reporters.

  “Ann Rutherford is the woman I’m about to marry. Isn’t she beautiful?” Vaughn’s comments caught me off-guard.

  Face hot, I rocked back on my heels.

  “Ann, pr
omise us you’ll share some pictures of the wedding with us,” said a female reporter. “Women everywhere will want to see them. If they can’t have Vaughn, they will want to at least share in his big day. Vaughn is every woman’s dream.”

  Other women in the audience clapped their approval. One young female reporter even whistled, causing laughter to break out.

  I dearly wanted to tell everyone that our wedding was sacred, that it was asking too much of me for them to intrude in this way. But I realized that Vaughn was truly adored, that sharing him for a few moments after I and the others had almost lost him, was something I needed to do—I owed it to the world to be generous.

  Forcing a smile, I said, “I’m sure we can find a way to share some of the details with Vaughn’s fans. We all love him. Me, most of all.”

  “Are you going to get married at your gorgeous hotel?” a reporter asked.

  “Yes, The Beach House Hotel is the perfect place for a wedding,” I said, moving into PR mode.

  “Vaughn, how do you feel about being married to a hotel mogul?” one of the male reporters said.

  Vaughn and I looked at each other and laughed.

  “Mogul?” I said. “Rhonda and I have a very special, small, intimate hotel. It’s worthy of many things, but making us moguls isn’t one of them.”

  “Ann’s a very successful business woman,” interjected Vaughn, “and that makes me proud.”

  “Any more questions?” said Roger. “We’ve passed out a statement on Vaughn’s recollection of what happened. It would be very unfair to him to keep reliving that now.”

  “Do you plan to go on any more fishing trips in Alaska?” one reporter asked.

  “I certainly wouldn’t turn down the opportunity to do so again. It’s a beautiful part of our country, and the eating is superb,” said Vaughn. “Now, if you will excuse me, the doctors are signaling me that my time is up.”

  I took hold of Vaughn’s good elbow as he lowered himself into the wheelchair. Quickly, ignoring the raised hands of other reporters, I wheeled him out of the room.

  In a small room down the hall, I waited with Vaughn and Roger for the crowd to leave the conference room. We wanted the freedom to go to the airport without a whole lot of reporters following us.

  “Good job, Ann,” said Roger. “I think Vaughn’s fans like you too, which is really important to the show.”

  Vaughn reached up and gave my hand a squeeze. “She’s a gem. I told you she’d help us.”

  Roger smiled pleasantly. “I certainly hope Darlene and I will be invited to the wedding.”

  I put a mental foot down. “Actually, it’s family only, but later, when things are more settled, we’ll hold a big party at the hotel and then, of course, you and Darlene will be invited.”

  Vaughn gave me a nod of approval. Neither one of us could quite forget the distress Roger and his infidelity to his wife had caused us. Even now, Lily Dorio was suing Roger for child support for her illegitimate child.

  Roger’s look of surprise was quickly replaced by a neutral expression of acceptance, which I noticed with relief.

  A short time later, Vaughn and I were on our way to the airport, where a private jet awaited us. This time, knowing Vaughn was with me, I could hardly wait to enjoy the privileges of flying like this.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  As Vaughn and I deplaned the jet at the Sabal airport, I noticed Liz, Robbie, Angela, and Rhonda clustered together inside the terminal waiting to greet us. Tears stung my eyes. This was my family. Three years ago, I hadn’t even met them, except for Liz, of course.

  We entered the terminal to a round of applause not only from the family but from people standing nearby who recognized Vaughn. He gamely waved with his good arm, but the cast on his left arm seemed to emphasize the fatigue that marred his still-bruised features. He walked gingerly, protecting the broken ribs and internal injuries still healing.

  Liz gave him a gentle hug around his shoulder. “So glad to have you home.”

  He smiled. “Me too, sweetie.”

  Robbie held up his arms to be picked up. “Up, Daa.”

  Vaughn leaned over slightly, wincing, and ruffled Robbie’s hair. “Sorry, buddy. Can’t do any lifting, but you’ll get a special super-boy hug when we get home.”

  As Vaughn straightened, Rhonda beamed at him. “Boy! You sure gave us a scare, Vaughn! You look wonderfully awful, if ya know what I mean.”

  He laughed. “Oh, yeah.” He gave Angela a wink. “Lookin’ good, Mama.”

  She smiled and pointed behind him.

  Nell ran toward him.

  “Surprise!” she cried, hurrying carefully into his good, outstretched arm. Nestling against him, tears ran down her cheeks.

  I reached out and patted her back, understanding her relief at seeing her father alive. She lifted her head and smiled at me. “Thanks, Ann. Ty told me how Dad’s thoughts of you kept him alive.”

  I gave Vaughn a questioning look.

  “It’s true. What would I do without you?”

  I sighed. I loved the guy so much.

  “Okay, everybody,” said Rhonda to our group. “The hotel’s limo is awaiting us. Angela is our driver and I’m in charge.”

  “Of course, you are,” I teased, giving Rhonda a little hug.

  Liz helped me with my suitcase, and then we joined the others in the limo.

  As Angela drove us through the streets of Sabal, I thought back to the first time I’d seen this charming, small town. I’d been so unhappy, so disillusioned about life and love. Today, with Vaughn and Liz and my new family beside me, I felt so very, very blessed for all I’d been given.

  The sight of our house brought a smile to Vaughn’s face. “Home, sweet home,” he said, struggling to blink away tears.

  I gave his hand a squeeze. “Sweetheart, you’re home, safe, and sound. Thank God.”

  ###

  As Vaughn lay asleep in our bedroom and Robbie napped in his crib, I sat with Liz and Nell in the kitchen. It felt so good to have some girl-time with two of my favorite young women.

  Nell gave me a worried look. “Ann, I hope you don’t mind, but Clint is coming down to Florida tomorrow. He knows how important my father and you are to me, and he says it’s time to meet you both.” Her cheeks flushed prettily. “I’m pretty sure he’s going to ask Dad for my hand in marriage.”

  “Oh, darling! How wonderful!” I exclaimed. “Liz has told me how nice he is.”

  Liz beamed at Nell. “Yeah, I told her Clint is the kind of guy all your friends wish had a whole lot of brothers. I felt that way too before I met Chad.”

  “Chad? Someone new?” Nell asked, placing her elbows on the table and giving Liz an impish grin.

  It was Liz’s turn to blush. “Chad is the hotel’s IT guy. I met him here but didn’t get to really know him until we spent several days together in Boston. He’s the first guy I met who I can see myself with for the rest of my life. He’s sweet and kind and...” she glanced at me and away...“and very, very sexy.”

  “Who’s sexy?” said Vaughn, hobbling into the room.

  “You are!” the three of us responded together, laughing as he faked stumbling back away from our adoration.

  I rose. “Sit down, hon. What can I get you? A cup of coffee? Lemonade? Iced tea?”

  “Lemonade sounds great,” said Vaughn, carefully lowering himself into a chair opposite the two girls. “So what’s going on?”

  “I think our family might be growing,” I prompted.

  “My boyfriend, Clint, is coming here tomorrow for the weekend,” said Nell. “He wants to meet you and Ann.”

  Vaughn cocked an eyebrow. “Is there something behind this meeting?”

  Nell smiled. “I hope so. I love him, Dad. I really, really do.”

  “Hmmm, I see. And what about you, Liz? Are you going to help our family grow too?”

  Liz clasped her hands. “Chad and I spent a few days together in Boston, and I’ve fallen hard for him. We’ve even talked about
the future. I know it’s early, but I’ve never felt this way about any other guy.” Red color crept up her neck, into her cheeks and even onto the tips of her ears. “He loves me and I love him. We stayed up all night...”

  Vaughn raised a hand. “Don’t tell me!”

  “Vaughn,” groused Liz. “We talked all night...

  “Maybe the first night,” teased Nell. “What about the second night?”

  Liz sputtered for a moment and then burst into laughter. “God! Is this what it’s like to have a sister?”

  Amid our laughter, I glanced at Vaughn. He’d reached his hand across the table and both Liz and Nell had gripped it. A sigh of pleasure escaped me. So this is what our family is going to be like.

  I heard Robbie’s cry through the portable monitor and went to get him. Elena was taking the day off to give us the privacy we wanted...and needed.

  After changing Robbie, I brought him into the kitchen and placed him in a chair next to Vaughn’s good side.

  Vaughn put an arm around Robbie and drew him close. “Are you going to learn a lot from your sisters and your brother.” He looked at me and winked. “I can hardly wait.”

  Robbie pointed to the girls. “Sissies.”

  “Yes,” I said. “Those are your sisters.”

  “So, Ann, is there anything I can help you with for the wedding?” Nell said. “Three weeks isn’t that far away.”

  “While you’re both here, you can go with me to pick out a dress. Now that we’re going to allow pictures for the press, I need something a little different from what I’d picked out earlier.”

  “Uh, oh. Are we going all fancy?” Vaughn asked.

  I shook my head. “No, we’re sticking with a beach wedding like we planned. I just want something a little dressier to wear.”

  “Okay, whatever you say,” Vaughn said and winked at me.

  The girls looked at each other and sighed.

  ###

  That evening when Chad came over, I studied him as he and Liz swam in the pool with Nell. Though he wore the rugged, handsome looks of a rough and tough outdoorsman, he had a gentle nature I liked. He wasn’t afraid to speak up to Liz when she tried to order him around, but he listened and oftentimes did as she asked. I knew my daughter. She was a bright, young woman with lots of ideas that she sometimes imposed on others. I wanted her to be with someone who wouldn’t let her get away with being in charge too often.