by Judith Keim
“I haven’t mentioned it to anyone else, but I thought maybe we could also present new home buyers with a package of gifts from Gracie’s, Gavin’s, and the Salty Key Inn. Maybe even The Key Hole.”
“Good idea. I’ll tell Taylor about it.”
“No,” Sheena declared. “I’ll talk to my sisters, and then I’ll talk to Nicole. I don’t want Taylor to have any input into or interaction with our business.”
Tony studied her. “You really don’t like her, do you?”
“Not at all.”
Tony sat down at the kitchen table opposite her. “I talked to Brian about the way she behaves sometimes. He doesn’t want to get rid of her, and neither do I. But, I promise to keep our private business and your hotel business away from her.”
“Thank you,” said Sheena. “It doesn’t happen to me often. But sometimes I get bad vibes about people. And with her, they’re really bad.”
Tony’s gaze bore into her. “I respect you, Sheena. You were right about one of my clients in the past.”
“Who knew Hank Walker would end up killing someone?” At the memory of a horrific murder in their Massachusetts town, a shiver raced across Sheena’s shoulders.
“Do you want me to insist to Brian she be fired?” Tony said quietly.
“No. If he’s comfortable, and Regan’s comfortable, I don’t want to ruin a good situation for you. But be careful, Tony. She’s up to no good.”
###
The next day, Regan worked with Sheena to hang pictures, place silk plants throughout the house, and shop for the bedding the kids liked. Meaghan’s theme for her bedroom had gone from pink to purple to a soft green with pink accents. Michael had kept to navy-blue and white like the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team.
Standing amid the bedding in the store, Sheena gazed at the baby quilts in darling patterns and wondered what her baby would look like and whether the new addition would be easy like Michael or difficult like Meaghan.
“Ready to go?” said Regan. “We have another stop to make. You wanted decorative pillows, and I have a cute idea for the lanai. That furniture should be delivered within the week.”
“Okay, and then let’s have an afternoon snack. I want to sit down and relax for a minute.” Sheena hesitated. “And I need to talk to you about something.”
Regan gave her a questioning look. “Is everything all right?”
“I hope so. I’ll tell you about it when we have the privacy to talk.”
“I can’t wait. Let’s go have a snack right now,” said Regan.
Laughing, Sheena followed Regan out of the store. Regan was so bad about secrets. As a child she’d been terrible at Christmas—wanting to open her gifts early and telling people what she’d bought for them.
###
Seated at a round table outside a café, Sheena sipped her strawberry lemonade and wondered where to begin. She didn’t want to seem petty or mean.
“Okay, spill,” said Regan, squeezing the juice from a wedge of lime into her diet drink.
“Tony and I talked last night ... about Taylor Hutchison. I need to tell you to be careful around her.”
“Is this about the fact she’s got a crush thing going with Tony?”
Sheena shook her head. “After I saw her yesterday, I wondered why my reaction to her is so bad, and I remembered feeling this way only once before. That was with Hank Walker.”
“Oh my Gawd! The guy who killed his girlfriend?” gasped Regan. “Didn’t you have some conflict with him?”
Sheena related the story of how, as a client of Tony’s, Hank Walker had had some verbal run-ins with her about paying his bill. The conversations became alarming when he’d threatened to kill her. “I don’t think Taylor Hutchison is going to murder anyone, but I have bad vibes about her, and I don’t want her to have any access to our business.”
“Oka-a-ay. Why would she?”
“I have an idea to promote all of our hotel operations at Ventura Village. Instead of receiving only roses when people move in, they’d also get a whole package of discounted offers from us. But I want all of our material to go through Nicole. Not anyone else.”
“Having control of that stuff makes a lot of sense,” said Regan. “It’s worth money to us.”
“I was going to let it go,” Sheena said, “but I had a dream about her last night that upset me. I had to tell you how I feel and warn you not to trust her.”
Regan’s violet-eyed gaze stayed on her. “You’re not a foolish person, Sheena. Thanks for sharing that with me. We’ll have to be sure to inform Darcy.”
“Yes, I think it would be wise. But maybe we should wait until after her wedding. I don’t want anything to disturb her happy time.”
“I agree,” said Regan, sliding her gaze away from her.
Sheena frowned. Was Regan trying to hide something?
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
DARCY
Darcy stood inside the Tampa airport trying in vain to steady her nerves. Her father and Regina’s arrival signaled the beginning of the celebrations for her wedding. Tonight, she would share dinner with only her immediate family, and then tomorrow, Austin’s parents were entertaining everyone for the rehearsal dinner at the Don CeSar.
Beside her, Sheena and Regan seemed as pent-up with nervous energy as she. They hadn’t talked about it much, but each of them, she knew, had reservations about their father’s moving to Florida. After a couple of beers, Patrick could become loud and obnoxious. Sheena didn’t want him to do something to tarnish the growing reputation of the Salty Key Inn as a small, quiet, charming place. Regan had admitted to them her father’s presence took her back to the days of being the dumb beauty. As for herself, Darcy didn’t want her father to embarrass her or her family in front of Austin’s parents. It had taken a surprisingly short time for her old boyfriend Sean to change his mind about getting engaged after his parents decided her family was nothing special in their eyes. That had crushed her heart and her pride.
“It’s going to seem funny to have Dad and Regina here permanently,” said Sheena. “We’ll have to remember to reach out to them. Especially Regina.”
Darcy nudged Regan. “There’s Dad!”
The three of them rushed forward to embrace him.
Pat Sullivan gave them each a hug, stepped back, and beamed at them with admiration. “Ah, my beautiful daughters. It’s so good to see you.”
“Where’s Regina?” Darcy asked.
Pat’s face fell. “Regina and I had a long talk a couple of weeks ago. I’ve gone ahead and bought a small house in The Villages, about two hours away from the Salty Key Inn. She doesn’t want a life with me there playing golf. She wants a quiet life near her daughter. I tried to explain to her there are a lot of fun activities for her at The Villages, but I don’t think either one of us was ready to get married again. I certainly don’t want to live in California. Not when my three girls are all in Florida.”
“Oh, Dad, I’m sorry,” said Sheena. “Are you all right?”
He gave them a tentative smile. “Sure. Nothing can keep Pat Sullivan from having a little fun with the short time he’s got left.”
“You’re not sick, are you?” asked Regan.
“No, just getting old like every other guy my age,” he said, patting her shoulder. He turned to Darcy with a smile. “But not too old to get some pleasure out of giving my daughter away.”
Darcy felt an unexpected sting of tears. Her father looked older than he had just a few months ago. Grateful now for his presence, a surge of love filled her heart.
“C’mon,” said Sheena. “Let’s get your luggage, and we’ll get you settled at the hotel. Are you sure you won’t mind staying there alone?”
“No, no, it’ll be fine.” He described his luggage and handed Darcy his baggage claim tickets.
As Darcy and Regan hurried away, Sheena took hold of her father’s arm and walked with him toward the baggage claim area. “When are you going to move to Florida?”
“As soon
as the house in Boston sells. It won’t be long. There are three people interested already. I bought the Florida house furnished, so I don’t need much to make it mine.”
“You can always ask Regan for suggestions,” said Sheena.
“Suggestions for what?” Regan said, approaching them, dragging a rolling suitcase behind her.
“I bought the house in Florida furnished, but I’ll need you to help me with all the fancy gee-gaws you women like.”
Regan laughed. “I’ll help you make it nice. Nothing too fancy.”
Darcy met them rolling a large suitcase behind her. “Just the two suitcases, right, Dad?”
He nodded and smiled at them. “Got me some new clothes to wear for all the festivities. Figured I’d need some better clothes for my new life here.”
Darcy exchanged secret smiles with her sisters. If it was anything like his usual, flamboyant style, heaven knew what he’d chosen.
###
At the hotel, Darcy worked with her sisters to get her father unpacked and settled in his hotel room. She hid a smile at some of the Hawaiian-style shirts her father had chosen. Yet, she knew, he’d somehow make them look fine on him. His tall, heavy-set figure and his outgoing manner easily caught the attention of others. She studied him, standing on the patio outside his room, sipping a can of beer.
His shoulders were slightly stooped, his gray hair as thick as it had always been. But his stance was that of the tough fireman he’d been for most of his adult life, feet planted firmly on the ground. He was sometimes difficult, loud, and too stubborn to listen to others, but he could also be sweet and gentle.
Darcy wondered if she should remind him how important it was to be nice to Austin’s parents and told herself to forget it. She wouldn’t play the old game of trying to make others respect her or her family. They were good, kind people.
Sheena came up beside her. “What do you think? Dad doesn’t seem sad to lose Regina.”
“I think he’s going to have a lot of fun. I never liked the idea of his marrying her.”
“The ladies will love him there. He’s handsome and independent.”
“Yeah, but he’s difficult and temperamental,” Darcy blurted out.
Sheena laughed. “That, too.”
Pat came inside. “Guess I’ll go to Gracie’s for lunch. I can charge that to the room, right?”
“Yes, and now, you can also charge meals at The Key Hole to your room,” said Sheena.
“But, Dad,” said Regan. “You’re not going to be paying for your room. We insist you’re our guest.”
“Just thought it was a nice gesture,” he grumbled. “For you and for that brother of mine. To show you I respect what he did for you.”
Darcy, Sheena, and Regan encircled him with hugs.
“That’s so thoughtful!” said Regan.
“I’m glad you understand,” Sheena said. “It’s important to me.”
“And to me,” said Darcy. “Without Uncle Gavin’s doing this for us, so many things would never have happened. Good things. Like my marrying Austin.”
“Spoken like a true bride,” said Pat, giving her a smile. “Well, family is family. Some good. Some not so good. You three girls are the best.”
Darcy noticed she wasn’t the only one with a grateful smile.
###
Darcy looked around at her family gathered at Tony and Sheena’s new house for a pot-luck dinner. The house, with Regan’s noticeable touches, had quickly and nicely come together. Darcy was pleased because, before they’d won Uncle Gavin’s challenge, there had been some doubt about when, where, and how Sheena would finally get the house she’d always wanted.
Outside, the men in the group were drinking beer, watching Tony and his father, Paul, grill some steaks. Meaghan and Michael were racing each other in the pool.
Inside, the women congregated in the kitchen, sipping wine, and helping each other prepare the buffet. As the honored guest, Darcy hadn’t been asked to bring anything, but she and Austin had gone ahead and brought two bottles of expensive red wine to have with the meal.
“Getting excited?” Rosa, Tony’s mother, asked her.
“More like nervous. The reception is going to be at Gavin’s, but there are lots of details to take care of before then.”
Rosa smiled. “You’ll do fine. And, Darcy, you’re going to be a beautiful bride.”
“Thanks,” said Darcy, wishing Austin’s parents were as warm and wonderful as Sheena’s in-laws. Then she felt bad for thinking such a thing. It wasn’t anyone’s fault she hadn’t had time to form a friendship with them. And their offer to have Austin and her take over the travel business was a very generous one.
“Penny for your thoughts,” said Regan, coming up to her and wrapping an arm around her.
“Just thinking about family,” Darcy said. She and Austin weren’t mentioning his parents’ offer to anyone until they’d reached a decision.
“Dad seems really happy,” said Regan. “I think he made a good decision not to marry Regina. She was nice enough, but they didn’t have much in common. I heard him talking to Paul. They’re going to play some golf together.”
“Good,” said Darcy, smiling as Austin approached her.
He gave her a quick kiss. “Well, bride-to-be, are you still going through with the wedding?” he teased. “Your time to escape is running out.”
“Not a chance I’ll miss it,” she said, her heart full.
“Time to eat, everyone,” Sheena called out, and the party continued.
###
They made it an early evening.
As Darcy and Austin drove out of the Ventura Village development, she noticed Taylor Hutchison’s blue Cadillac convertible sitting in the driveway of the model home. “Guess Taylor is working late. Let’s hope she’s typing up a sales agreement. I’d like to see Tony and Brian have a lot of success with this development.”
“Me, too,” said Austin. “They’re good guys. I really like your family, Darcy.”
“That’s good because now they’re yours too.”
“All of them?” Austin teased.
They shared a laugh. As Pat said, families were families, and Austin was about to get them all for better or for worse.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
REGAN
As Brian and Regan followed Rosa and Paul out of the Ventura Village complex, Regan noticed Taylor’s car in the driveway of the model home.
“What is Taylor doing here so late?”
“Probably typing up something for Bett,” said Brian. “I wouldn’t worry about it. Let’s get home.” He grinned at her. “With all the talk of Austin and Darcy’s honeymoon, I’m ready to have a practice one at the cottage.”
Regan laughed and shook her head. She loved that Brian enjoyed making love with her so much.
Brian reached over and took hold of her hand. “Are you still willing to do a quickie wedding? I have an idea about something, but I need to know if you’re serious about it.”
“I am, but what is this idea?”
“I can’t say. Not yet. I’ll let you know when the time comes.”
Regan frowned. “You can’t tell me earlier?”
“I don’t know,” said Brian. “That’s all I’m going to say about it right now.”
Regan both loved and hated surprises. Sometimes they were wonderful; other times, not so great. She started to warn him about that and decided to let it go. They’d have to get through Darcy’s wedding before anything could happen. She’d talk it over with him then.
###
After making love with Brian, who was now sleeping peacefully, Regan slipped on an over-sized T-shirt, wrapped a fuzzy blanket around herself, and quietly tiptoed to the patio facing the water.
Settling in a chair, Regan gazed up at the moon and admired the sparkling stars in the ebony sky. A sense of peace seeped into her. She’d been surprised by her father’s break-up with Regina. She wondered if he’d loved her mother more than she’d thought. The idea
pleased her.
Her thoughts flew to Darcy. She’d looked so pretty tonight, her cheeks flushed with anticipation of her big day. Regan was happy for her sister, but she realized she, herself, didn’t care about a big wedding. The motorcycle accident had changed so many things for her. There’d been days when she’d feared for Brian’s recovery. His health and happiness were what counted now. Tomorrow, she’d tell Brian he could plan whatever he had in mind. After their lovemaking tonight, she just wanted to be his wife with no muss, no fuss.
The moonlight edged the tips of the waves moving onto shore and away again, shimmering like gold before her, reminding her of the real riches she possessed. Never before had she felt so fulfilled as a person, so recognized for who she really was—not the beauty she’d always been called, but the sentimental person who’d learned what true love is.
She went back into the house and climbed into bed beside Brian. Wrapping her arms around him, she spooned beside him, shifting her body, so it matched the curves of his. Content to simply let the future unfold, she closed her eyes.
###
The next day, Regan had no time to worry about the future. She went to Sheena’s in the early morning to oversee delivery of the patio furniture she’d helped Sheena select. Then, they hung windchimes and an outdoor chandelier with battery-run candles.
“Too bad all this wasn’t delivered yesterday,” said Sheena.
“It’ll be perfect for the morning-after breakfast you’re putting together before Austin and Darcy leave on their honeymoon.”
“Hard to believe she’s going to be gone for three whole weeks. It’ll seem so ... so ... quiet while she’s away.”
Regan laughed. “She’s a bundle of energy, all right. But I’m happy she has this opportunity. She’s always wanted to travel.”
“Yes, I’m happy too. But I’m going to miss her.”
They stood back and admired the furnishings and decorations.
“Looks good,” said Regan. “See you later. The drapes are being hung in the upstairs rooms at the Egret Building. I need to make sure they’re done right.”