Page 97 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

Leading the way, Jane wore a simple, dark green sheath with short sleeves. A white orchid was pinned in her hair and matched the strand of white pearls she wore. Her focus remained on Carl, and I knew how much she loved him.

My gaze turned to Caro, and I felt my breath catch in my throat. Caro was stunning in a crochet lace scoop neck midi-dress that showed off her lovely figure tastefully. Her auburn hair was worn in a loose shoulder-length style. A crown of assorted white flowers lay in a circle on her head.

“Such a beautiful bride,” someone whispered.

As she came closer, I could see that the flared crochet-lace skirt had an intricate scalloped hem. And as her back faced us, we could see the buttoned V-back.

I glanced at her mother and saw the tears that leaked down her cheeks.

Henry’s eyes filled as they focused on Caro with such love that I felt a sting of tears of my own.

After Jane stepped aside, Henry took hold of Caro’s hand and lifted it to his lips before facing Amelia.

Amelia talked briefly about the importance of commitment, and then the vows were exchanged, promising love and support to one another.

We in the group were silent as their words filled the room and our hearts. And when Caro told Henry she’d never felt this way before, we all knew that was true. His love had healed the hurts from the past and given her a new reason to speak like this.

The moment Amelia said, “You may now kiss your bride,” Henry swept Caro up in his arms and twirled them around in a joyous circle.

Watching them, we all applauded. It was such a short, simple ceremony, but it was much more moving than one with more pomp and less emotion.

“I’ve got the bubbles,” Amy announced.

She and Slade filled the tulip glasses placed in the kitchen. While they handed them out to the wedding guests, Rhonda and I slipped out of the house and headed to the private dining room to make sure things were organized.

We found the harpist ready to begin playing. A waitress was lighting the candles on the tables. A server was standing behind the bar, prepared for action.

The wedding group entered the room, and soon, it was filled with the talk and laughter from a congenial gathering.

Amelia stood with several of the men, talking about one of her duties. Her bodyguards were in place by the entrance.

I stood with the other wedding guests and participants in the private dining room, filled with satisfaction. Caro and Henry had found one another here at the hotel. Rhonda and I had created a space where guests could be assured of privacy, beautiful surroundings, and excellent service and food. More than that, we and the hotel staff worked hard to provide an atmosphere that encouraged our guests to experience the joy of living each day, even finding love here.

For a lonely little girl growing up, I saw these new friends as family and hoped they’d come back again and again.

Vaughn wrapped an arm around me.

From across the room, Rhonda caught my eye, and sensing my feelings, she lifted her hand in a silent salute to us and to all we’d accomplished.

Bubbles of happiness spread through me. There was no better place to be than at The Beach House Hotel.

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