Page 64 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“When Vaughn is home, it’s an excellent way to relax and bring the family together again.My daughter, Liz, and her husband go sailing with us sometimes.And we’re starting to get their triplets used to it.”
“Your daughter has triplets?”Luciano asked, putting his arm around Harper.
I couldn’t hold back a chuckle.“It’s quite an experience.”
“I come from a big family,” said Luciano.“But no triplets.”
We all laughed when he pretended to wipe his brow with relief.
“I think it’s a good way to have children.Close together,” Harper said.
Luciano gave her an approving look.“You could handle it.”
They smiled at one another, their gazes lingering on each other.
After we’d sailed for a while and tacked a couple of times, Vaughn suggested we find a quiet spot, toss the anchor, and enjoy our appetizers and wine.
“Over there,” said Robbie pointing to a cove along the shore.
“Okay, come about,” said Vaughn just as Harper stood to go below.
She was on the boat for a minute, and in the next one, she’d been swept into the water by the swinging boom.
I immediately grabbed a floating cushion and tossed it to her, hitting the back of Luciano as he swiftly dove into the water.
Robbie started the engine and helped Vaughn take down the sails.
As part of my training, I kept a steady eye on Harper and Luciano clinging together in the water, relieved to see the waves weren’t an issue.It was clear that Luciano was an excellent swimmer.
Vaughn took over the wheel and guided the boat back alongside the swimmers.
Robbie tossed a rope ladder to them.
Harper grabbed it and began to climb up onto the deck.
When she was safe, Luciano swam to the end of the ladder and followed her up to the deck.
I checked Harper for any injuries and though she had a slight bruise on her shoulder, she told us she was fine.“I just feel foolish.”
“No,” said Vaughn.“I didn’t see you get to your feet.So, the fault is mine.”
“Thank God, you weren’t seriously hurt,” I said.“And Luciano, you were splendid.What a hero you are.”
He shook his head.“It wasn’t even a conscious decision.I just knew I wasn’t going to let anything happen to Harper.”
“Great job,” said Vaughn clapping a hand on his shoulder.“I say it’s time to have some refreshments.”
I handed Harper and Luciano several beach towels.“Dry yourself off and keep yourselves warm.The wine will help.”
They wrapped themselves in the towels and sat.Then Luciano pulled Harper to his side to keep her warm.“You okay?”he asked softly, stroking her back.
Harper nodded.“Thanks.You really are my hero.”
He kissed her on the cheek and drew her closer.
We motored to the cove and anchored the boat.The evening was pleasant with warm temperatures and a dying wind that allowed us to be comfortable as we ate and drank and got to know one another better.
I noticed how kind Harper and Luciano were to Cindy and Robbie.As a mother, it meant a lot to me.And I watched the interaction between Harper and Luciano, noting how they couldn’t keep their eyes off one another and how frequently they briefly touched hands.
