Page 30 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
Vaughn moved over to sit beside me.He placed his arm around me and pulled me close.“I love you, you know,” he said softly into my ear.
I turned to him with a smile.“Me, too.You.”
We chuckled together.
“Okay, we’re going to come about,” said Robbie.
Vaughn held onto the mainsheet and allowed the sail to swing across the cockpit as the boat tacked to a different heading.
Moving in the opposite direction, we settled down to some smooth, easy sailing.With the threat of storms and hurricanes, fall could be a tricky time weatherwise.But tonight was perfect for us.
Later, we anchored the boat so we could all enjoy the picnic Vaughn and Robbie had put together.
Sitting with two of my favorite people in the cockpit, gently rocking with the waves that caressed our boat, I felt blessed beyond words.
Vaughn seemed to understand and put his arm around me.“Nice, huh?”
I smiled at him and turned to Robbie.
“You’re getting to be such a competent sailor,” I said.“I remember the first time we took you out on a boat.You were just a toddler but even then, you loved being on the water.”
“It’s a fun time,” said Robbie.
“Yes, we all miss Dad when he’s away working,” I said.“I’m thinking it’s time to get the Ts interested in learning to sail.Gabe is too young, but maybe we can work as a team to make it happen with his older siblings.”
“Short trips to begin with,” said Vaughn.“And it has to be balanced —the three of us and the three of them.Too many things can go wrong if we’re not careful.And the Ts can be trouble.
I laughed.“They are the best thing to happen to us all.They’ve brought our family even closer.And now little Gabe is here to keep Noah company dealing with his sisters.”
“I’m not going to get married for a long time,” said Robbie.
“You have years ahead of you before that should happen,” said Vaughn.“But when it’s with the right woman, you’ll know.And then you won’t want to wait.”
Vaughn was still mourning the death of his first wife when we met.But early on, we both knew we had something special, worth pursuing.
We finished eating, and while I packed up, Robbie and Vaughn prepared the boat to return to our dock.
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Back at the house, Cindy greeted us with looks of reproach.We’d decided not to take her on this short sail, and she still was unhappy about it.
I picked her up and hugged her.“Next time, Cindy.”
She kissed my cheek and wiggled to get down to go over to Robbie for equal treatment.
Watching the two of them together, I knew we’d made the right decision to get another Dachshund, after Trudy died.
We got the food sorted out and dishes in the dishwasher, then the three of us looked at one another.
“I’m going to watch television,” said Robbie.“Night.Thanks for the sail.”
I kissed Robbie and said to Vaughn, “I’m going to bed.It’s been a hectic week.”
“I’m right behind you,” said Vaughn.
I quickly got ready for bed and had just placed my head on my pillow when Vaughn joined me.
He pulled me close.“I’ve missed you,” he whispered in my ear, sending a tingling of expectation throughout my body.
