Page 76 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Yes, I’m glad, too,” said Enrico.“The two men are old and want their families to be settled.”
“In this day with everyone traveling and exploring new opportunities, I’m not sure that’s possible.It’s certainly risky to try and predict the best outcome.”
“True, true,” said Enrico getting to his feet.“Thanks for your time.I’ll see you tonight at dinner.”
“I can’t wait.Chet and Rhonda’s Italian cooking is the best,” I said.
“Their dinner at the hotel was fantastic.”He gave a polite bob of his head goodbye and left the office.
Sitting alone again, I thought it might be wise to talk to Rhonda about this news tomorrow.Today, she’d need all her energy to prepare for the elegant meal she planned at her home.
Liz called to say that she and Chad had been invited to the dinner.
“It will be a special evening out.There will be sixteen of us,” Liz said.“I’m working on the menu cards now.”
“I’m looking forward to it myself,” I said.“How are the kids?”
“Fine,” Liz said.“The Ts are loving kindergarten and I’m happy to have some alone time with Gabe.It’s so easy with him.”
I laughed.“Don’t you sometimes wonder how you did it with the triplets?It makes being with one so easy.”
“Maybe it’s the baby thing, too.He’s my last one.”
“I know how that feels.For me, you were my last and only one.”I sighed at the memory of those times I couldn’t carry those other children to term.The pain was real.
“I’ve got to go,” said Liz.“One more thing.Any chance I could borrow one of your sundresses?”
“Sure.Why don’t you and Gabe meet me at my house for lunch, and we’ll pick one together?I’ll bring salads from the hotel and fix Gabe something.”
“Thanks, Mom.See you in a bit.”
We ended the call, and I thought, as I often did, how lucky I was to have Liz and her family living in Sabal.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
That evening, Vaughn and I arrived at Rhonda’s house early so we’d be able to greet her guests together.
Stepping out of Vaughn’s car I inhaled the tantalizing aromas coming from the kitchen.“M-m-m, delicious.”
Vaughn took my arm.“I’ve waited all day for this dinner.Rhonda never disappoints.”
“Chet’s helping too.I’m hoping that will enhance the grandfathers’ opinions of him.”
“All this matchmaking.Do you think it’ll help?”teased Vaughn.
I gave him a thumbs up.“I hope so.The kids want it to happen.”
Rhonda’s daughter, Willow, greeted us at the door dressed in a pretty pink dress.Her features and body type were a mixture of both parents.Her temperament, too.I was her godmother and adored her.
“Hi, Auntie Ann and Uncle Vaughn.Welcome,” she said in a very ladylike pose before throwing herself into my arms.
I hugged her.“You did such a nice job of greeting us.”
“Thanks.Drew and I promised Mom we’d behave,” she said.
“Where’s Drew?”I asked.At ten, Drew was two years younger than Willow and was a much quieter kid.
“He’s helping Philippa with the table,” Willow answered with self-importance.“Won’t you come in?”
