“We’re both very proud of you,” I said, as Rhonda joined me.
“You’re doing a great job,” she said.“C’mon, Annie.Catarina says we must join her on the patio for a toast.”
“I’ll follow you,” said Chet.
On the patio, Enrico stood near the fountain, holding a glass high.
“Thank you, friends and family, for joining us tonight in a celebration of not only this restaurant but of bringing new people into the family.They are creating something beautiful in loving memory of twobellissimaladies—Isabella Ferrara and Lucia Bolino.It was their wish that their two grandchildren marry, but Philippa and Luciano have chosen well for themselves.”
I joined everyone in clapping, feeling my eyes sting with unexpected tears.
“Now,” he continued, “we have other women in the family to honor.My beautiful wife, Catarina, my daughter, Philippa, and Harper Lewis, who is here with her parents.”He gave a little bow.“We welcome you.”
“Yes, it’s such a pleasure,” said Catarina coming to stand beside Enrico.
Chet stepped up and stood facing the gathering in his black-checked pants and white chef’s jacket.“This isn’t exactly how I planned it, but it seems the perfect time.”He knelt in front of Philippa.“I’ve loved you from those many months ago in New York.My time with you here has only deepened those feelings.I can’t imagine a day without you by my side, cheering me on.I promise to show you the depth of my love every day.Philippa Ferrara, will you marry me?”
Philippa beamed at him.“Yes, oh yes.I love you, Chet!”
Chet rose and pulled her into his arms.
While they clung together, I dabbed at my eyes with a tissue Rhonda handed me.I wasn’t the only one touched by his proposal.Catarina, Enrico, and the two older gentlemen had tears glistening on their cheeks.
“Bravo,” cried Enrico.“You did a superb job, Chet.”
Philippa looked at her father with surprise.“You knew about this?”
Enrico proudly nodded.“Of course.I am your father.”
Catarina and I exchanged understanding glances.
“This is the best party ever,” said Rhonda, wiping her eyes.“I’m going to be a mess when the time comes for my Willow to marry.”
I gave her a quick hug.She was a tender mess at every wedding.It was one of her endearing qualities.
###
A few months later, Rhonda and I sat with others waiting for Philippa and her father to walk into the library at The Beach House Hotel.The backs of the chairs formed into a circle were covered with white cloth and festooned with orange bougainvillea and deep orange ribbons.
At the front of the room, a dais for the minister held a white bible and a small arrangement of orange and white flowers, including orchids.It was flanked by large, round white candles.
Catarina was sitting with the two grandfathers closest to the altar.Several staff members of both Bella’s and The Beach House Hotel filled chairs beyond her.
Dressed in gray slacks and a white shirt, Chet stood at the front of the room with Luc as his best man.On the other side of the dais, Harper waited in a deep russet tea-length dress that suited the strawberry-blond color of her hair.
The guitar music began, and the doors to the room opened.
Time seemed to stand still as Enrico entered with Philippa on his arm.
Rhonda was already in tears as Philippa, looking like an angel in a long white silk dress, entered the room and gazed at her bridegroom with a sweet smile.
Beside me, Vaughn squeezed my hand to show me he understood my own tears.
The love story between these two young people was something Rhonda and I took to heart.It was, in a way, part of our ongoing journey.There would be many more weddings at The Beach House Hotel.But we saw each one as an opportunity to provide families with a lovely setting for such a ceremony.A setting we’d worked hard for.
“Pretty special, huh?”Rhonda whispered.
“Oh, yes,” I murmured.
Later, at the reception that followed the wedding ceremony, I gazed around at the group of family and friends.Chet and Philippa represented so much of what Rhonda and I had wanted when we created the hotel.We’d hoped The Beach House Hotel would become a peaceful, elegant place where people could relax and be themselves.Where they could celebrate life’s special moments.We didn’t realize how each guest would make the hotel an even better place because of who they were.
“And to think this wedding started with canapés.Who woulda thunk it,” said Rhonda taking one from a tray offered to her and popping it in her mouth.
I felt my smile.I could never have a better partner.We’d surprised a lot of people with our success and would continue to do so with love and laughter.