Chapter Text
“Hullo!!” a short, petite Englishwoman waved in greeting,
“Welcome to Opal Sands Resort and Spa. I’m Julia Beauchamp.”
“Hullo Julia, I’m Brian Fraser and this is my family.”
The tall Scotsman motioned toward his wife and two sons.
“We have a reservation, we’re here to check in.”
“Oh yes, The Frasers.”
she smiled politely,
“first time in Florida, is it?”
“Ah, yes ma’am. We’re from Scotland originally,
we’ve just recently settled in the mountains of North Carolina.
A place called ‘Fraser’s Ridge’”
“Quite a long drive you had there, let me get the lot of you checked in so you can get settled”
The dark-haired woman was pleasantly welcoming as well as helpful.
She checked them in and gave them recommendations on things to do in the area.
“You should truly take your boys to see the dolphins; it's such a beautiful sight in the summer.”
“Oh aye, I thank ye. We will keep that in mind, Mrs. Beauchamp.”
Ellen Fraser said with a polite smile.
Her fire red hair neatly pulled into two braids on either side of her head
and the most sincere blue eyes.
The next day Ellen readied her family for a day at the pool.
“Willie! Get your trunks on if ye wannae go swim son, Jamie ye too!
Make haste!
Brian did ye pack the sandwiches in the cooler? What about sunscreen?
CHRIST! Jamie will get cooked in this sun.”
Brian walked over and handed her the bottle of sunscreen
that had been sitting right on the bathroom counter the whole time,
“ Dinna fash a nighean, we’re ‘spose to be relaxin’ aye?”
“Weel aye, we are but there’s no relaxin’ when I must wrangle three Fraser men mo chridhe.”
She chuckled and Brian wrapped his arms around her from behind.
He lightly kissed the hair over her ear,
“leannan, let’s enjoy ourselves this week, aye?
We’re always so busy with the ridge,
let’s enjoy the time off with our sons
and with each other.”
Ellen hummed in response and took a deep relaxing breath,
“yer right of course, I will try ma’ best, aye.”
With a quick kiss to his wife’s cheek Brian grabbed his wife’s hot pink, expensive “Bogg” bag,
that she insisted was necessary for their beach trip and shouted,
“William! James! I’m leavin’ ye, yer ma and I will be swimin’ without ye if ye dinna come now.”
Two rowdy boys came racing through the room,
almost running into Ellen as they passed.
“Sorry Ma!” Willie yelled.
“Last one to the pool is a rotten egg!” Jamie challenged.
The two boys, who had just turned nine years old a few days before they arrived in Florida, raced down the hallway.
Stopping abruptly when Brian whistled, “dinnae get on the elevator until yer mother and I get there,
and NO RUNNING in the lobby, this is a fancy resort, the two of ye dinnae have to show everyone in Florida
that ye were raised on a farm like wild animals, now do ye?”
William and James.
Willie and Jamie.
Brian and Ellen’s twins.
They were loud and rowdy.
Headstrong and bossy.
Total opposites.
William hated school, he tolerated it, only because he had too.
James loved school, he was a straight A student, who loved to read.
Willie was outgoing and friendly.
Jamie was shy and reserved.
Willie, a social butterfly.
Jamie, a homebody.
Together they were the perfect storm.
The sun was beaming on the concrete, making it warm and toasty already that morning. It was hot in Florida. In the blue ridge mountains, the weather was mostly cool. Even hot days didn’t feel this hot. The two boys who had forgotten their sandals were hopping and popping around like popcorn until the pool came in sight and they took off, and “cannon-balled” in after a quick glance around the pool.
“HEY!” A little girl shouted as their heads came above water,
“Can you not read?” She asked, holding out her hand pointing
toward the ‘NO RUNNING’ sign.
Willie smirked, “nae lass I dinnae think I can,
why dinnae ye read it fer me and ma’ eejit brother then?”
The girl huffed loudly and started to move away from them. “You got me all wet.”
“We’re in a pool, are we no ‘spose to get wet?”
“Well, I didn't want to get my hair wet. I HATE brushing it out.”
The girl splashed water directly in Willie’s face and he groaned.
“In my eyes Christ woman!”
“You started it.” she snapped, causing Jamie to bust out laughing,
she glared at him for a second before laughing too.
Willie, who was still irritated watched the two of them but couldn't contain his own laughter.
The laughing fits continued until
Ellen shouted from the edge of the pool,
“are ye boys bothering the wee lassie?”
“No, they are fine.” The girl answered.
“Oh aye, thank Christ, these two can be a rowdy bunch.”
she said with a sweet smile,
“Did they at least tell ye their names lass?”
“Well, no, but to be fair they didn't really have time.”
she grinned and climbed up onto the edge of the pool,
pulling her feet up underneath her, “I’m Claire. Claire Beauchamp.”
“like ‘The Beauchamps’?”
Ellen blurted before she remembered her manners.
Shocked that the owner's daughter was out by the pool.
“Thats right. My parents are the owners of Opal Sands.”
gesturing her hand toward the resort.
“I’m sure you must have met my mother at check in.”
“Julia. Yes, we did. Weel a leannan, it’s a pleasure to meet ye. I’m Ellen.”
Gesturing behind her she continued,
“this is my husband Brian, and it seems ye already
met my two dafties, Jamie and Willie.”
“The Frasers!” she said with a smile.
“Ah yes! Mother said we were expecting your family today.”
Claire being only nine years old was very involved in the ‘running’ of the resort. Everyone knew her and spoke to her like she was one of the adults. Being the only child of Henry and Julia, she was always with them. She would work on her schoolwork right along Henry as he led employee meetings, and tag along with her mother on the days she did check-in's. All the employees kept an eye on her as she had pretty much free run of the resort building and the pool. The staff members all loved her dearly; the lifeguards even included her in their daily tasks if she was around. Claire loved being a part of her family’s business and enjoyed learning how to do all the different things around. Claire was homeschooled so she was always there, even during off season. After all, the Beauchamps lived in the penthouse on the very top floor. Opal Sands was like a huge playground and learning opportunity for her.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you and your family Mrs. Fraser.
I hope you guys enjoy your vacation with us.
Let me know if you need anything.”
she held her hand up beside of her mouth like she was telling a secret,
“I have the hook-up; I can get you guys anything you need.
As a matter of fact, you and your family should join us
for dinner tonight if you don't have plans.”
Ellen was shocked by the lass; she carried herself like an adult. She was polite and friendly.
She would have thought she was an employee, not a child around the same age as her own children.
“Ach a nighean, I’m sure yer parents dinnae want guests hangin’ around botherin’ ‘em.
Thank ye fer the offer though, and you’ll be the first one I ask if I think of anything we need.” she chuckled.
“Oh no, I assure you my parents would
love to host your family for dinner.
Please, it would be our honor.”
“Are ye sure lass.”
“Yes ma’am, but if it would make you feel better,
I can text my mum and ask.”
“Please do lass. I wouldna’ want to impose.”
Claire hopped up and headed toward one of the cabanas, she waved her hands,
waving away the idea of ‘imposing’, “Don’t worry, you won't be. I’ll text her right now.”
She walked into the cabana where her things were and text her mother,
who as Claire assumed she would, loved the idea. She walked back to Ellen with a huge smile,
“My mum said she would love to have your family for dinner,
and she said you guys are welcome to use our cabana.”
Another ‘secret’ she whispered behind her hand,
“the fridge is stocked with all kinds of things.
You are more than welcome to anything you like”.
“Weel we thank ye lass, that is verra kind of yea Claire.” Brian said with a warm smile.
“OH, no problem, enjoy yourself. This is your vacation after all.”
Brian and Ellen thanked the lass repeatedly before deciding that the offer to use the cabana had been a blessing and they moved all their things over and got settled on the comfortable loungers with a fan blowing on the both of them. Ellen and Brian pulled out their books and settled in to read while the kids played.
Claire took this opportunity to ‘cannonball’ right beside of William. He laughed and splashed her again when she came up for air.
“So that's why you follow the ‘rules’ around here, your family owns the resort.”
She snorted, “who said I followed all the rules, I just wanted you too.”
The redheaded Scot finally found his voice,
“I’m Jamie by the way, I ken my ma told ye but
she never tells people who's who.”
“Hi Jamie. It’s nice to meet you and your pigheaded brother.”
“Pigheaded, is it?”
Willie snorted like a pig
and splashed both Claire and Jamie.
“Daft eejit works too, if ye like that better.” Jamie smirked.
The three of them played together for the rest of the afternoon before
the Frasers headed up to their room to get ready for dinner.
“See you guys this evening. 6:00.” Claire said as she walked
along side of them into the hotel. “we’re on the top floor.”
“Ye live in the penthouse?” Jamie asked in amazement.
“of course she does meathead, they own the place after all.”
Jamie blushed and Claire grabbed his hand and squeezed lightly,
“I’ll show you around after dinner if you want.”
“Oh aye, that would be bonny Sassenach.”
Claire cocked an eyebrow at him. “Sassenach?”
Jamie blushed again “I didnae mean any offense Claire, I'm verra sorry if I have.
It just means Englishwoman. Outlander. If ye will.”
“But then aren't you an outlander as well?” She asked curiously.
“Aye I ‘spose I am but something about ye is different.
Ye stand out in a good way. ‘Sassenach’ it fits ye.” he grinned shyly.
She smiled sweetly, “I like it! ‘Sassenach’, “
she said tasting the word for herself before laughing out loud,
“Well it sounds better when you say it.”
then she darted off toward the front office,
“see ya later Fraser.”
The entire week was spent in the company of Claire. They always ended up in the same places at the same times. Jamie and Willie didn't mind though, Claire was a fun lass, and they had a great time playing with her. The fact that she got them all the good snacks and poolside ‘room service’ was a bonus. The dinner the first night went so well that Julia and Ellen exchanged numbers to keep in touch, with the promise that the Frasers would return the following summer. Willie, Jamie and Claire hit it off as well and spent most of their vacation at the pool or the beach together. The Fraser Family even invited Claire to go with them to the boardwalk one evening. Seven days were over before anyone seen it coming. Claire and the boys exchanged numbers and promised to find each other again next summer.
The Fraser’s returned the following year for another weeklong vacation and just as the children had promised, they found one another as soon as their things were settled away in the room. With each passing year the trio got closer and talked more often in between their summer vacations. Four years later, when they were all fourteen Claire had begged the Frasers to extend their yearly trip from one week to two weeks, they agreed, and this became their new yearly vacation.
Two weeks in Clearwater Florida at the Opal Sands Resort and Spa.
The summer that they all turned fourteen was life changing in many ways. For one, it was the first time Jamie looked at Claire as anything other than a best friend, that he saw every summer. She had changed so much from the summer before and she took his breath away when they walked in for check in and she was working in the front office with Julia. The Claire Beauchamp he met as a nine-year-old lad, was no more. She was becoming a woman and Jamie was stunned to realize that he liked what he saw. He had always like Claire well enough, she was fun, and she always made him laugh. She was bold and strong, and she never took any crap from Willie or any other boy for that matter. Claire was beautiful, Jamie noticed for the first time. Her hair was the most beautiful shade of chestnut brown, and her wee curls were wild and unruly, but it suited her perfectly. Her amber gold eyes were the color of his family’s best whisky and the tiny freckles that dusted her face only added to her beauty.
Jamie realized quickly that summer that, he had a crush on Claire Beauchamp.
“Mum!! The Frasers should be here any minute, Jamie just text me and said they were close.”
Thirteen-year-old Claire called into Julia’s personal office.
Her mother walked up to the front desk and her mouth fell open when she saw her daughter for the first time that day.
The girl who almost always wore black gym shorts and a tank top was wearing a flowy summer dress and mascara!
The girl had on mascara! Julia couldn't think of another time when she had seen her daughter bother this much with her appearance.
Claire was getting older, and she was going through puberty. She was becoming a woman, and it was very apparent to her mother.
“Hullo the resort!” Brian called out excitedly
as he and his family walked through the door.
Claire jumped from her seat and ran toward them
“Frasers!!!” She welcomed, as both boys pulled her
into a group hug.
“Hi Claire!” said William as they broke the hug.
“Hullo again Sassenach”
Jamie said with a grin and a shine to his deep blue eyes
that she had never noticed before.
Ellen, Julia, and Brian were busy catching up and
checking in when the trio walked back outside.
“So how has your year been?” Claire asked,
eyeing Jamie a little differently.
“Ach weel ye ken most of it aye?” Jamie said with a laugh.
She giggled in response, “I suppose I do.”
she wrapped her arms around Jamie again and squeezed tightly.
“I’ve missed you two! I’m so glad The Fraser’s are back in Florida!!
I was thinking we should go get ice cream at our favorite place tonight,
they have a live band on Fridays, and the music is so good!”
Willie groaned, “Did ye miss ‘The Frasers’ or just Jamie.”
Jamie and Claire both blush profusely.
She narrowed her eyes at Willie before playfully punching his arm,
“I’d miss you too if you weren't such a numpty.”
Willie reached over and pulled her against him for a hug,
causing her to cackle like a loon. “Ok fine. I missed you too butthead.”
“About this live band?” Jamie asked kind of gruffly.
‘Why was he getting annoyed by his own brother talking to Claire, Willie always talked to Claire like this.’
Much to his relief Claire shoved Willie off her and turned to talk to Jamie,
walking between the two boys, “yea so, it’s at our favorite ice cream place.
They just started having ‘live bands’ on the weekends. It’s usually local bands
but sometimes people travel here too. It's different every night but
it’s all been great so far.”
“Do ye think Da will care if we go Will?”
“Uh I dinna ken. The ice cream place issna that far
and he lets us go there every year, we just
probably couldna’ stay out late. Ye think?”
“I could have my mum mention it to them.
Maybe they can all go out for drinks across
the road from us.” Claire suggested.
“Braw Idea Sassenach.”
Claire beamed and a small smile played on her lips.
Her eyes were shining brightly and
Christ she was gorgeous when she looked at him like that.
“Sweet! I’ll ask mum as soon as your parents go up to their room.”
“Aye.” they said in unison causing her to laugh out loud.
The three of them walked companionably out to the beach entrance, sliding off their shoes and following her on onto the sand. It was starting to warm in the morning sun, yet still tolerable under their feet. The wind blew through Claire’s curls tossing them wildly across her face, she shoved them away with such annoyance that Jamie couldn't help but smile.