Lib Novel Page 42
“Hey, I didn’t mean to bring down the mood. We all know what’s going to happen but there’s no reason to stop living right now. All it means is that I need to appreciate what Willow and I have that much more. It’s been hard on Julia though.”
Beth didn’t know what to say, and she was angry that for many years to come, this ‘thing’ hung over all their heads.
She reached out and put her hand on James’ arm. “I hope you know that we’re here for you all.”
He nodded. “I know you are, and I’m glad you decided to move up here instead of my brother moving to Andover. I think Julia needs someone close. She has friends but no one who is particularly involved in our lives the way the two of you are. Family is everything, so thank you.”
“Hey, we love you. It’s what you do for your family,” Gabriel replied.
Beth settled into her new life living in the country and loved that her in-laws lived nearby. They supported one another and Beth was happy to have another woman in the family with whom she could confide in as the years passed and she and Gabriel started their own family.
CHAPTER 15
Three Weeks Before the Wedding
No guests were booked for the rest of the year so Millie’s responsibilities were her bookkeeping duties and anything else Maggie felt would help the inn get back in shape.
Ciara opened her briefcase and turned on the computer and printer. She set out two folders and then went looking for Maggie.
“You’re early. I thought I said that Millie would be here at nine. It’s only eight o’clock. Did I mess up?” Maggie asked.
“Nope, I got here early on purpose,” Ciara answered.
“Don’t tell me. You’re here early to get one of my scones. Chelsea tells me that just because we don’t have any paying guests that doesn’t mean I should forget about her and the other islanders who’ve come to depend on my morning baking.”
“Did I hear someone call my name?” Chelsea yelled from the back porch.
Ciara laughed. “I actually had another motive, but now that you mention it, there’s no way I’m passing on one of your scones.”
“Help yourself. I just made another pot of coffee. I’ll get one myself and sit with you for a spell.”
Maggie stuck her head out the door and looked at Chelsea.
“Are you planning on staying out here all by yourself or are you coming inside to join Ciara and me?”
“I’m coming. I like to take my time, that’s all,” Chelsea answered.
Maggie smiled at Ciara and whispered. “That’s her way of saying that it’s getting harder to get up and out of her chair.”
“I heard that. Don’t listen to her Ciara. This is Maggie’s way of bullying me into exercising. She forgets that the implication that I’m fat is insulting.”
Maggie did her best to ignore Chelsea by focusing on Ciara.
“How are things at the Outreach Center? I hear that my daughter is anxious to get back to work there.”
Ciara got a coffee mug from the kitchen cabinet and selected a scone from the pan.
“Yes, I promised her that we’d figure something out for her to work part-time starting in January. I think with three children keeping her busy, she’s missing adult conversation. Since she and Trevor have a nanny, I don’t see why Sarah can’t come back on a schedule that works for her.”
“You must be glad to get back working there full-time yourself,” Chelsea added.
Ciara nodded. “Yeah, for sure. I loved working with Crawford and his boys. Powell Water Sports is a fun place to be during the busy season. It’s always fun meeting new tourists and in some cases hearing different languages. I love how people come to Captiva Island from all over the world. The hurricane made me miss my work at the Outreach Center. I kept thinking about all the people I’ve come to know and help over the years. I missed them and the work.”
“Maggie, you’ve outdone yourself with these scones,” Chelsea said with her mouth full.
“Thanks, Chelsea.”
“Maggie, before Millie gets here, I wanted to ask you to tell me a bit about her.”