Captiva Ever After (Captiva Island Series #7)

Maggie shook her head. “Linda is truly amazing. She doesn’t need a newspaper to get the word out. She’s a walking newspaper.”

“Well, Mom, there is a little thing called the internet. She did manage to get the word out on social media. I’m not sure how many people will show up, but it’s exciting to have a Christmas Tree lighting. My kids can’t wait. I just wanted to stop by and make sure you and Paolo join us.”

“We’ll be there, I promise. I’ve been so focused on the weddings I never gave a thought to Thanksgiving or Christmas to be honest,” Maggie said.

“I know, it’s been crazy with the hurricane smack in the middle of it all, but you have no idea how lucky you really are. You have two of the most uninvolved brides that ever lived. I mean neither Beth nor Becca care a lick about any of the details. They were perfectly happy to let you run with the whole thing. I think they could have helped you a little more than they did, if you want my opinion.”

Maggie felt a little guilty about Sarah’s feelings on the matter. “Honey, the truth is that I sort of pushed my way on Beth and Becca. I insisted they have the weddings here, making it virtually impossible for them to participate. It’s not totally their fault. Besides, I’ve been having so much fun lately. Now that the stress and worry about the hurricane is over, and everyone is coming together to get the place ready, I’m excited.”

Sarah put her arms around Maggie. “Leave it to you to find the silver lining. Have you heard about Chelsea?”

“Oh no, please tell me it’s nothing shocking or troubling. I don’t think I can take another bit of drama.”

“It’s not that. She has a date, well, sort of a date, with Carlo the limousine driver.”

“What do you mean, sort of a date?”

“He’s coming to the Christmas Tree lighting. Can you believe it?”

“How is it that my daughter knows more about what’s going on with my best friend’s dating life than I do?”

Sarah shrugged. “Well, I think it’s because I just found out from Ciara who found out from Isabella who found out from Carlo.”

Maggie nodded. “That makes perfect sense.”

Sarah laughed. “You know what’s going to happen. The minute I leave here, you’re going to call Chelsea and ask for details.”

Maggie shook her head, “No I won’t. I plan on walking over there right now and then get the details.”

Paolo rolled his eyes. “You can’t wait until tomorrow? It’s getting late.”

“Oh stop. It’s not late at all. I’ll be back so quick you won’t even miss me.”

Sarah and Maggie walked together down to the driveway. “Do you want a ride?” Sarah asked.

“Nope. I’m going to walk. It’s a beautiful night on Captiva Island. Why would I want to miss that?”

* * *

“Hello the porch!” Maggie yelled up to Chelsea.

“Hello the street!” Chelsea yelled back.

“What are you doing on the front porch? You usually spend your nights out on your lanai.”

“What else? Watching people. Do you know how many people come down Andy Rosse Lane in a day? I sat out here once and counted.”

“You did not.”

“I did so. Carl was always sleeping, I had the time. One day I counted it was over two thousand by the time I went to bed. I didn’t start counting until around ten in the morning, so I’m sure my number is smaller than the real amount. What are you doing coming to my house at this hour? Shouldn’t you be getting into your pajamas right now?”

Chelsea was rocking back and forth on her rocking chair. Maggie decided to join her by sitting in the rocking chair next to her.

“It’s only eight-thirty, and you sound like Paolo. I came to hear all about Carlo and your upcoming date. Why didn’t you call and tell me about this as soon as he called you.”

“He didn’t call me. I called him,” Chelsea answered.

“You did? Oh my, that was brave.”