Captiva Ever After (Captiva Island Series #7)

“This is our second Christmas in Florida, and as much as I love living here, I’m going to insist that one year, maybe when the kids are a little older, we all get up to Boston and have a Christmas with snow,” Sarah said.

“I know what you mean. I miss that too. I don’t miss the shoveling and the icy roads, but I do miss a New England Christmas.”

With a flourish, Crawford raised his hand and the crowd got quiet. At his direction everyone counted down from ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two…one…and the magnificent Christmas Tree lit up, its glimmering lights reflecting off the shimmering ocean nearby.

Gasps of wonder and awe filled the air, and a chorus of “oohs” and “ahhs” swept through the crowd as the singers sang “Oh Christmas Tree.”

Families joined hands and swayed to the music, creating a heartwarming scene of unity and togetherness. Some even took off their flip-flops and danced barefoot on the sand, letting the festive spirit move them to its rhythm.

Maggie’s heart was full of love for the islanders and her neighbors. They’d all been through a terrible ordeal, and yet, somehow standing in front of the Christmas Tree, it all was forgotten. In that moment, she felt more connected to the people and place she called home.

“This is really beautiful. I’m so glad we didn’t miss it,” Maggie said, as Paolo, standing behind her, slipped his arms through hers and rested his head on her shoulder.

“Me too, my love. Merry Christmas.”

And so, in a world where snow was replaced by soft sandy beaches and the sound of sleigh bells with the rustling of palm fronds, the Captiva Island Christmas Fair proved the true magic of Christmas lay not in the weather or the location, but in the hearts of those who come together to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday.

* * *

Sarah and her family went home, and Chelsea and Carlo went off to her place, while Maggie and Paolo walked back to the carriage house.

“I wonder what happened to Millie. I asked her to join us, but she never showed.”

Paolo shrugged. “Perhaps she had another commitment.”

Maggie wasn’t so sure. She still felt uncomfortable that Millie chose not to mention something rather significant, at least in her eyes.

“Are you coming up?” Paolo asked.

Maggie shook her head. “No, I feel like sitting on the porch swing for a bit. You go on. I’ll be up shortly.”

They kissed and then Paolo went into the carriage house while Maggie walked up the stairs to the porch.

There was a soft breeze in the air and the windchimes soothed Maggie’s body. She loved to sit on the porch swing and now that she didn’t have any guests to compete with for time rocking back and forth, she enjoyed the peace and quiet of her surroundings.

It was dark now, but she could still see the completed work of Devon’s construction crew and Paolo’s plantings from Sanibellia. The wedding was just around the corner, and everything was falling into place.

Her phone buzzed in her canvas tote, and she reached in to get it. Unusual for her to call this time of night, it was Lauren.

“Hey, honey. How are things? Notice how I didn’t ask if everything was okay? I’m getting better at not anticipating disaster.”

Lauren laughed. “Yes, Mom. Much better. Just to clarify, everyone here is fine. We’re all packing for the trip. I can’t believe the weddings are in a few days. Beth and Becca aren’t nervous at all. It’s like all these months leading up to the big day got all the angst out of them. They seem to be walking on air now.”

“That’s good to hear actually. With all the chaos happening here, I certainly was worried. I think the weddings will be perfect. Thank you for telling me. I feel better knowing that I’ve got two happy brides.”

“I’m calling because I have a photo of us that I wanted to share with you.”

“Oh? You know how much I love pictures of all my kids and grandkids.”

“I’m sending it now. Go check your texts.”

Maggie looked at her screen and hit her messages app. An image appeared of Lauren, Jeff, Quinn and Cora with two arrows pointing at her granddaughters, with the words “BIG SISTER” next to them.

“Cora is a big sister? Is she trying to copy Quinn? That’s so cute. I wonder if she…”

Maggie froze when she realized what she was looking at. “You’re pregnant?”

She could hear Lauren and Jeff laughing on the other end of the line. Quinn and Cora screamed through the phone, “We’re having a new baby, Grandma.”