They walked outside, and she sucked in a breath of delight at a cherry-red Vespa parked in the drive. Silver tinsel and ared bow festooned the shiny scooter, and two matching helmets rested on the seats. “Is this yours?”
“No, it’s yours. Merry Christmas, sweetheart.” A broad grin filled Oliver’s face, and his eyes twinkled. “Won’t it be fun spinning around town on this?”
“Oh, my goodness, I thought you were joking a couple of months ago when we talked about scooters.” She flung her arms around Oliver and peppered him with joyful kisses.
Laughing, Oliver kissed her back before handing her a helmet. “You should know by now that I take fun quite seriously. Let’s see what you can do with this beauty.”
Ginger hesitated, but only for a moment. She recalled how fearlessly she’d driven her scooter years ago. She slid the helmet over her hair while he did the same.
They adjusted the straps, grinning at each other.
She perched on the seat with Oliver behind her. “I never thought I’d be whizzing around on a Vespa again. Why, I haven’t been on one since Paris. I hope I don’t fall off.”
“You won’t. You rise to every occasion, Ginger Delavie.” As she started the engine, he pressed his hand against her shoulder. “I remember visiting you and Bertrand in Paris and watching you zip along the Champs-Élysées on your scooter, your paisley scarf flowing in the breeze, turning heads in your wake. What a sight you were. And still are.”
She eased the scooter forward, surprised that she felt so comfortable on it. “Well, I’ll be. I haven’t lost my touch. Rather like solving a quadratic equation—one never forgets.” She lifted her chin. “Climb on. I promise not to kill you.”
Chuckling, Oliver sat behind her, his strong arms encircling and anchoring her.
With the fresh wind on her face and her red scarf trailing behind her, Ginger steered away from the cottage, filled withexhilaration. The short trip to the beach bonfire lasted only a few minutes.
“You can use this scooter almost anywhere,” Oliver said as Ginger approached the Coral Cafe food truck. “It’s easy to park and faster than walking.”
Excitement sparked through her. “Such fun, too. I love it, dear.” She appreciated his thoughtfulness and playful nature more than mere words could express. “It’s perfect to continue this grand adventure we’re on.”
“So grand it is,” Oliver echoed, raising his voice against the rush of the ocean as they neared the shoreline again. “Are you ready for our trip next month?”
“I love Boston in the snow. It will be wonderful to meet your nephew again. I haven’t seen him since he was a child.”
With the breeze squeezing moisture from her eyes, she wondered, would they stay there? It seemed neither of them were ready to commit just yet. If Oliver were to leave and she stayed here, she wanted him to remember how they were. The painting spoke what she might not find the words to say.
Oliver leaned in as if reading her mind, his breath warm against her neck. “We don’t have to make any decision just yet.”
When she pulled alongside the holiday-decorated food truck, Heather and Blake stared in astonishment.
Cruise stepped from inside, grinning and giving her a double thumbs-up. “Looking good, Ginger.”
“Let me help you, sweetheart.” Oliver hopped off. “I always open your door, and this is no exception.”
Laughing, Ginger extended her hand like a queen, and Oliver helped her descend from the scooter while a crowd gathered around them, remarking on the shiny scooter.
She removed her helmet, fluffed her ginger-tinted hair, and turned to Heather. “What do you think?”
“Wow, it’s so sassy,” Heather said, laughing. “Whose is it?”
“Mine. Dear Oliver surprised me with an early Christmas gift.” She posed beside it.
“Wait until Mom sees you on this,” Heather replied, snapping a photo. “It’s so cool. I want one, too.”
Blake looked impressed and gave Ginger a high-five. “They’re a blast to ride, and you handle it well.”
Ginger appreciated that. “I rode one all over Paris back in the day.”
They stashed their helmets in the food truck before greeting friends who commented and inspected the new Vespa.
Ginger loved the attention. She leaned over to whisper in Oliver’s ear. “This is one of the most amazing gifts I’ve ever received. I never dreamed of it, but it’s perfect for me. Thank you, darling.”
With his arm around her, Oliver beamed. “It makes me happy that you like it. It just arrived, and I couldn’t wait until Christmas to give it to you.” He kissed her cheek. “Let’s join the crowd.”
