The bonfire was already flaming on the beach, snapping and crackling. Stars were flickering to life, and people laughed and talked as they shared homemade sweets and hot thermoses. Ginger inhaled deeply. The sweet aroma of hot cocoa blended with the smell of the bonfire was intoxicating.
She savored every moment of the merriment around her.This is Christmas at the beach,she thought, marking the memory.
Oliver squeezed her hand. “Are you ready for a peppermint hot cocoa? I hear the Coral Cafe food truck makes pretty good ones.”
“That sounds divine,” Ginger replied. “They’re based on my original recipe, so I can vouch for them.”
“Two special ones, coming right up,” Heather said. “How about a slice of hot gingerbread to go with that? Cruise just took some from the oven.”
“Why not?” Ginger replied, smiling.
A few minutes later, she and Oliver strolled through the crowd, enjoying their warm drinks while greeting friends. They spoke to Leilani and Roy Miyake, who owned the Hidden Garden nursery. They said hello to Mayor Bennett Dylan, and Ginger saw her friend April Raines with her family, who now lived on nearby Crown Island.
Marina waved at them near the fire, where she sat with Jack and Leo. Vanessa was there too, chatting with her friends Denise and John, while their daughter Samantha roasted marshmallows with Leo under Jack’s supervision.
“Are you okay?” Marina asked. “Heather just sent me a photo of you with a helmet and a Vespa.”
“Why wouldn’t I be? I love my new Christmas gift.” Ginger squeezed Oliver’s hand. “And I adore this lovely man for it. We had such fun riding it here. I plan to use it around town.” Or wherever they might end up, she added silently to herself.
Kai and Axe swayed near the fire with little Stella, still wide awake and transfixed by Axe’s friends singing carols. Their harmonies carried on the evening breeze, along with the sound of waves and children’s laughter.
Brooke and Chip also sat with them, though their three older boys played tag with other kids near the water. Clover, their newest addition, slept bundled against Brooke’s chest.
“What a perfect evening,” Ginger said to Marina while Jack drew Oliver into a conversation.
“Where is your house guest?” Marina asked.
“Holly left earlier but promised she would be here.” Ginger peered around. “There she is, with Shelly by the food truck.” Ivy’s sister held the hand of a squirming toddler—little Daisy,Ginger recalled. How their family and those of their friends had grown. She watched them with satisfaction.
Holly’s laughter carried across the beach. The young woman seemed to blend into the community, bringing joy wherever she went. She had relaxed in the last few days, but Ginger still sensed a nervous energy about her.
“She looks happy here.” Ginger let out a small sigh. “I wish she didn’t have to leave Summer Beach.”
Marina gazed after her. “So do I. She seems to need a home, and we have a nice art community she could be part of.”
“I sensed your concern when she arrived.”
“We all look out for you.” Marina paused as if holding back. “Maybe I was being overprotective.”
“You thought I was losing my judgment, didn’t you?” When Marina looked sheepish, Ginger sniffed. “I assure you, I’m as sharp as ever.”
“I’m sorry,” Marina murmured, blushing. “I know you’re perfectly capable of looking out for yourself.”
“I’ve been doing that a long time, but you’re forgiven. It’s Christmas, after all.” Ginger glanced at Holly again. For some reason, she felt the young woman had a place here. “As for Holly, some people have gifts we don’t fully understand. Beyond science and logic lay intuition, faith, and love.”
“And second sight?” Marina added, leaning forward. “Kai told me about what happened at the market with a woman Holly knew.”
As Marina shared Kai’s story, Ginger nodded thoughtfully, staring into the fire as flames danced, sending up a shower of golden sparks. “Have you ever known something in your heart you couldn’t explain?”
“Sometimes I have gut instincts, especially about my children.”
“There you are then,” Ginger said as if that finished the conversation. “Different levels of intuition exist. Some might think it magical, though it’s likely a phenomenon that’s not fully understood.”
Although Marina appeared satisfied with this explanation, Ginger sensed this story was far from over.
7
As the evening temperature dropped, everyone drew closer to the bonfire. Suddenly, sleigh bells jingled in the darkness beyond the reach of the fire’s glow. Children’s eyes rounded at the sound, and excitement swept across the crowd.
