Marina peered down the beach. “I think we have another surprise tonight.”
This is what the men had been whispering about earlier. Jack, Axe, and Chip had disappeared a few minutes ago to help.
Kai had left Stella with Brooke, so she was clearly involved with this annual visit. Likely, she was the head costumer.
Leo and Samantha looked up from their toasted marshmallows, heads turning toward the sound as thea cappellasingers wrapped up a rousing rendition ofJingle Bells, a preview of the holiday choral show they were giving at the Shell Amphitheater.
Drawing nearer was a beach rescue vehicle outfitted like a sleigh. And at the wheel?—
“Look, it’s Santa,” Leo yelled.
“With his trusty sidekick, too,” Marina added, laughing.
Scout rode in the passenger seat, a sparkly red collar fastened around his furry ruff, his tongue lolling in a grin.
“That dog is living his best life,” Ginger said, chuckling.
Axe’s friends began singing “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and soon everyone joined in. The fire crackled higher, sending sparks to the stars.
As the vehicle pulled up, Marina smiled at the beach-meets-Christmas decorations. A life preserver was wrapped with ribbons, and a first aid kit sported a big bow.
“Ho, ho, ho!” A deep voice rolled across the beach like thunder.
Suddenly, Marina was surprised. “That’s not Jack,” she whispered to Ginger and Kai, who had rejoined them.
Every year, the men took turns playing the jolly St. Nick. Although it was supposed to be a secret until Santa arrived, Jack had been dropping hints, complaining about fake beards being scratchy.
Marina shot to her feet. “Wait, whoisthat?”
Kai giggled. “I know.”
“So do I,” Heather cried. She could hardly contain her enthusiasm.
“It couldn’t be, could it?” Marina hardly dared to hope. When the vehicle stopped, Santa disembarked. She’d recognize that youthful swagger anywhere. The children raced toward the truck, and she pressed a hand to her chest and screamed. “It is! It’s?—”
“Mom, shush. The kids!” Heather exploded with laughter.
Kai took Marina’s hands, jumping with excitement with her and Heather. “Don’t let on that you know. He has to stay in character.”
Santa waved at Marina with a wink.
Just then, Jack swung off the back of the vehicle, grinning broadly. He made his way toward her.
She flung her arms around him. “I thought his schedule was full.”
“It is,” Jack said, taking her in his arms. “But as it turned out, he’s not too busy to visit his mother.”
Leo tugged his father’s jacket. “Hey, Dad, is that who you picked up at the airport?”
“That’s right. It was top secret, kiddo.”
“And you didn’t tell me?” Marina jabbed him in the chest. “Why not?”
“And spoil your Christmas surprise?” Jack kissed her. “This was your heart’s desire, and I couldn’t think of anything else that would mean as much. Merry Christmas, darling. Hope you don’t mind getting your gift a little early.”
Tears sprang to her eyes, and Marina wiped them away, smiling. Having Ethan home for the holidays was all she’d wished for. “Oh, thank you, darling. But I still don’t know how you managed it.”
“That’s my secret,” Jack said, his eyes sparkling.
