Dusk settled over the village. Along the street, holiday lights twinkled in shop windows, and tiny white lights encircled the graceful sterns, or trunks, of palm trees and outlined their fronds. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve.
“Was that the last of your holiday shopping?” she asked after they left the travel agency. Oliver had asked her to help him choose a gift for his nephew and family. He’d once mentioned they dreamed of taking their children on a celebrity mouse-themed cruise out of Florida. With her help, he decided on a gift package for that from Get Away Travel.
“Most of my shopping is complete,” Oliver replied, studying her. “For the last hour, I’ve been trying to place what is different about you.”
“Brandy gave me a new hairstyle.” Ginger told him about the visit to the salon. “I had planned to pamper Marina, Kai, and Heather—Brooke cares little for such things—but I never imagined it would be such an emotional day.”
“How so?” he asked with interest.
“I included Holly,” she said. “She came away with an updated style and a new-found sister.” She told him about what had transpired between her house guest and Brandy. “She returned home with Heather to pack her bag and pick up her car. This will be her first Christmas spent with a real family member.”
“That’s remarkable,” Oliver said. “I’m glad for her. Being near family is important.”
All around them, Christmas lights flickered on. In the distance, the lights of her beloved Coral Cottage glowed against the deepening blue of the ocean. Her heart fluttered at the familiar sight.
Oliver’s step slowed. “I’ve been thinking about our families.” His voice carried a gentle gravity. “And about how much I enjoy Summer Beach. It’s grown on me.”
Ginger squeezed his arm. “I hoped it would.”
“The weather’s quite pleasant,” he mused, his eyes twinkling. “And the golfing is exceptional.”
“Many communities offer that.”
“And you know how much I care for you.” His voice softened. “Would you consider spending more time together?”
“Can you be more precise, my dear?”
Oliver smiled. “How about the rest of our lives and wherever life takes us?”
“That’s a broad question. Does this have to do with your nephew?”
Nodding, Oliver said, “Chris isn’t letting up. He still wants me to move near him. For some reason, he thinks I’ll suddenly wake up as an infirm, crotchety old man one day.”
“In theory, anything could happen,” Ginger said, understanding his nephew’s concern. “Although I hope your lovely nature doesn’t fail you.”
Oliver chuckled at that. “Chris is family. He’s like the child we never had. But I must consider you, too,” he added firmly. He stopped near Spirits & Vine, where an Ella Fitzgerald song was playing, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” He gestured toward the entryway. “That’s one of your favorites, as I recall. Care for a hot toddy?”
She sensed he wanted to talk away from her family. And so did she. “They serve mulled wine for the holidays. Let’s go in.”
They sat at a table near a crackling fireplace, and the server brought two cups of warm, mulled wine. “I’m torn, Ginger. Plain and simple. I’ve always loved Boston, and we could have a good life there.”
Ginger stirred her toddy with a cinnamon stick thoughtfully before setting it aside. “We can have a great life wherever we are. Even the markets of Marrakech or the wilds of the Serengeti.”
“You remembered,” he said, surprised.
“I have an excellent memory for what’s important. And so do you.” He had only mentioned those bucket list items once, but that’s all it took for her.
“I count myself lucky to be in that category. And I haven’t forgotten that little patisserie in Paris by the U.S. Embassy. I can almost taste thepain au chocolat.” Oliver leaned closer to her. “There is still so much I want to do and experience with you. Still, we should be responsible. At what point do we plan for our inevitable future?”
She stroked his hand, pleased he’d also remembered what was on her list. “Who says what is inevitable? I’ve found that most of what we worry about never comes to pass. The best plans are fluid, leaving room for enjoyment, regardless.”
“I suppose I would agree.” He sipped his wine and stared into the dancing flames. “What if I’m not ready for that move yet? Does that sound selfish?”
“Not at all. It’s your life to live.”
“Or, we could be bi-coastal for a while.”
Ginger knew she would have decisions to make, too. She had a life to live as well. “Let’s visit your nephew with an open mind, shall we?”
