He studied the table for a moment. “I know we’ve talked around the subject for a while, but would you consider moving to Boston with me?”
“That depends on the offer.”
Oliver grinned. “That was presumptuous of me, wasn’t it?”
“Premature, I’d say,” she said, kissing him by the warmth of the fire.
He gazed at her with love and admiration in his eyes. “Airplanes fly both ways, don’t they?”
“Indeed they do.”
As they sat comfortably with each other, Ginger’s mind wandered to her beloved Coral Cottage. The house had been her husband’s wedding gift to her and was filled with a lifetime of memories. Raising their daughter, welcoming grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and hosting countless friends and gatherings. And now the walls rang with Oliver’s laughter, the hearth warmed with their love.
Still, it was only a structure that could be reduced to rubble by a spark or a tsunami. Even loved ones came and went from this earthly existence. Time was theirs to appreciate in the moment.
“Maybe there’s another option,” Oliver said slowly, his eyes sparkling.
“What do you have in mind?” She reached for his hand again. “Backpacking or sailing around the world together? I have friends doing just that now.”
“Somewhere we can use a shiny red Vespa.”
Oliver smiled that smile she’d grown to love, the one that promised delightful surprises. “Any hints you can share?”
“Now that would be classified information.”
Ginger laughed, recognizing her phrase turned back to her. Oliver was intriguing, teasing her with possibilities.
As always, she was up for it.
Laughter rang out from a nearby table, and they turned. Jack was there with his brothers-in-law, Chip and Axe. They were huddled around the table as if sharing secrets.
“Looks like we’re no longer alone,” Ginger said, smiling. “This is a small town; I’m surprised we’ve had this much time to ourselves.”
“Excuse me for a moment,” Oliver said. “I need to speak to them about something. Do you mind waiting?”
Ginger rested her chin on her hand, feigning exasperation. “You’re full of secrets today, aren’t you?”
Grinning, Oliver kissed her cheek. “Tis the season, my love. All will be revealed in time.”
“Go if you must, then. I’m an independent woman.” She laughed and shooed him away.
This Christmas, she had secrets of her own.
She watched the men huddling like a sports team. Axe looked like the head coach, speaking in hushed tones and motioning to the others. Blake was there, too. Oliver appeared to chime in with suggestions.
He got along well with her granddaughter’s husbands and the younger generation of Ethan, Leo, and Brooke’s boys.
She wondered what they had in mind. Whatever it was, they looked excited.
When Oliver returned, he wore an expression of delight. He scooted his chair closer to her. “Will you promise me one thing?”
“Let’s hear it first.”
“You never saw anything today. None of them were here,” he added, nodding toward the other men. “I don’t want to spoil thesurprise. And I know how good you are at protecting important, top-secret projects.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said with a shrug. “I haven’t seen anything interesting here—except for you, my dear.”
“Thank you for that. It will be worth it, I promise.” Oliver kissed her hand. “Tomorrow, we’re all planning to golf early in the day.”
