“It’s almost like the old days again,” Marina said.
She loved gathering with her family at Ginger’s for Christmas morning, which was mainly for the little ones. She and Jackwould exchange gifts at their home. This year, they’d agreed on modest presents.
When she and her sisters were younger, Ginger always had a houseful of people. Marina revived the tradition and took over the task after she returned to Summer Beach. They all loved opening the house to neighbors and friends.
“Now I have the luxury of all of you helping out,” Ginger said, smiling. “Having a chef and talented sous chefs and bakers in the family is marvelous.”
Marina put the cheesecakes into the hot oven and set the timer. “While these are baking, let’s finish everything else so we can clean up and start our Christmas Eve festivities.”
“Just a few more minutes for these,” Kai said, sliding the last cookies into the other oven. “Then, I need to drop off Stella at the sitters. Axe and I planned to go to the Shell early to meet with the stage director about tonight’s show.”
“I’m sure the show will be spectacular,” Ginger said. “And that goes for the feast, too.”
Marina embraced her grandmother. “I know it will be. I learned from the best—from you.”
After changinginto a sparkly sweater and boots, Marina arrived at the outdoor amphitheater with Jack and Leo. They greeted friends as they made their way to their seats.
Her friends Ivy and Shelly called to them, “Merry Christmas Eve to you all.”
“Merry Christmas,” Marina said.
She loved this new tradition of gathering at the Shell, thanks to the vision and efforts of Kai and Axe. The holidays were a blend of old and new traditions now as their family was evolving.
While Leo ran ahead to see his friend Samantha, Marina and Jack stopped to speak to Imani Jones and her son, Jamir, whowas attending medical school. Louise from the Laundry Basket and Rosa with her family were seated behind them.
They made their way to the section that Axe had reserved for them. Her daughter and her fiancé were already there.
“Hi, Mom. What do you think?” Heather and Blake wore matching Christmas sweaters.
“You two look adorable. Have you seen your brother?”
“There he is.” Heather motioned to Ethan. “And look who is with him. Do you mind if Holly and Brandy join us afterward at the café?”
“I’d be delighted to have them.”
“Good, because he already asked them. You know how Ethan is.”
“Everyone is welcome.” Marina smiled as she watched her son catering to Holly. He was introducing her to his friends. While it was far too soon to read anything into their budding relationship, Marina wondered if fate had more than one reason to bring Holly to Summer Beach.
Kai and Axe soon joined them, waving at friends along the way.
“It feels different being in the audience,” Kai said, sitting beside Marina. She wore a showstopping red sequined top under a silver puffy jacket and gloves.
The retired nurse Marina knew had offered to look after her baby and Brooke’s tonight to give the mothers a night off.
“Don’t enjoy it too much,” Jack said, grinning. “Everyone misses seeing you on stage this year.”
“It won’t be long unless Stella has a sibling,” Kai said.
Marina’s eyes widened. “What? Are you?—”
Kai laughed and shook her head. “No, but we’re not ruling out the possibility. I’m not going for Brooke’s record, but we could manage one more.”
“What about my record?” Brooke asked. She took a seat behind them with Chip and their three boys.
“Kai is thinking about playing catch-up in the family department.”
“But not entirely,” Kai added. “You have a head start, and I have limited patience.”
