“How about these wreaths?” She held them both aloft.
“We’ll put the one with shells and sea glass on the front door,” Ginger suggested. “If anyone wants the other one, it’s yours. Otherwise, let’s start a box for giveaways.”
“I call dibs on it,” Kai said, shooting up her hand.
“Sold to the highest bidder.” Marina handed it to Kai, then held up a vintage tin decoration. “And this silver bell?”
Ginger shrugged. “Let it go to a good home.”
“I’d love that,” Heather said, clasping her hands.
“Then it’s yours, dear.” Ginger hugged her. “I’ll miss you when you move next year. Are you sure you wouldn’t want to stay? You and Blake could save some money for your first house.”
“Actually, I have a big surprise.” Excitement flashed across Heather’s face as she glanced at her mother. “We were going to tell you together, but I can’t wait. Blake told me his parents have promised a very generous down payment as a wedding gift. They said we can start looking for a house before the wedding.”
“Why, that’s wonderful.” For a moment, Marina wished she could have done that. Yet, it was all she could do to put the twins through school after their father failed to return from the war in Afghanistan. She’d also spent money to open the cafe and was employing Heather now.
Marina caught herself. The wedding wasn’t about her or Blake’s parents.
Swallowing her pride, she said, “Please tell them how much I appreciate their generosity. It means a lot to me to see you in your own home.”
“Thank you, Mom. I know they’ll appreciate that.”
“That’s very thoughtful of them.” Ginger put her arm around Marina’s shoulder.
She leaned into the familiar warmth of her grandmother’s embrace. Since they’d both lost spouses, Ginger understood howshe felt. She had been there to help with the twins; she was Marina’s rock.
They all loved Ginger, each in their own way. Their grandmother had stepped in to raise Kai and see Brooke through high school and her marriage.
Ginger’s home was their home, too. They all agreed that the holidays were sweeter here at the Coral Cottage with Ginger.
However, that might change soon. Recently, Ginger confided in Marina that Oliver’s nephew was concerned about him living alone as he grew older. Oliver and his late wife didn’t have children, so Chris wanted him to move close to his family in Boston. Would Oliver consider that? Marina wondered.
If so, what would Ginger do?
Marina smoothed her hand over Ginger’s. She hadn’t told her sisters about this possibility because she didn’t want them to worry during the holidays.
“Marina, what do you think?” Kai asked.
She shook her head. “Sorry, what?”
“Pink or purple highlights—yes or no? I won’t be on stage for a while, so I thought I’d have some fun.”
“Why not both?” Marina loved Kai’s wavy blond hair, but Kai had her own style. “Temporary or permanent?”
“Good idea. I’ll ask Brandy.” Kai’s gaze roved over Marina’s hair. “Why don’t you come with me to Beach Waves?”
“Does it look like I need to?” She ran a hand over her shoulder-length reddish brown hair. Her highlights were long gone.
“Couldn’t hurt.” Kai’s cheeks colored with embarrassment. “What I meant was, with the holidays here and all the parties at the cafe, you’ll want to look your best.”
Kai was probably right. “That’s a good idea. I’ll come with you. Anyone else? We can have a party at Beach Waves.”
Brooke tossed her long braid over her shoulder. “Low maintenance suits me. I don’t need to dress up to work in the garden.”
“I’ll join you,” Ginger said, smiling. “My treat for anyone who wants to go.”
Kai’s eyes lit with appreciation. “I love having a plan to get out of the house. I’ll make reservations for us.”
