The crowd exploded with applause, and the guys exited into the audience, beaming.
Marina threw her arms around Jack. “All I want is you, too.”
“Surprised?” he asked.
“All of us were,” she replied, laughing. “That meant so much to me.” Marina kissed him and whispered, “I love you, sweetheart. Merry Christmas.”
As Jack’s lips warmed hers, she thought of the first time she’d seen him and how far they had come. While they couldn’t knowthe future, she had faith that they would celebrate their lives surrounded by family and the warmest of love.
13
“Why don’t you drive?” Ginger suggested as they strolled toward the parking area after the performance.
“Are you sure?” Oliver replied, putting his arm around her.
“Tonight I want an excuse to wrap my arms around you.” She had something important to ask him.
Oliver threw his head back and laughed. “You never need an excuse for that—you always have my permission.”
When they reached the scooter, Ginger slipped on her helmet, and he helped her onto the back of the Vespa.
After he got on, she slid her arms around his torso and squeezed.
“Ready back there?” he asked.
“I’m ready for anything.” She flipped her red scarf over her shoulder as the scooter rumbled to life. “Let’s take the beach route to the cafe. It’s such a beautiful night.”
“You read my mind.” Oliver steered through the parking area. “Do you think anyone will mind if we’re a little late?”
Ginger laughed into the breeze. “One advantage to age is we can do as we please. Within reason,” she added. “MerryChristmas,” she called out, waving as they passed people she knew.
Friends answered her and waved them through the line of cars exiting.
“See? Age has its benefits,” she said.
“No, that’s all for you, darling.” Oliver chuckled. “I feel like I’m with a celebrity. You’re adored in Summer Beach. Will you miss that?”
“That was never a goal for me.” She rested her head against his shoulder, enjoying the ride as they whizzed past a kaleidoscope of lights down Main Street. She could feel the beating of his heart, matching her own.
Within minutes, they were near the beach, and Oliver veered to one side. “Mind if we stop?”
“Let’s. The moonlight on the waves is breathtaking.” She removed her helmet and rested it on the scooter as he did the same.
They were alone on the beach. In the distance, the starry night sky kissed the sea on the horizon. Oliver reached for her hand, and they strolled toward the waves in lockstep as if they’d been doing this all their lives.
Pausing at the water’s edge, Oliver turned to her. “I’ve been thinking…our life is what we decide to make of it.”
“I’ve always thought so, too. There’s something I want to talk to you about.” She squeezed his hand. “We’ve both created the paths we wanted...”
“I’ve admired that about you.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers.
Ginger warmed to his touch. She selected her words carefully, though she wanted to appear nonchalant. “You were fabulous onstage tonight. What a marvelous surprise. You were so charming, distinguished, and handsome. I felt like the luckiest woman in the audience when you pointed to me.”
“I meant every word of it. All I want for Christmas, and the rest of my life, is you.” He dropped slowly to one knee. “Will you marry me, Ginger?”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she said, pulling him to his feet. “You might hurt your knees on a shell or a piece of driftwood. Let’s not end a romantic evening like that. What will I do with you?”
He laughed, shaking his head. “You can’t answer a question like that with a question. It’s not an answer.”
