“Of course it is. Let’s be partners, Oliver. You know I won’t have it any other way.” She hesitated, but only for dramatic effect. She knew what she wanted, but he had beat her to the question. Still, she wanted it noted for the record. “My dearest Oliver, will you marry me? I had hoped to ask you first.”
Smiling, he pressed a hand to his heart. “A million times, my love.”
“That sounds rather extravagant,” Ginger said. “Let’s start with just once.” She met his lips in a kiss that made her feel like a young woman again. Then, tapping her foot, she said, “Now, what shall we do about rings? Some traditions I’m all for.”
Oliver slapped a hand to his cheek and shook his head with a merry expression. “You really are something. This isn’t going quite like I envisioned. I thought we’d shop for rings together.”
“Why, I like that idea even better. Not that I need one, but I wanted to chide you a little, so we don’t get too serious about this. At our age, that could be dangerous.”
“And riding a scooter isn’t?”
“Not in Summer Beach. People watch out for celebrities.”
Laughing, Oliver wrapped his arms around her. “Please don’t ever change. You keep life interesting, Ginger Delavie.”
“As do you, Oliver Powell. You know, I think we’ll be fabulous together.”
“We already are.”
Ginger looped her red scarf around his neck and drew him in for a kiss.
In each other’s arms, the years melted away. Their love, like nature, was timeless. Waves still raced to the shore, stars still glimmered in the sky, and the sun would rise again.
Ginger knew this was the right step for them. “Should we join the party now?”
“I’d like that. Do you want to share our news tonight?”
“I think it will make a marvelous memory, but are you ready for their questions about where we plan to live?”
Oliver raised his brow and nodded. “I’ve been pondering that, and tonight, I had an epiphany. I have a proposal for you.”
“Another one?”
“There’s always another option, my love.”
They strolled back to the scooter, deep in conversation.
By the timeGinger and Oliver arrived at the cafe, their family and friends were crowded around the firepit and lining up for the buffet Marina had organized.
“Over here,” Marina called, motioning them to the chef’s table in the kitchen area. “We saved seats for you.”
She warmed food on the stovetop while Brooke ferried dishes to the buffet table. Ethan poured the wine, and Heather stirred hot cocoa.
“Why, thank you, dear. What a marvelous holiday party.” Ginger loosened her scarf.
“Where have you been?” Kai asked, cradling a sleeping little Stella. “We were getting worried about you. We picked up the girls from the sitter and were surprised we beat you here.”
Oliver put his arm around Ginger, his eyes twinkling. “Should we tell them?”
“Why not? It’s Christmas Eve.” Ginger beamed at her family and, taking Oliver’s hand, said, “We stopped by the beach, and we proposed to each other.”
“Oh, my goodness,” Kai said, bouncing in her seat. “You’re engaged?”
Oliver looked at Ginger with pride, and she nodded. “In the interest of time, we decided to skip an engagement and simply get married. We’re considering New Year’s Day because everyone will be here. We could invite the pastor to our open house for a brief ceremony before the feast.”
Kai’s eyes glittered. “That’s fabulous. I’ll help organize it.”
“And where will you live?” Marina asked.
