Marina suspected Kai needed emotional support and occasional relief from her new motherhood role. “Do you think we can get in so close to Christmas?”
“I’ve already checked, and Brandy is working through the holidays,” Kai replied. “I don’t think she has family nearby. I know she used to live in Los Angeles, so maybe she drives up for the day to see friends.”
“I know what it’s like spending the holidays without much family around,” Marina said. Ginger always came to visit her and the twins in San Francisco, but other than Ginger, they had been alone.
“We were fine, Mom,” Heather said, pulling out a strand of garland with faux berries. “We had our friends. But now I know how much fun it is in Summer Beach. I’m glad you got fired.”
“Iquitmy anchor position,” Marina said. “By a split second, but still, that counts. And I’m so happy I did.”
“We all are,” Brooke said as Heather and Kai nodded.
Marina smiled at her family. “Let’s make this a merry Christmas, even though Ethan likely won’t make it home.”
The front door flew open, and Blake stood in the entryway, his arms filled with more boxes. “Where would you like these?”
“Right here,” Heather said, kissing him. “Thanks, Babe. What do you want to do with these, Ginger?”
“Put them there and start unpacking.” Ginger glanced around the room with fondness. “Have fun and surprise me. I should check on the crew outside.”
Their grandmother usually had exacting instructions. Before Marina could ask another question, laughter erupted outside, and the kitchen timer buzzed.
“That’s the cranberry bread,” she said, hurrying to the kitchen.
While tending to her baked goods, Christmas lights drew Marina’s attention. The sun had set, and the colorful lights glowed on the lawn. She opened the rear door and stepped outside, shivering slightly.
Christmas lights cascaded from the roof line, lined the windows, and illuminated the old surfboards they’d once decorated. The men had used their creativity to arrange the decorations in a new manner, but it was just as pretty and fun.
Jack put his arm around her. “What do you think?”
“It’s magical. This year is special.”
Ginger turned to her. “Every year is special, dear. Every year, every day, every moment of our lives. Savor them all.”
Marina clasped her grandmother’s hand. “This is one of those wonderful moments.”
“There’s always more to come,” Ginger added with a mysterious smile. “Are you ready for it?”
2
“Hello, Coral Cafe.” Marina tucked the phone between her shoulder and jaw as she plated the last butternut squash salad of the lunch run. “How may we help you? Uh-oh…” The phone slipped from her tenuous grip.
As she fumbled the device, Cruise whipped around from the stove. “Got it,” he said, catching her phone in mid-air. Grinning, he held the phone to her ear.
It was her friend Ivy at the Seabreeze Inn. She laughed and said, “Marina, your grandmother’s painting is ready. I’ve left messages, but she hasn’t called, so I’m a little worried. Is she okay?”
“Ginger is fine, but she seldom checks her voicemail.” Cradling the phone, Marina finished the winter vegetable salad with a flourish of pumpkin seeds. With Cruise handling the kitchen and a part-time server on tables, she could leave the cafe after lunch. “I could pick it up this afternoon for her. I’ll check with Ginger.”
“Perfect,” Ivy replied.
After hanging up, Marina turned to Cruise. “Would you handle everything from here?”
“Yes, Chef,” he replied automatically.
“And Cruise?” Marina grinned at him. “Nice catch.”
He juggled his tongs. “Anytime.”
She changed out of her chef jacket and into a pink hoodie embroidered with the town’s logo and tagline:Life is Better in Summer Beach.
