Marina had seen Ginger glance at that one earlier when Holly was searching for the one she gave Ivy.
The younger woman dug into her backpack again and withdrew the first piece. She stared at it for a moment before showing it to Ginger.
“What a remarkable likeness and excellent detail,” Ginger said, comparing the ornament to her home. “Just look at this, Marina. Isn’t it lovely?”
Marina narrowed her eyes. Holly had likely seen the Coral Cafe online, although this miniature scene was of the front of Ginger’s home rather than the cafe. There were two figures beside it—a woman and a man. Still, anyone could have taken a photo and posted it. She’d seen tourists set up shots of Ginger’s coral-painted cottage against the blue sea and sky. The juxtaposition of colors created striking photos.
Ginger held up the ornament. “This could be me and Oliver. How funny. It seems you painted Summer Beach before you arrived.”
“I had no idea,” Holly said, her face paling. “But you should have that. As a gift. For good luck.”
“Maybe this is why your car stalled here,” Ginger said thoughtfully.
“Likely, it’s another coincidence,” Marina said. She got out to carry Oliver’s painting to a hiding place in the cottage.
Ginger believed people were right where they were supposed to be. However, Marina questioned this. Accidents happened and cars broke down.
“I just paint from memory,” Holly said again, almost to herself.
Ginger tapped her chin in thought. “Some call what you havesecond sight.”
Holly turned away, but Marina could see the tips of her ears turning pink. For some reason, Ginger’s comments disturbed her.
Deeply.
As if I don’t have enough to do this holiday season, Marina thought. Suddenly, another possibility came to mind.
Maybe Holly was the reason she’d been feeling out of sorts today. Had Jack been right about a premonition? If she’d really sensed Holly’s arrival, now she felt even more off kilter.
And just when things were going so well this holiday season.
3
Aswift wind kicked up the waves, misting Jack’s hair. He flipped up the collar on his windbreaker to shield his neck. The sun painted long shadows across the sand, and the salt air was just cool enough to remind him that Christmas was coming.
Someone called out to him. “Hey, Jack, wait up.”
Jack looked up toward a dune. Oliver had just cleared it and was walking toward him. He motioned for Oliver to join him.
“Want some company?” Oliver asked. “I try to get in my daily step count, but I didn’t walk the course today. I played with a buddy who has a golf cart.”
“No worries, it’s always good to see you. I’m out here with Leo and Scout.”
Still wearing his golf clothes, Oliver fell into step beside him.
Despite the age difference, the two men had become close friends. They watched Leo toss sticks down the beach, sending Scout bounding after them with his uneven gait. The yellow Lab’s enthusiasm never failed to make Jack smile.
“Good throw, buddy!” Jack called out as Leo jogged ahead.
Another few years, and the lanky kid would be his height. Maybe even taller. Now that Leo was in his life, Jack was acutely aware of the passage of time. His son’s milestones marked it for him.
Oliver chuckled as he watched Leo play with Scout. “Your son is growing into a fine young man. You seem to be on good terms with his mother. I admire that.”
“We were always friends and work colleagues, except for one stressful night. We were reporting on a tense, dangerous situation.” Jack shoved his hands into his pockets, thinking about what seemed a lifetime ago. “We weren’t sure we’d see the morning light.”
“And you didn’t know about him until a few years ago?”
“It was a shock, but we got past that,” Jack replied. “Vanessa is a great mother, and we’re comfortable co-parenting now. Leo is one of the best things to ever happen to me, along with Marina.”
