Chapter 7
7
A s the evening temperature dropped, everyone drew closer to the bonfire. Suddenly, sleigh bells jingled in the darkness beyond the reach of the fire’s glow. Children’s eyes rounded at the sound, and excitement swept across the crowd.
Marina peered down the beach. “I think we have another surprise tonight.”
This is what the men had been whispering about earlier. Jack, Axe, and Chip had disappeared a few minutes ago to help.
Kai had left Stella with Brooke, so she was clearly involved with this annual visit. Likely, she was the head costumer.
Leo and Samantha looked up from their toasted marshmallows, heads turning toward the sound as the a cappella singers wrapped up a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells , a preview of the holiday choral show they were giving at the Shell Amphitheater.
Drawing nearer was a beach rescue vehicle outfitted like a sleigh. And at the wheel?—
“Look, it’s Santa,” Leo yelled.
“With his trusty sidekick, too,” Marina added, laughing.
Scout rode in the passenger seat, a sparkly red collar fastened around his furry ruff, his tongue lolling in a grin.
“That dog is living his best life,” Ginger said, chuckling.
Axe’s friends began singing “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and soon everyone joined in. The fire crackled higher, sending sparks to the stars.
As the vehicle pulled up, Marina smiled at the beach-meets-Christmas decorations. A life preserver was wrapped with ribbons, and a first aid kit sported a big bow.
“Ho, ho, ho!” A deep voice rolled across the beach like thunder.
Suddenly, Marina was surprised. “That’s not Jack,” she whispered to Ginger and Kai, who had rejoined them.
Every year, the men took turns playing the jolly St. Nick. Although it was supposed to be a secret until Santa arrived, Jack had been dropping hints, complaining about fake beards being scratchy.
Marina shot to her feet. “Wait, who is that?”
Kai giggled. “I know.”
“So do I,” Heather cried. She could hardly contain her enthusiasm.
“It couldn’t be, could it?” Marina hardly dared to hope. When the vehicle stopped, Santa disembarked. She’d recognize that youthful swagger anywhere. The children raced toward the truck, and she pressed a hand to her chest and screamed. “It is! It’s?—”
“Mom, shush. The kids!” Heather exploded with laughter.
Kai took Marina’s hands, jumping with excitement with her and Heather. “Don’t let on that you know. He has to stay in character.”
Santa waved at Marina with a wink.
Just then, Jack swung off the back of the vehicle, grinning broadly. He made his way toward her.
She flung her arms around him. “I thought his schedule was full.”
“It is,” Jack said, taking her in his arms. “But as it turned out, he’s not too busy to visit his mother.”
Leo tugged his father’s jacket. “Hey, Dad, is that who you picked up at the airport?”
“That’s right. It was top secret, kiddo.”
“And you didn’t tell me?” Marina jabbed him in the chest. “Why not?”
“And spoil your Christmas surprise?” Jack kissed her. “This was your heart’s desire, and I couldn’t think of anything else that would mean as much. Merry Christmas, darling. Hope you don’t mind getting your gift a little early.”
Tears sprang to her eyes, and Marina wiped them away, smiling. Having Ethan home for the holidays was all she’d wished for. “Oh, thank you, darling. But I still don’t know how you managed it.”
“That’s my secret,” Jack said, his eyes sparkling.
“Jack found a special flight, booked his ticket, and arranged everything,” Kai gushed.
Marina turned to her sister. “Did you know about this?”
“Not until I had to apply his beard and fit his costume. I was as surprised as you are.” Kai grinned. “I had to use extra padding—that kid has some serious abs now.”
When Santa opened a bag of candy, Leo and Samantha followed the younger children. Brooke’s sons—Alder, Rowan, and Oakley—joined them, too.
“Well, what do we have here?” Santa boomed, settling into a lawn chair Blake had quickly placed near the fire. “It seems I’ve found all the good girls and boys of Summer Beach. Gather round, everyone.”
Ethan’s gray-blue eyes glittered beneath bushy white eyebrows, and he winked at Marina.
“I never would have imagined,” she said, blowing a kiss at him. “I can hardly wait to hear how he’s doing.”
Jack put his arm around her. “Soon. He has a very important job to do first.”
Oliver leaned close to Ginger. “Did you have any idea about this?”
“No more than Marina,” Ginger said, touching her heart. “What a thoughtful gesture.”
Oliver winked at Jack. “I knew you had it in you. This is far better than your other idea.”
“What are you two talking about?” Kai asked, looking at them suspiciously.
“Just guy stuff,” Jack said, chuckling.
With her husband’s arm around her, Marina watched as Ethan produced candy canes with a flourish, passing them around. He continued his performance, making each child feel special.
A happy thought dawned on her: This was Summer Beach at its holiday finest. Where real magic could happen on a winter beach, where a golfer could become Santa Claus, where family meant more than blood, and where love, like the tides, could sweep in and transform everything.
Still watching her son, Marina sighed happily. “He’s such a natural in this role.”
“I coached him a little,” Kai said, folding her arms. “He needed a few lines besides ho, ho, ho .”
Soon, helper elves brought bags to Santa’s side and began to pass out gifts to the children: Frisbees, floaties, volleyballs, and beach toys for sandcastle building. Santa posed with the children as their parents took photos.
“Oh, my gosh, I have to get a photo of Stella up there with Cousin Santa,” Kai said, waving to Brooke, who was holding Clover. “Let’s go.”
Marina couldn’t imagine a more perfect Christmas bonfire. Her sisters took their little ones to stand in line with other parents. When it was their turn, they hammed it up with Santa, and everyone laughed.
After taking photos and giving gifts to the children, Santa motioned for them to join him. “And what about you, Heather? Have you been good this year?”
“You know I have been,” Heather said, punching her brother playfully in the arm. “I have to return to the food truck, but I’ll see you later. If you stay at the cottage, don’t walk around in your underwear, Santa. Ginger has another guest.”
“Oh, yeah? Who?”
“Another elf named Holly.” Heather grinned, clearly relishing teasing him. “You’ll meet her soon enough.”
Marina was next, playing along. “Santa, I don’t suppose you have any pro golfers in that bag of yours?”
“You’re in luck. There’s one left.” He wrapped his arms around Marina. “Merry Christmas, Mom. Were you surprised?”
“Completely,” she replied, hugging her son. “I’m so happy to see you.”
A few minutes later, Marina stood with her family, waving goodbye to Santa as he drove his sleigh away into the night.
While the bonfire burned brightly, Marina enjoyed being with her family and friends. They continued to celebrate, bound together by love and the magic of Christmas by the sea.
“Happy?” Ginger asked, leaning in.
Marina clasped her hands. “Beyond happy. Completely fulfilled. Everyone I love is here now.”
Although Marina had welcomed Oliver into their family, she fervently hoped this wouldn’t be the last year Ginger would spend with them here.
But if it was, it was perfect.