Chapter 10
10
G inger tucked her hand through the crook of Oliver’s arm as they walked along Main Street, admiring the holiday decorations.
Dusk settled over the village. Along the street, holiday lights twinkled in shop windows, and tiny white lights encircled the graceful sterns, or trunks, of palm trees and outlined their fronds. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve.
“Was that the last of your holiday shopping?” she asked after they left the travel agency. Oliver had asked her to help him choose a gift for his nephew and family. He’d once mentioned they dreamed of taking their children on a celebrity mouse-themed cruise out of Florida. With her help, he decided on a gift package for that from Get Away Travel.
“Most of my shopping is complete,” Oliver replied, studying her. “For the last hour, I’ve been trying to place what is different about you.”
“Brandy gave me a new hairstyle.” Ginger told him about the visit to the salon. “I had planned to pamper Marina, Kai, and Heather—Brooke cares little for such things—but I never imagined it would be such an emotional day.”
“How so?” he asked with interest.
“I included Holly,” she said. “She came away with an updated style and a new-found sister.” She told him about what had transpired between her house guest and Brandy. “She returned home with Heather to pack her bag and pick up her car. This will be her first Christmas spent with a real family member.”
“That’s remarkable,” Oliver said. “I’m glad for her. Being near family is important.”
All around them, Christmas lights flickered on. In the distance, the lights of her beloved Coral Cottage glowed against the deepening blue of the ocean. Her heart fluttered at the familiar sight.
Oliver’s step slowed. “I’ve been thinking about our families.” His voice carried a gentle gravity. “And about how much I enjoy Summer Beach. It’s grown on me.”
Ginger squeezed his arm. “I hoped it would.”
“The weather’s quite pleasant,” he mused, his eyes twinkling. “And the golfing is exceptional.”
“Many communities offer that.”
“And you know how much I care for you.” His voice softened. “Would you consider spending more time together?”
“Can you be more precise, my dear?”
Oliver smiled. “How about the rest of our lives and wherever life takes us?”
“That’s a broad question. Does this have to do with your nephew?”
Nodding, Oliver said, “Chris isn’t letting up. He still wants me to move near him. For some reason, he thinks I’ll suddenly wake up as an infirm, crotchety old man one day.”
“In theory, anything could happen,” Ginger said, understanding his nephew’s concern. “Although I hope your lovely nature doesn’t fail you.”
Oliver chuckled at that. “Chris is family. He’s like the child we never had. But I must consider you, too,” he added firmly. He stopped near Spirits I’m surprised we’ve had this much time to ourselves.”
“Excuse me for a moment,” Oliver said. “I need to speak to them about something. Do you mind waiting?”
Ginger rested her chin on her hand, feigning exasperation. “You’re full of secrets today, aren’t you?”
Grinning, Oliver kissed her cheek. “Tis the season, my love. All will be revealed in time.”
“Go if you must, then. I’m an independent woman.” She laughed and shooed him away.
This Christmas, she had secrets of her own.
She watched the men huddling like a sports team. Axe looked like the head coach, speaking in hushed tones and motioning to the others. Blake was there, too. Oliver appeared to chime in with suggestions.
He got along well with her granddaughter’s husbands and the younger generation of Ethan, Leo, and Brooke’s boys.
She wondered what they had in mind. Whatever it was, they looked excited.
When Oliver returned, he wore an expression of delight. He scooted his chair closer to her. “Will you promise me one thing?”
“Let’s hear it first.”
“You never saw anything today. None of them were here,” he added, nodding toward the other men. “I don’t want to spoil the surprise. And I know how good you are at protecting important, top-secret projects.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said with a shrug. “I haven’t seen anything interesting here—except for you, my dear.”
“Thank you for that. It will be worth it, I promise.” Oliver kissed her hand. “Tomorrow, we’re all planning to golf early in the day.”
Ginger laughed at his attempt. “You’re a lousy liar,” she whispered with a conspiratorial wink. “But I choose to believe you this time. Just so you know.”