Chapter 16
CHAPTER 16
M ost everyone who attended the book club meeting hung around the inn and continued to enjoy what was left of the food. The meeting was a great success, but with Christopher and Becca arriving in a few hours, she needed everyone to leave.
“Do you want me to kick them all out?” Claire asked.
Maggie giggled. “No, I don’t want to be rude. At least we can feel good about the meeting. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”
“I’d say they’re enjoying themselves a little too much. Let Claire and I move this thing along.”
Maggie reached out to Chelsea, but it was too late.
“Ladies, can I have your attention! Maggie has company coming soon. Let’s give the inn back to her so she can get the place ready for family.”
A hush fell over the room as Chelsea’s voice echoed through the dining area, and all eyes turned to Maggie, who smiled sheepishly.
The book club members, comfortably nestled on the plush chairs and sofas, exchanged glances, realizing they had lost track of time in the warmth of good company and delicious food.
“Oh, Maggie, we didn’t mean to overstay!” Linda St. James said. She quickly shoved the mini crab cake she was nibbling on into her mouth, brushing the crumbs off her lap as she rose from her seat.
“No, no, it’s really no trouble at all,” Maggie assured her. “I’m thrilled everyone had such a good time. But, yes, Christopher and Becca will be here soon, and I need to tidy up a bit before they arrive.”
Ciara, who was always one to take charge in a situation, stood up and clapped her hands together. “All right, ladies, you heard Chelsea. Let’s help clean up and give Maggie some breathing room.”
Maggie opened her mouth to protest, but before she could get the words out, Ciara was already gathering plates and stacking them in a neat pile, Iris jumped up as well, moving quickly to clear the coffee table of empty glasses and napkins.
“We’re not just going to run out the door without pitching in,” Iris said with a wink, placing the dishes on the kitchen counter near the sink. “It’s the least we can do after you hosted such a lovely afternoon.”
“I appreciate that, Iris, but you’ve got the day off. I feel bad about making you work,” Maggie answered.
“That’s silly, and it’s not a problem,” she said, looking at Oliver who seemed to appreciate the help.
Chelsea smiled at Maggie and added, “Don’t worry, we’ll stick around until everything’s ready for Chris and Becca. Family shouldn’t feel like they have to leave.”
Maggie nodded, grateful that Chelsea and Ciara were staying. With them here, it felt more like preparing for a family gathering than just cleaning up after an event.
Grandma Sarah, who had been quietly observing the commotion, made no move to leave. “I suppose I should just park myself somewhere out of the way,” she said with a mischievous grin. “Wouldn’t want to be underfoot, but I’m not going anywhere until I see my grandson.”
“Of course, Mom. I want you to be here when they arrive,” Maggie said, walking over to give her mother’s hand a squeeze. “Why don’t you sit in the living room? We’ll finish up here.”
“All right, but don’t think I’m done discussing that book,” her mother quipped as she settled herself into a comfortable armchair.
Millie Brenner, who had been more reserved throughout the meeting, surprised everyone by grabbing a broom and sweeping up crumbs from the floor. “Don’t look so shocked,” she said to Grandma Sarah. “I am the Key Lime Garden Inn’s housekeeper, after all.”
“You’re all too kind,” Maggie said, her heart swelling with gratitude. “But I can take it from here. Christopher and Becca won’t be here for a while yet, and I don’t want to keep anyone longer than necessary.”
“Nonsense,” Kristin said as she returned from the kitchen with a damp cloth. “We’re almost done, and then we’ll get out of your hair.”
Claire and Kristin were wiping down the counter and putting away the leftover food with Oliver’s help, while Chelsea returned the chairs to their proper places around the dining room table. Even though the cleanup was a bit impromptu, it was clear everyone had fun, laughing and sharing anecdotes from the meeting, and life in general.
Finally, when the last dish was put away and the floor swept clean, the women gathered near the door, exchanging hugs and goodbyes.
As the last of the non-family members left, Maggie stood in the entryway, waving goodbye. The inn was quieter now, but the warmth of their presence lingered. She turned to Chelsea, who was fluffing pillows on the sofa, and smiled. “I don’t know what I’d do without you all.”
“You’d be fine,” Chelsea said with a laugh. “But it’s much more fun having me around, don’t you agree?”
Maggie laughed. “So much more.” She glanced around the now-tidy space and sighed. There was still a little time before Christopher and Becca arrived, just enough to put the finishing touches on the guest room and perhaps steal a moment for herself.
As she moved toward the kitchen, Maggie noticed Oliver quietly putting the last of the dishes into the cabinet. He had worked tirelessly behind the scenes, making sure everything was perfect for Maggie’s meeting.
She approached him and smiled. “Oliver, I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work today. The food was absolutely delicious, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it. You made the event special.”
“I’m glad everyone enjoyed it. It’s always nice to see people appreciating good food.”
“They definitely did,” Maggie assured him. “They couldn’t stop talking about how talented you are.”
“I appreciate that, but I didn’t do it for them, I did it for you.”
“I don’t understand,” she said.
“Maggie, I’m so very happy to have this job. You’ve done more for me than I think you know. I hope you always like what I’m doing here, because I plan to stay for a long time, if you’ll have me.”
Maggie smiled. “I’m glad to hear you say that, because I’m speaking for both me and my husband. We’re blessed to have you be part of the Key Lime Garden family. We’re lucky to have you.”
“They’ve landed!” Ciara announced. “They’re on their way to pick up the car rental and will be here sometime in the next hour.”
“Woohoo!” Grandma Sarah yelled. “Finally, we’re going to have some fun around here.”
Maggie shook her head and whispered to Ciara. “My mother loves all her grandchildren, but I think she secretly loves Christopher because he likes to get into trouble with her.”
“Trouble?” Ciara asked.
“Yeah, you know, mischief. When Christopher was little, she’d babysit and let him get away with anything and everything. When he got older, he reciprocated and let her do whatever she wanted without telling me. It used to drive me crazy, but now, I think it’s sweet that they’re buddies like that.”
“I heard that,” Grandma Sarah said. “You think I can’t hear you when you whisper, but my hearing is pretty good. Anyway, you were too strict with your children. I came along and made sure they had a good time and not always doing chores and homework. You should learn a lesson from me and have more fun.”
Maggie rolled her eyes, and Chelsea chuckled.
“Never mind, Maggie. I could learn a lesson or two from you, and don’t let your daughter fool you. She admires you so much.”
Maggie wouldn’t make eye contact with her mother, but the deafening silence felt awkward, so she changed the subject.
“Mom, have you eaten enough? I can make another plate for you if you’d like.”
Her mother stood behind her, and Maggie could feel the heat from her body. Maggie turned to look at her mother.
“Is that true, Maggie? Do you admire me?”
Maggie’s heart had long been softened by her mother’s attempt at reconciliation. She’d passed the torch to Maggie and would choose the same path.
“I do…very much.”
Grandma Sarah put her arms around Maggie and pulled her close.
“And I, you,” she said.
Chelsea and Ciara stood by watching the exchange.
“I think I’m going to cry,” Ciara whispered.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, no crying,” Grandma Sarah said. “I just told you, my hearing is perfect, and I can hear everything you’re saying.”
It was true Grandma Sarah. Never one to linger in sentimentalities, she pulled away and walked to the coffee pot.
“Oliver, how do you make this thing work?” she asked. “I’d like a cup of coffee.”
Oliver smiled. “Coming right up, Mrs. Garrison.”
“Didn’t I tell you to call me, Grandma Sarah? Everyone does.”
“Sorry about that. Coming right up, Grandma Sarah.”
Becca and Christopher stopped at Powell Water Sports before heading to the Key Lime Garden Inn. Becca couldn’t wait to see her father, and Christopher couldn’t deny his bride her request to stay at her family’s home instead of the inn.
“Are you sure your mother won’t be upset with us for not staying at the inn?” she asked.
“Of course not. We’re all going to be together for Christmas. We decided to come down a week early, because you need to relax and have a vacation. You’ve been working so hard in medical school and now the pregnancy. It’s an awful lot to take on at the same time. My mother knows this. We’ll have plenty of time to get together with her and the rest of the family.”
When they pulled up in front of Powell Water Sports, Joshua, Luke and their father were standing on the curb waiting for their arrival.
“Daddy!” Becca yelled as he opened her car door and helped her out of the car.
Crawford was a big man at six feet three, and when he held Becca, her head only reached his chest.
“My little girl, look at you,” he said as he released their embrace, looking down at her belly. “There’s my little grandbaby. How are you feeling, honey?”
“I’m good, Dad. A little tired now and then, and my hormones are challenging my moods, but otherwise, everything is great. The baby is healthy, and Chris and I can’t wait to see…the baby.”
She was careful not to give away the news that they were having a girl, but it was difficult to keep the secret.
“Hello, Chris,” Crawford said, shaking his son-in-law’s hand. “How was your flight?”
“Great. No issues.”
He turned to his brothers-in-law. “Hey guys, nice to see you again. Is Finn home yet?”
“No, but he and Jillian will be here next week,” Luke said.
Becca nodded, and Luke embraced Christopher, and then Joshua, did so as well.
“Hey, man. You’re looking good with that prosthetic. You’re walking around like you have a regular leg,” Joshua said.
Luke pushed Joshua, “You don’t mention someone’s prosthetic. You’re supposed to understand it’s there, but you never point it out.”
Christopher laughed. “It’s okay. Most people feel awkward around me for that reason. No one wants to talk about it, so the fact that Joshua isn’t afraid to speak his mind is a good thing.”
Looking at Luke, Becca said, “I’m sorry about Meredith. I heard you guys broke up.”
Luke nodded and looked down at the curb. “It’s okay. I’m doing better about it. Time heals all wounds, right?”
Joshua chuckled. “Did you know she’s getting married already? She sent Luke an invitation. Can you believe it?”
Becca looked at Luke. “Is that true?”
Luke nodded.
“We’re going to have to have a private, and quiet, discussion while I’m home…deal?”
He smiled. “Deal.”
Crawford interrupted them. “Let’s get your stuff inside, and we can sit down and have a nice visit.”
Becca touched her father’s arm.
“Can we do that a little later? I just wanted to stop and let you know that we’re here, but Chris needs to see his mother. Can we do that later? I promise, we’ll have a nice long talk. Do you mind?”
Crawford looked a little disappointed, but he agreed.
“Okay, honey. Luke, Joshua and I will bring your stuff upstairs. Ciara is over at the inn waiting with Maggie and Paolo. We’ll catch up with you later.”
Becca hugged her father again. “Thanks, Dad.”
They got inside their car and drove to the Key Lime Garden Inn.