Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3
M aggie looked over the warm cranberry walnut scones and smiled. Always trying to outdo her last batch, she admired the golden-brown crust and toasted walnuts, which mingled with the sweet-tart scent of cranberries and a touch of vanilla.
Looking at Riley Cuthbert, the inn’s chef, she said, “If our guests haven’t gotten out of bed yet, the aroma of these scones ought to do the trick.”
“They look better than the last batch, Maggie.”
Laughing, Maggie placed her oven mitts on the counter. “You say that every time.”
“That’s because every time they are better,” Riley insisted.
Maggie quickly swirled around when the back door opened.
“Good morning, everyone,” Chelsea announced.
“I’m curious, Chelsea. Do you actually smell these scones all the way from your house, or do you take a chance and hope to see them when you get here?”
Chelsea made her way to the coffee pot and shrugged. “Maggie, dear, to hear you talk one would think you don’t like me coming over here every morning. The guests like seeing me. Riley likes seeing me. I don’t think the Key Lime Garden Inn would be as appealing if there was no Chelsea Marsden around. I add color.”
Maggie smirked. “Color? Are you saying the inn doesn’t have color?”
“Let’s just say I add a certain something to the place.”
“Uh-huh,” Maggie said. “You’re something all right.”
Riley giggled as she cleaned the kitchen counters.
“Do you have time to sit out on the porch with your best friend this morning?” Chelsea asked.
Chelsea never formally asked for time with Maggie, coming and going as she pleased. Maggie assumed her friend had something important to discuss.
“Of course. Let me get my coffee and I’ll join you out back in a minute.”
It was early enough in the day and plenty of time for Maggie to get ready for her sister’s visit. Whatever distraction Chelsea had for her, Maggie welcomed it. She’d thought of little else but Kat’s visit, and without sharing the news with their mother, Maggie’s anxiety level rose by the hour.
Maggie pushed the screen door with her body and backed out onto the porch carrying her coffee and a plate with two scones on it.
A gentle breeze moved the wind chimes and hanging plants, and the sun was already warming the air.
“Looks like another beautiful day on Captiva Island,” Chelsea said. “Nothing better than eating scones on the porch swing.”
Maggie nodded and took a sip of her coffee. “It does, indeed. So, what’s up? I have a feeling you have something on your mind.”
Chelsea nodded. “I do. I’ve been invited to Sebastian and Isabelle’s house for dinner.”
“Oh, is that a problem?”
Chelsea and Sebastian dated before he married Isabelle, and all indications were that Chelsea was over their breakup. She’d never given any indication she had lingering feelings for him.
“I’m not sure how I feel about it. I thought if you and I talk it through, I’ll be able to figure out what to do.”
“Okay, but I’m confused. I thought you were over Sebastian?”
Chelsea tapped Maggie’s arm and laughed. “Oh for heaven’s sake. I’m not conflicted because of Sebastian. That’s in the past. No, I’m nervous to go because they are fixing me up with a date.”
Maggie laughed. “Oh, I like that idea. You should go.”
“Maggie. Geez, I thought you’d give it some thought before telling me what to do.”
“Do you want my help or don’t you?” Maggie asked.
“I do…I’m sorry, go on.”
“It’s time you get out there again, Chelsea. I mean it. I know you’re doing fine being alone, but there is nothing wrong with having someone…a companion.”
“Oh, no. Please don’t call him a companion. You make me sound like I’m old and need an assistant to get me around.”
“Stop it. You know that’s not what I’m saying.”
Maggie turned to face Chelsea. Her voice softened. “Chelsea Marsden, I speak from my heart when I say this. You are funny, adventurous, compassionate and intelligent. You don’t let your light hide under a rock, but neither do you share it with many people. You have so much love to give. I know you and Carl had the most amazing love story, but he would want you to love again. I knew that man, and I’m telling you, he would want that for you.”
Chelsea swallowed, and Maggie could tell she was fighting back tears.
“Thank you, Maggie. I’ve been grappling with this ever since Isabelle invited me to dinner. It isn’t guilt I feel. I agree Carl would want me to love again. It’s…well, I’m not sure I know how to be on a date.”
“You be you. That’s how you should be on a date. Be yourself, and let the rest happen naturally. The most important thing is not to overthink it.”
Chelsea nodded. “What if…I fall in love…what then?”
Maggie hugged Chelsea and then looked in her eyes. “Let yourself feel it all. That’s the thing about love. When it comes into your life, it’s hard to contain it. The beauty of love isn’t just about being loved…it’s another opportunity to love someone, another person. Isn’t that what life is about?”
Chelsea looked down at her hands and played with her wedding ring. “I haven’t taken this off since Carl was alive, even when I was with Sebastian.”
Maggie squeezed Chelsea’s hand. “My friend, you’ll know when the time is right to take it off. Now, how about we dig into these scones? I got up at the crack of dawn to make these beauties. The least you can do is tell me how delicious they are.”
At Maggie’s recommendation, Chelsea decided to accept Isabelle’s invitation and went home to call her. Maggie had much to do before her sister arrived, but just as she was about to leave for the supermarket, her daughter Beth called.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Beth! How’s my girl?”
“Not so good. Gabriel’s mother died yesterday.”
“Oh honey, I’m so sorry. How is Gabriel?”
“As you would expect. He’s very sad over the whole thing. It’s not that we didn’t know it was coming, but it’s still hard.”
“Of course. Please give him a hug from us and tell him that we’re thinking of him.”
“I will. I wanted to call and let you know that we’re headed to California for the funeral. His brother James and family are on the same plane with us. I’m not sure how long we’ll be there, but Gabriel will try to convince his father to fly home with us and spend some time with his family. He doesn’t get to see his granddaughter very often, and I know James wants him to stay at their house.”
“Oh, that would be lovely. I’m sure Willow will love having her grandfather around. I think that’s a wonderful idea. It will be good for Thomas too. Will you do me a favor and text me all the details? Paolo and I would like to send flowers. I’m sure Sarah and Trevor will do the same.”
“Absolutely. We leave first thing tomorrow morning. I’ll text you the information this afternoon. So, since I have you on the phone, tell me how you’re doing? How is Sarah and her family? What about Chelsea and Grandma? What’s new on Captiva Island?”
Maggie sighed. “Well, there is one thing that’s new. Your aunt Kat is coming to Captiva today. I expect her around one o’clock.”
Maggie didn’t want to elaborate on Kat’s situation, given that she wasn’t exactly sure what to say.
“Oh, that will be nice. How long has it been since you two saw each other?”
“Not since your father’s funeral. It should be interesting.”
Beth laughed. “Well, if I know Aunt Kat, it will be more than interesting. I’ve got to go. Please tell everyone we said hello and update them on Gabriel’s mother. I’ll text you this afternoon. I’ll call when I have more time to talk.”
“Okay, honey. You and Gabriel have a safe flight and stay in touch, will you?”
“Will do. Love you.”
“Love you, too, sweetie.”
Maggie ended the call and shook her head. Gabriel’s mother had early onset Alzheimer’s and hadn’t recognized her family for some time. Her health was not the best, and everyone knew she wouldn’t live long. Maggie felt awful that her daughter and son-in-law had to deal with this loss, but she was confident they’d get through this difficult time together.
Maggie looked at the clock and sighed. She had to race to get to the market and back before her sister arrived. As soon as she got inside the car her cellphone rang. This time, her mother’s name showed on the dashboard screen. Maggie promised Kat that she wouldn’t say anything to their mother about her coming to Captiva.
She answered the phone, and her mother’s blaring voice came through the speakers.
“Hello, Mother. What’s all the noise?”
“My girlfriends have a pickleball match going. I’m not playing today because my ankle is acting up, but I’m cheering them on. What are you doing today? I thought I’d call and see if you wanted to meet me for lunch.”
Maggie hated to be evasive, but it was necessary. “I can’t today. I’ve got tons of errands I have to run. Can we do it another time?”
“Sure. How about tomorrow?”
Kat had put Maggie in a difficult spot, and she refused to keep the lie going. Besides, there was no reason why their mother shouldn’t be told. With little time left to get to the market and back, she decided not to say anything about Kat, but would make it impossible for her sister to leave their mother out of things.
“I think tomorrow will be great. How about I call you later tonight to confirm?”
“Sounds great. Thanks, honey. I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
They ended the call just as Maggie pulled into Jerry’s Market parking lot. She knew Kat would be unhappy about having lunch with their mother, but there was no use in making an already difficult situation worse.
Whatever problems Maggie had with her sister, she was determined to be empathetic and patient during Kat’s visit. She couldn’t imagine what could have happened in her sister’s marriage that would have made her feel that she had no choice but to leave her husband. Nolan wasn’t the most exciting person in the world, but he was a good man, and loved Kat.
Maggie hoped their mother would be understanding and sympathetic when presented with Kat’s situation. Sarah Garrison wasn’t the easiest person to talk to. Both Maggie and Kat had been on the receiving end of their mother’s lectures and harsh criticism.
This time, a mother’s love and compassion was needed more than ever. With any luck, Kat would listen to reason, and Maggie and their mother might save whatever was left of the marriage. The unspoken fear that hung over Maggie as she walked up and down the aisles of Jerry’s Market made her stomach turn.
Heaven help us all if Kat moves permanently to Captiva Island.