Epilogue
EPILOGUE
“ F resh blueberry, cranberry orange, and banana nut muffins,” Ginger said to passersby as she spread Marina’s baked goods on the table at the farmers market. Aromas of fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods filled the air.
The holidays had passed with plenty of celebrations, including her first Christmas and New Year with Oliver.
Now, the snowbirds were returning to Summer Beach. The market was already busy.
Brooke was running late this morning because one of the boys had been ill last night. With Chip away on a long shift at the fire station, she had to pick up medication before she left. She had called Marina to see if she would set up the food stall for her.
Ginger also volunteered to help. She turned to Marina. “Have you seen Kai?”
“Not yet, but she should be here. She usually shops for produce early.” Marina sliced samples of bread, muffins, and cookies.
“Those muffins look delicious,” one woman said, pausing at the table.
Marina offered her a tray of assorted samples. “Have a taste.”
“It’s an old family recipe,” Ginger said. “You’ll find it in my granddaughter’s upcoming cookbook, The Sunny Coast Table, which is available for preorder now. Marina owns the Coral Cafe.”
“I’ve heard of that,” the woman said. “We’ve just returned to our beach house. Last year, I bought organic vegetables from Brooke. Will she be in today?”
“Soon,” Ginger assured her. “Be sure to come back.”
After the woman made her selections, Marina wrapped up her order and tucked a bookmark inside. The preorder page was live, and people were already placing orders.
“I hope Oakley feels better today,” Marina said, putting out more breads and muffins.
Ginger agreed. “I’m sure Brooke will be here soon enough.” She usually picked up the baked items from the cafe because Marina was busy prepping food and serving the morning crowd. Fortunately, Marina left Cruise in the kitchen with Heather and a new server she was training as her replacement.
Marina looked up. “Here’s Kai now. And Brooke is right behind with her veggies.”
“I was starting to worry about you,” Ginger said to Kai, walking to the front of the stall to greet her. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m tired. I couldn’t sleep last night.” Kai rubbed her back.
Brooke wheeled in her produce in a wagon. “Thanks for covering for me. I still have a truckload to bring in.” Catching sight of Kai, she frowned. “Kai, sweetheart, what’s wrong?”
“My back is so sore it was impossible to get comfortable last night. This morning, I stood in a hot shower forever, but it hasn’t helped. It’s getting worse. And I’ve got some weird muscle cramps going on. This kiddo is two weeks late, and I’m getting tired of her mischief and acrobatics. We’re going to have a heart-to-heart talk when she arrives.”
“Show me where you’re sore.” Frowning with concern, Brooke placed her hand where Kai pointed and nodded. “Those might be contractions, and you could be in early labor. You should call your doctor now to see if you should go to the hospital. Have Axe meet you there.”
Kai’s eyes grew wide. “I tried him a few minutes ago, but he’s on a job site outside of town that doesn’t have good reception. What am I going to do?”
“Marina and I can take you.” Ginger took Kai’s arm, steadying her. “Deep breaths, darling. Let’s go somewhere quiet to call your doctor.”
“Do you think it’s really time?” Kai asked, sucking in a panicked breath.
“You are overdue,” Brooke said gently.
“I thought Axe would be with me. We had everything planned.” Kai gripped her sisters’ hands. “Please come with me, Brooke. You’re the one with the most experience at this. I can’t do this without you.”
Brooke hugged her. “I’ll unload the truck while you call your doctor. If she tells you to come in, I’ll have Cookie cover our spot, and I’ll meet you at the hospital.”
“Thank you,” Kai whispered, hugging her.
As Ginger guided Kai to a nearby bench, her granddaughter began shaking. She knew Kai’s earlier health concerns were adding to her anxiety.
“I’m not ready,” Kai said, easing onto the bench. “I thought I was, but what if something goes wrong?” With trembling hands, she called her doctor and explained how she felt. After a few moments, she hung up. “She told me to come now.”
Ginger exchanged a glance with Marina, who was already pulling out her phone to call Axe.
Turning back to Kai, Ginger put her arm around her. “You’ve discussed all the possibilities with your doctor. Everything points to a safe delivery.”
Ginger could feel the tension knotted in Kai’s shoulders. “Remember your breathing classes? Let’s do that together now. And Marina, bring the car closer. We’ll meet you at the exit.”
“Right away. I’ll try Axe, too.” Marina sprinted off.
The busy market faded into the background as Ginger focused on Kai, helping her through the breathing exercises to stay as calm as possible.
“Relax, and take your time,” Ginger said, guiding Kai toward the exit. “Remember, deep breaths.”
Kai quirked a worried grin. “I’m trying, but I feel like I have a basketball under my ribs.”
Ginger smiled at her. “Listen to you, cracking jokes. We’re almost there.”
Marina parked her Mini Cooper steps from the exit and opened the door.
“Any luck reaching Axe?” Ginger asked.
Shaking her head, Marina replied, “The call keeps dropping.”
Slowing to get into the car, Kai groaned. “What if he doesn’t make it in time?”
“We’ll reach him, and he’ll be with you soon,” Ginger assured her. “First babies usually take time to arrive.”
Kai’s eyes flew wide again. “Will I have time to get my bag at home?”
“We’re going straight to the hospital, dear.” Although earlier tests were fine, Ginger knew the physician was concerned that complications could develop.
Huffing, Kai squeezed into the small car. “Why aren’t you driving an SUV?”
“I’ll be sure to get one next time you’re pregnant,” Marina replied.
Kai frowned at her. “Why do you sound like you’re enjoying this?”
“I’m sorry, and I promise I’m not,” Marina said, glancing at Ginger. “If it’s any comfort to you, imagine what having twins was like.”
Pulling her legs into the car, Kai made a face. “Please don’t remind me that they run in the family. I might never do this again.” Biting her lip, she said, “I’m a little scared.”
“You’ve got this,” Marina said. “You once told me that you still have a sliver of fear before you go onstage, but you do it anyway. You said it’s not about being fearless but knowing you’re ready to perform and willing the outcome you desire.”
“I guess I did say that.” Kai gave her a weak grin.
While Marina steered toward the hospital, Ginger’s phone buzzed. It was Brooke, her voice tinged with excitement. “How’s Kai doing?”
Ginger eased into the back seat. “She’s doing fine, but please meet us at the hospital. She needs you.”
Ginger had supported Sandi, Marina, and Brooke during their deliveries, but Kai was particularly excitable. With Brooke’s calm demeanor and experience, she would be a soothing presence for Kai.
After they arrived at the Summer Beach hospital, the staff quickly decided Kai was in labor and should stay.
Just then, Ginger’s phone rang; it was Oliver. She usually met him at the cafe, so he was probably concerned. Quickly, she answered and explained.
“What can I do?” he asked.
She told him that they couldn’t reach Axe. “Would you call his office manager, find out where he is, and go get him if you have to?”
“Leave it to me, love,” he replied.
Ginger and Marina stayed with Kai as much as they were allowed. Finally, Brooke arrived.
Kai looked relieved to see her and gripped her arm. “I don’t understand what’s going on.”
Brooke smoothed a hand over Kai’s forehead. “I’ll translate the medical speak for you. Your job is to relax and go with the flow. You have a good team caring for you. Remember, your doctor delivered my first baby.”
Ginger was also relieved when Brooke suggested she and Marina take a break. She told them it would likely be a long day.
Ginger and Marina walked downstairs for coffee and breakfast. When they returned, they saw nurses helping Brooke into a wheelchair.
“Good heavens,” Ginger exclaimed, hurrying to her. “You, too?”
Brooke grinned, taking it all in stride. “My water just broke, so I guess she’s coming early. They’re admitting me now. I texted Chip, but his engine is away from the station.”
Ginger hugged her. “Don’t worry, we’ll reach him, too.” While the staff whisked Brooke away and tended to Kai, Ginger embraced Marina. “Looks like we’ll welcome two babies into the family today. We’ve done this before, haven’t we?”
Marina smiled and hugged her. “Only this time, they’re not twins.”
A few weeks later, a joyful atmosphere filled Ginger’s cottage as the family gathered to celebrate the newborn cousins. Ginger’s heart was full of love as she surveyed her growing family.
Sitting beside her on the sofa, Oliver tucked his hand into hers. “Happy?”
“Infinitely,” she replied, squeezing his hand. “I’m happy you’re here. I don’t know what we would have done without you at the hospital. Locating Axe and Chip, keeping them calm, bringing food to everyone. You were wonderful.”
A smile shimmered on his face. “It was a privilege being part of it all. And being part of your extraordinary life.”
Ginger looked at him, struck by how excited he looked. “You look like you have a huge secret.”
“Maybe I do,” he said with a chuckle.
In the kitchen, Marina, Heather, and Blake organized food for everyone and set up a buffet on the dining room table. They served the new mothers first.
Kai sat in a rocking chair, cradling her newborn daughter, Stella, with Axe hovering proudly. “Our precious little star,” she cooed, her face alight with happiness.
Brooke’s infant, Clover, slept peacefully in her father’s arms next to her. Boisterous laughter sounded outside, where their boys were tossing a ball with Leo and Scout, safely away from the water’s edge.
Jack had stepped out to take a phone call some time ago.
The rear door creaked, and he returned, his face lit with a grin. “I have some incredible news,” he announced, seeking out Ginger.
Crossing the room, Jack knelt in front of her. “After you approved the manuscript, I sent a draft to my agent.”
“How exciting.” Ginger thought Jack had done an exceptionally fine job, but she knew publishers often passed on a good manuscript, even if the agent liked it. She hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed after all the work he’d put into the project. “Does she think it will sell?”
Jack’s eyes twinkled. “It already did. Decoding a Remarkable Life sold in a huge preemptive deal with a major publisher. Film producers are also bidding on the story.”
A wave of relief coursed through her, and cheers erupted in the room.
Beaming with pride, Oliver kissed her cheek.
“There’s more,” Jack said. “The publicist asked if you would be available for media interviews and speeches.”
She was pleasantly surprised at that, if a little taken aback. “But you’re the one who wrote the book.”
“You’re the star of it, though.” Jack chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “They want you to do book signings and television appearances. They’re particularly interested in having you speak to women about math and technology careers.”
“I’m hardly an expert on that today.” Ginger and Oliver exchanged a glance. “But I’ll see what I can do. Our schedule is already filling up for next year.”
Jack nodded. “I told her your appearances would probably be limited, and possibly to academic or research venues or children’s education. Whatever you offer, they’ll be happy with. I’ll carry the rest of the load.”
Ginger considered that. “If my words can inspire youngsters or raise funds for scholarships, I’ll be honored to do what I can.” She paused, gazing at the faces she loved surrounding her. “But those I wanted to inspire most are here in this room. That’s why I agreed to the project.”
“You won’t have to travel alone,” Oliver said, putting his arm around her shoulder. “If you want, I’ll go with you.”
“I’d like that very much.” She looked forward to traveling with him this spring. Their first trip would be to Paris.
As the celebration continued, Ginger reflected on the journey of her life—the challenges she’d faced, the secrets she’d kept, and the love she’d lost and found again.
She thought of her work during the Cold War, the thrill of cracking codes, and the weight of the responsibility. She recalled the joy of raising Sandi, the pain of losing her, and the unexpected opportunity to finish raising her granddaughters.
Her gaze swept across the room, taking in the faces of her family: Marina, Kai, and Brooke, all talented, compassionate women; their husbands and children; Heather, on the cusp of her adventures; and Oliver, her unexpected companion in this new chapter of life.
She sighed with pleasure. Hers was a life well lived, indeed. And yet, as she contemplated speeches and engagements to come, Ginger realized her story was far from over.
As if reading her thoughts, Oliver leaned in. “Ready for what comes next?” he whispered.
“More than ready,” she replied. “In my mind, the best is always yet to come.”
“You have no idea.” Smiling broadly, Oliver kissed her hand. His eyes twinkled as if he was bursting to share a secret.
She was still basking in the glow of this happy news when Jack cleared his throat again. Like Oliver, he had an oddly mischievous glint in his eye. She wondered what they were up to now.
“That’s not quite all, Ginger. Oliver has another surprise for you.” Jack stepped aside to let the other man speak.
Oliver took her hand with a proud, loving expression on his face. “After certain people realized the extent of your contributions to our country and to peace among nations, you were nominated for a presidential medal. Not only that, but you’ve been chosen to receive one.”
Realizing the magnitude of this honor, Ginger opened her mouth in surprise. “I hardly know what to say.”
Oliver’s smile widened. “You’ve been invited to Washington, D.C., to attend a special event with other awardees. You can see many of your old friends and colleagues.”
The cottage erupted in cheers and congratulations, and Ginger was nearly overcome. “I’m deeply honored. But surely there are others more deserving.”
Jack smiled at that. “You made important discoveries, and people want to recognize your efforts, even if it’s long overdue. You will be an inspiration to others.” He dipped his head. “Thank you for trusting me to write your story and shine a light on your remarkable life.”
Marina, Kai, and Brooke gathered around her, peppering her with kisses and hugs. At the center of it all, Ginger laughed. “You three are my real accomplishments—you and the wonderful family you’ve brought me. How can I ever thank you for that?”
“Wow, what a year you’ve had,” Kai said happily. “A biography, an award, and even a new love. Not to mention two of the cutest new babies, right?”
Oliver kissed Ginger, and Marina winked at them. Ginger reached out to her, bringing her close. “We have such a sweet life in Summer Beach.”
“This is where we belong,” Marina said. “With you and with each other.”
“I love you all.” Ginger opened her arms wide, embracing her granddaughters. “And I wish every one of you a wonderful, remarkable life.”