Page 80 of Captiva Book Club

Becca smiled, a release of tension finally leaving her body. “Thanks, Dad.”

As the clinking of glasses subsided, the room was filled with a warm, comfortable silence.

The children, now clearly exhausted from the day’s excitement, were starting to doze off. Little Maggie had curled up on the couch beside her mother, her head resting on Sarah’s lap. Across the room, Olivia and Lily were leaning against their father, their eyes half-closed as they tried to stay awake for just a bit longer. Even baby Daniel had finally drifted off, snug in Lauren’s arms.

Maggie looked around the room, her heart swelling with love and pride. This was her family—noisy, chaotic, loving, and perfect in their own way. She knew how fortunate she was to have them all together under one roof, and she silently thanked whatever powers had brought them all here, safe and sound.

Outside, the stars were beginning to twinkle in the clear night sky, and the gentle rustle of palm fronds in the breeze was the only sound that broke the stillness.

Eventually, the guests began to gather their things, preparing to head home or to their rooms at the inn. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged, along with promises to see each other again in the morning.

The children, several of whom were now fully asleep, were carefully carried to their beds, their faces peaceful in the glow of the Christmas lights.

When everyone had left, Maggie and Paolo retreated to the porch swing.

“I love this part of Christmas, after the kids have gone to bed, and the house is quiet. Years ago, I’d still be wrapping presents at this late hour. Now, I get to enjoy waiting for the chaos to start all over again in the morning.”

Paolo smiled. “You’ve had so much to deal with these last couple of months. I’m just glad that you’re finally going to get time to relax and not have anything on your plate. You deserve some time to just sit in the sun and do nothing.”

Maggie looked at him as if he’d said the worst possible thing.

“Do nothing? Are you crazy? I’ve got a wedding to plan. Chelsea and I have already started thinking about what she wants.”

“What? So let Chelsea plan her wedding. Why do you have to do everything? Haven’t you done enough?”

Maggie laughed. “Paolo Moretti, have you forgotten who you’re married to? Chelsea and Steven want to get married right away. We’re talking only weeks if that. I’ve got so much to do, as a matter of fact, I should get a notebook and start writing down ideas.”

Maggie started to get up and go to her office, when Paolo stopped her.

“You can do that the day after tomorrow. Right now, you’re going to quietly sit here with your husband and enjoy a few minutes of doing absolutely nothing.”

Maggie smiled, put her head on Paolo’s shoulder, and looked up at the stars. Paolo was right, there was no place she’d rather be right now than cuddling next to the love of her life. Christmas was here. The wedding would have to wait.

THE END