Page 26 of Christmas On Anchor Island

Chapter Seven

Even with all thecons Henri could list about living on Anchor Island, there were a few pros, and gatherings like these were high on the list. When the four of them, plus the three little ones, arrived at Pilar’s, the place was already buzzing. There were familiar faces in every direction, and Henri was struck by how much history she’d accumulated here over the last six years. There was heartbreak for her, but there was also family and friendships.

“More babies,” Will said, greeting them not far from the entrance and stealing Roxanne from Callie’s arms. “How are you, Mr. Conner?” she asked. “Did you have a good morning?”

“I got a T-Rex,” he replied, holding his new plushie high in the air. “Grrrrr…”

Will jumped back in mock horror. “He’s so scary.”

Conner tucked him close to his chest. “He not scary. That was me.”

“Well, you’re really good at that then.” Bending to his level, she said, “Pilar has been asking about you. I bet she’d like to meet Mr. T-Rex.”

The little boy glanced around as if checking for danger. “Where is she?”

Will pointed to a table on their right. “Over there.” Looking up to Sam and Callie, she said, “Is it okay if he goes to see her?”

“I’ll go with him,” Sam said, handing the diaper bag off to Henri, who braced herself for the weight.

As the pair walked away, Will said, “I’ve got the high chairs all set up for you.” She led them to a table not far from where Conner was showing Pilar his new toy. “Is this okay?”

“Of course,” Callie said, taking Rachel from Eugenia and sliding her into a high chair. Will did the same with Roxanne as Callie pulled two teething rings from the diaper bag. “How has your holiday been so far?”

“Good. The Jimenez wedding went beautifully this morning. In fact, seeing them tie the knot under that gazebo made me think of your wedding.”

“I remember that day,” Sid said, stepping up next to Callie.

“You should,” Henri replied. “You went into labor before we could finish taking pictures.”

“That was Pilar’s fault, not mine.” Squatting in front of Roxanne’s high chair, she tapped the baby’s pudgy hand. “Hey there, cutie-pie. How are you today?”

Will sent the ladies a watch this look. “Don’t you want another one, Sid?”

The shorter woman bolted upright. “Nope. One is enough.”

“I hear Lucas doesn’t agree,” chirped Callie.

“When he can carry one, he can have another one. This shop is closed.”

Henri didn’t blame her. Sid wasn’t far over five feet and carrying Pilar had been a struggle. If she recalled correctly, the morning sickness had been all day and lasted most of the pregnancy. Then there’d been the months of back pain, water weight, and the overall adjustment to being a mother. Sid’s mom had died when she was young, and she’d spent most of her life surrounded by men. Though she was a great mom as far as Henri had witnessed, Sid had not been a natural at it from the start.

“Speaking of,” Sid said, “are we doing announcements before or after the food?”

Since when did a holiday dinner come with announcements?

“Please say before,” Callie replied. “I can’t wait until after.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Henri asked. “What can’t you wait for?”

Before anyone could explain, the front door swung open, filling the room with a cold gust of air off the water. All three ladies rushed toward the newcomers, descending on Beth Dempsey like seagulls on a French fry. Henri watched the show, confused at first, until she replayed what had just happened in her mind. Talk of having another baby. The mention of an announcement. Now she got it.

As the Dempseys—including Roxie and Alex—shuffled in, Mia, Nota, and Lauren’s brother Knox entered behind them. Henri’s heart slammed against her rib cage as her eyes locked on Mia. She wore a red velvet dress beneath a bulky sweater that draped off one shoulder when she removed her coat. Her dark hair was pulled up in a clip on the back of her head, and there was something different about her smile. A freedom she didn’t usually display.

When they’d spent time together back in the spring, Mia had been a different person when they were alone. In a crowd, she came across as timid. Like a country mouse trying not to be noticed. But when no one else was around, she relaxed. Many on the island probably had no idea how funny she was. Or how much she could light up a room by just walking into it.

Henri knew.

“You get the chef’s table,” Will was saying as she led them through the dining room. “The meal will be served family style so once it’s all out, Nick and Lauren and the rest of the skeleton crew putting this together will be joining us.”

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