Page 65 of Captiva Ever After

Chelsea shrugged. “The way I figure it is if after he sees me in this getup and still wants to date me, I’d say he’s a keeper.”

“Have you seen Millie?” Maggie asked.

“No, why, did she say she was coming?”

“I don’t think she was planning to, but I asked her to meet us here. I want to talk to her in a less formal environment. I’m hoping she’ll share a bit more about her past. I still don’t understand why she never mentioned her mother to me. Something doesn’t feel right about that.”

“Don’t look now, but your date has arrived,” Sarah announced.

Everyone turned to see Carlo, carrying a small chocolate Santa, walking toward them.

“I didn’t know what was an appropriate gift to give someone at Christmas, but I thought chocolate is never refused.”

Chelsea smiled as he placed the chocolate Santa in her hand.

“And you would be right about that. I have a very special relationship with chocolate, so I thank you.”

Maggie and Sarah smiled at the gesture.

“You remember my friends from the other night? This is Maggie and her daughter Sarah.”

“Ah, yes, I do remember. Nice to see you again. Will the lighting of the Christmas Tree happen soon?”

“Not yet,” Chelsea said. “Santa Claus will be here any minute. He comes in from the water. We all usually wait for him here. It’s tradition.”

Just then Trevor, Noah and Sophia joined the others.

Crawford Powell, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and a Santa hat, stepped forward to address the gathering.

“Welcome, dear friends, to our beloved Captiva Island Christmas Fair!”

The crowd clapped and whistled.

“I know the island has been through a lot in the past month. The fact that we’re all standing here, honoring our annual Christmas tradition with as much joy and celebration as ever, tells me that together, we’re stronger than any hurricane or storm that comes in our path.”

The clapping and screams from the crowd intensified. Someone yelled out, “Captiva Strong!” and the crowd went wild.

Crawford continued his speech, “A little elf just told me that Santa is almost here, and if we look out on the water, we’re sure to see his boat. So, everyone come close and gather ‘round. Don’t forget kids, you need to yell out if you see Santa. We’re counting on you!”

Jingle bells chimed and kids yelled from every corner of the beach.

“I see the boat! I see Santa!” Noah yelled.

As expected, Byron Jameson as Santa, yelled his, “Ho! Ho! Ho!” from the deck of the boat as it came closer.

As usual, Santa carried his large bag of gifts, all supplied by the parents, of course. This year, Sarah had three little ones to tell Santa about, and the grownups were just as excited to see Santa as the children were.

“This is a good tradition you all have,” Carlo said.

Chelsea smiled and wondered if Carlo would be on the island celebrating the season with her next year as well.

The minute she found herself thinking such things, she shook her head and smiled. Remembering to stay in the moment, she pushed that thought aside, turned and gave Carlo a kiss on the cheek.

He seemed pleased that she’d taken the initiative and put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

Kids grabbed their presents from Santa and everyone laughed at the wrapping paper flying all over the place.

When they were finished, Crawford announced the lighting of the tree would be happening in ten minutes. Everyone got their spots to watch but before the events a chorus of singers began singing Deck the Halls.

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