Page 47 of Captiva Book Club

With that settled, the women returned to their discussions, now with a clearer sense of structure for their gatherings.

Maggie felt a wave of relief, knowing that they had set the foundation for something special, and that everyone was on the same page as they moved forward. Even if deep down, she understood that not everything was within our control, no matter how hard we wished it to be so.

The rest of the meeting was filled with discussion around the dining room table. Everyone seemed to have a great time. Everyone, except Katie Wright, who smiled and excused herself from the table.

Shortly after, Maggie heard voices coming from the front hall. When she got up from the table, Ciara followed her.

Quietly, without the other ladies suspecting, they watched as Katie and Luke picked up where they left off before the meeting started.

Maggie grabbed Ciara’s hand and shook. “I think we’re good at this match-making thing,” she whispered.

Ciara quietly laughed. “We’ll see. When I’m dancing to music at their wedding, then I’ll agree with you. Until then, all we are right now is sneaky, and convincing liars. Neither is a testament to anything good.”

CHAPTER 16

Most everyone who attended the book club meeting hung around the inn and continued to enjoy what was left of the food. The meeting was a great success, but with Christopher and Becca arriving in a few hours, she needed everyone to leave.

“Do you want me to kick them all out?” Claire asked.

Maggie giggled. “No, I don’t want to be rude. At least we can feel good about the meeting. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”

“I’d say they’re enjoying themselves a little too much. Let Claire and I move this thing along.”

Maggie reached out to Chelsea, but it was too late.

“Ladies, can I have your attention! Maggie has company coming soon. Let’s give the inn back to her so she can get the place ready for family.”

A hush fell over the room as Chelsea’s voice echoed through the dining area, and all eyes turned to Maggie, who smiled sheepishly.

The book club members, comfortably nestled on the plush chairs and sofas, exchanged glances, realizing they had lost track of time in the warmth of good company and delicious food.

“Oh, Maggie, we didn’t mean to overstay!” Linda St. James said. She quickly shoved the mini crab cake she was nibbling on into her mouth, brushing the crumbs off her lap as she rose from her seat.

“No, no, it’s really no trouble at all,” Maggie assured her. “I’m thrilled everyone had such a good time. But, yes, Christopher and Becca will be here soon, and I need to tidy up a bit before they arrive.”

Ciara, who was always one to take charge in a situation, stood up and clapped her hands together. “All right, ladies, you heard Chelsea. Let’s help clean up and give Maggie some breathing room.”

Maggie opened her mouth to protest, but before she could get the words out, Ciara was already gathering plates and stacking them in a neat pile, Iris jumped up as well, moving quickly to clear the coffee table of empty glasses and napkins.

“We’re not just going to run out the door without pitching in,” Iris said with a wink, placing the dishes on the kitchen counter near the sink. “It’s the least we can do after you hosted such a lovely afternoon.”

“I appreciate that, Iris, but you’ve got the day off. I feel bad about making you work,” Maggie answered.

“That’s silly, and it’s not a problem,” she said, looking at Oliver who seemed to appreciate the help.

Chelsea smiled at Maggie and added, “Don’t worry, we’ll stick around until everything’s ready for Chris and Becca. Family shouldn’t feel like they have to leave.”

Maggie nodded, grateful that Chelsea and Ciara were staying. With them here, it felt more like preparing for a family gathering than just cleaning up after an event.

Grandma Sarah, who had been quietly observing the commotion, made no move to leave. “I suppose I should just park myself somewhere out of the way,” she said with a mischievous grin. “Wouldn’t want to be underfoot, but I’m not going anywhere until I see my grandson.”

“Of course, Mom. I want you to be here when they arrive,” Maggie said, walking over to give her mother’s hand a squeeze. “Why don’t you sit in the living room? We’ll finish up here.”

“All right, but don’t think I’m done discussing that book,” her mother quipped as she settled herself into a comfortable armchair.

Millie Brenner, who had been more reserved throughout the meeting, surprised everyone by grabbing a broom and sweeping up crumbs from the floor. “Don’t look so shocked,” she said to Grandma Sarah. “I am the Key Lime Garden Inn’s housekeeper, after all.”

“You’re all too kind,” Maggie said, her heart swelling with gratitude. “But I can take it from here. Christopher and Becca won’t be here for a while yet, and I don’t want to keep anyone longer than necessary.”

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