Page 49 of Captiva Book Club

Chelsea and Ciara stood by watching the exchange.

“I think I’m going to cry,” Ciara whispered.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, no crying,” Grandma Sarah said. “I just told you, my hearing is perfect, and I can hear everything you’re saying.”

It was true Grandma Sarah. Never one to linger in sentimentalities, she pulled away and walked to the coffee pot.

“Oliver, how do you make this thing work?” she asked. “I’d like a cup of coffee.”

Oliver smiled. “Coming right up, Mrs. Garrison.”

“Didn’t I tell you to call me, Grandma Sarah? Everyone does.”

“Sorry about that. Coming right up, Grandma Sarah.”

Becca and Christopher stopped at Powell Water Sports before heading to the Key Lime Garden Inn. Becca couldn’t wait to see her father, and Christopher couldn’t deny his bride her request to stay at her family’s home instead of the inn.

“Are you sure your mother won’t be upset with us for not staying at the inn?” she asked.

“Of course not. We’re all going to be together for Christmas. We decided to come down a week early, because you need to relax and have a vacation. You’ve been working so hard in medical school and now the pregnancy. It’s an awful lot to take on at the same time. My mother knows this. We’ll have plenty of time to get together with her and the rest of the family.”

When they pulled up in front of Powell Water Sports, Joshua, Luke and their father were standing on the curb waiting for their arrival.

“Daddy!” Becca yelled as he opened her car door and helped her out of the car.

Crawford was a big man at six feet three, and when he held Becca, her head only reached his chest.

“My little girl, look at you,” he said as he released their embrace, looking down at her belly. “There’s my little grandbaby. How are you feeling, honey?”

“I’m good, Dad. A little tired now and then, and my hormones are challenging my moods, but otherwise, everything is great. The baby is healthy, and Chris and I can’t wait to see…the baby.”

She was careful not to give away the news that they were having a girl, but it was difficult to keep the secret.

“Hello, Chris,” Crawford said, shaking his son-in-law’s hand. “How was your flight?”

“Great. No issues.”

He turned to his brothers-in-law. “Hey guys, nice to see you again. Is Finn home yet?”

“No, but he and Jillian will be here next week,” Luke said.

Becca nodded, and Luke embraced Christopher, and then Joshua, did so as well.

“Hey, man. You’re looking good with that prosthetic. You’re walking around like you have a regular leg,” Joshua said.

Luke pushed Joshua, “You don’t mention someone’s prosthetic. You’re supposed to understand it’s there, but you never point it out.”

Christopher laughed. “It’s okay. Most people feel awkward around me for that reason. No one wants to talk about it, so the fact that Joshua isn’t afraid to speak his mind is a good thing.”

Looking at Luke, Becca said, “I’m sorry about Meredith. I heard you guys broke up.”

Luke nodded and looked down at the curb. “It’s okay. I’m doing better about it. Time heals all wounds, right?”

Joshua chuckled. “Did you know she’s getting married already? She sent Luke an invitation. Can you believe it?”

Becca looked at Luke. “Is that true?”

Luke nodded.

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