Page 59 of Captiva Book Club

Maggie nodded. “It’s everything Chelsea loves. It’s classic, elegant, and a little bit different.”

He smiled. “Just like her.”

He picked up the ring, turning it in the light. He smiled, a genuine smile that lit up his face. “You’re right. This is it. Now, we only have one problem. I don’t know her ring size.”

Maggie put the ring on her finger. “Chelsea’s ring finger is larger than mine; I know because I’ve tried on her rings before. It’s not an exact measurement, but it should be close enough for the proposal.”

“We can resize it after if we need to,” Mr. Johansson said. “It’s a fine choice, indeed. She’s a lucky lady.”

Steven looked at Maggie, his expression softening. “I’m the lucky one.”

Maggie felt a lump in her throat and felt a wave of happiness wash over her. This was going to be a Christmas to remember, not just for Chelsea and Steven, but also for everyone who loved them.

CHAPTER 20

Christopher waited for the right time to talk to Maggie. His mother had been so busy with her own struggles, as well as preparing for the Christmas festivities with the rest of the family.

Becca’s pregnancy, although progressing without issue, had brought a whirlwind of emotions that Christopher wasn’t prepared for.

“Mom, do you have a minute?” Christopher asked, finding his mother in her office, going over Millie’s balance sheet.

Maggie looked up, “Of course, honey. Come in. What’s on your mind?”

He took a deep breath, leaning against the door. “It’s Becca. She’s…well, she’s struggling.”

“Chris, come over here and sit down,” Maggie insisted.

“Promise me you’re not going to make a pot of tea before you talk to me,” he pleaded.

“Don’t be silly. It’s almost Christmas. I should be making hot chocolate,” she teased. “I’m sorry, tell me what’s wrong.”

“I know pregnancy can be hard, but it’s more than that. She’s always crying, and I mean always. Anything can set her off. And she seems so…depressed. I wouldn’t be as worried if she wasn’t so tired all the time. She’s got these dark circles under her eyes, like she’s not sleeping at all. I’ve asked her about it, but she says it’s just being overtired from school and work.”

“And you think it’s more than that?”

He nodded. “Yes, I do.”

Maggie sat back in her chair. “Pregnancy takes a toll, especially when you’re juggling so much. Becca’s in her third year of medical school, that alone is a massive amount of stress.”

“It’s too much. The doctor said she’s fine, but she shouldn’t push herself too hard. How can she not push hard? It’s impossible for a medical student to take it easy. But, Mom, she’s not just tired, she’s exhausted, and I don’t know how to help her.”

Maggie sighed, her heart aching for both her son and her daughter-in-law.

“Oh, honey, it’s not easy. You’re right, medical school is demanding and adding a pregnancy…well, it’s bound to wear her down. The emotional swings, the exhaustion, it’s all part of it. But it sounds like Becca is really struggling.”

“I just feel so helpless. I try to be there for her, but it never feels like enough. She’s always apologizing for crying or being tired, and I keep telling her it’s okay, but she won’t listen. And then there’s this fear in her eyes, like she’s terrified of not being able to handle everything.”

Maggie placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “It’s not about you fixing everything, Chris. Sometimes all you can do is be there, listen, and offer what support you can. But you also need to make sure Becca isn’t pushing herself too hard. Maybe it’s time to talk to her about taking a step back, even if just a little. Medical school is important, but so is her health, and the baby’s.”

He ran his hand through his hair, and then sat back in his chair, clearly frustrated.

“I’ve tried to talk to her about slowing down, but she won’t hear of it. She’s determined to keep up with her studies, no matter what. I’m scared she’s going to burn herself out.”

“Becca has always been driven, and that’s a good thing, but it can also be her downfall if she doesn’t recognize her limits. Maybe she needs to hear it from someone else too. What about her professors? Could they offer her some leniency?”

“I’ve thought about that,” he said, “but Becca’s too proud to ask for any special treatment. She doesn’t want to be seen as weak or incapable, especially not now when everything feels so critical for her career. This is the year for rotations, and she’s been doing really well, although it’s difficult to be on her feet for so many hours.”

“What about Crawford? Maybe her father can talk some sense into her. She listens to him.”

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