Page 77 of Captiva Book Club

The scene continued to unfold with joyful chaos, as the various family members found their places, both in the inn and in each other’s company.

Christopher and Becca, already settled in, helped with the luggage and showed everyone to their rooms.

“Hey, Chris, how’s the weather been? By the looks of your tan, I’d say you and Becca have been spending most of your time on the beach,” Michael asked.

Maggie looked at Christopher, who was smiling. “Oh, it’s been pretty uneventful and chill, something both Becca and I have needed for a long time.”

As Michael walked toward the kitchen, Maggie came up next to Christopher and put her arm around his shoulders.

“Things are looking up for you and Becca?” she whispered.

Christopher nodded. “We’re going to be fine, Mom.”

Beth and Gabriel arrived last, their arms full of gifts and food, as they were welcomed with cheers and laughter.

“I thought you all were on the same flight?” Maggie asked.

Beth shook her head. “The plane was full when I booked it. It’s fine, there were two going out at almost the same time.”

“How are you doing, Mom?” Beth asked, still concerned for her mother’s health.

“I’m fine, honey, nothing to worry about.”

Beth hugged her mother and Maggie felt a release of any stress she’d been feeling these last two months. Her family was all together, and that was the best Christmas present of all.

As the day went on, the inn transformed into a bustling, lively home, with every corner filled with the sounds of family.

The kitchen became the central hub of activity, where Iris and Oliver began preparing meals to feed the growing crowd. The smell of roasting meats, fresh bread, and holiday spices soon filled the air, mingling with the laughter and conversation that spilled out from every room.

By evening, the initial chaos had settled into a comfortable rhythm. The children were playing games in the living room, the adults were catching up over coffee and dessert, and the house was filled with warmth and light.

Outside, the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the island, as the family settled in for a Christmas they would never forget.

Oliver, watching from the kitchen doorway once again, felt a sense of belonging that he hadn’t known he was missing. This was more than just work—this was home, at least for the holidays, and he was a part of something special.

He caught Maggie’s eye across the room, and she gave him a knowing smile, as if she could see the shift in his heart. Oliver smiled back, feeling grateful to be here, in this place, with these people. Christmas had truly begun, and the fun was just getting started.

CHAPTER 28

The sun was setting over Captiva Island, casting a warm, golden glow across the sky as Maggie looked out from the porch of the Key Lime Garden Inn.

It was Christmas Eve, and the inn was alive with the spirit of the holiday. Twinkling lights all around, including the palm trees, cast a soft, festive glow over the garden and main building. Paolo insisted the small cottage at the end of the property be fully lit with white lights so that people on the beach could see them.

The large Christmas tree inside the inn, visible through the front windows, was decorated with an array of ornaments, each one a memory from years past. Many from the house in Andover, Massachusetts, where Maggie had raised her children.

Maggie’s heart swelled with a mixture of joy and nostalgia as she listened to the sounds of laughter and conversation drifting from inside.

Since the family had arrived the day before, they brought with them the usual chaos and love that had always been the Wheelerfamily Christmas.

But tonight was special—it was the night when everyone, including the Powells and their extended family, would gather under one roof to celebrate.

She glanced over her shoulder, watching as Iris and Oliver worked in the kitchen, their movements synchronized as they prepared the evening’s feast. The two chefs had planned a spectacular buffet, blending traditional Christmas favorites with island-inspired dishes that reflected the unique charm of Captiva.

The menu was a work of art: slow-roasted prime rib with a garlic herb crust, honey-glazed ham, and a whole roasted snapper, stuffed with lemon, herbs, and garlic. There were tropical touches too, like coconut shrimp with a tangy lime dipping sauce, jerk chicken skewers with pineapple salsa, and a vibrant salad of mixed greens, mango, and avocado dressed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette. Sides included creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes with a maple glaze, and a medley of grilled vegetables. For the children, there were mini sliders and mac ‘n’ cheese bites, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters were satisfied.

Desserts were equally indulgent: a decadent chocolate yule log, key lime pie, coconut cake, and a selection of cookies shaped like palm trees, stars, and snowflakes. There was also a large bowl of homemade eggnog, kept cold in the refrigerator, and pitchers of fresh tropical punch. For those wanting something a bit stronger, Oliver had prepared a rum-spiked eggnog, which he jokingly referred to as "Santa's Helper."

The inn’s living room had been transformed into a cozy dining area, with tables draped in red and gold tablecloths, centerpieces of poinsettias, and candles flickering softly in the dim light. A smaller tree stood in one corner, adorned with seashells, starfish, and miniature lighthouses, a nod to the island’s coastal charm.

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