Page 79 of Captiva Book Club

“Sure, what’s up?” she said.

Luke pulled her aside so that no one could hear them.

“I wanted to thank you for what you did,getting Katie and me together. I know it was you who made that happen.”

Ciara shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He smiled. “Ciara, did you know that there are security cameras inside Powell Water Sports? I saw what you did. It was you who hid Meredith’s wedding invitation under the register. I saw it on the camera.”

She laughed. “You’re kidding me?”

Luke hugged her. “Our family is lucky to have you. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Luke,” she said, watching him return to Katie.

Chelsea and Steven arrived late, having spent the early part of the evening enjoying quiet time together.

“Hey, I wondered when you were going to show up. It’s not Christmas for me without you,” Maggie said.

Chelsea pulled Maggie aside and hugged her. She held her hand in front of Maggie and smiled.

“Thank you for helping Steven pick out this beautiful ring. He proposed.”

Maggie tried not to scream but couldn’t wait to announce their news.

“Oh, Chelsea, I’m so happy for you. When Steven told me, I cried. This is the best thing ever. Can I tell everyone?”

Chelsea nodded, and Maggie grabbed her arm, walked over to Steven and whispered, “Congratulations.”

“Thanks, Maggie,” he said.

When the clock struck ten, and the evening began to wind down, Maggie gathered everyone in the living room for a final toast. The children, finally tired out, sat with their parents, their eyes heavy with sleep but still wide with excitement.

Maggie raised her glass of eggnog, her voice warm and filled with love.

“To family and friends, old and new. To the joy of Christmas, and to the memories we’re making tonight. Thank you all for being here and for making this night so special.”

“Hear, hear!” came the chorus of voices, glasses clinking together in celebration.

“And…I want to announce that my best friend Chelsea and her beloved are engaged!”

Everyone screamed and jumped up to congratulate Chelsea and Steven.

After the room had quieted down, Christopher moved to the center of the room.

“Can I add one more reason to celebrate?”

Becca stood at his side.

“Becca and I wanted to let you all know that we’re having a baby girl, and her name is already picked out…soon, we’ll welcome Eloise Julia Wheeler to the family.”

Paolo held Maggie close as she started to cry, and the room went wild with excitement for Becca and Christopher. Christopher looked at his mother and held his hand over his heart.

Maggie could barely contain her happiness, as she ran to hug her son and daughter-in-law.

Becca’s father wrapped his arms around his daughter.

“Congratulations, sweetie. You’re going to be an amazing mother. I can’t wait to meet little Eloise.”

---