Page 1 of Captiva Book Club

CHAPTER 1

Maggie Moretti curled up in her chair and stared at the tiny Christmas tree. Much to her dismay, her husband, Paolo, insisted they decorate the Carriage House and the inn’s main building.

Since moving to Captiva Island, her Christmas spirit had disappeared, and she understood the reason. She missed her children and grandchildren who lived in Massachusetts.

She always knew the holidays would be the most difficult for her, but she didn’t realize how hard it would be. Although fortunate to have her daughter Sarah nearby, memories of her entire family gathered around the Christmas tree at their family home tugged at her heart.

Looking around the living room in their over-the-garage apartment, she said a silent prayer of thanks for her blessings. It had been four years since she had her entire family under one roof. Christmas was still another three weeks away, but there was much to do in preparation for the holiday. This year, the whole family would once again be together, and the travel arrangements baffled Paolo.

“I don’t know where we’re going to put everyone,” he complained. “I’m thrilled to have them all here, but how is this going to work?”

Maggie smiled. “Have you forgotten we own a bed & breakfast with several bedrooms? Between Chelsea’s place, Becca’s family and the inn, we’ve got plenty of room.”

“I understand Chris and Becca staying with her family, but who’s staying with Chelsea?” he asked.

“No one at this point, but she offered to be a backup if, at the last minute, we needed another room or two. Stop worrying.”

“So much for her and Steven having a romantic holiday, with our family showing up on her doorstep,” he said.

Maggie laughed. “It will be fine. Those two are so in love, I don’t think they see anyone around them when they’re together.”

Maggie looked at the sad little tree. “It’s a nice tree, honey. I’m sorry if I’m always being such a Grinch.”

Paolo knelt in front of her. “Do you want to explain why you’re so pensive this morning? I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me.”

She looked down at him and put her hands on both cheeks. “How do you know me so well?”

He shrugged. “I pay attention.”

“I found another lump,” she said, as calmly as she could. “It’s under my armpit.”

His smile was now gone. Maggie wanted to spare him this pain, but there was nothing she could do to stop it. She did her best to soften the blow.

“It might be nothing,” she said, trying to convince herself more than Paolo.

He nodded. “Of course it might be nothing, but we need to call the doctor immediately.”

She shook her head. “No. Not yet. After the holiday. I don’t want this Christmas ruined.”

His face stern, he refused. “Not this time, Maggie Moretti.”

He got up from the floor and stood in front of her.

“In case you’ve forgotten, this family is a team. We survive by working together to accomplish whatever is in front of us. We don’t go it alone. We stick together. We’re telling the family, and that includes Chelsea.”

Maggie could feel the tears starting to build, so she took a deep breath to keep from crying.

Paolo knelt back down and took her hands in his.

“I know you want to protect everyone from worry, but that’s what family does when someone they love is hurting. It’s wonderful that the entire family will be here for Christmas, because this time all of us can take this journey with you, every step of the way. You’ve been there for your children. Let them be here for you now.”

She fell into his arms, and let the tears fall. She wasn’t crying out of fear, but rather, immense gratitude for her blessings, and the embrace of a family who continued to support and lift her up no matter what. It was the truest meaning of love and sacrifice, and it was Paolo who gave her hope that she had nothing to fear because he would be by her side through it all.

Chelsea Marsden sat on her lanai, the warm Captiva Island breeze gently ruffling her hair. She sipped her iced tea and enjoyed the peaceful view of the ocean in the distance. The sound of footsteps on the gravel path made her look up. Her long-time friend and co-owner of the Key Lime Garden Inn, Maggie Moretti, walked toward her with a determination that usually meant she had news to share.

"You look like you're on a mission," Chelsea called out, a grin spreading across her face.

Maggie chuckled as she dropped onto a chair.

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