Page 42 of Captiva Book Club

Chelsea’s face was now serious. “I’m sorry, you’re right. Maybe we’ve all been too harsh and dismissive with her. I know Linda can be difficult, but her heart is good, and she truly is a lonely person. It seems everyone runs away from her, instead of giving her a chance.”

Maggie suddenly felt horrible. Why anyone would be her friend, she didn’t understand. She felt shame for being so quick to dismiss Linda as a gossip and busybody and decided to do what she could to apologize.

Her cellphone rang, and it was Lauren, returning Maggie’s call.

“Chelsea, I have to take this, it’s Beth and Lauren. Can we catch up later? I’ve got a few things that need my attention before the book club meeting.”

“No problem. I’ll call you later and you can tell me what you need me to do. I don’t want you handling Linda all alone.”

Maggie smiled, gave Chelsea a thumbs-up, and answered her phone.

“Hi girls, are you both there?”

Beth answered, “Yup, it’s Lauren and me.”

“Hey Bethy, how are you doing?”

“I’m great, Mom. We’ll see you soon, but Lauren and I wanted to check in with you and see if there is any news on the lump.”

Maggie explained about the biopsy and focused on sounding upbeat and light about it all.

“I’m glad your doctor is taking this seriously,” Lauren said.

“Well, I have been through this before, I guess that’s why he’s being so thorough. I’m very happy with this oncologist.”

“That’s great, Mom,” Lauren added.

“I hate having to wait for the results, it’s the waiting that’s always hard for me. Let’s forget about that for now, how are you two doing?”

“Everything is great at our house,” Lauren said. “We’ll catch up next week.”

“Same here,” Beth added. “Gabriel’s father flew in yesterday. He’s staying with James and his family for Christmas. He was going to come down to Captiva with us, but he said he doesn’t want to miss watching Willow open her presents.”

“That’s understandable, considering Christmas is a special time for children,” Maggie said. “I don’t blame him for wanting to be with his granddaughter. Speaking of which, I can’t wait to see my grandchildren. Are they all excited for Christmas on Captiva Island?”

“I’m afraid the baby is too young to care, Olivia and Lily are excited to see their grandmother. I’m sure Michael’s kids are equally excited, especially Jackson.”

“It won’t be long now,” Maggie said. “Hopefully, we’ll have the results before you arrive, but no matter what they are, we’re going to have a wonderful holiday. I’ve got to go, girls, I’ve got lots to do before Chris and Becca get here. I love you both…no worries, okay? I’ll call everyone just as soon as we have the results.”

“Okay, Mom,” Beth and Lauren said at the same time. “Love you, too.”

Maggie smiled as she ended the call. Regardless of her health issues, she felt blessed beyond measure for her children. She prayed for good results on the biopsy for obvious reasons, but also that she could help another cancer patient feel the same blessings…that someone cared about them enough to stay by their side through the difficult days.

Without her children, and Paolo, Maggie wasn’t sure she’d be able to find the strength to fight the cancer—no one should take this journey alone. If she was lucky, soon she’d be able to do something about that for someone else.

Oliver carried the garden basket to the raised vegetable beds and began gathering fresh herbs and tomatoes for his cooking. He felt a deeper connection to nature with the journey of food from garden to table than when buying produce from the market. Both had their place in meal preparation, but it was his time in the garden that he cherished most.

As he moved from row to row, he glanced up and saw Maggie sitting on the porch swing. He waved, and she waved back.

Since hearing about her cancer, Oliver had wanted to offer her some encouragement. At first, he thought it might be better to stay silent, but with Maggie always referring to the employees at the Key Lime Garden Inn as family, he decided to find a moment for them to talk.

Carrying the garden basket, Oliver made his way through the garden and walked to the inn.

“Mind if I join you for a bit?” he asked Maggie.

“Not at all,” she answered. “How are you enjoying the garden?”

He smiled. “I love preparing beautiful dishes for others, but it’s my time in the garden…that’s for me alone. It feels meditative when I’m there. It’s the only time I feel I’m using all my senses. The touch, smell, taste of each plant…it’s hard to describe.”

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