Page 75 of Captiva Book Club

He looked up at Maggie and Paolo, his eyes misty with emotion.

“Thank you, both of you,” he said, his voice thick. “This means more to me than I can say. And the bonus…you’ve really gone above and beyond. I haven’t been here that long…I never expected…”

Paolo placed a hand on Oliver’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We’re here for you, Oliver. Whenever you’re ready, we’d love to share a slice with you.”

Oliver nodded, a small but genuine smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I think…I think I’m ready. We’ll make it a day to remember.”

As the group shared a quiet moment together, Maggie felt a pang of excitement. There was one more surprise she had planned, something she had kept secret even from Paolo. She glanced toward the door, anticipating the arrival of a very special guest.

Just then, the door to the sitting room creaked open, and in walked Riley, the inn’s former chef.

Iris gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in surprise. “Riley!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. “I can’t believe you’re here!”

Riley smiled, stepping further into the room as everyone rushed to greet her. “Maggie called and asked if I could come by for one last goodbye before I head to Atlanta,” she explained, her voice filled with emotion. “I couldn’t say no to that. I’ve missed you all so much.”

The room buzzed with excitement as Riley embraced each of her former colleagues. Iris was particularly moved, holding on to Riley a bit longer than the others, her emotions swirling. “It’s not the same without you,” Iris whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

“I know,” Riley replied softly, “but I’m happy, and I know you’re all in good hands with Oliver. And don’t worry, I’ll be back to visit.”

Riley extended her hand to shake Oliver’s “I’ve heard wonderful things…I’m so glad you’re now part of the Key Lime Garden Inn family…welcome.”

“Thank you, Riley,” Oliver said, shaking her hand. “I’ve got big shoes to fill. Please come back often to visit.”

Riley smiled. “I will.”

Maggie stepped forward, handing Riley a beautifully wrapped gift and an envelope. “This is for you, Riley—a little something to remember us by, and a bonus to help you and Andrew start your new life together. We couldn’t let you leave without one last gift.”

Riley opened the envelope first, her eyes widening in surprise at the generous amount. “Maggie, Paolo…thank you so much. This is incredibly generous.”

“Consider it a wedding gift,” Paolo added with a grin. “We’re so proud of you, Riley. You’re going to do amazing things. You started the inn with us. We would never have been as successful without you.”

Riley opened the gift next, revealing a framed photograph of the Key Lime Garden Inn, with all the staff members standing together in front of the entrance. It was a moment frozen in time, capturing the essence of the inn and the family they had created together.

Tears welled up in Riley’s eyes as she traced her fingers over the glass. “I’ll treasure this forever,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “Thank you, all of you. This place will always be home to me.”

Emotions running high, the six of them stood in front of the Christmas tree watching the lights twinkling. All was quiet for only a minute when Lexi jumped in the middle of the group, reminding Maggie of the treats promised.

“Okay, hang on,” Maggie said, getting Oliver’s sweet potato treats.

Lexi sat obediently, waiting for the cookie. Once in her mouth, the little dog curled up contentedly by the tree.

“Now, everyone has a Christmas gift,” Paolo said.

CHAPTER 27

The Key Lime Garden Inn was a flurry of activity as Maggie stood on the front porch, watching the steady stream of cars pulling into the driveway.

Although it was winter the sun cast a golden glow over the palm trees, and the salty breeze carried the sound of seagulls calling in the distance. It was a picture-perfect day on Captiva Island, but inside the inn, chaos was about to unfold.

Maggie smiled as the first car door opened, and her daughter Lauren stepped out, followed by her husband Jeff and their three children—Olivia, Lily, and the newest addition, baby Daniel, who was safely tucked into his car seat. Olivia and Lily immediately ran toward their grandmother, their faces lighting up with excitement.

“Grandma!” Olivia called out, her long braids bouncing as she rushed up the steps and threw herself into Maggie’s arms. Lily wasn’t far behind, her bright smile contagious as she wrapped her little arms around Maggie’s waist.

“Look at you two!” Maggie exclaimed, kissing their cheeks. “I just saw you last month and look at you now. You’ve got to stop growing so fast.”

Jeff followed with baby Daniel in his arms, his face showing the weariness of a trip, but his smile was warm. “Hey, Mom,” he said, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.

“Hello, Jeff. How was the trip?” Maggie asked, already knowing the answer from the tired look in his eyes.

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