Page 26 of Coral Memories

Ginger considered that, weighing messages zinging between her brain and her heart, which were surprisingly in alignment. “It has. I would like to spend more time with you now.”

Tightening his embrace, he said, “You’ve always struck me as a woman who knows what she wants. You’re direct, intelligent, and more beautiful than you realize. You’re a unique, stunning young woman.”

His eyes shimmering, he drew a breath. “I must leave for my assignment in Paris soon. Would you accompany me as my wife? I can promise you the most delicious life imaginable. And plenty of opportunities to continue your studies.”

This was the most marvelous idea she’d ever heard. She caressed Bertrand’s smooth face and kissed him again. “Let’s have a grand adventure together.”

7

Marina lined up serving dishes on a table just outside the cafe kitchen. While she could have hosted the birthday party at the home she and Jack shared, she thought Heather, Ethan, and their friends would enjoy the beach setting more. She had closed the cafe a little early for the evening. This time of year, the tourist traffic declined, and many residents ate early.

She added another plate of skewered vegetables with roasted chicken and pork and placed it beside the vegetable and cheese plates. She glanced at her sister. “Kai, would you put out more napkins?”

“Sure. This is a finger food kind of beach crowd.” Kai glanced at the cupcake tower they had constructed. “This idea was much better than a cake.”

“I was afraid it might look like a kid’s birthday party, but they’re still not too old for cupcakes.” Leo and Samantha had sneaked two treats early, but Marina had plenty to replenish.

“Not when they’re red velvet, carrot cake, and double chocolate. Yum.”

“Those are Heather and Ethan’s favorites.”

“Mine, too.” Kai grinned. “Did I tell you I’m eating for two?”

Marina laughed. “Try eating for three. I was huge.”

“Does it seem like it was that long ago?”

“When they were little, I hardly had time to do anything except work and look after them. I didn’t slow down until they left for university. Only when I stopped being a woman in perpetual motion did I realize how fast the years had flown.”

Marina looked for Heather and Ethan in the crowd of young people. They were surrounded by friends and family. Everyone was laughing and having a good time.

Kai nodded toward Heather and Blake. “They sure have become close. I wonder where that’s going.”

Marina shrugged, thinking about the talk she’d had with Blake about Heather. “They’re in love. What can I say?”

“Everyone has to suffer their first love, I suppose.”

“Blake seems like a good guy.” Even if his parents seemed a little stand-offish, she thought. She had invited them, but they hadn’t arrived. It was late now, so maybe something had come up. She bumped Kai’s shoulder. “I was Heather’s age when I married Stan.”

“You were really young.” Kai raised her brow. “Don’t you want her to wait?”

“They’re adults. What I want doesn’t matter anymore.” Marina might have influence, but the twins were making their own decisions now. “I’ve learned I have little control over who they decide to date.”

Kai laughed. “Unless they’re lunatics or something.”

Brooke came up behind them and threw her arms around her sisters. “Are you talking about my boys again?”

“Hey, you,” Kai said. “How’s the newest one?”

“She’s pretty calm,” Brooke replied. “I think I’ll have to wake her up to give birth. I only hope she can sleep through the male ruckus in my house. But I’m thrilled to be having a girl at last.It will still be two against four, but at least I won’t be alone anymore.”

“I’m so happy for you,” Marina said, hugging her. “How is Chip taking this?”

Brooke glanced at her husband, who was talking to Jack and Axe. “At first, we were both shocked, but now he’s going all out in a blaze of Barbie pink.”

“Axe bought a miniature pink tool kit,” Kai said. “And I don’t mean the toy kind. I didn’t even get that.”

“Keep that away from her for a few years,” Brooke said, chuckling. “How have you been feeling?”

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