Page 49 of Coral Memories

“Brooke went with her to the doctor, and everything seemed normal, but I’m still concerned,” Marina admitted. “She’s hadmore than the usual pregnancy symptoms. The doctor agreed to run more tests.”

Jack came up behind her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Kai’s strong, and she has a good medical team.”

Marina nodded, leaning into his touch. “I know, but she’s my sister, so I’m still concerned.”

“What can I do?” Heather asked.

“Call her occasionally. Kai would like that.” Marina added, “I’ll keep you all updated.”

Leo, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. “Let’s make Aunt Kai a care package with her favorite snacks, some girly socks, and candles. That made my mom happy when she was sick.”

A rush of love for her sweet stepson swept through Marina, and she leaned in for a hug. “That’s a wonderful idea, and I’m sure she’d appreciate it. Let’s do that tomorrow. And I’m so glad your mother feels great now.”

After dinner, Heather and Blake insisted on cleaning up while Leo took a shower before bedtime.

Sitting outside, Marina leaned into Jack’s arms. These were the quiet moments of the day she cherished with him. Still, something in his expression earlier when he asked about Ginger had concerned her. She hoped he would be as respectful as he always was with her, even if he didn’t get the answers he wanted.

17

An idea struck Ginger, and she looked up from her work of meticulously converting recipe measurements. “How about this as a title,The Sunny Coast Table: Recipes from the Coral Cafe?”

“I love it,” Marina said, her eyes brightening. “We’ve been through a hundred titles.”

Heather pumped her fist in the air. “At least. I like it, too. How about you, Aunt Kai?”

“That brings to mind a good visual; I can work with that.” Absently Kai smoothed a hand over her rounded belly.

Ginger stretched her arms above her head, surveying the chaos spread across her expansive dining table. Stacks of recipe cards, handwritten notes, printed text, and photographs covered the surface.

This cookbook was a welcome diversion from the work on her biography with Jack. He could be intense, but she knew that was only due to his adherence to professional excellence.

“I can’t believe how much we’ve accomplished with everyone’s input,” Marina said, a note of pride in her voice.

Ginger smiled at their small team. “It’s coming together beautifully. I knew we could do it. You’ll have a book ready for the spring crowd.” Meeting that date was necessary, they’d decided.

Heather, hunched over a notepad, her pen flying across the page, chimed in without looking up. “Mom, remember when we thought the shrimp and pesto pizza was just a wild experiment? Now it’s practically our signature dish.”

Marina laughed, reaching for a photo of her bestselling pizza.

Ginger was pleased with the overall organization she and Marina had decided on. They had easily populated most sections. “Where would you like to put the quiche Lorraine?”

“It could be served any time of day.” Marina shuffled through printouts. “Be sure we include the quiche variations, especially Ethan’s favorite with Gruyère cheese. We’re light on breakfast recipes. Or we could add a section called Anytime Favorites.”

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows as they worked, although the air was growing slightly crisp. Ginger pulled a lightweight sweater over her cotton blouse. Fortunately, Summer Beach temperatures were mild year-round. Winter was when their grapefruit and lemons began to ripen.

“We should get some beautiful photos of the orchard to include in the book,” she suggested.

Kai looked up. “I can do that. I might have some from last year, too.”

“The food photos you took the other day are fantastic,” Marina said.

Ginger eyed her youngest granddaughter, wary of her condition. Brooke was likely to deliver her fourth child early, but Ginger was especially concerned about her sister. “How are you feeling these days, Kai?”

“Much better, but I wish this little one would hurry up and get here.”

Kai was energetic, but Ginger knew getting enough rest was important, especially in the last trimester. “You should pace yourself with the holiday performance.”

“Axe is mostly managing that,” Kai replied, waving off her concern. “Construction work slows during the winter holidays.”

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