Page 61 of Coral Memories

“I’d like that,” he said. “You’re full of endless surprises, my dear.”

Heather’s phone buzzed. “Blake is waiting for us at the cafe. And his mother just arrived.”

“Let’s go,” Ginger said, embracing Heather. “You look perfectly radiant.”

She recalled the small engagement party she’d had in Summer Beach at her parent’s home many years ago.

Recently, Arlette had joined Ginger, Marina, and Heather for lunch. Without her husband, Arlette was kind and happy to meet them. She’d told them how relieved she was that Blake had met Heather, taking the pressure off him to acquiesce to his father’s demands. She told them she and Ken were separated but going through counseling with the hope of saving their marriage.

As they made their way to the cafe, Ginger delighted in its transformation. Marina and Heather had turned it into a romantic beach wonderland for the engagement party. Even Leo had helped.

Stacks of kites, frisbees, sunscreen, and beach towels on a long table drew attention. Some of Heather’s local friends, including Sunny and Poppy from the Seabreeze Inn, had also strung a volleyball net on the beach for the occasion. Gift bags printed withHeather & Blakeglittered by the gift table. Beach music played in the background, putting everyone in a light-hearted mood.

Blake’s voice rang out above the gathering crowd. “Hey, sweetheart, over here.”

Heather rushed to him, her face glowing with happiness.

Ginger noted the adoration in his eyes as he gazed at Heather. “He looks at her with such love. I know they’re a good match.”

With a smile, Oliver caught her hand. “You’re a fine judge of relationships.”

“I like to think so,” she said, touching his cheek. “And there is no one I’d rather have by my side than you.”

As they mingled with the guests, Ginger noticed Arlette, Blake’s mother, standing awkwardly by the buffet.

“Excuse me,” Marina said. “I’ll join Arlette.”

Brooke and her family joined them. “You look so lovely, Ginger.” She, Chip, and their three sons greeted them with hugs before Chip sent the boys off to fetch lemonade for Ginger and Oliver.

“Good to see you both,” Chip said, shaking Oliver’s hand. “Jack told me you like to golf. There’s an excellent public course not far from here. You’re welcome to join me sometime.”

Oliver looked pleased. “I’d sure like that, thanks.”

Ginger noticed the ease with which they included Oliver and expected his presence at family gatherings. Seeing how her family was adapting to this new dynamic warmed her heart.

She accepted a glass of raspberry lemonade from her eldest great-grandson, currently in high school. Sipping the refreshing drink, Ginger surveyed the patio. Marina bustled around, introducing Arlette and ensuring everyone had cool libations and food. Heather and Blake greeted their guest with hugs and laughter.

The beach party lasted until dusk, with rousing games of volleyball. Jack drafted Oliver into one game, and Ginger flew kites on the beach with Leo and Brooke’s sons, Alder, Rowan, and Oakley.

Many of the guests left, but the family and a few close friends remained, gathered around the firepit on the cafe patio.

Ginger and Oliver sat a little apart, relaxing and watching the continued shenanigans. She enjoyed being with him. He had a steady presence she was growing increasingly fond of.

Oliver wrapped his arms around her, and she leaned against him.

“What a perfect event,” he said. “I’m pleased for Heather and Blake. And I appreciate being part of this.”

“Everyone likes you.”

Oliver chuckled at that. “You sound surprised.”

“Why, not at all.” She shrugged. “Well, maybe a little. My family can be quite protective of me, so I was concerned they might not accept you. But you won them over. You’re practically part of the family now.”

“That makes me very happy.” Oliver kissed her cheek.

“Me, too,” Ginger said, smoothing a hand over his shoulder.

They had talked about how Oliver and Margaret missed having children, but they were close to their nieces and nephews. One nephew had already visited him in Summer Beach, and Ginger looked forward to meeting more of them.

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