Page 64 of Coral Memories

“I’m sorry, and I promise I’m not,” Marina said, glancing at Ginger. “If it’s any comfort to you, imagine what having twins was like.”

Pulling her legs into the car, Kai made a face. “Please don’t remind me that they run in the family. I might never do this again.” Biting her lip, she said, “I’m a little scared.”

“You’ve got this,” Marina said. “You once told me that you still have a sliver of fear before you go onstage, but you do it anyway. You said it’s not about being fearless but knowing you’re ready to perform and willing the outcome you desire.”

“I guess I did say that.” Kai gave her a weak grin.

While Marina steered toward the hospital, Ginger’s phone buzzed. It was Brooke, her voice tinged with excitement. “How’s Kai doing?”

Ginger eased into the back seat. “She’s doing fine, but please meet us at the hospital. She needs you.”

Ginger had supported Sandi, Marina, and Brooke during their deliveries, but Kai was particularly excitable. With Brooke’s calm demeanor and experience, she would be a soothing presence for Kai.

After they arrived at the Summer Beach hospital, the staff quickly decided Kai was in labor and should stay.

Just then, Ginger’s phone rang; it was Oliver. She usually met him at the cafe, so he was probably concerned. Quickly, she answered and explained.

“What can I do?” he asked.

She told him that they couldn’t reach Axe. “Would you call his office manager, find out where he is, and go get him if you have to?”

“Leave it to me, love,” he replied.

Ginger and Marina stayed with Kai as much as they were allowed. Finally, Brooke arrived.

Kai looked relieved to see her and gripped her arm. “I don’t understand what’s going on.”

Brooke smoothed a hand over Kai’s forehead. “I’ll translate the medical speak for you. Your job is to relax and go with the flow. You have a good team caring for you. Remember, your doctor delivered my first baby.”

Ginger was also relieved when Brooke suggested she and Marina take a break. She told them it would likely be a long day.

Ginger and Marina walked downstairs for coffee and breakfast. When they returned, they saw nurses helping Brooke into a wheelchair.

“Good heavens,” Ginger exclaimed, hurrying to her. “You, too?”

Brooke grinned, taking it all in stride. “My water just broke, so I guess she’s coming early. They’re admitting me now. I texted Chip, but his engine is away from the station.”

Ginger hugged her. “Don’t worry, we’ll reach him, too.” While the staff whisked Brooke away and tended to Kai, Ginger embraced Marina. “Looks like we’ll welcome two babies into the family today. We’ve done this before, haven’t we?”

Marina smiled and hugged her. “Only this time, they’re not twins.”

A few weeks later,a joyful atmosphere filled Ginger’s cottage as the family gathered to celebrate the newborn cousins. Ginger’s heart was full of love as she surveyed her growing family.

Sitting beside her on the sofa, Oliver tucked his hand into hers. “Happy?”

“Infinitely,” she replied, squeezing his hand. “I’m happy you’re here. I don’t know what we would have done withoutyou at the hospital. Locating Axe and Chip, keeping them calm, bringing food to everyone. You were wonderful.”

A smile shimmered on his face. “It was a privilege being part of it all. And being part of your extraordinary life.”

Ginger looked at him, struck by how excited he looked. “You look like you have a huge secret.”

“Maybe I do,” he said with a chuckle.

In the kitchen, Marina, Heather, and Blake organized food for everyone and set up a buffet on the dining room table. They served the new mothers first.

Kai sat in a rocking chair, cradling her newborn daughter, Stella, with Axe hovering proudly. “Our precious little star,” she cooed, her face alight with happiness.

Brooke’s infant, Clover, slept peacefully in her father’s arms next to her. Boisterous laughter sounded outside, where their boys were tossing a ball with Leo and Scout, safely away from the water’s edge.

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