Page 96 of Smuggler's Cove
When Madison stepped outside, she was awestruck. “It’s gorgeous, like a fairy wonderland.”
“And when it gets dark, the city lights will be a fabulous backdrop,” Olivia added.
Before she went upstairs to get ready, she chose the music for the evening: bossa nova and soft samba. Madison crossed her fingers and hoped everything would go according to plan. Or better.
By six o’clock, everyone in the house was ready. Lincoln wore a light blue shirt, blazer, and jeans. Olivia had a colorful maxi dress, and Madison floated down the stairs on her white cloud. It was a handsome trio.
The first guests to arrive were Irene and her husband Alan. Lincoln escorted them to the bar, and a server mixed their drinks. Madison didn’t want any of them to have to work. It was important to spend quality time with their guests. That was one thing she learned from her mother. Two servers were also on board, leaving the three of them to mix and mingle. It was their first social interaction, and they wanted their guests to feel appreciated. Without them, none of it would have been possible.
Hannah and Charlie were next, along with Crusty. Madison was touched by the effort Crusty made to look respectable. He had gone to the Goodwill store and found a dinner jacket from who knows when, but the brocade collar screamed 1960. Hannah wore a light-blue pantsuit, and Charlie was donned in a plaid jacket.
Burton and his wife were nicely attired, as well. Madison got the impression that everyone was treating the evening with the same regard. It was special.
Viggo was the last to arrive. When Madison opened the door, a very large dog wearing a bowtie had a bouquet of peonies in his mouth. Madison’s heart melted. She bent over and thanked the dog. “Aw. This is so sweet. Diogo, it is very nice to meet you.” She held out her hand, and he gave her his paw. She gently took the flowers, and without missing a beat, she kissed Viggo on the cheek. It felt good. Easy. Natural. His navy-blue blazer accentuated his deep eyes, as they gazed upon Madison.
“You look beautiful.”
“So do you.” She turned to Diogo. “As do you. Please come in!” She stood aside as the two well-dressed males entered.
The dinner menu was a choice of pepper-crusted steak or charred tuna. Sides included string beans almondine, twice-baked potatoes or rice, and roasted carrots. A salad of mixed greens and beets was served first.
Crusty sat with his mouth agape. He had never experienced such special treatment. When the servers poured the wine, he cleared his throat. “If nobody minds, I’d like to say something.”
It came as a surprise, and Lincoln encouraged him.
“I want to thank our host and hostesses for this special dinner. When Kirby passed, rest his soul, none of us had no idea what was gonna happen. Me, Charlie, and Hannah worried for months. Then when you all arrived, we got even more worried.” A few chuckles went around the table. “But when we seen how much you went out of your way to make the place better, we were thrilled. So, I want to offer my thanks for saving the Taylor Marina, for all our sakes.”
Charlie stood up next. “I can ditto Crusty. You are some of the finest folks we ever met. But then again, you were related to Kirby.”
Hannah raised her glass. “Here’s to a ton of clam sandwiches!”
Lincoln was next. “On behalf of my sister, my wife, and myself, our appreciation runs deep. We could never have done any of this without you.”
Madison chimed in. “Thank you for your kindness. It has meant the world to us.”
Glasses clinked, and the air was filled with laughter.
Dinner and wine continued to be served for the next two hours. When it came time for dessert, Madison asked Viggo if he would give her a hand. He was happy to accommodate her. They went into the craft room, and Viggo carried out a large box. He set it on a table where Lincoln was standing.
Madison opened the box. “I would like to present everyone with our official Kirby’s Marina merchandise.” Hoots and applause went around the table as Madison handed everyone a cap, T-shirt, and overalls.
“Now you can get rid of that Grateful Dead T-shirt,” Hannah teased Crusty.
“Not in your life. That thing’s gotta be worth some money.”
“Not after you’ve been wearing it,” Charlie joked.
The evening began to wind down, with everyone satisfied and happy. Madison, Olivia, and Lincoln walked their guests out while Viggo and Diogo lingered.
The staff made haste clearing the table and removing any remains of a fine dinner party.
“Care for a nightcap?” Lincoln asked.
“I would love one,” Madison replied. “Viggo, what can we get for you?”
“Brandy?”
“Coming right up.” Lincoln went into the kitchen and squared up with the staff. He poured everyone a snifter, and they returned to the patio with Diogo in tow.
