“Oh, I love animals! I have a Bichon Frisé named Charlie.” Susan beamed, her eyes sparkling as she started to describe her pet. “He’s the most curious little guy—has a knack for stealing socks. You’ll find him hoarding them under the bed like they’re pure gold!”
Betty chuckled at Susan’s story before chiming in. “And you should meet my dachshund, Oliver. He’s quite the entertainer.Whenever I play the piano, he howls along as if he’s providing the backup vocals. He’s the Pavarotti of the dog world!”
Laughter rippled through the tent at Betty’s vivid description.
“They both sound utterly adorable,” Claire remarked, genuinely charmed by their stories.
“And worthy causes like this are so close to our hearts because of them,” Susan said, pulling out a bill from her purse and dropping it into the donation jar.
Betty followed suit, her charm bracelet jingling as her hand reached into her stylish tote to retrieve her wallet, from which she pulled another generous bill.
Carol and Margie followed suit with generous donations.
“Thank you all so much. Every bit helps,” Claire gratefully acknowledged.
“Jane mentioned that you four come back every year,” Maxi said.
Margie nodded. “We love coming back to Lobster Bay for Prelude and some preholiday shopping. Of course, we love doing our favorite things, too, like the Marginal Way, and we’re about to head to the Rachel Carson Preserve to watch for deer.”
“The preserve is magical this time of year,” Maxi observed, her eyes lighting up at the mention.
“And afterward, we have a reservation at Oarweeds,” Susan said.
“I love their clam chowder,” Claire said.
“Me too,” Margie agreed.
“We may be living all over the place now—Boston, Denver, San Francisco, and Atlanta—but Lobster Bay remains our common bond,” Betty declared, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
Nods and smiles of agreement circled around the tent.
“Well, we better get a move on,” Susan secured her bag on her arm. “Hope to see you all around town!”
Claire watched as Carol, Susan, Margie, and Betty disappeared into the festively decorated main street, their laughter fading into the distant sound of carolers.
“They seem like really nice guests,” Maxi commented, her gaze following their figures until they vanished from view.
Jane smiled in agreement. “Oh, they are. A pleasure to have breakfast with—always full of stories and laughter, though Betty seems a little sad.”
“I did sense that. I wonder why,” Claire asked.
“She mentioned losing her sister when they were kids, and coming back probably brings up bittersweet memories.” Jane glanced at Andie, and Claire’s heart swooped at the affection between the two sisters.
“That’s sad,” Andie said, putting her arm around Jane.
“It is.” Maxi glanced at her watch, and her eyes widened. “Oh, I have to go. I’ve got an art lesson with Bunny!”
Claire gave her a hug. “You better get going, then. Thanks so much for your help!”
Andie chimed in with, “Hope you find that perfect client for your gallery. Your event will be amazing, I’m sure of it.”
Jane added her own sentiments. “Yeah, the universe has a way of working these things out, especially around the holidays.”
“Thank you all. That means the world to me. See you soon!”
With a wave, Maxi left the tent. Claire, Andie, and Jane watched her go, each privately sending good wishes her way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
