“It is a lot. But it's good. Complicated and emotional, but good.” Maggie took a sip of her coffee, now lukewarm. “I'm trying to be present for all of it. To not rush through the hard parts just to get to the easy ones.”
“That sounds very wise and very exhausting. Have you been well?”
“You mean has the cancer returned?”
“Well…yes, I mean…”
“It’s fine to ask, Rachel. I mean it. I’m fine and there is no evidence of disease. I’ve been clear for a while now. I pray I stay that way.”
“Of course. It’s what we all want. I should tell you that Jane found a lump. She’s having it checked out. She acts like it’s no big deal. You know Jane.”
Maggie knew Jane very well and could imagine her dismissing any possibility of cancer away from her thoughts.
“I’m glad she’s seeing a doctor. I’ll have to call her.”
Rachel was quiet for a moment. Then she said, “This is actually why I called. Well, partly why. I wanted to check in, but I also had an idea.”
“I'm listening.”
“The Lunch Bunch. We haven't all been together in...what, three years?”
“At least three. Not since you all came down to Captiva.”
“Exactly. And that's ridiculous. We've been friends for years, and we’ve let life get in the way of seeing each other.” Rachel's voice took on a determined edge. “I want to change that. I want to get everyone together this summer. Here, at the vineyard. A long weekend, just us girls, like the old days.”
Maggie felt a flutter of something in her chest. Excitement, maybe. Or nostalgia. The Lunch Bunch had started as members of a book club, a group of women who decided to branch off and form their own group. Five women, five different paths, but still connected by the bond they had formed.
“That sounds wonderful,” Maggie said. “I would love that.”
“Good. Because I'm not taking no for an answer.” Rachel's smile was audible. “I'm thinking sometime in July. The vineyard is gorgeous then, and the weather is usually perfect. We can drink wine and eat too much cheese and stay up late talking like we used to.”
“I’ll tell Chelsea. She’s here with me now. What about the others, do you think they’ll come?”
“I'll make sure of it. I'll call everyone today, let them know what's happening with you, pass along congratulations about the twins.” Rachel paused. “They're going to be thrilled, Maggie. We all miss you. Florida feels very far away.”
“It is far away. But it's home now.” Maggie smiled. “Although Massachusetts will always have a piece of my heart.”
“That's all we ask. A piece.” Rachel's tone softened. “I'm so glad you answered. I was half expecting to get voicemail.”
“I almost didn't answer. I've been so focused on family stuff that I've let everything else slide.”
“That's what family is for. The rest of us understand.” There was a sound in the background, someone calling Rachel's name. “There’s one more thing. I’m getting married again. Jack and I got engaged and the wedding is in October. You absolutely must come to the wedding.”
“Oh, Rachel, that’s fantastic. I’m so happy for you. We’ll have to have your bachelorette party when we get there. I can’t wait to tell Chelsea.”
“Thanks, Maggie. I’m over the moon. I have to go. The contractors need something, probably more money. But I'll send you dates for July, and you tell me what works. We'll make this happen, Maggie. I promise.”
“I'll be there. I wouldn't miss it.”
“Good. Give those babies a kiss from their Auntie Rachel. And tell Chelsea I said hello. She's still your partner in crime, right?”
“Always.”
“Some things never change.” Rachel laughed. “Love you, Maggie. Talk soon.”
“Love you too.”
The call ended, and Maggie sat at the table, her cold coffee forgotten. Outside the window, the March sun was climbing higher, casting pale light across the orchard. Inside, the farmhouse stirred, the sounds of Beth and Gabriel waking, the thin cry of one of the twins announcing that breakfast was required.
