Page 54 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Virginia stepped off the ferry and walked into the crowded terminal. It was difficult to maneuver as people surged forward to greet those who had been trapped on the ferry.
What an adventure this trip had been, beginning to end. To share even a small part in the birth of James’s daughter had made Virginia’s heart sing. New life did that, inspiring hope and joy. Watching James’s tears when he first heard his daughter’s cry had brought tears to her own eyes.
Stepping aside, Virginia let others move ahead of her. She would need to find an Uber and she wasn’t sure how long that would take. Before she left the ferry she sent Veronica a text, letting her know she should arrive soon, if it wasn’t too late to visit.
Veronica had immediately sent a text back.
You’re welcome any time you arrive.
A warm feeling had come over her with the hope that the two of them would be able to put the past behind them and move forward.
Feeling she should remind Veronica that she’d given away the cookies, she sent a second text.
Oh, and we helped deliver a baby. Long story. I can’t wait to tell you all about it.
Veronica texted back.
Baby? You helped deliver a baby? Never mind, you can tell me later.
Virginia watched as Avery and Harrison were met by a young man. He hugged Avery and shook hands with Harrison. Noticing Virginia, Avery held out her hand.
“Virginia, come meet my brother.”
Brother and sister stood side by side. The family resemblance was hard to miss. They shared the same brown eyes and high foreheads and engaging smiles.
“This is Reed,” Avery said.
She went on to give Virginia a brief telling of how she’d met Harrison and Reed had stumbled upon Harrison’s sister while waiting inside the terminal. The coincidence was fun and caused her imagination to run. It seemed a lot had happened in the hours they’d been stalled on the water.
“Virginia was generous enough to share her mother’s holiday cookies with everyone,” Avery told her brother. “You can’t imagine how beautifully decorated they were.”
“And tasty,” Harrison added.
She blushed at their praise.
“Nice meeting you, Virginia,” Reed said as he steered them toward the exit. “Kellie has dinner waiting at the condo.”
“Merry Christmas,” Virginia said as they headed outside.
Bundling her scarf around her neck to ward off the cold, Virginia headed out of the terminal building and into the dark. As expected, the cold hit her like a slap in the face and she sucked in a deep breath. The sidewalk in front of the building was jammed with those seeking transportation. There was nothing for Viginia to do but wait her turn.
A voice caught her attention. For a moment she thought she heard someone call her name. Glancing around, she didn’t see or hear anything more and was convinced she’d imagined it.
Then her name came again, closer this time.
Certain now that someone had indeed called for her, Virginia turned around, seeking out whoever it might be. It wasn’t a voice she recognized.
A young woman came rushing toward her, relief showing on her face. “Aunt Virginia?”
Virginia blinked. It couldn’t be, could it? This must be her grandniece, whom she hadn’t seen in several years.
“Phoebe?” My goodness, the young teen she remembered was a strikingly beautiful young woman now.
“Grandma sent us to collect you. My boyfriend is double-parked just down the street.” She took hold of Virginia’s arm and hurriedly led her toward the car.
Once inside the vehicle, Virginia relaxed against the back of the seat. “Oh my, I wish I’d known to expect you.”
