Wasn’t it?She walked outside and strode across the lawn.
Besides, they were doing what they could to fill the void at the inn. They had promised the common spaces at the inn to anyone who wanted to use them as a substitute for the library. Between scheduled weddings and other events, there was hardly a day that wasn’t full of activities. Sometimes, it was almost too much, but she had made a promise.
Yet, Shelly’s words touched a nerve. If she couldn’t get approval from City Hall, maybe she could get the community behind the effort. It might take years to raise funds and gain approval, but it would be worth it.
Her husband would certainly have an opinion about that. Surely, they could agree that a library was good for the community.
Just then, her phone rang, and she answered. “Bennett, darling. I was just thinking of you.”
His voice was as warm as sunshine. “Hope those were good thoughts, sweetheart.”
“Always. I was thinking about the library again?—”
“Ivy, we did all we could.” Instantly, he sounded weary.
“Are you sure, though?” Ivy’s grip on her phone tightened. Shelly’s words of encouragement wouldn’t mean anything to Bennett. Still, he was usually optimistic about Summer Beach projects. “We could go to the community?—”
“Unfortunately, we have to let that idea go.” He hesitated. “With so much chaos in the house, I thought we could avoid cooking tonight. I can grab tacos from Rosa’s, and we can watch the sunset on the beach.”
That was one of their regular romantic getaways. She didn’t want to spoil it tonight. “That sounds perfect.”
“I’m on my way.”
She tapped her phone to disconnect. With a sigh, she realized Bennett had become as disillusioned over the library project as she was.
Still, she wondered if Shelly might be right. Was there a way to fund a library that wouldn’t damage her marriage?
It seemed impossible, but as Shelly suggested, she decided that word shouldn’t be in her vocabulary anymore.
Heartened by that thought, she straightened her shoulders. Maybe the third round of the Library vs. City Hall was about to begin.
4
Ivy wound her way past the construction, stepping over electrical cords and avoiding the scaffolding for work on the second-floor windows and painting.
Her nephew was speaking to his crew while the men were packing tools.
“Hey, Reed, got a minute?”
“Sure. The guys will start work on the other side of the house.” As his men left, Reed’s phone interrupted with a song ringtone. After a quick glance, he frowned.
“Do you need to take that call?”
“I’m waiting to hear from a supplier, but this is something else.” A look of dismay crossed his face as he shoved it into his pocket. “Or rather, it was. No surprise, though.”
“Forrest told me you’re dating someone.” Reed was a smart, good-looking young man with a big heart. “Is that your girlfriend?”
“Not according to that text. She just broke up with me because I canceled our weekend plans. I don’t like ultimatums, so I let her go.”
Ivy was appalled. “She broke up in a text? Who does that?”
“No one I want to be with.” Reed sighed. “It’s more common than you think, Aunt Ivy.”
“Maybe it’s just a misunderstanding.”
“She’s a travel blogger, and she needs someone with free time to travel and film her.” Flexing his jaw, he added, “That’s not me. My work is here with Dad, and I love what I do. Someday, I want to build a home for my family in Summer Beach.”
Ivy’s heart went out to him. “Your dad was committed to work when he was starting the construction business. We always knew he would be successful.”
