“That’s what it takes,” Reed said, blowing out a breath. “At least you understand.”
She paused, sizing up her nephew. He was tall and well-built from working in his father’s construction business. More than that, Reed was a young man of substance and, judging from the sadness around his eyes, one who seemed ready for a partner. “Was it a serious relationship?”
Reed raised a hand and let it drop. “I thought so at first, but she clearly didn’t share the big picture.” He scuffed his work boot on the flagstone path. “Did you need to talk to me about the work?”
Ivy had almost forgotten. “I was looking at the plans this morning. Since we’re making improvements, I wondered if we could create more storage in several places. I wanted to let you know before you got too far along. I have ideas, but I thought you might have a few, too.”
“Sure. I’ll look at the plans tonight and make notes.”
Reed left to supervise his crew, leaving Ivy wondering how a young woman could let go of someone like him. Everyone had their priorities, she supposed. Maybe he didn’t have scads of money to blow on expensive holidays, but he was smart and building a business under the tutelage of his father.
She liked to think he had a great family, too.
Just then, she saw the book club ladies arrive. She hurried to greet them.
Their neighbor Darla led the way, pushing a small baby stroller. The older woman’s short, royal-blue hair and sparkly visor shone like a beacon in the sunlight.
Shelly met them in the entryway and reached for the little girl. “Hiya, sweetie. Did you have a good time with Granny Darla today?”
Daisy cooed her approval as Darla passed her to Shelly. “You bet she did. Daisy scoots on the floor faster than any child I’ve seen since my son was young. She’s pulling up on the furniture, though she’s still wobbly. Cute as a flower, she is.” Darla tickled Daisy’s neck, and the little girl laughed. She parked the stroller by the door.
Shelly kissed her child’s fair curly hair. “Thanks for looking after her today. This place is such a mess. I was afraid she might get hurt.”
“I’m happy to take care of her until this construction is over.” Darla’s gruff voice held a note of hope. “She’ll be right next door anytime you want to check on her.”
Relief filled Shelly’s face. “That would be a huge help, at least for part of the day. We can work around Mitch’s schedule, too. Once she starts walking, you might change your mind, though. With her energy, she’ll be unstoppable.”
“Like her mother,” Darla said with a chuckle.
Ivy had never imagined Darla would look after Daisy like a grandmother. She’d been a grouchy neighbor when she and Shelly moved in. She even sued them. Thankfully, all that was in the past. Mitch had seen through Darla’s gruff exterior and became the replacement for the son she’d lost years ago. With him came Shelly and now Daisy.
She’d never seen Darla look happier.
Jen from Nailed It hardware store stepped inside to greet them with hugs. “How are you doing with the construction?”
“It’s progressing,” Ivy said. “All guests will be gone by Monday, and everything will begin in earnest.”
Jen surveyed the prep work, taking in the plastic-draped furnishings and the heavy paper on the wooden floor to protect it from damage. The vintage chandeliers would soon be removed for cleaning and rewiring. “Tell Reed we can make special deliveries as needed. That will save him time.”
“I sure will,” Ivy said.
Louise, a steel gray-haired woman who owned the laundry in the village, arrived next, clutching a book and a bottle of wine. “I just finished reading. What an incredible story.”
More women and a few men arrived with their books, and chatter quickly rose in the air. This scene occurred a few times a week with different book clubs. Tonight was the sip-and-share club that read biographies and historical sagas. The romance readers club also met here, as did the men’s club that liked thrillers, spies, and espionage.
Darla raised a hand and motioned everyone toward the lower-level staircase. “Let’s go, I’m thirsty. Everyone downstairs.”
With a few hoots from the crowd, they all clomped downstairs. This club meeting was the second today. This morning, the story time group had been here. Shelly had joined the parents with Daisy before Darla fetched her.
“That’s a lively group today,” Shelly said, bouncing Daisy on her hip.
Ivy grinned. “With those libations, they usually are.” Providing space for community meetings was part of what Ivy had promised to raise funds for the historical restoration. Still, she enjoyed being part of the fabric of Summer Beach.
A few minutes later, construction sounds filled the air.
“Guess Reed’s demolition crew relocated near us,” Poppy shouted.
Ivy had to raise her voice, too. “Better than disturbing our paying guests.”
