“Yes, but because of her efforts.” Ivy had read quite a bit about her. “Julia Morgan was a pioneering architect. She grew up in Oakland and graduated from Berkeley with a degree in civil engineering. She was also the first woman to earn her certificate in architecture from theEcole des Beaux-Artsin Paris. And became the first female architect licensed in California in 1904.”
“That was before women even had the right to vote,” Shelly added, pressing her lips together.
Poppy shook her head. “Julia Morgan designed hundreds of buildings in her lifetime.”
“Now I’m even more impressed,” Reed said. “These plans have historical significance.”
Ivy recalled what Libby had said about Amelia’s rumored plans for a library. “Libby told me about an old article, an interview with Amelia Erickson. She mentioned her plan for a library for Summer Beach.” Nan had showed her an article, too. Ivy ran her hand across the rendering with reverence. “Maybe we haven’t been thinking big enough.”
As she studied the elegant design, possibilities stirred within her. These plans had lain dormant for decades, waiting for the right moment. Perhaps this discovery wasn’t just a glimpse into Amelia’s goals but a blueprint for the future.
Shelly quirked a grin. “Don’t you think it’s interesting that you wanted a wall of cabinets right where Amelia had covered these up?”
“No, it makes sense.” Ivy knew what Shelly was driving at. “It’s what the room needs.”
“Maybe Amelia’s spirit led you there,” Shelly said. “I wonder if she’s in here with us right now, saying, ‘you go, girl.’” She bumped her sister’s shoulder.
Ivy laughed. “I don’t think she’d put it quite like that.”
“I bet she’s picked up a few phrases having hung out with us.” Shelly bounced on her feet. “Did I tell you there’s a new clairvoyant in town? Maybe we could talk to Amelia, sort of like having a conference call with the dead.”
“Shelly, stop. You’re freaking out Reed.” Ivy noticed their nephew’s face had paled.
“It’s not me,” Reed said quickly. “I don’t actually believe in ghosts.” He exhaled and drew a hand over his forehead. “But it’s my crew. Some are superstitious. There was one old house they wouldn’t work on. The guys felt weird cold drafts on hot days. A couple of them thought they saw a shadowy figure. I had to hire a different crew.”
“Then I wouldn’t let him in Amelia’s old suite,” Shelly said.
Reed looked doubtful. “Which one is that?”
“My old room,” Ivy replied. “And it’s perfectly okay. I slept there and didn’t sense anything.”
“Much,” Shelly added with rounded eyes.
Ivy poked her sister. Shelly didn’t need to add that, even though Ivy had sensed something.
She put a hand on her hip. “Hey, Shells. Do you want Reed and his team to finish this renovation, or would you rather do it yourself?”
Shelly held up her hands. “Forget what I said. You know how I like to kid around.”
Just then, Ivy spied her husband entering the music room. “Bennett is back. Wait until he sees these plans.” She was excited to share their latest discovery.
“Not so fast.” Shelly shook her head. “He’s not going to like this. If Summer Beach has no budget for a small space, he’ll go ballistic over this.You know you’ll want it.”
Sensing some truth in what her sister said, Ivy hesitated. “I’m not asking for anything. I’m sharing what we found.”
“Wow, what happened in here?” Bennett stared at the debris in the middle of the room. “This place is a wreck. What are you all huddled about out there?”
As Shelly shook her head, Ivy rolled up the plans and tucked them under her arm. “You were gone a long time.”
“After my run, I stopped by Java Beach. You wouldn’t believe the crowd Libby has drawn with the bookmobile. There’s a line waiting to go inside.”
Shelly nodded. “Yeah, the community really wants a—ouch, that’s my foot, Ives.”
“Oh, sorry.” She shot Shelly a pointed look before turning back to Bennett. “How is Mitch?”
“He’s thrilled. Java Beach is having a booming breakfast run because of the crowd.”
Shelly snapped her fingers. “Next to Java Beach might be a good spot for a?—”
