Bennett nodded to himself. Between Java Beach and his coastline charters, Mitch was good for Summer Beach andtourism. After helping the last of his customers onto the dock and pointing them toward the parking lot, Mitch secured his craft and headed Bennett’s way.
“Looking mighty good,” Mitch said, gesturing to the freshly varnished wood.
Bennett set his brush across the top of the can. “Successful charter today?”
Mitch’s grin widened as he stepped onto Bennett’s boat. “Small family reunion. Good people.” He leaned against the cabin. “You know what they were talking about for half the trip back? Libby’s bookmobile.”
Bennett groaned. “Not you, too.”
“I know you’re probably tired of hearing about the bookmobile and our lack of a library, but you had to see it all day. People just kept coming, and many came back today with friends. Word got around fast.”
Bennett sighed and sat down on the bench seat. “All of this has been a sore subject at my house.”
“Ivy’s still pushing for the library?”
“It’s been a source of contention between us,” Bennett admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wish the city had the budget to build and staff it properly, but we just don’t. Even with funds the state and federal governments would kick in, which isn’t much. The numbers don’t work.”
“What about donations?”
“That’s a big ask.” He shook his head. “Most of our community donors have committed their budgets for the year. So I feel twice as bad about those old architectural plans. That building would have been perfect for Summer Beach. Ivy would love it.”
Mitch nodded, commiserating with him. “Shelly told me about it. Man, I wish the Ericksons had built that. You have no idea how much Shelly has been talking about it.”
“I can imagine.” Ivy had drafted Shelly into the library effort. Bennett scraped his stubbled chin in thought. “What if the city could host the bookmobile more often?”
Mitch bumped his fist. “That would make a lot of people happy.” His gaze shifted over Bennett’s shoulder. “But you should tell Ivy that. Here she comes. And I’d better get back to work.”
Bennett turned to see Ivy approaching on the dock. As sunny rays brightened her face and the highlights in her hair, his heart tightened with admiration for the woman he’d married. She went after what she wanted and had a knack for figuring out how to make it happen. If only it were within his power to approve what she wanted.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said, reaching for Ivy’s hand to help her onto the bobbing craft.
“I was nearby.” She told him about Libby’s revelations. “Now we know what she was hiding and why.”
“Glad to hear it. She seems like a smart, decent person.”
“Maybe I was being too protective of Reed.”
“Family looks out for each other.”
She started to sit down, but Bennett scooped her into his arms. “Wet varnish,” he said, kissing her.
She laughed. “Best excuse I’ve heard to steal a kiss. You know you can kiss me anytime, right? We’re doubly married.”
“No, really. That section is wet.” He showed her his work. “I’m getting this craft shipshape for the summer.”
“I’m glad you’re taking the time to do that.” She dipped her head. “By the way, thank you for helping me pack at the house earlier today. I know it’s my responsibility to manage my team, so you don’t have to pick up the slack, but I appreciated it.”
“It’s being with you that’s important. If that means helping you at the inn, then I’m all in. No pun intended.” He grinned and smoothed a wisp of hair from her face.
He led her to another area where they could sit and look over the ocean. Putting his arm around her, she settled beside him.
She inched closer and touched his hand. “It’s been a long time since we were out on the water together.”
“Too long. We’ll take the boat out soon.” Bennett felt a pang of regret. Between his mayoral duties and her renovation projects, they’d both been busy.
Ivy drew her eyebrows together. “Are we settling into that marriage routine where people stop doing the fun things they once did?”
“I don’t intend to.” He took her hands and kissed them. “But we don’t have to do anything special to keep our love alive. I cherish every day with you.” He paused, recalling how quickly his first wife had fallen ill, and then she was gone. “But point taken.Carpe diem. Let’s plan a nice getaway after the construction.”
