“I’d like that. Hearing Libby talk about her travels made me want to explore.”
Bennett took a deep breath. “About the library issue,” he began.
Ivy squeezed his hand and looked at him with a guarded expression. “Are you sure you want to talk about that?”
He kissed her forehead, reassuring her. “Libby’s bookmobile gave me an idea. We might not have the funds for a library yet, but I’ve reviewed the budget. The city has some discretionary funds, so we can likely manage a stipend for Libby to visit Summer Beach more often for our residents.”
A smile played on Ivy’s lips. “That would be a good start, and she would probably appreciate it. Is this your way of thinking outside the box?”
Bennett chuckled; he often said that to Ivy. “The idea of a private bookmobile is different, but it solves a need here. Do you think she would be open to the idea?”
Ivy’s eyes shimmered. “Her dream is to stay here. And I have another dream.”
Bennett knew what she was getting at. Although many libraries across the country were scaling back, this was still worth a try. Summer Beach needed this. “If we adjust budget allocations and raise private funds, we could make progress toward the end goal. Would you be willing to introduce Libby and present the bookmobile proposal to the council?”
The smile that spread across her face lifted his heart. “Of course I will. And I have all sorts of other ideas.”
Bennett laughed. “You have an inexhaustible supply, and that’s part of what I love about you. Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“People were thrilled to visit the bookmobile.” Her words tumbled out in her excitement. “So, what if we create an annual book festival here in Summer Beach? Sort of like our art fair. In the beginning, we could build it around Libby’s whimsical theme. We could invite authors for book signings and have entertainment. Make it a real destination event.”
Bennett grinned at her enthusiasm. He recalled what Mitch said about the family treasuring the small-town experience. “I like the sound of it already.”
“There’s so much more we could do,” she said, her green eyes sparkling. “We could organize fun events for the kids and invite booksellers and food vendors. Nominal admission fees, booth rentals, and donations would go toward a permanent library. But we should comp Paige’s booth. She reopened her bookshop after the earthquake, and it’s the only one in town. We need to keep her in business, too.”
“These are good ideas.” Bennett thought a literary festival was particularly appealing. He imagined Summer Beach’s streets filled with book lovers and vendors. “This would bringmore tourism into Summer Beach. The business community would be happy about that.”
“We’d start small, but I know it will grow,” Ivy said. “And it would fulfill the Ericksons’ vision for our town, even if it takes us a few years to get there. We should do it as soon as possible. I’ll pitch it to Shelly and Poppy.”
Bennett nodded in thought. “The council will like the tourism angle, and an annual fundraising event creates a path toward a permanent library without breaking the budget.” He leaned forward and kissed her. “You’ve got this, my darling. Put me down as volunteer number one at the book festival.”
Bennett felt the tension that had wedged between them for weeks finally dissipating.
She threw her arms around his neck. “I’ve always known we were a great team.”
“The best. Sometimes we just have to work through difficulties.”
“That makes the results even sweeter.” She threaded her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Maybe I haven’t told you I love you enough lately.”
Bennett thought his heart would burst at her words. “Same here. I know it, even when you don’t say it. I hope you do, too.”
Filled with love for his wife, he smiled at her, his mind filling with ideas on how they could make it all up to each other. “How about we take the boat out one afternoon this week, just the two of us? I have some time off I can take. After all, I am the mayor.”
“I would love that.” Ivy leaned her head against his shoulder. “I miss our private time together.”
“Then how about we have a gourmet platter in the treehouse tonight?” The balcony they’d added onto the rear of their over-the-garage, former chauffeur’s apartment was surrounded by palm trees that swayed and swished in the ocean breezes. He’d surprised her with an outdoor sofa and furnishing. “I can offera lump of burrata cheese with aged balsamic vinegar, a loaf of crusty bread…”
“Mmm, I’d like that.” She ran her fingers along his neck. “I’ll add Marcona almonds in olive oil, mandarin oranges from our trees, and sliced veggies.”
Bennett’s heart thudded at the thought of this romantic evening alone with his wife. “I saw a bottle in the fridge of that sparkling rosé cava we had in Mallorca. Fancy that?”
Ivy nodded with a sigh. “It’s a date, darling.”
He leaned in to kiss her. They deserved this time together. Now, all they had to do was gain council approval and organize the festival. He was thankful their relationship was getting back on track because their lives were about to get even more complicated.
16
Ivy rose early the following day, even before Bennett. Having promised to send her bookkeeper bank statements for her financial reports and tax return, she threw on a pair of jeans with a lacy blouse and went straight to her office.
