Despite the reassurance and noticeablerelief, Ivy still detected a note of lingering concern, which was expected. She hoped Imani would work quickly to help Libby put the past behind her.
“If you’d like, I can help you practice your presentation before the city council. Many people want to see you stay in Summer Beach.”
“I’ve pitched projects before,” Libby said, folding her hands. “I appreciate your support, though.”
Ivy was glad Libby was getting the help she needed from Imani. She saw how enterprising and hard-working the younger woman was.
Just then, Shelly’s voice rang out. “Hey, hey, double trouble has arrived.” She whisked toward them with Daisy on her hip.
Poppy hurried behind them. “She means them, not me.”
“Oh, hey.” Shelly grinned. “Then that makes us triple trouble.”
“Have a seat,” Ivy said, smiling. She made room at the table for everyone. “I ordered breakfast for all of us.”
Shelly plopped down with her little girl and brought a bib and a banana from the diaper bag. “Thanks. Daisy is always hungry.”
Poppy leaned her laptop bag by the chair and sat next to Libby. “This was a good idea to come here. It’s impossible to hear yourself think at the inn. My brain’s been jackhammered to mush.”
Ivy laughed, nodding. “I’ll check in with Reed to see how it’s going. He said he’ll call me if anything is urgent.” She pressed her lips together, grinning at Libby.
Shelly narrowed her eyes. “What are you cooking up, Ives? I know that look. Spill the tea, girl. What’s going on?”
“If all goes well, and I’m sure it will, Libby will be staying in Summer Beach with her bookmobile.”
“That’s great news,” Poppy said, congratulating Libby. “How did you manage that?”
“Bennett worked it out,” Ivy replied. “And that’s not all. We’re going to start an annual book festival.” She quickly outlined the concept to Poppy and Shelly. “Libby will be part of the team, and she’s planned events before.”
“A literary festival in Summer Beach?” Poppy’s eyes sparkled. “People here will love that. And it will probably draw visitors.”
“That’s what I’m counting on.” Looking up, Ivy saw Mitch approaching, his tray laden with food.
“Make room for breakfast.” Mitch placed the tray in the middle of the table. “Hey, babe,” he said to Shelly. “I brought Daisy’s favorite, too. Scrambled eggs just the way she likes them. I let them cool off first.”
“Da!” Daisy exclaimed when Mitch put the plate in front of her. She plunged her little hands into the eggs and shoved a handful into her mouth. “Mmm!”
“Oh, Daisy-cakes,” Shelly said, whipping out a napkin while everyone laughed. “You eat with such gusto.”
“We should all enjoy our food as much as she does,” Mitch said, chuckling. “A cappuccino is calling my name.” He kissed Shelly and Daisy on the cheeks. “See you later, sweethearts.”
Watching Mitch be so loving toward Shelly and their little girl brought a smile to Ivy’s face. She’d been worried about her sister’s choices in men for years, but Shelly and Mitch were a good match. She hoped Libby would be as fortunate here.
They all began to eat, chatting about ideas for the book festival as they did.
“When are you thinking of holding this event?” Shelly asked. “I hope we don’t have to wait until the inn is complete.”
“We have more time now before the inn reopens,” Poppy said, reaching for a blueberry muffin. “Let’s plan it now and start small. How about holding it next month?”
Ivy nodded, her mind racing with logistics. “If we involve the city, which we should, we might use the main beach. I’m sure we could do enough to generate interest and some funds.”
Libby shook her head. “If the wind blows, that much sand wouldn’t be good for books. I have to be careful of that in the bookmobile.”
“Good point.” Shelly wiped Daisy’s chin. “How about the new park at the old Seabreeze Shores Airfield?”
“Excellent idea,” Ivy said, nodding. “Libby could park her bookmobile on the old runway the park is built around. Let’s check on that.”
Libby’s eyes brightened. “I know several top authors who might participate on short notice, too. They have incredibly supportive fans, and I can hardly keep their books in.”
