“Hello, ladies,” Nan said, glancing up. “Here for the council meeting?”
Ivy introduced Libby. “Her bookmobile proposal is on the agenda tonight.”
“Good luck, dear. I’ll be pulling for you,” Nan added in a whisper.
Libby’s eyes flicked to a large banner that read,Life is Better in Summer Beach. “I sure hope that’s true.” She drew a deep breath and straightened her long skirt. “I’m nervous about appearing before the council.”
Ivy touched her arm lightly. “Summer Beach and its people have been good to me. Not that I didn’t love where I lived before. Boston was a wonderful city.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “But I had memories that were better left behind.”When she saw surprise and curiosity on Libby’s face, she said, “I’ll tell you about it someday, but what’s important is I found my purpose here. I have a feeling you will, too. You’ll do fine, and many people are here to support you.”
The sincerity in her voice seemed to steady Libby, whose shoulders relaxed a little. “I hope so. No one has ever said that to me.”
The younger woman’s words nicked Ivy’s heart. How many people simply needed a kind word of encouragement to start on a path and fulfill their potential?
She smiled. “I’ve got your back, Libby. Will Reed be here?”
“He’d planned on it but got a call before I left. He said he needs to stay at the inn because his boss is coming by for an inspection.”
That would be Forrest, Ivy knew. Reed’s father was a stickler for proper procedures.
They entered the council chambers, where Bennett and the other council members were chatting and taking their seats. Ivy had made several proposals here since she’d arrived. Although the ocean view made official business feel less intimidating, the matters at hand were still important.
Ivy noticed how many friends and family members filled the audience seats. Shelly and Mitch sat near the front, with Poppy just behind them. Jen and George from the hardware shop waved from their seats, while the bookshop proprietor Paige thumbed through what appeared to be notes. Even Hallie from the cafe hurried in.
“Look at all this support,” Ivy whispered to Libby, guiding her toward two empty seats.
Just then, a casually elegant woman with long, straight black hair flowing around her shoulders approached them.
“Libby, this is Celia and her husband, Tyler,” Ivy said. “They support local music classes and other educational programs inthe Summer Beach schools.” The young couple had retired to Summer Beach a few years ago.
Celia extended her hand. “We’ve heard about your bookmobile. It’s what this community needs, at least until we find a permanent solution.”
Tyler nodded. “We used to work in technology. Your proposal should pass, and we’d like to contribute funds for books. All kinds, but especially those about science and technology. Maybe you could engage with the subject on a fun level. The kids miss having a library outside of their school facility.”
“Don’t forget music and the arts,” Celia said to Tyler.
Libby’s eyes widened. “That’s incredibly generous, thank you.”
After the pair sat down, Ivy whispered to Libby, “You have a lot of support.”
“I’m beginning to realize that.” Libby’s voice held a note of wonder.
Once the council members were seated, Bennett smacked his gavel and brought the room to order.
Ivy watched her husband, noting how he reviewed each item of business that came before them. He spoke with thoughtfulness rather than performative importance. When she caught his eye, he acknowledged her with only a slight nod. She appreciated that he never compromised his integrity. People respected him for that.
Those qualities had drawn her to him, and she still found them wildly attractive, though infuriating at times, such as with her requests.
Love could be complicated.
Three agenda items passed before Bennett called for Libby. “Our final item of business is a proposal for a bookmobile contract.”
As Libby walked to the front, Ivy noticed her hands trembling slightly, but her posture was straight and her gaze direct.
“Good evening, council members,” she began in a quiet voice.
With a subtle gesture, Ivy touched her ear, encouraging her to speak up.
Libby increased the volume. “I understand that Summer Beach has been without library services since the closure of its library. The absence has left a gap in your community’s services to all residents.”
