Page 64 of Seabreeze Library


Font Size:

“You followed your gut instinct.”

“Something like that,” Ivy said, thinking about the guiding spirit that was likely still in residence, if that were possible.

As they approached the inn, Reed emerged from the front entrance, clipboard in hand, his demeanor more professional than she was accustomed to seeing from her nephew. Beside him stood his father, an imposing, fit figure of a man. His keen eyes were already assessing the exterior work.

“Right on time,” Reed called out. “Dad dropped by to inspect our progress.” The slight tension in his voice revealed how much his father’s approval still mattered.

Forrest stepped forward to hug Ivy. “Had a job site nearby. Thought I’d see how Reed is upholding the company’s reputation.” Though his words sounded critical, the pride in his eyes when he glanced at his son told a different story.

“Bennett, good to see you.” Forrest extended his hand. “Especially outside of the building department meetings. It’s been a while.”

“Likewise,” Bennett said. “The city council meeting today was interesting. Once again, Ivy challenged the city.”

Forrest chuckled. “What now, Sis?”

“A library and art museum for Summer Beach,” she said with pride. “And if you’re lucky, you might get a shot at building it.”

He turned to Reed. “From the old plans you mentioned?”

“That’s right. Interesting, huh?” While his father nodded his approval, Reed glanced at his watch. “We’d better stay on schedule or Mom will kill you.” He gestured toward the entrance.

Forrest grinned. “Can’t be late tonight. Let’s see what you’ve done here.”

As they stepped inside, Ivy was struck by how different the space felt. Light streamed through new windows, casting patterns across the freshly sanded wooden floors.

Forrest turned to Ivy. “Are you happy with the new windows?”

“Thrilled,” Ivy replied. “You were right to suggest those. I can already tell they’re less drafty and more efficient. I wasn’t aware we could replace the old windows with the historic designation.”

She had planned to restore the old windows, but Forrest encouraged her to look at new options since the inn was a public place with high traffic. An exception was made for those reasons.

Her brother nodded. “These windows match the original design and are better for energy efficiency. Your guests will appreciate that. Winters by the sea can be cold, even here.”

Reed pointed out items of interest as they walked. “We’ve completed all the major structural work. Electrical and plumbing are now updated to code, and we added improved insulation where we could. Heating and air conditioning systems have also been replaced.”

“The bones are solid now.” Forrest ran an experienced hand along a smooth wall. “Nice work.”

Reed straightened at his father’s approval. “Tomorrow, we continue refinishing the original hardwood floors. They were in fairly good condition, though we replaced a few boards.”

“I can’t even tell where,” Bennett said.

“As it should be.” Forrest nodded in agreement. “That’s the mark of a fine craftsman. They’re getting harder to find, but we have a good team.”

Ivy followed them through the house, envisioning how it would look when completed. “What about the fixtures we discussed?”

“I saved everything salvageable.” Reed led them to a side room where he’d organized vintage hardware in labeled bins. “The crystal doorknobs from the upstairs bedrooms are intact, but we’re missing some, and a few were damaged. The bathroom fixtures are another story. Most should be replaced.”

“We budgeted for that,” Ivy was immensely pleased and relieved at the progress.

Bennett picked up an ornate brass door plate, examining it. “Craftsmanship like this is rare now.”

“I’ve found online sources for period-appropriate replacements,” Ivy said. “There’s an architectural salvage shop in San Diego that specializes in coastal properties from this era. I want to honor the building’s history while making it functional for today. That might go for the new library someday, too.”

Bennett put his arm around her. “I like how you think.”

As they continued through the house, Ivy noticed Bennett taking mental notes, asking Reed and Forrest intelligent questions. With his background in real estate, Bennett had more than the average knowledge.

She appreciated having an interested partner.