“Because you refused to give up,” Bennett said, studying her. “Your determination inspired an entire community.”
She dodged the icy water rushing onto the shore. “It wasn’t just me. I like to think Amelia’s spirit was somehow guiding me.”
“You were the catalyst.” He drew her close as they walked. “You saw possibility even before you discovered those plans.”
Realizing what she was doing again, she paused, filling her lungs with air. “I did, didn’t I?” Acknowledging her accomplishment felt surprisingly good.
Bennett nodded at that. “Have you ever thought maybe it wasn’t a spirit leading you, but rather, you attracted the elements you needed?”
“Shelly once said something like that. I thought it was a little woo-woo, but she might have a point.” Ivy looked up at the bright morning sky. “If that’s true, I’ve had it backward. Is that what you mean?”
“Who’s to say?” He smiled and caught her hand. “What I know is you’re a resourceful, visionary woman. Look at what you’ve created here. A life that you wanted and deserved, that benefits everyone around you.” Squeezing her hand, he added, “I’m sure glad it includes me.”
“I don’t think I’d want it any other way.” She grinned and lifted her chin like a queen. “Not today, anyway.”
“Hey, don’t let your newfound power go to your head.” He swept her into his arms and whirled her around while she laughed with delight.
Ivy shook her hair back, smiling with happiness. With Bennett’s arms around her, she felt more loved than ever—outside her family and daughters. Caring for her family and guests, gathering around a table with laughter, taking an impromptu walk on the beach with Bennett—these were the simple joys she loved in her life.
Her accomplishments over the past weeks filled her with satisfaction. At last, with the renovation nearly completed, she could turn her attention to a reopening party.
Bennett let her down, and her toes touched the sand. The cool breeze on her face brought a fresh thought to mind.
“We have twice as much to celebrate,” she said. “The reopening of the inn and now, the kickoff of the library and art museum project.”
“One project ends and another begins.” Bennett swept fine strands of hair from her lashes and kissed her forehead. “About the library—it all worked out, didn't it?”
“As it was meant to, it seems.” Ivy could hardly wait for the next chapter in their lives. She lifted her lips to his for the sweetest of kisses.
EPILOGUE
The sun shone brightly on the empty lot off Main Street. Ivy stood at the edge of the gathered crowd, taking in a sea of familiar faces assembled for the groundbreaking ceremony. A buzz of anticipation filled the air. She looked around, pleased with the turnout.
Darla, Louise, and Paige had rallied the book clubs. Gilda toted Pixie in a pink doggie backpack while Imani and Clark chatted nearby with Jen and George.
Mitch’s Java Beach patrons and Hallie and her husband from the Oceanview Café were there. Many others had arrived for the celebration, too. With encouragement from their teachers, children and their families poured in to celebrate the groundbreaking.
“Nervous?” Bennett asked, appearing at Ivy’s side in a crisp white shirt and khakis that still made her look twice.
“Grateful for everything,” she replied. Her ivory linen dress and colorful scarf fluttered in the ocean breeze.
People stood in line for her friend Marina’s Coral Cafe food truck parked on the street for the event. Marina served refreshments and book-themed treats; the Mondrian-styledcake with bright color-blocked layers was popular. The red-and-white striped hat-shaped cookies inspired by Dr. Seuss’sCat in the Hatwere also going fast, as were the artist palette-shaped cookies with colorful paint-like splotches.
He glanced at his watch. “It’s almost time, but we should wait a little longer.”
Today was almost perfect. “I wish the girls could?—”
Suddenly, a commotion at the back of the gathering interrupted her, and Misty and Sunny raced toward her. “Mom!”
Beside her, Bennett laughed, looking relieved.
“What a wonderful surprise,” Ivy said. She held out her arms to them, and they quickly enveloped her in a tangle of arms. “I didn’t think you could make it.”
“We wanted to surprise you earlier,” Sunny said. “The traffic was heavy, but Bennett said he’d stall for us.”
Misty grinned. “It’s not every day your mother discovers a lost fortune and breaks ground on a new cultural center.”
Her eldest daughter had been rehearsing for a new television pilot. Sunny had been busy with fieldwork for her course of study. They both looked happy, with a sprinkling of freckles across their noses the sunshine always brought out.
