last summer, and then he nearly set the place on fire.”
Ivy grimaced as she opened the door to the kitchen. “It’s his martinis we should ban. Every time he visits, we need emergency services standing by.”
Stepping inside, Shelly said, “I wonder how many times he’s cheated death.”
Their mother turned from a box she was packing in the colorful, Mexican Talavera-tiled kitchen, where the aroma of roasting Anaheim chiles suggested she had been prepping for chile rellenos tonight. A bowl of avocado and lemons from the orchard sat on the counter.
“Who’s cheating death, mija?” Carlotta asked. “I hope you’re not talking about your father and this trip.”
Ivy hugged her mother. “Not at all. We were talking about Rowan Zachary.”
Carlotta shook her head. “According to Carol Reston, too many times to count.” She paused to tuck dark wisps of hair into a clasp. A few strands of silver glinted in the sunlight from tall windows. “I hope you don’t think our voyage is too dangerous.”
Ivy and Shelly exchanged a glance before Shelly draped an arm around their petite mother. “We’re always concerned about you.”
Carlotta waved off the comment with a flick of her hand, her silver-and-turquoise bracelets clinking. “Your father has never been more prepared. We’ve been sailing since before you were born. So, I hope you’re not alluding to our age again.”
“Not me,” Ivy said. “I hear seventy is the new forty. And you two are in better shape than we are.”
“Speak for yourself,” Shelly said, bumping Ivy’s shoulder. “Come to my yoga class more often.”
“Someone has to set up breakfast,” Ivy said.
She’d accepted long ago that she’d never have Shelly’s lanky, bendable frame. Petite like her mother and a bit plump around the middle was Ivy’s mid-life look, and she accepted that. Her doctor told her she was perimenopausal. Thankfully, Bennett loved her as she was, and she’d never felt better with daily beach walks and fresh ocean air.
“I thought Poppy was handling breakfast,” Shelly said.
“We take turns. I’m surprised you didn’t know that. And she’s not always here.”
Carlotta threw her arms around her daughters and pulled each of them to one side. “Girls, girls. Still bickering after all these years.”
Shelly twisted her lips to one side with a sheepish look. “She usually starts it.”
Ivy’s mouth dropped open, but she immediately thought better of defending herself. They were here to help their mother, not argue like kids.
“We just like to poke fun at each other. Right, Shells?” Ivy inclined her head toward their mother.
Shelly caught her meaning and grinned. “Right, Ives.” She gestured toward the packing box that rested on the tile counter. “What’s in there?”
“Family photos.” Carlotta picked up a hammered silver frame with a photo of her young Bay family brood acting silly on the beach. “Even though we’re renting the house furnished, we have to make room for them. They don’t need our trinkets and family photos on every surface.”
Ivy took the old photo from her mother. “I’ve always liked this one.”
“Keep it or pack it,” Carlotta said. “We can’t take much on the boat. You might as well enjoy these things while we’re gone. Your brothers and their wives like that minimalist beach look.”
Ivy gazed around the large kitchen and family room. Carlotta had cleared the photos Ivy and her siblings had given their parents over the years, along with those that Carlotta and Sterling had taken of their growing family.
Ivy loved this home. Her parents favored vivid colors and layered designs. The décor was eclectic with artwork from Lima’s bohemian Barranco district, antique Japanese furniture with carved dragons, and handmade Italian pottery. Every piece held a story and reflected their world travels.
“I’d like a few photos,” Shelly said. A smile brightened her face. “For my new home.”
Shelly planned to move into the beach house that Mitch had bought after Java Beach proved popular. Bennett had once told them how he’d encouraged Mitch to invest the money he was making in a house. With only one bedroom, it was the quintessential surf cottage. The lot had room to expand the house, and the village location was convenient.
Carlotta kissed Shelly’s cheek. “I’m so happy for you.” She took Ivy’s hand. “For both of my lovely daughters. And soon, we’ll welcome two new sons-in-law to the Bay family.”
Shelly’s cheeks flushed, and Ivy couldn’t be happier for her.
“Even though we’re packing, I still have time to help with your wedding plans,” Carlotta said. “Three weeks isn’t very far away.”
Shelly chewed her lip. “Is that all it is?”
“I’ve made a