pack away my jewelry when you girls could be enjoying it?”
One entire suitcase was devoted to jewelry that Carlotta had collected from the artisans they’d worked with around the world. Bright strands of turquoise and coral, iridescent pearls and shells, hand-carved bracelets, and sparkling earrings brimmed to the top of the suitcase, each encased in a sheer organza pouch.
For years, Carlotta and Sterling had traveled the world seeking out talented artisans and artists to supply their crafts to department and specialty stores. The couple had developed keen eyes for talent and enjoyed showing the work of people who often became cherished friends.
In the last year, they had scaled back their representation, although they still provided introductions for a few artisans. Their father was determined to spend more time sailing and traveling while they were still in good health.
Shelly cooed over the assortment. “May I pick out something to wear for my wedding?”
“I hope you do,” Carlotta said, waving her hand over the glittering array. “Anything you like.” She picked up a small leather-covered case. “And here is my best jewelry, along with pieces from my mother and grandmother. You girls might like to borrow the pearls. Take what you’d like to use, and I’ll put the rest in a safety deposit box at the bank and leave the key with you. It’s all going to be yours someday anyway.”
Shelly’s eyes gleamed. “This is like every birthday and holiday rolled into one.”
Ivy didn’t like to think about her parents not being around, though she knew that was eventually inevitable. Though not until far, far in the future, she hoped. Ivy was concerned about their safety on this trip. While Carlotta and Sterling were expert sailors, a big storm could quickly capsize a boat. Ivy tucked her hair behind her ears and tried to banish the thought.
Carlotta untied a vintage satin pouch and lifted a strand of pearls to the light. “My mother wore these for her wedding. Pearls should be worn a few times a year to maintain their sheen.” She held the strand up to Ivy’s neck. “You could wear these on your wedding day.”
Ivy touched the smooth pearls with reverence. She’d worn them when she married Jeremy. “These would be better on Shelly. They would be delightfully unexpected with that white swimsuit.” Besides, she had planned to wear the necklace that Bennett had given her for Christmas.
Shelly beamed at her. “I like that idea.” She bent her neck while her mother fastened the necklace on her.
Clasping her hands, Carlotta stepped back to admire her youngest daughter. “They light your face beautifully, mija.”
Shelly ran her fingers over the lustrous pearls. “Thanks, Mom. I’d love to wear these.”
Carlotta took Ivy’s hand. “If you move your date up, you and Shelly could have a double wedding. That way, we could see both of you down the aisle before we leave.”
Shelly’s smile froze on her face while Ivy shook her head. “It’s Shelly’s day first.” Bennett understood, too.
“We’ll just have to fly back for yours,” Carlotta said.
“There’s no rush,” Ivy said, though Bennett might disagree with that.
With excitement flicking in her dark eyes, Carlotta put an arm around her. “It’s easy to fly from Mazatlan or Puerta Vallarta. The airports aren’t too far from the marinas. Or from Costa Rica. We’re meeting friends at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. Once we sail for French Polynesia, following the trade winds, we’ll be at sea for a while.”
“Dad said it should take a couple of months,” Shelly interjected.
“It’s not necessary for you to return for our wedding,” Ivy said. “I’d rather you and Dad enjoy your journey.”
“Or you could meet us somewhere along the way,” Carlotta said. “On a Polynesian island, or when we visit friends who have a vineyard in South Africa. That would be a beautiful setting.”
“That’s tempting,” Ivy said, though she didn’t know if Bennett would want to be away from his family.
Carlotta secured the pearls in a satin jewelry roll. “I’ll put these in a safety deposit box until you’re ready for them. You’ll want to install a safe at the inn. Not that I don’t trust your guests, but one never knows.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Ivy agreed. She’d contact Forrest and ask him about having a safe built in. “As open as we are in welcoming guests, I know we can’t trust everyone.”
As her mother tucked the jewelry into her purse, Ivy thought about Bennett. She trusted what she knew of him. Yet, she’d learned that time was a