imagine there was any other place where something could be stashed away.
Amelia and her husband Gustav had been important art collectors from Europe. During the Second World War, Amelia had rescued significant works from Europe that Ivy had promptly returned to their owners.
After Gustav’s death, Amelia had been hospitalized for Alzheimer’s disease in Switzerland, where she passed away decades ago. The grand old home, once a glittering summer gathering place for the intellectual, artistic, and accomplished, had gone silent—frozen with its mid-century decor. The estate had been managed for decades until such time that a long-lost heir was deemed unlikely to surface. Aside from occasional charity fundraising events, the house had seen little use in years.
Ivy turned over her hand. The old callus at the top of her palm where her wedding band had rested was nearly invisible now. After Jeremy had died, it had been months before Ivy could bring herself to remove her wedding band.
Soon, another would take its place. Her heart ached at the bittersweet thought.
Ivy’s phone trilled, startling her. Carlotta Reina Bay’s number floated to the screen. “Hi, Mom. What’s up?”
“If you haven’t had lunch yet, I’m meeting my friend Ginger Delavie at her granddaughter’s beach cafe. I thought you might like to join me and see them at the same time.”
“When?”
“About half an hour? I know it’s last minute, but we just decided.”
Through the window, Ivy could see a car pull to the curb in front of the house. Behind them, Ivy spied Bennett walking toward the inn from the village. She recalled that he’d left his SUV at the mechanic’s shop, and he’d had a meeting with the Summer Beach Retailers Association at Java Beach.
“I’d love to, but I think our guests just arrived,” Ivy said. “Shelly is off to the nursery, and Poppy has a client meeting.”
“Can Sunny watch the inn for you?”
“She’s at school today.”
Ivy’s daughter would soon graduate from college. If guests needed anything, Ivy would have to be available. As the weekend neared, drop-in guests often arrived, too. Although they couldn’t afford to miss any opportunities, Ivy wanted to see her mother, too. “Would you like to come by later?”
Just then, laughter burst through the open door that Bennett stood holding open for a group of young women. “After you, ladies.”
“What a gentleman,” one woman said, smiling flirtatiously. Four twenty-something women stepped into the foyer, their arms around each other and still laughing.
Carlotta’s voice floated through the phone. “Sounds like someone is having a good time there. Why don’t you and Shelly come over tomorrow instead? I have more things to give you.”
“I’d like that.” Ivy clicked off the phone and turned to the group in front of her. “Welcome to the Seabreeze Inn.”
A pale blond woman wearing a rhinestone tiara and a glittery white satin sash that read Bride stepped up to the desk. She gave her name, and Ivy smiled.
“Bachelorette party?”
The three women behind the bride-to-be let out a cheer. The last woman through the door was checking out Bennett, who cleared his throat behind an amused grin.
“Are you checking in, too?” the woman asked him. She wore a short, form-fitting pink dress, and her long brunette hair was slightly disheveled.
“You might say I live here,” Bennett said as he winked at Ivy.
The woman twirled a strand of hair and smiled at him. “I sure hope to see you by the pool. We’re going for a dip right away.”
“The mayor might have work to do this afternoon,” Ivy cut in.
The woman raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen a mayor with such muscles. Very impressive. I’m Carrie, by the way.” She extended her hand.
“Bennett Dylan, at your service,” he said, shaking her hand as Ivy suppressed a laugh. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies, I have some calls to make.”
Leaning toward Ivy, Carrie asked, “Is he married? I didn’t see a ring.”
“Almost,” Ivy said with a small smile.
“Now that’s a challenge if I ever heard one.”
The bride, an earnest-looking young woman with clear blue eyes, turned to Ivy. “I’m Rachel Evans. My cousin and my friends obviously started the party before I arrived. I’m the designated driver anyway.” She leaned in. “I’ll try to keep them quiet.”
Recalling her bachelorette party from years ago, Ivy smiled, though she would keep an eye on the outgoing Carrie who had flirted with Bennett, even though she was half his age.
Taking keys from the drawer, Ivy said, “I’ve put you all in the Sunset Suites behind the main house so that you won’t disturb