I spent on your sofa with Shelly looking after me. I told her that I wanted to have a family with her, but that I have this deep fear that I might mess up like my pop did.”
“How did she take it?”
“Pretty good. She understood and was glad I told her. I plan to continue seeing this therapist, so I wanted her to know why I’m going. She’s cool with it. And I told her that I’m cool with having kids.” He grinned and looked up. “I think I might even make a pretty good dad.”
“I have complete confidence in you,” Bennett said.
Mitch seemed relieved that he’d unburdened himself to Shelly. Taking these first steps was a major accomplishment, and Bennett was happy for him.
Bennett and Mitch carried the pastries, bacon, fruit, and coffee into the dining room to set up for breakfast. They had to rearrange the table and chairs after last night’s rehearsal dinner, but Bennett knew how to set up for breakfast. After he’d decided to lease out his home on the ridgetop, he’d been feeling more at home here and pitching in like one of the family when he could.
Bennett was putting out napkins when Eleanor appeared in the doorway, her face masked with concern.
“Have you seen Rachel this morning? She’s not in her room, and Topper isn’t answering his phone.” She peered uneasily out the window. “I don’t see them on the beach.”
“No one else has been up,” Mitch said.
Bennett hadn’t had the chance to tell Mitch about the elopement. He ran a hand across the back of his neck. He hardly knew this woman, yet someone had to tell her that Rachel and Topper had left.
To Bennett’s relief, Churchill meandered in for breakfast. “The kids will turn up, Eleanor. They’re probably out on the beach where we can’t see them.”
Just then, Ivy walked in, dressed in a floral sundress and sandals. She gave Bennett a brisk nod and joined Eleanor and Churchill.
“May we have a word with you?” Ivy began.
Bennett didn’t envy her this task, but he wouldn’t leave her side. Mitch busied himself arranging the muffins and croissants.
The Yorks sat down, and Ivy joined them, folding her hands in front of her. “This isn’t easy to say, but Rachel and Topper left very early this morning.”
Eleanor’s eyes flew open. “They’re gone? Where?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure they’ll be in touch with you,” Ivy said.
Rising, Eleanor jabbed a finger at Ivy. “And how do you know this? Did you see them leave?”
“I heard a car and went to investigate.”
“And you didn’t think to try to stop her or call me? For what I’m paying, you should have done that.”
“Please calm down, dear,” Churchill said. “Rachel is an adult, after all.”
Eleanor narrowed her eyes. “Are they coming back, or did they say the wedding is off?”
As Ivy shook her head, Bennett stepped in. “Mr. and Mrs. York, I understand you’re distressed. I saw them, too. They both seemed fine and determined to leave, and they didn’t want to wake anyone else.”
Eleanor threw her hands up. “After all that I have spent in this city, I would have thought the mayor would have the decency to put a stop to their escape and wake their parents.”
“They are adults,” Bennett said, turning to Churchill, who nodded wearily.
“Perhaps you’d like to take breakfast in your room,” Ivy said.
“That’s an excellent idea,” Churchill said.
While Eleanor continued her rant, Churchill stood abruptly and took her arm. “We’ll talk about this in the room, Eleanor.” He nodded to Ivy and Bennett before ushering Eleanor from the dining room. Churchill guided her to the second floor, yet her shrill voice carried through the house.
Upstairs, Bennett could hear Pixie furiously yapping as Eleanor continued screaming about how ungrateful Rachel was and how this was Lillian’s fault for being a bad influence. Finally, the door to their room slammed, muffling her voice.
“Wow,” Mitch said, turning around. “The wedding is off?”
Ivy pressed a hand to her chest. “Rachel and Topper eloped this morning. Bennett and I saw them off.”
“Good for them,” Mitch said. “So what happens with all the flowers and everything?”
“Whatever the Yorks decide. I’ll offer to take the arrangements to nursing homes and hospitals.”
Bennett heard rapid footsteps descending the stairs. Moments later, Shelly flew into the dining room. “What the heck is going on? That woman woke the entire household.”
Ivy told her what happened.
Shelly dissolved with laughter. “Good for you, Rachel,” she said, thrusting a fist into the air. “Woo-hoo!”
“I’ve got to