happen. Another woman swoops in and offers the excitement a man is craving. I don’t think men have changed that much, mija. However you do it, be sure he knows you love him every day. Complacency can destroy even the best relationships.”
When Ivy and her mother returned to the inn, Ivy glanced up at Bennett’s apartment across the car court. He was pounding up the steps after his run. She paused. Even after a run, he looked good. When she saw her mother watching her, she glanced away, recalling their conversation.
“He is easy on the eyes, mija,” Carlotta said with a knowing smile.
Just then, Marina and Kai arrived, their car loaded with supplies.
“Breakfast has arrived,” Marina said as she opened the car door.
“Come in,” Ivy said, opening the rear door to the kitchen. This time, it swung open easily. “Bennett must have realigned the door,” Ivy said.
Carlotta raised an eyebrow. “And he’s handy, too.”
“Mom, please.” That’s not helping, Ivy thought. Still, an odd feeling gathered on her neck.
Kai hefted a carton of muffins through the door and placed them on the counter. “Ginger and Marina made these. Blueberry, apple, and cranberry orange. They’re fabulous.”
Marina laughed. “Let the customer decide that. We have more in the car, and I’ll set up a table to make custom omelets for everyone, too.”
Carlotta followed them in. Hugging Ivy, she said, “I always have your best interests in mind. I’ll dress and see you on the terrace in a little while.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Ivy said, holding her mother a moment longer. Too soon, she would have to let her go.
Turning back to Marina and Kai, Ivy said, “We’ll set up just as you did last night.” As they walked into the kitchen, she told them how much everyone had enjoyed the dinner they’d provided. “I think you’re going to do well with the new Coral Cafe.”
“With the summer ahead, this will be a critical time,” Marina said. “We have to turn a profit as soon as we can. I really want to stay in Summer Beach.”
“I’m always happy to refer guests to you.” Ivy and Marina had bonded again over their start-up stories.
As Kai arranged muffins and croissants, she chatted about the wedding. With her strawberry blond hair, expressive eyes, and lean, athletic frame, Kai looked and moved like the musical theater actress she was. She often attended Shelly’s yoga class.
“Shelly wore the most gorgeous wedding gown,” Kai said. “She’d told me last week that she had no idea what to wear. But that gown looked vintage. Was it your mother’s wedding dress?”
“We found the dress here in the house,” Ivy replied. “It belonged to the owner, Amelia Erickson, and she wore it for her first wedding.” Ivy remembered the rest of the old clothing they’d found upstairs. “I understand you’re working with Axe on the new outdoor theater. We found a lot of early twentieth-century clothing that’s beautifully made and preserved. If you’re building a costume wardrobe, we’d be happy to donate some of the garments we found.”
Kai’s face lit. “Axe will be excited to hear that. It would be great to have costumes available for period performances.”
“I’ll bring it all down before you leave today,” Ivy said, glad she’d found a home for the beautifully constructed clothing.
As the cousins began filtering into the dining room, Ivy greeted her father. “We have made-to-order omelets along with muffins, croissants, lox, and bagels.” Fruit, yogurt, and oatmeal rounded out the brunch offerings.
“Sure was nice to see Bennett last night,” Sterling said, putting his arm around her. “Your mother and I can depart knowing that you have a good man in your life.”
“He is, Dad.” Ivy smiled. The three of them had a long talk last night about the pending voyage and the ports of call her parents had planned. Still, what her mother had said about Bennett loomed in her mind.
Ivy checked on other family members, who were lining up for omelets. Imani, Jamir, and Gilda joined them, too. Since they had so much food, Ivy had also asked Bennett to invite his sister and her husband and their young son, Logan. She was fond of Kendra and Dave.
Bennett strolled in, looking relaxed in a white shirt and casual trousers. Ivy noticed how warmly her family greeted him. Bennett and her father spoke for a while.
“If you two keep jabbering, you’ll miss all the food,” Ivy said, chiding them.
Carlotta brought her husband a plate. “When Sterling gets started on boat talk, he could starve.”
Ivy’s father laughed. “Join