only Shelly could be here, too.
Ivy went downstairs. Outside, she paused at the edge of the terrace before joining her family gathered on the beach. Everyone she loved was there: Her parents, her daughters, her brothers and their families—all the younger cousins. Bennett’s sister and her family stood with him. Marina and Kai had joined them, too. Even their Seabreeze Inn family was present: Imani, Jamir, and Gilda with Pixie in her arms.
Suddenly, Shelly and Mitch appeared, racing across the beach in T-shirts and jeans they’d probably just thrown on to join them. Shelly waved, and Ivy broke into a broad smile.
Her sister was here for her after all.
Ivy pressed a hand to her mouth, blinking back tears of happiness. Bennett must have called them. She continued toward the gathering, drawn by Bennett’s earnest gaze.
Everyone looked surprised at the sight of Ivy, and Carlotta clasped her hands against her chest.
“You look so lovely, mija,” her mother said, her eyes wide with questions. “Bennett asked us to come out here to see something special.”
“And you will,” she said, kissing her mother’s cheek. Ivy’s heart was racing, yet she felt calm. She and Bennett had made the right decision for them—together.
“Is this what I think it is?” Carlotta asked, her face shimmering with joy. “But I didn’t think you had a marriage license.”
Ivy smiled. “Just wait.”
Sunny and Misty stood beside her mother, wearing expressions of awe and excitement. Ivy could see the happiness in their eyes as they giggled with each other. They both liked Bennett, and someday, when the time was right, they would all become a family.
Ivy wrapped her arms around her daughters and hugged them. “I’m glad you’re pleased.”
“Of course I am, Mom,” Misty said.
“I’m in, too,” Sunny added. “Bennett’s pretty cool.”
Ivy kissed them on their cheeks, relieved at their acceptance. She hadn’t meant to spring this on them, but she thought they would understand once they realized what their mother had decided.
Bennett stepped forward, extending his hand toward her. “My love.”
She slipped her hand into his, and it felt so natural and right. Beside Bennett stood Brother Rip with a joyful expression on his tranquil face. He swept his braids over his shoulder and placed his hands over theirs, enveloping them with his powerful touch.
As waves rolled toward the shore and fresh breezes ruffled their hair, Brother Rip brought the family closer together. “We are gathered here to witness the joy of two people committing their hearts to one another. Not yet in marriage, but as a first step toward devoting their lives to each other.”
The energy coursing through their joined hands was beyond anything Ivy had ever known. The power of love and commitment was almost overwhelming, and she blinked back tears of joy that sprang to her eyes.
When Brother Rip was through speaking, he held their joined hands aloft, and her family broke out in cheers.
“This is our beginning,” she whispered to Bennett.
“The beginning of our forever,” he added, touching his lips to hers.
In her heart, Ivy knew this to be true. Today was their first step, yet Bennett had also promised her the time she needed.
With outstretched arms, Ivy and Bennett delivered hugs all around, and especially to Carlotta and Sterling. Ivy was so happy that they could witness this before they left. Tomorrow they would see them off on their grand voyage, but today the celebration would continue.
“What a perfect weekend,” Carlotta said, taking Ivy’s and Shelly’s hands. “Seeing two of my girls stepping into the sunshine of their lives just before we sail. I’m so happy for both of you, and I’m proud of your decisions.”
Laughing, Shelly flung her arms around Ivy. “This will teach people to bet against us.”
Flint and Forrest clapped Bennett on the back and called him their new brother, while Sterling and Carlotta welcomed him into the family.
“Not so fast,” Ivy said, teasing Bennett. “We’re still in the trial period.”
Bennett laughed and kissed her hand. “I’ll be on my toes forever with you—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The rest of the day was devoted to eating, laughing, and sharing time as a large, extended family. While some of the younger cousins rigged up a volleyball net on the beach and had a rousing game, others played in the surf. Some of the Bay family siblings swam in the pool while other family and friends played cards and chatted under umbrellas on the terrace.
After a day of pleasure, they watched a brilliant golden sunset while Bennett and Mitch