Chapter 22 #3
“I was quite proud of that one,” Adelina said, sharing her work.
A little later, when Ivy showed Adelina a beautiful vintage piece in the fancy powder room off the ballroom, the woman’s face brightened again.
“That is one of my father’s pieces. He told me he designed items for the Ericksons’ home. He referred to it as Las Brisas del Mar.”
“And what are you doing now?” Carol Reston asked with keen interest.
“Not as much as I would like. It’s been a tumultuous period in my life.” Adelina told them her story and about her husband’s recent demise.
Ivy could tell she was a little embarrassed by her circumstances.
Nevertheless, Adelina shared her situation, adding, “I hope to restart my career. I had a good feeling about Summer Beach, and the shelter had space available for me.”
Bennett put his arm around Ivy. “When you said you thought Adelina should be here, I wasn’t sure what you meant.”
“Neither was I. But look at how she’s come to life. I think she’s brave for sharing her story.”
“She might have some new clients, too.”
A thought occurred to Ivy. “I just heard about a new artist project with shared workspaces here in town. I don’t know much about it, but I’ll check on that for her.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I told Carol and Hal about the bunker,” Bennett said. “They’re fascinated by it, and your idea of making it part of the library and art museum complex.”
Ivy was relieved to hear that. Maybe they could raise private funds to preserve the bunker. “Don’t forget the public art I mentioned. And Shelly’s instructional garden.”
“I’m listening to you from now on,” Bennett said. “They expressed interest in seeing the bunker and helping to maintain it. Hal’s father served in the military, so he has a keen interest. I showed him the log.”
“You brought it up from the bunker?”
Bennett looked sheepish. “I was trying to make out some of the notes. I’ve been careful with it.”
She watched the group talking and enjoying themselves. “They’re having such a good time. Let’s share the log with Adelina when we have better light.”
In her heart, Ivy already knew there would be a connection, and another piece of the past would emerge through the veil of history. The researchers and historians would also return to inspect the space and share what they’d found.
She could see it all unfolding in her mind. But those events were for another day.
Now, she simply wanted to be in the moment, enjoying the family and friends who meant so much to her.
Mitch came inside and clapped his hands. “The turkeys are ready, so dinner is served. It’s a Seabreeze Inn harvest feast. Come eat, folks.”
While everyone got up to go to the buffet, Bennett took Ivy’s hand. “Just a moment. Let’s go look at the stars on the beach while they line up.”
“I could use a little break,” Ivy said, squeezing his hand. It had been such a busy, nonstop day.
They strolled outside onto the beach. The fire pit was glowing with flames crackling against the sound of the ocean waves. They lingered by the fire, enjoying the warmth. Overhead, stars blanketed the sky with a blaze of starlight, like pinpricks of light in a velvet sky that fell to the sea.
Without lights from roads and communities illuminating the coastline, the effect was magical. She’d never seen it like this.
“Thanks for bringing me out here,” she said, kissing him softly.
“We have a lot to be grateful for.” Bennett brought his arms around her. “Happy Thanksgiving, sweetheart.”
She gazed at him, his face glowing in the firelight. “It’s even happier than I imagined. Who knew that a major inconvenience could turn out to be something to be thankful for? This is a day we’ll never forget.”
“A magical day like no other,” he said, tightening his embrace when she shivered.
“It certainly is.” The warmth of his skin was comforting and inviting. “I think almost every day holds a little magic—if we take the time to realize it.”
He gazed at her with curiosity. “In what way?”
“Think about the coincidences, hunches, premonitions, and surprise courtesies we usually take for granted. And above all, love.”
“Interesting insights,” he said, nodding thoughtfully.
“Like today,” she mused. “A beautiful experience was created from unexpected circumstances. A power outage threatened to ruin our celebration. Instead, it stripped away barriers and brought people together.”
Bennett’s breath warmed her neck, and he looked into her eyes. “I have a good feeling about everyone gathered here. And a wonderful feeling about us.”
Laughter bubbled up in her throat, and she threw her head back. “If you’re just realizing that, my dear husband, you’re a little late.”
His eyes twinkled in the firelight. “Not if you believe the best is yet to come.”
“It is, isn’t it? Even when it’s unplanned.” She believed every day brought new opportunities and deepened her love for her husband.
“That’s the real magic,” he said, nuzzling her cheek. “Letting life unfold and accepting the challenges, however great they may be. That’s what I love about you.”
She leaned into his embrace, letting his words wash over her, blanketing her with the warmth of his love.
Together, they watched their family and friends gather around the barbecue. Here were people who, like them, had chosen to transform challenge into celebration. Once again, the inn was a home and haven for more than just those who lived within its walls.
Ivy sighed happily. “These are our people, and I love every one of them.”
Bennett pulled back slightly and arched a brow, teasing her. “What about me?”
Ivy laughed softly. “I will love you as long as those waves kiss this beach. I’m so thankful for us.”
She touched her lips to his with all the gratitude in her heart.
Thank you for reading Seabreeze Harvest, and I hope you enjoyed the harvest feast at the Seabreeze Inn.