Seabreeze Library (Summer Beach #11)

Chapter 1

1

I promise you’ll be interested in this , Nan had told her, refusing to say anything else until Ivy arrived. She wondered what Nan had put aside for her at Antique Times in the village. Likely, it had to do with the renovation of the Seabreeze Inn. She’d been searching for vintage fixtures and parts for replacements.

Ivy walked toward the stucco facade ablaze with flaming pink bougainvillea flowers fluttering over the doorway. Once inside, the scent of lavender potpourri emanated from a crystal bowl warmed under a Victorian lamp.

Her friend looked up from the glass countertop she was cleaning.

“Hi, Nan. What treasures did you find for me?”

Nan hurried to greet her, her red curls fairly bobbing with excitement. “I have it right here.” She opened an old scrapbook and pointed to a yellowed article. “Read that.”

Ivy inclined her head. “But I thought you might have crystal doorknobs or light fixtures for me.”

“Trust me, this is what you really want to see,” Nan replied, tapping the article.

Her husband emerged from the office and greeted her. With his English accent and proclivity for Hawaiian shirts, Arthur was a delightful addition to Summer Beach. He gestured to the snipped column. “Go on, read it.”

“Just a moment.” Ivy couldn’t imagine why they were staring at her with such rounded eyes. She brought her orange butterfly-print reading glasses from her straw tote and peered at the old article.

In an instant, she realized why they’d called her.

Her chest tightened, and she could hardly believe what she was reading. “Why have I never heard anything about this?” She looked up at the proprietors of the shop.

“Well, it was a long time ago,” Nan replied. “That article is from early 1939.”

“A century-ish ago now,” Arthur added, his eyes sparkling behind his glasses. “It was another time, yet in many ways, not so very different from our own. People don’t change much.”

Nan clasped her hands. “They still love to read.”

Ivy tucked her hair behind an ear and reread the short piece. “This reports that Amelia Erickson had plans to build a library here. What exactly did that mean?” Mildly frustrated, Ivy blew out a puff of air.

Why hadn’t the journalist been more specific? Ideally, Ivy needed a location, plans, and a large bag of gold coins hidden under a mattress.

Arthur flipped through the old file of articles he and his wife had collected in their research on Summer Beach. “Amelia Erickson was quite civic-minded. Remember how she spoke of purchasing the defunct Seabreeze Shores Airfield?” He tapped an article. “It’s right here. She planned to dedicate that land for a community park.”

“And now it is,” Ivy said. Not long ago, the residents of Summer Beach came together for that effort. “Does she mention a library in that piece?”

Arthur shook his smoothly shaven head. “Sadly, no.”

A strange sense of energy sizzled through Ivy. She shivered slightly, even though it was a warm spring day in the small beach town. Yet, this feeling was also familiar, especially when she stumbled on one of Amelia Erickson’s unfinished projects. The woman’s presence still infused the old inn once known as Las Brisas del Mar, which had been her beach home. Everyone felt it, including her sister Shelly, their niece Poppy, and her daughters Sunny and Misty.

Occasionally, even guests.

Still, Ivy wasn’t ready to admit that publicly, as that would brand the Seabreeze Inn as haunted. She had worked too hard to revive the old property her late husband intended for his mistress for people to fear visiting.

Nan touched Ivy’s hand. “We thought you might like to know. Maybe you can sway the mayor with this information.”

Ivy smiled at the idea. “I wish it worked like that, but my husband is committed to doing what’s best for Summer Beach. That includes fiscal responsibility.”

Arthur chuckled. “Indeed he does. I remember when Bennett blocked your application to turn the old house into a bed-and-breakfast.”

Nan joined him in laughter. “It took a natural disaster to convince him that time. The two of you might never have fallen in love if he hadn’t been forced to relocate to the inn after the fire.”

“It was something like that,” Ivy said, smiling. “I hope funding a new library doesn’t take another disaster.”

“Faulty wiring destroyed the old one,” Arthur said, shaking his head.

That occurred late last year. Ivy had taken it upon herself to return the community’s support of the inn by welcoming former library patrons to its public spaces. Meanwhile, she had been lobbying the city for a replacement library.

So far, she had failed, and that was a sore point between her and her husband. But she wasn’t giving up.

“Everyone misses gathering at the library,” Arthur said. “Small as it was, it was important to people of all ages. After all, what’s a town without a library for books and news and a place to meet without the admission price of a cup of coffee?”

“You’re a fine one to talk.” Nan nudged him. “You’re quite happy to go to Java Beach every morning. You and your gossiping cronies.”

Arthur put his arm around his wife and squeezed her to him. “It’s not like that, my pet. I’m performing a service for Summer Beach, listening to residents’ concerns. I daresay you have the ear of the mayor, too.”

“Excuse me?” Nan raised her brow in faux shock. “Not like Ivy does.”

Though their midlife shenanigans were charming, Ivy cut in, grinning. “Okay, you two, that’s enough. Sadly, I don’t have any power over city matters.”

During the week, Nan worked as the receptionist at City Hall. She had plenty of influence, too, but neither of them could conjure more funds in the budget to rebuild a library. The owner’s property insurance in the library’s leased space hadn’t been enough, and the community couldn’t make up the difference.

She turned back to the article about the library. “Are you sure this is the only mention of the project?”

“That’s all we could find,” Arthur replied. “By chance, might there be extra funds from the renovation project?”

Recently, Ivy held a gala fundraiser to restore the old property as a centerpiece of the community. “I’m afraid those finances are committed.”

That’s what Bennett said about the city budget, too.

“Well, then, do you still want the vintage wall sconces for the ballroom?” Nan asked, changing the subject. “They’re such a good match to the ones you have. We were lucky to find them.”

“Fortunately, those are in the budget,” Ivy replied, nodding.

“We’re always watching estate sales for you,” Arthur said. “We know the effort it takes to keep up the older properties in town.”

“I appreciate that.” Another shiver touched Ivy’s neck, and she rubbed it. “You’ll let me know if you find anything else about Amelia Erickson’s plan for a local library?”

“Of course,” Nan replied, though her expression was doubtful. “And best of luck with your city council presentation tonight.”

“Thanks. I’ll need heaps of good fortune this time.” Ivy smiled at the couple’s genuine, heartfelt encouragement for her second attempt. She was leading this library proposal for the small town, and she hated to disappoint the kind people who had been there for her since she’d arrived when she was newly widowed, cash-poor, and in desperate need of a fresh start in life.

So many strangers-turned-friends had supported her efforts, sending friends and family to stay at the fledgling inn. Darla, the grouchy neighbor who’d once sued her, had become an ally. She was still nosy, but she meant well. Darla was especially fond of Ivy’s brother-in-law, Mitch. Darla considered him a son.

Ivy paid for the sconces and left the shop to walk back to the inn, wondering what she might have overlooked. She had identified additional state grants and a small private donation. Would it be enough this time?

As she approached the old house, her heart tightened. If ever she needed some of Amelia Erickson’s guidance, it was now.

“Finally, this is the life.” Ivy kicked off her sneakers in the vintage convertible as Bennett drove along the coastline. With the top down, the 1950s cherry-red Chevy was open to the clear blue sky, and she shook back her hair in the breeze.

She hadn’t felt this relaxed since before her bid for a new library had been denied again at City Hall last week. That disappointment had become an undercurrent in their marriage, but she was trying to rise above it. As mayor, her husband had a duty to the city that had nothing to do with her.

At least, not usually.

Since sunrise, they’d been clearing guest rooms of furnishings, shifting boxes and furniture from one block of rooms to another in preparation for tomorrow’s construction kickoff. She was physically drained, but in a good way.

Bennett rested an arm across the back of the bench seat. He caught a strand of her hair and twirled it. “We needed this little getaway. I’m sorry about the budget?—”

“Let’s not mention it. I know it’s out of your control.”

“You know I love you, and if it were within my power to give you what you wanted, I would.”

“I know,” she said softly. It seemed they couldn’t do much about this project that was so close to her heart and many others in Summer Beach. “Can we start again?”

“Good idea.” Exhaling, Bennett rested his hands on the large steering wheel and lifted his chin toward the crashing waves they passed. “This view always makes me happy.”

“Me, too.” Feeling a measure of relief, she squeezed his knee through his jeans. However, just because they weren’t going to talk about the library didn’t mean she was abandoning the project.

With fresh resolve, she would strive to appreciate the small details in her life. She drew her hand back over the red leather seats. Bennett had spent months restoring this car, a labor of love he’d given her before they married.

Beside her, he flexed his fingers and rolled his neck. The salt-tinged breeze whisked away the dust and fatigue of the day, leaving only the anticipation of a beautiful sunset in its wake.

“We all worked hard today,” he said. “Moving the furnishings would have taken longer if you hadn’t had such an organized approach.”

“You can thank Poppy for that.” Her niece had invited family and friends and made a workday into a party. That was a brilliant idea, with the young, strong cousins all trying to outwork each other. Some were still there, proving themselves. The difference between being in her forties versus her twenties was that now she valued self-preservation.

In other words, she knew when to quit or take a break. Physically, anyway.

Massaging an aching arm, Ivy glanced out to sea, watching waves glimmer in the fading light. If only she could catch this precise moment in her artwork. She wouldn’t have the time or space to devote to painting until the renovation was complete. Although her studio was sealed off, she had sketch books she could carry with her.

Turning back to Bennett, she said, “Let’s take the rest of the night off. Reed’s crew arrives early in the morning.”

“You got it.” Bennett turned the radio dial to an old pop rock station, and an old Beach Boys tune about good vibrations filled the air. He tapped the steering wheel to the beat. “Here’s our vibe.”

She snapped her fingers. “I love this song. Do you know how to play it?”

“It’s been a while, but I can probably manage it,” Bennett replied, a smile tugging his lips.

“The first time I ever saw you, you were playing a guitar on the beach. You have no idea how many times your soundtrack ran through my mind.”

“And here we are again.” Bennett slowed by a spot off the road where they had an unobstructed view of the horizon and turned off the ignition.

They were still dressed in worn jeans and T-shirts. Ivy’s shirt bore traces of dust they’d disturbed, and Bennett had a smudge across one cheek she found endearing.

She leaned over to wipe it before kissing him and resting her head on his shoulder. The sun was sinking quickly toward the horizon. Just then, her stomach growled, and she laughed. “Didn’t mean to spoil the moment.”

Bennett put a hand to her stomach and grinned. “Can’t have you riding on empty. Wait here.”

He got out to open the trunk. When he returned, he was carrying their wicker basket, a thick moving blanket, and his guitar case.

“You’re an angel. I didn’t see you pack the car with a picnic.”

He shook his head. “I’m not giving away my secrets.”

Quickly, she climbed out to spread the blanket on the sand.

“I didn’t want to let this day go by without celebrating.” He knelt and produced a bottle of sparkling water with fresh lime wedges that he poured for them. Seagulls soared overhead, and he nodded up at them. “I brought a spread of food, but those are smart rascals. Shall I feed you?” He brought out a bunch of red grapes.

She remembered once when seagulls had swooped in to steal their sandwiches. “Would you peel them, too?”

Laughing, Bennett gave her a handful of grapes. “Don’t press your luck.”

“What else do you have tucked away in there?”

“You’ll see.” Next up were wedges of cheese and artisanal crackers.

Ivy sat beside him, pleasantly bewildered but enjoying this mini feast. “Are we celebrating the commencement of construction?”

“You don’t know?”

“All I know is that you sure know how to sweep a lady off her feet.”

“You’ll remember in a moment.” Bennett kissed her, then ran a piece of dark chocolate over her lips.

She closed her eyes. “Mmm, my favorite.”

“Which one, this or me?”

“Both,” she said, smiling. “More chocolate, please. Then you.”

Teasing her, he pulled the chocolate chunk away, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Do you remember yet?”

She flung her arms out. “I give up, totally and completely, to you.”

He laughed. “It’s our anniversary.”

She bit into the bitter dark chocolate and looked at him quizzically. “Didn’t we just celebrate that? Or has the year flown past, and the renovation is miraculously complete?”

They’d marked the occasion with a dinner at Beaches just a few weeks ago. Then, she burst into laughter. “This is the anniversary of our second marriage, isn’t it?”

“Thanks to you. Double the pleasure.”

She lobbed a grape at him. “If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing twice.”

“If that’s what it takes, I’ll gladly marry you twice a year for the rest of our lives,” Bennett said, sealing that promise with a kiss.

She leaned against his shoulder, remembering how their first attempt at marriage had almost gone sideways because her out-of-state driver’s license had expired. The county clerk made no exception, even if Bennett was a mayor.

With their family in attendance, they’d proceeded with a commitment ceremony on the beach, performed by Brother Rip, so named after his surfing handle, riptide . A gentle giant with braids past his shoulders, Brother Rip was a popular beach minister who held sunrise surfing services along the beaches.

Since this religious ceremony was their first, Ivy considered this with their family and friends as their wedding date for anniversary purposes.

Their legally binding marriage had come a little later after her updated identification arrived in the mail. It was only a formality, so she’d arrived in a simple white sundress at the Summer Beach City Hall for their quick ceremony during Bennett’s lunch hour. Their families and friends had celebrated the first occasion with them, so they’d thought this was the easiest way to settle the outstanding legal issue.

Bennett’s colleague in the building department, Boz, served as a witness, and Nan surprised them with a shower of rose petals. After sipping smoothies in the village, they returned to work. Later that evening, they enjoyed dinner on the patio at the Coral Cafe with friends.

“Most people have to wait years for their silver anniversary,” Bennett said, refilling their flutes. “We’ll get to it twice as fast. Twelve and a half years.”

“I’m glad I married such a practical man.”

Bennett’s expression warmed. “Here’s to the visionary woman who taught me to see beyond practicalities to what could be. I’m glad life brought around a second chance for us.” He raised his glass and clinked hers. “To many more anniversaries. At least twice a year.”

The sun touched the horizon as they kissed, bathing them in fiery splendor. Bennett pulled away. “So, my darling, what do you wish for this coming year?”

She hesitated. What she’d recently poured her heart into had been denied at City Hall, not that it was Bennett’s fault. “A smooth, uncomplicated renovation is probably enough. No high drama, so we can reopen for business.”

Why sour a lovely evening? Besides, the community didn’t have the budget for a replacement library. She’d collected resident signatures and made a second plea to the city council, but there weren’t enough funds to build and restock a library. Summer Beach was a small town. Many communities their size couldn’t support a library either.

It was the loss for residents she still mourned. After all the townspeople had done for her and her family, she owed them a debt of gratitude. In her mind, a library would have the most meaning to them and their families.

“Are you still with me?” He took her hand and kissed it, drawing her attention back. “The renovation should be complete before summer.”

Ivy nodded. “I better be, or we’ll lose money on reservations.”

He nodded in understanding and shooed away an encroaching seagull that seemed particularly insistent upon joining them. “You always find a way to make your dreams happen. Here’s to not losing money or love.”

“That last part will never happen.” She smiled at him over the rim of her glass.

“Neither will the first part, even if we need to pick up hammers again. I will love you through it all, darling.”

Sliding her hand around his neck, Ivy echoed his sentiment with a kiss. After a few moments of enjoying each other in their arms, Bennett brought out his guitar and began to play.

Listening to him strum his guitar, she inclined her head, recalling all that she and Shelly had done to make the old beach house habitable and turn it into a thriving business. Bennett arrived to help later when he and other locals sought shelter there after the fire. That was the beginning of their second chance in life.

When he paused, she asked, “What is your wish for the coming year?”

“That we remain as happy as we are this moment.”

Ivy listened to her husband play, enjoying their time together. Tomorrow would bring the chaos of construction, with Reed and his crew tearing apart sections of the inn. The fundraising gala had made it all possible. But tonight was theirs. A private celebration while they could still find the time to be alone.

The uncomfortable undercurrent sparking between them dissipated. The library denial wasn’t his fault, but still, she was frustrated with the process. Somehow, she would find a way to return a beloved institution to Summer Beach. She couldn’t depend on Bennett, or rather, the city , to help much.

She nestled closer to her husband, pouring love into the fissures of their marriage to bond them forever. They needed that magical glue now because the next weeks ahead would test their patience more than ever.