Page 19 of Seabreeze Library

Libby raised her gaze to Ivy with a timid expression. “Could we talk while I’m here? About the history of the inn,” she added quickly. “I’m curious about it.”

Ivy recognized that look. “I’ll be here.”

Shelly glanced from the window and scooped up Daisy in her arms. “We should go. Mitch and Bennett are here. They brought dinner for us.”

“Bennett and I have other plans,” Ivy said. She had been looking forward to relaxing with him tonight.

“Not anymore,” Shelly said. “I made the call. He’s bringing a feast, and we can eat by the pool. Reed can join us and—” Shellyswung around. “Libby, do you like Mexican food? We have plenty.”

“I’d like that, thank you.” A smile lit Libby’s face.

“And let’s show them the bookmobile,” Shelly added. “We’ll be right back.”

As they disembarked, Ivy turned to Shelly. “What are you up to?”

“Who, me?”

Her sister feigned innocence, but Ivy wasn’t falling for it. “You want Bennett to see what the town is missing.”

“I’m not responsible for any conclusions someone might draw,” Shelly said. “I only wanted to ask Mitch if Libby could park in front of Java Beach tomorrow.”

“You’re lying.” Ivy shook her head. “And it’s brilliant,” she whispered.

Hearing a commotion, Ivy turned to see Bennett and Mitch approaching from the car court, laden with carryout bags from Java Beach.

Her heart still quickened at the sight of her husband. She smiled and waved to him.

“Dinner has arrived,” Bennett called out, hoisting the bags. “Tacos, nachos, and burritos with all the fixings.” He greeted Ivy with a kiss. “Let’s have our private sunset supper tomorrow.”

“I’d like that,” she replied. “Perfect timing for dinner. The book club is relocating to the firepit for their meeting.”

Bennett’s gaze drifted behind her, catching sight of the new vehicle. “What did you and Shelly want us to see?”

Ivy gestured over her shoulder. “Our new guest is a librarian. She arrived in her bookmobile. It’s so charming and well-organized.”

“Is it now?” Bennett took it in but made no other comment.

“Hope you’re all hungry,” Mitch said, kissing Daisy’s cheek.

“Utterly starved.” Shelly hugged Mitch. “The bookmobile is fabulous inside, babe. You guys should see it before we eat. Libby can park it in front of Java Beach in the morning. That paint job alone will draw people right to your front door.”

Darla waved and greeted Bennett. “Glad you’re here, Mr. Mayor. This bookmobile is incredible. If Summer Beach can’t afford a library, how about one of these?”

“Is this an ambush?” Bennett asked with a slight frown.

“Not at all,” Darla replied. “Just a happy accident. But you ought to go inside. The community would love something like this.”

“It’s even more amazing inside,” Louise added, her eyes flashing with excitement. “Although we all miss having a library, this is a lot better than nothing.”

Bennett raised his brow at Ivy. “I thought we’d laid that proposal to rest.”

“This was a surprise to me, too,” Ivy said, noting his discomfort. Changing the subject, she added, “We can put some tables together and eat by the pool. How much food did you bring?”

“Plenty,” Bennett said, his frown relaxing. “Maybe Reed would like to join us.”

Ivy heard Shelly introducing Libby to Mitch, who promptly invited her to join them for dinner, too.

“Would you like to see inside?” Libby asked.

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