Page 21 of Seabreeze Library

They sat beside each other, and Ivy watched their exchange with interest.

“Well, would you look at that instant attraction,” Shelly whispered. “Interesting.”

“Shh,” Ivy said. “Libby isn’t here long, and Reed is on the rebound. Don’t get any ideas.”

“It’s not as if L.A. is in another country.”

Ivy wagged a finger. “Don’t try to fix them up.”

“Doesn’t look like they need any help.”

“Don’t you have to feed Daisy?”

Shelly shrugged. “I’ve been weaning her, and Poppy has her now.” Shelly nodded to their niece.

Poppy walked Daisy around the patio, holding the toddler’s hands as the little girl practiced steps. She grinned at them. “Look who’s trying to walk.”

Mitch stopped in front of them and opened his arms to her. “Come to Daddy, Daisy-cakes.”

Suddenly, Daisy flung her hands free. Everyone froze as she wobbled, then took a determined step toward Mitch. Then another, and another. Mitch crouched down, arms outstretched, beaming with joy and encouragement as their daughter took her first steps straight to her papa.

She took four steps before she stumbled. Mitch swooped her into his arms as she fell. “That’s my girl,” he said, smothering her with kisses.

“She’s walking,” Shelly burst out, tears springing to her eyes. She rushed to hug Daisy, too.

Everyone erupted in cheers and applause as Mitch spun Daisy around while she giggled. “That’s our girl.”

Ivy laughed, thrilled for them. “Everything changes now. Better move all the breakables at your home right away. There’s no going back.”

Everyone settled around the patio table, and Mitch brought out the food, passing containers of tacos, nachos, and burritos. There were more with limes, cabbage, tomatoes, tortilla chips, and guacamole.

“This one is for Daisy,” Mitch said, handing Shelly a container with avocado, diced banana, and other soft foods he’d prepared.

With the sun setting over the ocean, Ivy squeezed Bennett’s hand and gazed around the table. “It’s a beautiful sunset, after all.”

The sound of construction seemed distant here, masked by the ocean breeze and the happy chatter of family.

“The crew’s making good progress,” Reed said between bites. “We should finish the electrical work in the music room tomorrow.”

Ivy spoke up. “You mentioned we could still make changes at this stage.”

“I’m sure we can create the storage you want,” he replied, nodding.

She glanced at Bennett, wondering what he’d think about this. But the property belonged to her, so this was her decision. “Let’s talk about it tomorrow. I appreciate all the work you’re doing.”

Ivy’s mind was already racing ahead to the next phase. The timeline was tight, and there were so many details to tend to. They also had to pack and move items from one room to another to avoid damage.

As if reading her mind, Bennett reached for her hand. “I’ll help you in the morning. We’ll manage, sweetheart.”

The conversation turned to Libby and her travels in the bookmobile. She had remarkable experiences to share. She told them how she crisscrossed the country, visiting northern states in summer and going to warmer southern states in winter.

As Libby spoke, Ivy sensed she was telling a story. She blinked, trying to dispel that strange thought. People often glossed over difficulties they’d had.

Ivy figured Libby’s travels weren’t all rosy and picture-perfect, but why spoil a good story? Everyone was enjoying the conversation.

“And where are you from originally?” Shelley asked.

“Oh, here and there.” Libby hesitated. “My family moved around a lot.”

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