“What about when you return?” Flint asked.
“We won’t need much in the motorhome after we return,” Sterling added. “We’ve approached each of you individually, and I must say, you’re a tight-lipped group. We’re pleased our children aren’t as greedy as when they were youngsters,” he added, chuckling.
The younger cousins exploded with laughter at that.
“Except for a few linens that Ivy took, the rest is up for grabs,” Carlotta said. “So we thought we’d have a drawing.”
“Whatever pieces you would like,” Sterling said. “Please write down your requests and drop them in the big Talavera vase tonight. If we have multiple requests, we’ll have a draw-off. The rest of it will go to auction before we leave. With all the youngsters out there, we hope to help furnish a few new apartments.”
“And the house?” Flint asked.
“We received a contract for a long-term lease, so that’s settled for now,” Sterling said.
Carlotta and Sterling clasped hands. “We love you all,” Sterling said, “but we’re going to continue living life on our own terms for as long as we can.”
As she gazed at her husband with love, Carlotta added, “When the time comes that we can’t, we’ve chosen a senior community not far from here that has a fabulous view of the ocean. All arrangements have been made, and we don’t want to hear another word about it—except congratulations that we’re not dying yet.” She cast a glance at Ivy and smiled.
“Oh, Mom, I’m so happy for you,” Ivy said, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. “You have no idea how worried we were.”
“You all worry too much,” her mother said as she hugged her. “It’s a waste of time, you’ll see.”
At once, Ivy felt six years old again and as vulnerable as a child. She clasped her arms around her mother. “It isn’t often that our parents run away from home. I’ll miss you, but I hope you’ll both have a wonderful time doing what you love.” Her parents deserved to follow their passions and have fun while they still could. And who better to emulate?
At that, the doorbell rang.
“Our guests are arriving now.” Carlotta flung her arms wide and hugged her three daughters. “Now where’s the champagne?” She motioned to a server they’d hired for the event. “I want to celebrate my birthday in style.”
The server brought a platter of champagne flutes to them. Just as Ivy was holding hers up to toast her parents, Bennett walked into the room looking more handsome than she’d ever imagined he could. And by his side was a younger blond woman.
All at once, the old memory from that summer so long ago that she’d pushed aside came roaring back.
Ivy blinked and froze in place as her heart shattered like crystal. She’d never thought to ask if Bennett might be seeing anyone.
She turned to ignore them. Then, on second thought, she whirled around.
Chapter 23
AS BENNETT WATCHED Ivy cut through the crowd directly toward him, he felt the familiar tightening in his gut that he experienced every time he saw her now. How his least favorite client had become a woman he couldn’t get out of his mind was beyond him.
Ivy wore a long, black dress with a splash of flowers across it. The slit up to her knees caught his attention, and he couldn’t help himself. Nice legs.
“What are you doing here?” she demanded. Her green eyes flashed at him.
“Flint invited me. I tried to tell you this afternoon.”
“You’re a mayor. You have some nerve showing up here with—” She leaned toward him and said in a hoarse whisper, “A woman half your age.”
Bennett nearly burst out laughing, but Ivy was serious. He bit back his laughter. That response wouldn’t help his quest. “This is Sarah, one of Poppy’s friends. We met just outside the door.”
“Oh.” Ivy flushed furiously and frowned before her manners took over. She stuck out her hand toward the young woman. “I’m Ivy. Poppy’s aunt.”
Sarah swung her hair over one bare shoulder and flashed a genuine smile. To her credit, she ignored Ivy’s comment. “Poppy said she’s helping you with your new inn. Sounds so fascinating. I’d love to do something like that someday. Could I call you and talk about it sometime?”
“I’d like that,” Ivy said, awkwardly recovering her friendly demeanor.
Bennett folded his arms. He almost enjoyed seeing Ivy struggle through this conversation, though his compassion won out. “Sarah, I think I see Poppy outside.”
After Sarah left, Ivy narrowed her eyes at him. “You did that on purpose.”
“What? Met her at the door?” Bennett chuckled. “I’m flattered that you think a woman—what was it?—half my age would be interested in me. I didn’t know you cared so much about my reputation. That’s touching.”
“I don’t. I mean, why would I?” Ivy’s face was turning pink.
He brushed her arm. “I didn’t mean to mislead you.”
She huffed and moved out of his reach. “Why didn’t Flint tell me you were coming?”
“You’d have to ask him. Do you know all your brother’s friends?”
“Of course not,” she said. “I’ve been gone for a long time.”
“And I’m glad you decided to return. I mean that,” Bennett said, lowering his voice. He couldn’t read her mind, and he had no idea how she would take what he wanted to say, but this was his chance to plunge into the deep. “I know it was pretty lousy of your husband to die and dump the house in your lap, and I wish I could have sold it for you. But I’m happy you’ve stayed on. You’ve got guts, Ivy Bay. Maybe you’d like to join me for dinner one—”
“Bennett, my man,” Flint cut in. “Glad you made it. You remember Ivy.”
“Indeed, I do.”
As if she were weighing what he’d said before her brother interrupted them, Ivy met Bennett’s gaze. “I’d like that,” she said softly.
