“Time to shower,” Emilie called out. “This way,allons-y.”
Tristan offered strong hands to help them up and out. Ivy’s legs trembled as she gripped the rungs. Whether from exertion or laughter or too much wine, she couldn’t tell. Her feet left purple prints on each wooden step.
“The outdoor showers are this way,” Emilie said, leading them around the side of the house. Fresh robes hung on hooks nearby.
Ivy and Bennett peeled off their togas and sprayed each other off in their swimsuits, still chuckling at the absurdity of what they’d done and the unexpected fun. They slipped into the plush robes provided and strolled to the hot tub.
The party was breaking up, with the rest of the guests staying on the property making their way to their rooms and cottages.
Ivy eased into the foaming hot water beside Bennett. “That was the most fun I’ve had in months.”
Across from them, Shelly climbed in next to Mitch. Grinning, she added, “You needed to let loose a little, Ives. Didn’t I tell you it would be fun?”
Bennett pulled Ivy close. “What a way to start a new season.”
“That was awesome, dude.” Mitch positioned himself by a jet. “The only question is how, do we top that for Thanksgiving?”
Ivy splashed her sister. “We’ll find a way, won’t we, Shells?”
4
Later that evening, after bathing and washing her hair to get the last of the grapes out, Ivy slipped into a silky gown and robe. She joined Bennett on a small sofa in front of the fireplace in their room.
She let out a contented sigh. “I’ve been thinking about what you said about the season. The inn feels different now. It’s the first time we haven’t had a long list of repairs to do in the off-season.”
Bennett stroked his stubbled chin. “Do you miss the chaos?”
She shrugged. “Maybe a little.”
“Sometimes I feel the same way. You achieved a big goal. The challenge and constant activity kept every day fresh.”
“We had a lot of surprises. Not all pleasant, but in retrospect, we can laugh about it now.”
Bennett put his arm around her and drew her close. “It’s awfully quiet there now.”
She tucked her feet under her, thinking about theseason ahead. “We should plan a big feast for Thanksgiving. That’s one of my favorite holidays. It’s about feeling gratitude and spending time with loved ones and friends.”
“Before the Christmas open house? That’s a lot of work for you.”
“Still, I’d like to do something special. Maybe we should create another tradition.” She had an idea in mind. “What about families in need in Summer Beach?”
Bennett nodded thoughtfully. “Sadly, there are always some. If we know about the situation, community organizations try to help.”
Ivy stared into the fire, thinking about what they could contribute. She made a mental note to establish a food drop-off point at the inn for less fortunate families.
Thanksgiving was one of her favorite holidays, though it was recognized only in the United States and Canada, which celebrated with a feast several weeks earlier.
First embraced by ancestors who settled in New England hundreds of years ago, the harvest celebration was originally derived from those of Indigenous tribes, including the Wampanoag, that had long honored harvests with feasts of thanksgiving.
Ivy recalled that the modern version of the celebration was put forth by Sarah Josepha Hale to bring the United States together post-Civil War. In the nineteenth century, Hale also published “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” helped establish Vassar College, and advocated for women’s education and rights as property owners.
This year, Ivy and her family would celebrate by giving thanks for their family and friends and hosting a harvest feast.
“I wish Misty could make it home for the holiday.” Thewords came out more wistful than she intended, so she tried to inject brightness into her tone. “Though I know she’s busy with her career.”
“Has she booked anything new?”
Ivy nodded, her spirit lifting with pride. “Yesterday, she called with news that she had landed a part in a film shooting in New Zealand. Another actor took ill. It’s a small part, but she’s thrilled.”
