“I hope Pixie will be okay. She’s like a member of the family.”
Shelly drummed her fingers on the desk. “In the meantime, do you think it’s safe to go digging for buried treasure yet?”
Ivy shrugged a shoulder. “We need to do that in the daylight this time, so I should tell Forrest and Bennett.”
“I could talk to Dad,” Poppy began.
“No, I can handle our brother,” Shelly said, making a face. “He can’t say no to his little sister.”
“His spoiled little sister.” Ivy grinned. They’d all doted on Shelly by the time she came along. She was like a baby doll they dressed up and played with.
Shelly turned to Ivy. “How do you plan to get Bennett on board?”
“I didn’t say I was asking for permission,” Ivy replied. “I don’t need it, but I should show him the courtesy of telling him what we’re up to this time.”
“So we don’t get arrested,” Poppy said, excitement filling her face.
“Or draw a lot of nosy neighbors.” Ivy paused. “Shelly, you get to tell Darla.”
Shelly sliced the air with her hands. “No way. I’m drawing the line at that. Or maybe I’ll tell her we’re breaking ground on a community garden until we’re ready to build. That’s a good story for her.”
Ivy stared at her. “Actually, that’s a good idea.”
“You really think she’ll believe it?” Shelly arched an eyebrow.
“No, I meant we should do something like that,” Ivy said, her mind turning. “It’s good for kids to learn how to cultivate food. I think a lot of people would be interested in a community garden. I only wish it could be permanent.”
Having studied horticulture and managing gardens at the inn, Shelly brightened. “Oh, my gosh, yes. The town needs that. Is there room on the land?”
Ivy tried to recall the placement. “I don’t know. I’d have to ask Forrest.”
“I’ll do that,” Shelly said. Grinning, she held up her hands. “Let’s do this next week. I can’t wait to say, ‘Ladies, start your shovels.’”
They all laughed, though Ivy was serious about this potential new project. A community garden might be just as intriguing as whatever was buried under there.
7
As Ivy made her way to the kitchen in the morning, she wondered if she’d misread Bennett earlier.
Poppy passed her with a basket of muffins on her way to the dining room. “Guests sure are thirsty this morning. Would you start another pot of coffee?”
“Will do,” Ivy replied. In the kitchen, she measured out the coffee and punched the start button on the coffeemaker. While the machine gurgled to life, she cleaned the counters and put up the dishes, her thoughts still on Bennett.
Maybe she was reading something into his quiet behavior this week. She didn’t expect him to tell her everything that was going on in the community. This probably didn’t concern her, but if it troubled Bennett, then that was her business.
Poppy pushed the door open and glanced at the coffeemaker. “Are you still going to the farmers market today?”
“Soon. Is there anything you need?”
“If you see any baby artichokes, could you pick up afew? I’m not sure they’re still in season, but Mitch promised to show me how to make them grilled and crispy.”
Ivy never knew what she’d find at the Saturday morning farmers market, especially with the holidays looming. The crafts vendors were sure to have an array of handmade treasures for the season. She and Poppy often took turns going on Saturday mornings because someone had to stay at the inn. With her daughter away and her sister busy with Daisy in the mornings, Ivy and Poppy were managing the weekend guests.
While her niece poured coffee into a large thermos for the dining room, Ivy brought her shopping bags from the pantry.
She turned back to Poppy. “I hate to leave you here alone with this crowd. Have you seen Shelly?”
“I’ll be fine. Didn’t you see Shelly’s text? Daisy had a little accident, so she said she’ll meet you there.”
