“Hold that thought.” Bennett stopped to stretch his legs on a stone wall before continuing his run, and Ivy’s heart fluttered at the sight of his muscular legs and shoulders. They hadn’t been married long, and she still found him wildly attractive.
In fact, even more now than on their wedding day.
She recalled her mother saying that she loved her husband more with each passing year. Ivy hadn’t understood it then, because in her first marriage, maintaining a happy relationship with Jeremy had become increasingly difficult over time. She’d been the one putting in most of the effort.
That was before she’d known about his infidelity. When she found out after his death, the knowledge crushed her but had also helped her move on. It had also given her the motivation to rescue and turn the sprawling old beach house he’d bought for another woman into her home and livelihood.
She glanced back at the inn, its new windows and fresh paint gleaming in the autumn sunshine. And just look at it now, she thought, her heart filling with pride at the work they’d all put into the long-overdue renovation.
Bennett caught her glance. “You’ve done an amazingjob on the inn. I’m so proud of how you persevered. You had a vision, and you didn’t let anything stop you.”
“I appreciate you saying that. You had a part in it, too.”
“We’re good together, Ivy.”
She slid a hand over his shoulder. “Yes, we are. And I hope you can always feel comfortable sharing troubling issues with each other.”
“I thought that went without saying.” Bennett nodded toward the beach. “See you later, sweetheart.” He paused to kiss her before taking off.
At that moment, Ivy realized she was also holding back.
8
As Ivy approached the farmers market, she heard Gilda call to her.
She turned to see Gilda pushing Pixie in a dog carrier. The Chihuahua was reclining on a pink silk pillow and looking like the little princess she was. Her leg was wrapped in its splint, but her eyes were bright, and her tail wagged when she saw Ivy.
“Pixie looks much better,” Ivy said.
“Thank goodness for that,” Gilda said. “We’re on our way to volunteer at Thrifty Threads. Pixie’s splint must stay on for several weeks, but she’s eating normally and seems happy. Thanks to the fabulous Dr. Caleb.”
Ivy nodded, glad that he was there, too. “We were lucky he knew a little about how to splint a dog’s leg.”
“Well, he is a veterinarian.” Gilda’s expression brightened. “He’s considering opening a practice in Summer Beach. I’m surprised you didn’t know that.”
“We don’t investigate guests before they arrive,” Ivysaid, smiling. “I assumed he was a medical doctor for humans.”
Gilda stroked the dog’s head gently. “Dr. Caleb explained that he sometimes consults at that veterinary clinic. He examined Pixie so gently, and had X-rays done before he splinted her leg. She adores him now.”
Gilda lowered her voice in a conspiratorial tone. “He told me he’s moving from Los Angeles and looking for a fresh start. When I asked him if he had someone special in his life, he told me he’d been seeing an actress, but she’s left him. Probably some tart who broke his heart, which means he’s available. He might be interested in Sunny or Poppy.”
Ivy didn’t want to know the details or how Gilda had acquired this information. “While I appreciate you thinking of them, please don’t play matchmaker. They’re young women, and they can take care of themselves.”
Didn’t she just have this conversation with Bennett?
Gilda started off for the thrift shop, and Ivy continued to the farmers market. The aromas of apple cider and cinnamon from the bakery stalls filled the air. Near the entry, she spotted a skinny young man at the edge of the farmers market patch, bent over sweeping a pile of vegetable debris into a trash bin. His dark hoodie hung loose on his shoulders as he worked.
Was this the same young man she’d seen near the vacant library lot?
Just then, a child’s excited scream erupted behind her, and she turned. Her younger sister hurried toward her with her little girl strapped into a stroller. Both were dressed in sunny yellow sundresses with sweaters looped around their shoulders. Shelly’s hair was half tumbling from a messybun, but the two looked cute together. Smiling, she snapped a quick photo with her phone.
Ivy wore her usual farmers market outfit of jeans and a hoodie. At least they were her good ones.
When Shelly reached Ivy, she scooped Daisy from her stroller. “Here’s our sweet bundle of trouble.”
The little girl gripped a damp plushie seal in her hand and waved it at Ivy, squealing with glee.
“Got wet,” Daisy said in her sweet little baby girl voice.
