People were sharing what they’d brought, and Ivy loved that. The food coming off the grills smelled delicious.
She introduced Emilie and Tristan to Adelina, and soon they were all talking about art glass. As Emilie described her blown glass chandelier of grapes and leaves, a smile grew on Adelina’s face. She brought out her phone and scrolled to her portfolio.
“This one?” The image shone against the flickering firelight.
“Why, that’s it,” Emilie exclaimed, moving closer.
“I was quite proud of that one,” Adelina said, sharing her work.
A little later, when Ivy showed Adelina a beautiful vintage piece in the fancy powder room off the ballroom, the woman’s face brightened again.
“That is one of my father’s pieces. He told me he designed items for the Ericksons’ home. He referred to it as Las Brisas del Mar.”
“And what are you doing now?” Carol Reston asked with keen interest.
“Not as much as I would like. It’s been a tumultuous period in my life.” Adelina told them her story and about her husband’s recent demise.
Ivy could tell she was a little embarrassed by her circumstances.
Nevertheless, Adelina shared her situation, adding, “I hope to restart my career. I had a good feeling about Summer Beach, and the shelter had space available for me.”
Bennett put his arm around Ivy. “When you said youthought Adelina should be here, I wasn’t sure what you meant.”
“Neither was I. But look at how she’s come to life. I think she’s brave for sharing her story.”
“She might have some new clients, too.”
A thought occurred to Ivy. “I just heard about a new artist project with shared workspaces here in town. I don’t know much about it, but I’ll check on that for her.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I told Carol and Hal about the bunker,” Bennett said. “They’re fascinated by it, and your idea of making it part of the library and art museum complex.”
Ivy was relieved to hear that. Maybe they could raise private funds to preserve the bunker. “Don’t forget the public art I mentioned. And Shelly’s instructional garden.”
“I’m listening to you from now on,” Bennett said. “They expressed interest in seeing the bunker and helping to maintain it. Hal’s father served in the military, so he has a keen interest. I showed him the log.”
“You brought it up from the bunker?”
Bennett looked sheepish. “I was trying to make out some of the notes. I’ve been careful with it.”
She watched the group talking and enjoying themselves. “They’re having such a good time. Let’s share the log with Adelina when we have better light.”
In her heart, Ivy already knew there would be a connection, and another piece of the past would emerge through the veil of history. The researchers and historians would also return to inspect the space and share what they’d found.
She could see it all unfolding in her mind. But those events were for another day.
Now, she simply wanted to be in the moment, enjoying the family and friends who meant so much to her.
Mitch came inside and clapped his hands. “The turkeys are ready, so dinner is served. It’s a Seabreeze Inn harvest feast. Come eat, folks.”
While everyone got up to go to the buffet, Bennett took Ivy’s hand. “Just a moment. Let’s go look at the stars on the beach while they line up.”
“I could use a little break,” Ivy said, squeezing his hand. It had been such a busy, nonstop day.
They strolled outside onto the beach. The fire pit was glowing with flames crackling against the sound of the ocean waves. They lingered by the fire, enjoying the warmth. Overhead, stars blanketed the sky with a blaze of starlight, like pinpricks of light in a velvet sky that fell to the sea.
Without lights from roads and communities illuminating the coastline, the effect was magical. She’d never seen it like this.
“Thanks for bringing me out here,” she said, kissing him softly.
