Ivy woke to the sound of birds and the smell of coffee. That meant that Bennett was in the kitchen, and a cup of coffee would soon appear on her nightstand. He might indulge her, but she also enjoyed returning the favors. She cuddled her pillow, enjoying the extra minutes until he joined her. They had slept later this morning than usual.
After a poolside barbecue that Mitch had managed, intent on making a good impression, which he did—score one for him—and a long night of laughter around the firepit, Ivy had fallen into bed feeling pleased that the reunion was off to a good start.
Bennett padded across the wooden floor wearing a white cotton robe she’d bought for him tied loosely around his trim hips. In his hands, he held their morning coffee in their favorite earthenware mugs.
His gaze roved over her, despite the fact that Ivy’s hair was undoubtedly a mess, and she probably had pillow creases on her cheeks. It felt good to be admired after so many years of being picked apart for imperfections. She stretched luxuriously under the covers.
Bennett kissed her softly. “Good morning, gorgeous.”
His voice was slightly hoarse from singing on the beach late last night as he strummed his guitar, much to the delight of their relatives—a point for Bennett, too. “Would you like your coffee here or in the treehouse?” he asked.
The sun was already streaming through the windows—a good omen for the day ahead.
“Let’s sit outside.”
She shrugged into a matching terrycloth robe and followed him onto their new balcony overlooking the ocean through the palm trees. After taking her coffee from him, she tucked her feet under her legs on the outdoor sofa, enjoying the morning breeze off the water. She ignored the finishes and painting still needed. They’d get around to that.
Suspended above the beach, the outdoor balcony was a cozy escape. To her, this was paradise.
More than that, she realized paradise didn’t mean perfection.
Bennet sat beside her. “That was a fascinating story Maya shared last night. This old house harbors a lot of history.”
Ivy shook her head, still amazed at her aunt’s revelation. “It’s amazing to think my family had a close connection to this place. And that my grandmother Isabella knew Amelia.”
“It’s not that surprising, though. The coastal communities were smaller then. Families who had been here a long time often knew each other. Especially if they moved in certain social circles, as your grandparents and the Ericksons seemed to.”
“I suppose so,” Ivy said. Still, she couldn’t help thinking there might be more to the story.
Bennett put his arm around her shoulder. “Your family’s Spanish land grant history is interesting. I’d like to hear how it came about.”
Ivy grew thoughtful. “Mom and Aunt Maya could tell you more about that, although, in retrospect, it wasn’t really fair to the indigenous population. My grandparents recognized that, and as they sold land, they made some bequests to descendants in the area for schools, housing, and infrastructure. I didn’t even know about that until just a few years ago.”
“Families often have a lot of forgotten history.”
“Not much anymore now that everything is online. Maybe that’s why I was so surprised at my aunt’s revelation.” Last night, Ivy had told Bennett more of the details that her aunt had shared. Although the younger generation, including Misty and Sunny, had listened in rapt attention around the firepit, Maya had grown weary and skipped parts of the story she’d shared with Carlotta and Ivy. She wished her father had been able to get a flight to share the evening. It was a shame that he was missing this, but at least he would be here soon.
Bennett took her hand and squeezed it.
Just having him close made Ivy feel as if all was right in her world. In hindsight, she recognized how seldom she’d felt that with her first husband. Every marriage was different, she realized. Struck by that feeling, she sipped her coffee and smiled at Bennett over the rim. “Have I told you how much I love you today?”
He drew her closer. “Even if you didn’t, I’d know.”
They chatted a little more about the day ahead, and Ivy glanced around their open-air enclave hidden among the palms. The old and new sections of the structure flowed well. “Sometimes I wonder if we’ll ever learn all of this old home’s secrets?”
“I hope we’ll have plenty of time to find out.” Bennett gulped the last of his coffee and stood. “It’s early, but I need a quick run before breakfast and the beach Olympics begin.”
“I haven’t heard anyone stirring yet. I’d better assist with the breakfast buffet.”
“Need some help?”
“No, but I appreciate it. Poppy shamed Reed and Rocky into taking this morning’s shift. Go get your run in before the day gets away from you.”
“Want to join me? I’ll walk some with you.”
Ivy threaded her arms around her husband. “Judging from the activities Poppy and the others have scheduled, I think I’ll get plenty of exercise today.”
Bennett laughed. “Relay races and volleyball today, right?”
“And a lot more.”
He paused to kiss her again. “I’ll be there. But I do have some business to tend to when I return.”
“A real estate client?” She tried to hide her disappointment. This weekend was for family.
“You know how they can be,” Bennett said quickly. “I won’t be long, I promise.” He disappeared into the bedroom, and when he emerged, he wore his running gear. With another quick kiss, he was off.
Although she was a little disappointed, Bennett generally juggled his commitments well. She blew out a breath and adjusted her attitude. If he said he wouldn’t be long, she could count on that.
Ivy listened to his steps on the staircase outside. All things considered, this was indeed her slice of paradise.
Just then, she heard her phone buzz. She checked, saw that it was Shelly, and answered. “You’re up early.”
“Daisy woke me. At least she waited until daybreak this time.” Shelly hesitated. “There’s something I need to talk to you about before everyone gathers.”
“Come help me put out breakfast. Mitch should be dropping off muffins soon. Reed and Rocky are on the schedule to help, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they overslept.”
“I’ll pick up the muffins and be right there.”
Ivy drained her coffee and dressed, thinking about what Shelly wanted to talk about and all the cousins that were gathering at the house today. Flint and Forrest had a slew of children—nine between them—and they were awfully competitive. Ivy had already warned Darla that there might be a lot of noise. Mitch had invited her to the barbecue last night, and Darla had been pleased to meet everyone, as if they were her new adopted family.
Their long-term resident, Gilda, had decided to take Pixie for a visit to a friend’s home, where the Chihuahua would be more comfortable. With the heightened activity in the house, that was a wise decision. Ivy was happy to adjust her monthly bill, even though Gilda didn’t ask for it.
Without any outside guests, this was one of the few days of the year that the Seabreeze Inn was simply a family home, just as it had once been. Ivy wondered how many other family dinners and reunions had taken place here over the years. Surely Amelia—if she still existed, in whatever form—would be happy about this gathering.
Ivy paused her hairbrush in hand, staring behind her in the mirror as if Amelia might be lurking.
She had just zipped up a bright floral summer shift when she heard Shelly’s footsteps on the stairs. “It’s open; come in.”
Shelly stepped inside. “I had no idea how much exercise I’d be getting toting Daisy around.” She bounced the little one on her hip. “If I’m not buff by the end of the year, I’m going to file a complaint.” She pushed her sunglasses over her hair. “Hey, hot colors. I like that on you.”
“Thanks. Another vintage steal.” She slipped on the embellished white sneakers she’d splurged on with what she’d saved. “Come with me. We can set up breakfast while we talk.”
“Can’t it wait?”
“People will be up soon.”
Shelly frowned. “Can’t all those giant kids manage on their own?”
Ivy remembered her mother’s advice about Shelly. Her sister appeared to be regaining her energy, and Ivy thought she might be feeling better. Still, after considering how estranged their mother and Maya had become, Ivy shifted her priorities. If Shelly needed her now, everything could wait. She gestured toward the sofa. “I’m sure they can manage. What’s up?”
Shelly perched on a cushion and eased Daisy beside her. “I was thinking about our conversation last night. I’m still shocked that our grandmother and Amelia knew each other. A thousand questions have been swirling in my head, like how they met, and how close they might have been.”
Sitting with her sister, Ivy nodded thoughtfully. “I suppose they were close enough for Isabella to entrust Pilar to her care.”
“It’s pretty cool to know Amelia took in one of our kin a long time ago.”
Daisy kicked off a sock, and Ivy stretched it back onto her tiny foot. “Considering the social mores of the time, Summer Beach was just far enough from the family home for Pilar to hide her pregnancy here, but close enough that Isabella could visit her daughter.”
Shelly grimaced at that. “I couldn’t imagine if I’d been pregnant and hidden away like that. Times have really changed, haven’t they?”
“In a lot of places. In others, not so much.” Ivy wondered what was on Shelly’s mind, but her sister seemed to be talking around whatever it was.
Shelly nodded. “Pilar was probably scared to tell her parents.”
“Most likely.”
“Being sent away, even for a short distance, had to have been traumatic. But then Flavio came back for her.” Shelly’s expression lifted at the thought. “Imagine how romantic that was.”
Ivy nodded. “I think Mom feels a lot better knowing that Pilar and Flavio became engaged shortly before she died.”
Shelly’s eyes were bright in the morning light. “Do you think Flavio went back to Spain?”
“Aunt Maya said he did. He must have been brokenhearted over the twin losses of Pilar and their child.”
“I wonder if he’s still alive.”
“He might be.”
“Maybe we could find him.”
Ivy raised her brow. “You’re taking a sudden interest in our family tree.”
“Since Mitch and I did our DNA tests, I’ve been thinking about family a lot more. Maybe Flavio would like to know that his baby was a girl.”
Ivy drew in her lower lip. “That was a long time ago, Shells.”
“Mom and Maya seemed relieved to know.”
“But that was their sister.”
“He loved her, too. That was his child she carried.”
Ivy was doubtful, yet Shelly had a point. “I understand, but remember…Flavio is now an older man from a traditional family in Spain. Would he want to be reminded of something that happened in the wilds of California so long ago? He might have a wife and children who know nothing of his past. Flavio might not welcome this new detail. Worse, it could stir up a lot of trouble for him.”
“But it’s the truth, Ives.” Although her voice wavered, Shelly was sticking to her point. “Doesn’t everyone want to know the truth?”
Ivy wasn’t so sure of that. “Maybe not always. You should talk to Mom. If you really want to contact Flavio, Aunt Maya would be the one to make the introduction or deliver the news. She knew him. That’s the proper way to go about it.”
Shelly brushed back wisps of hair with irritation. “Sounds antiquated to me.”
Just then, Daisy began to kick her legs and wave her arms. A small cry escaped her lips, and Shelly checked her. “Time for another change, and I left her diapers in the house.”
“And I need to check on breakfast.”
“You have a head start. I left the muffins in the kitchen.”
Ivy paused, not meaning to pry but wanting to support Shelly. She touched her sister’s hand. “Besides all that, how are you feeling?”
Smiling shyly, Shelly grasped her hand. “Better, thanks. It helps to know I’m not alone. And that feeling overwhelmed is totally normal. Somehow, that makes it more manageable.”
“Are you sure you’re up for a wild weekend? You can slip away to rest whenever you want. Mom and I can look after Daisy.”
“I’ll let you know, but I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone. And Mitch is feeling less apprehensive, too.”
“Everyone loved his burgers and barbecue.”
Shelly grinned. “They did, didn’t they?”
As they walked downstairs, Ivy thought about Shelly’s questions. Her sister was becoming more aware of their family, and her place in it, which Ivy supposed was natural after having a child.
Ivy paused at the bottom of the stairway. “Have you found out much about Mitch’s family through the DNA analysis?”
“Some. He’s making some calls. So far, no health issues of any real concern have surfaced.”
“That’s good. And we’re a fairly healthy lot. You must feel better knowing that now.”
“It’s what we wanted.” Her sister glanced toward the kitchen, which was suddenly bustling with activity.
Shelly patted Daisy’s back as they crossed the car court. “I still need some advice, though.”
Before Ivy could reply, Sunny bounded from the kitchen. “The guys let us down, so Misty and I will make breakfast for everyone.”
Shelly twisted her lips to one side. “This is a big, hungry crowd. You’ll need help.”
“We’ll pitch in.” Sensing Shelly’s disappointment, Ivy put her arm around her sister. “I promise we’ll talk later.”