Page 41 of Seabreeze Library

“You were also grieving and needed to feel loved.”

They had reached a large, flat rock. Ivy sat down and patted the space beside her, inviting Libby to join her.

“Each time he’d blow up, he would promise to make it up to me,” Libby said, sitting down. “He would do something lavish, change a little, and life would improve for a little while. But thenext time he lost control, it would be worse until finally, I ended up in the emergency room one night.” She squeezed her eyes against the memory, and her voice grew softer. “I know he needs help, but I lost all respect for him. I couldn’t do it anymore.”

“It wasn’t your fault and that was no way to live.” Ivy nodded, understanding flooding through her. “You’re not responsible for his happiness, only your own.”

“I know, but I am so afraid that I missed my only chance at having a family.” She dipped her chin. “Even Reed is younger than I am. He doesn’t know I’m older yet.”

“A couple of years doesn’t make much difference.” While Ivy had been concerned about Reed’s interest in Libby, she wouldn’t judge the young woman anymore. She had been through enough.

Libby ran a hand over her hair. “Starting over by myself seems so hard.”

“It can be daunting if you’re used to having parents or a boyfriend who helps you.” Ivy turned to face her. “But you’re not alone. Summer Beach is friendly, and trust me, it’s never too late to start over. I did it in my forties. My husband died, so my sister and I moved here. We didn’t have many options, but we managed.”

Libby looked intrigued. “How long ago was that?”

“Just a few years. Summer Beach, Bennett, and the inn are all part of my second act.” Ivy smiled. “And don’t worry about being on a timeline. Life isn’t a race. You’ll know when it’s right. But I think you already know that.”

“I love my little bookmobile, but it’s fairly cramped to live in.” Libby gestured vaguely toward the neighborhood behind them. “I don’t know if I’ll ever find a home again.”

“You will,” Ivy said. “It might not be what you imagine, but if you’re open to possibilities, you might be surprised. SummerBeach has a way of helping people find what they need, even if it’s not what they were looking for.”

She looked down at her feet, wiggling her toes in the cool sand. “I love it here. The people are so kind and accept me as I am. An awkward librarian with funky thrift-shop clothes.”

“Everyone here has a story to tell. You’ll be surprised.” Those stories weren’t Ivy’s to tell yet, but if Libby stayed, she would learn them soon enough. “Someday I’ll take you to Thrifty Threads. It’s my favorite resale shop. Just steer clear of the prom dresses.”

Libby smiled at that. “I don’t know what I would do here.”

“Exactly what you’ve been doing with the bookmobile. I’ve also been thinking about holding a book festival here to raise funds for temporary library services like a bookmobile. And eventually, to raise enough to build a new library.”

Libby’s lips parted in awe. “I would love to help with that.”

Ivy’s mind was full of possibilities. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“If I stay here, what if Dolph finds me?” Libby asked suddenly, her voice small.

“You can’t run forever, but you won’t face him alone.” She reached over and squeezed Libby’s hand, still reluctant to tell her about the phone call. “I have good friends here who can help. Imani is an attorney who runs the flower stall in the village. She’s dating Chief Clarkson, our head of police. You can talk to them.”

A flicker of hope crossed Libby’s face. “Do you think they could help with the restraining order? Make sure it’s valid here?”

“I can introduce you to Imani now,” Ivy said. “She’s at her flower stall nearby. Why don’t you stay another night at the inn?”

“Are you sure?” Libby asked, sounding hopeful.

“The work won’t start until tomorrow morning. You might as well be comfortable tonight.”

Ivy gestured toward the village. “Come on. Let’s go look at some flowers.”

Libby brushed sand from her feet and put on her flip-flops. They strolled up from the beach onto Main Street.

“There it is.” Ivy motioned to a flower stall bursting with color.

Buckets of fresh flowers lined the sidewalk, their sweet fragrance permeating the air. A hand-painted sign readBlossoms.

A tall woman with dark braids twisted into a crown atop her head was arranging displays of sunflowers, roses, and peonies. Her tie-dyed sundress was as vivid as the flowers surrounding her. She looked up as they approached.

“You’re just in time,” Imani called out. “I was about to close.” She put down her clippers and wiped her hands on her apron.

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