Page 71 of Seabreeze Library

Ivy wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. “I’ll take you up on that later. But for now…” She whipped off the covers. “I’ll race you to the kitchen. Dibs on the coffeemaker.”

Bennett dove for her but missed. “Hey, it’s my turn, you know.”

They had just returned to their newly renovated quarters. The kitchen was updated with fine cabinets and countertops, while still maintaining many of the vintage elements. The tile was refurbished, walls painted, and a new retro-style refrigerator added.

The pride of their cozy kitchen was a fancy new espresso machine they’d splurged on.

Ivy added fresh coffee beans and turned it on. “Here it goes.”

“Right behind you, sweetheart.” He wrapped his arms around her, laughing.

A whirring noise filled the kitchen. Like a couple of kids, they watched the machine grind and brew the perfect espressos.

“This is the nectar of the gods,” Ivy said, handing him a warm cup. The smell was intoxicating.

In the brisk morning air, they slipped into thick terry cloth robes and cuddled on the balcony. They talked about their day ahead while they watched the sun rise over the ridgetop. Ivy loved the quietness of simply being together.

Soon, they saw a light in Poppy’s room in the cottage quarters, which were also finished now.

“That’s our signal,” Bennett said, rising from his seat. “I’ll start breakfast.”

The large kitchen in the main house was still under renovation. Reed had sent the twin vintage refrigerators andovens out for refurbishment. When asked what color she wanted them, she’d told him, “Any color as long as it’s turquoise.”

Some things simply couldn’t be improved upon. Bert and Bertie would live on in their kitchen.

Once they reopened for business, the usual rhythm of life would return. Laying out breakfast for guests, welcoming newcomers. Shelly teaching a yoga class while Ivy led the beach walk. Painting lessons by the sea. Just thinking about this eased her mind and lessened the panicky feelings she’d had.

But for now, life was just about family gathering in a sweet little kitchen.

“Do we have ripe avocados?” Bennett asked.

“Might be some in the basket on the table.” Ivy drained her coffee. “I’ll check them.”

As they got breakfast underway, Bennett started the bacon and sliced avocados while Ivy whisked eggs and pureed green smoothies. The aroma of sizzling bacon filled the air just as Shelly arrived with a bag of fresh-picked oranges from the garden. Daisy was toddling beside her now.

Poppy followed them in, already looking bright-eyed.

“Wow, breakfast is early this morning,” Shelly said. “Couldn’t sleep?”

Ivy grinned. “Not since we got a call from Andrew in Switzerland.”

“Any news?” Shelly asked.

Poppy hid a smile with her hand.

Noticing that gesture, Ivy realized she’d probably spoken to Andrew. Poppy had let slip that they’d been talking on the phone a lot. But he didn’t share anything about the case with her due to client confidentiality. “Andrew called from the bank. He needed more information.”

Shelly spread her hands in shock. “Wait, was this a good news call?”

“Maybe, but anything could still happen.” Ivy slid an omelet onto a plate. “We need to prepare for either outcome.”

“Always the pragmatist now,” Bennett teased, but his eyes held admiration.

She smiled. “I’ve learned, painful as it was.”

Bennett arranged avocado slices over the omelets and passed them around while Ivy poured the green drinks and Shelly peeled oranges.

Daisy tasted the smoothie Ivy had put in a sippy cup for her. She cooed her delight. “Mmm, good,” she added in a sweet sing-song voice.

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