Page 74 of Seabreeze Library

They spoke for a few minutes, and then a bell rang, signaling the start of the event. Poppy stepped up with a microphone for Bennett and switched it on. As mayor, he would introduce this new project to Summer Beach residents.

Ivy stood beside him, her heartbeat quickening with excitement.

“Welcome, friends,” he began. “We stand today on this vacant lot. Some of you might think the city is behind this new project. But like many things in Summer Beach, appearances can be deceiving.”

Laughter rippled through the audience.

“None of this would have been possible without Amelia Erickson’s extraordinary gift that remained hidden for nearly a century,” Bennett said. “That might have been lost forever if not for the tenacity and vision of one person who began lobbying the city for a library even before this discovery. Most of you know Ivy, my wonderful wife.”

She smiled as applause rose in the air.

Bennett paused before going on. “Ivy connected threads nearly severed by time, refusing to let Amelia Erickson’s vision fade into history. As a result, today we break ground on a new cultural center for the community.”

Ivy felt a curious sensation, as if Amelia was watching from just beyond the visible crowd, finally witnessing her dream taking shape.

Bennett held his hand to Ivy, and the admiration in his eyes flooded her with emotion. She took the microphone from him and thanked him.

“I’m far from alone in this effort,” she said, turning to Lea. “None of this would be possible without our dear friend Lea Martin, the great-niece of Amelia Erickson.”

She gestured to Lea and her husband, who had recently arrived. Lea had made an additional donation to purchase this land, ensuring Amelia’s vision would have the perfect spot in the center of town.

Lea inclined her head in acknowledgment.

“As it turns out,” Ivy said, “the Gutierrez family purchased this land from the Erickson estate years ago. We’ve discovered this is the property the library and art museum had been designed for. That means we’ve come full circle to realize Amelia Erickson’s original dream for the community. Please show Lea how much we appreciate this incredible gift.”

Cheers and applause rang out, and Ivy touched her heart in gratitude. She had been thrilled to discover that bit of history from Boz in the planning department.

Ivy went on to express her appreciation to those who had been instrumental in helping to secure Libby’s bookmobile in the interim, including Celia and Tyler, who made a generous donation for new books, and Carol and Hal, who funded computers for the bookmobile.

Amidst more applause, Ivy’s brother Forrest stepped up with a shiny ceremonial shovel festooned with a red bow. He handed it to Bennett, who said, “And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for.”

Poppy moved into position with her camera.

“Here goes,” Ivy said, raising her voice. The crowd drew closer as she put her espadrille to the shovel. However, the dirt was so hard-packed she made only a slight indentation. She laughed at the absurdity of it. “Oh, my goodness. Looks like I need help with this groundbreaking ceremony.”

Quickly, Bennett stepped up. “How about I take the other side?”

“That’s good; hold that pose again,” Poppy said, adjusting her camera against the sunshine. She snapped a few shots. “Since this new cultural center has been such a long time in the works, let’s make sure we have good photos for posterity.”

Forrest chuckled along with the rest of the family. “Don’t worry about breaking up the dirt. We have heavy equipment for that.”

“Dig, dig,” Shelly called out, cheering them on as Misty and Sunny joined in. Mitch held Daisy on his shoulders, and Reed was standing with Libby. Andrew had also made a special trip from Los Angeles.

“I think we’re making headway,” Bennett said while Ivy laughed. They put their weight onto the shovel. Finally, the earth shifted.

“No wonder,” Bennett said, scooping up a shovelful of dirt. “That looks like old concrete under there.”

“On a vacant lot?” Ivy shook her head. “I didn’t think anything ever existed on this property.”

“Could be buried treasure,” Shelly said, laughing.

“Hold it there,” Poppy said, taking more photos.

“Wait, this isn’t quite right.” Ivy gestured to her niece. “Let’s turn around to get everyone in the photos behind us. Because this library and art museum is for every person here.”

Poppy turned and reframed the photo with the crowd surrounding them. “That looks much better. Hold up the sign, too.”

Residents stretched the banner that readThe Amelia Erickson Library and Art Museum.

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