Page 9 of Seabreeze Library

Imani nodded at Gilda. “I also put a coffee maker in your room, so you don’t have to emerge until you’re fully caffeinated.”

“Usually sometime after noon,” Gilda said, smiling.

Ivy taped the last carton shut. “Sounds like Imani has thought of everything.”

“Contingency planning is my superpower.” Imani tucked a stray braided lock behind her ear, her expression softening. “Gilda will be fine. We’ll have wine on the deck overlooking the ocean waves and watch the sunset. She can critique my wild wardrobe, and I’ll pretend to understand her articles on traveling lightly.”

Ivy laughed at the vision. “Hope I get an invitation soon.”

These were her people. As different as they were from each other, they had formed a family of choice here in Summer Beach. The inn might be undergoing changes, but the relationships they’d built living together at the inn after the fire were solid.

Ivy walked Gilda to the door of her room. “I hope you’ll return as our first guest when we reopen.”

Gilda glanced back at the room with misty eyes. “I’m counting on it. This old beach house saved me after the fire. Iwas lost, everything gone. Until a new face in town welcomed us. You didn’t ask questions when I showed up without a reservation.”

Ivy hugged her. “And with a kleptomaniac Chihuahua. We’ve had our good times, and I promise we’ll have many more when you return.”

They went downstairs to the car court with the last of Gilda’s belongings. Ivy watched Gilda and Imani get into the truck with Clark.

Poppy and Shelly joined her, waving as their longest-term guest left. “Feels like the end of an era.”

“She’ll be back,” Shelly said. “Mom always said change is inevitable, but friendship is enduring.”

“I sure miss Mom and Dad,” Ivy said. “They’ll be amazed at the transformation of this place.” They were living their best retired life, sailing around the world together on a long-anticipated bucket trip.

As they watched Clark’s pickup turn onto the street, another vehicle pulled in. It was a vividly painted recreational vehicle. “Could that be our new guest?”

“Probably,” Poppy replied. “She asked if there was a place to park a larger vehicle.”

Shelly let out a laugh. “Oh, my gosh. What the heck is that?”

The artist in Ivy appreciated the unusual paint job. She was even more curious about this new guest now.

3

Ayounger woman wearing a long, flowing prairie-style dress with fancy cowboy boots swung out of the whimsically painted motorhome.

Shelly raised her brow. “Looks like an old, spruced up RV. So why isn’t she sleeping in that?”

The young woman slung a backpack over her shoulder and started toward them.

Ivy waved to her. “Welcome to the Seabreeze Inn.”

Introductions were made, and they led Libby through the rear door to the kitchen. Ivy decided to check her in there rather than guide her through the construction. She asked Poppy to get the tablet they used to register guests.

She gestured to a chair at the family table. “Would you care for a cup of tea while we check you in?”

“I’d love one, and thanks for accommodating me,” Libby replied, taking in her surroundings with interest. “I hope I won’t be too much trouble.”

“We’re happy to accommodate you,” Ivy said. “We’re pretty casual now with the renovations under way.” She poured a cup for Libby, and Poppy returned.

“Have you been camping in that?” Shelly nodded toward the unusual vehicle, curiosity lighting her face.

“There’s very little room in there,” Libby replied. “It’s a bookmobile, so it’s stuffed with books. I keep a small air mattress in there for emergencies, but it’s not very comfortable.”

Poppy’s eyes glittered. “May we see inside?”

“Let’s check in Libby and show her to her room first.” Ivy smiled at her niece’s enthusiasm. Poppy was an avid reader. They all were when they had the time.