“Oh no, sweetie,” Ivy said, hurrying to catch her.
Daisy had eaten the blueberries on her tray, but she wanted the ones that dropped onto the floor.
“Not those, little one.” Ivy gave her freshly washed berries, then swept up the rest on the floor.
“I’ll check on Sunny,” Poppy said.
“Thanks, I appreciate that.”
Poppy quickly rinsed and dried her hands before she rushed out.
Caleb wandered into the kitchen. “Mind if I have breakfast in here? The other couple left, and it’s lonely in the dining room. It sounds like you’re having fun in here. Smells incredible already.”
Ivy looked up and smiled. “Sounds like you miss going home.”
“It’s hard to travel back for such a short holiday.”
Ivy placed another basket of spiced pumpkin muffins on the table. “Make yourself comfortable. We’re all family today. How is your search for clinic space going?”
“I’ve found an old house that will work for my veterinary office,” he replied. “I can move in before Christmas. Icould live in a back room for now, but I’d like to find a different home soon.”
“I’m glad for you, even though we’ll miss you here.” Ivy thought Caleb would be a good addition to Summer Beach. She scrambled the eggs and sprinkled chives on them.
She served Caleb and then glanced at the time. “If you’ll excuse me, I should check on Poppy now. I think I’ve lost both the girls.”
Just then, the front door opened, and voices rang out in the foyer. Moments later, Sunny appeared in the kitchen doorway, cheeks flushed from the morning chill. Poppy was beside her, and behind them was a very familiar face.
“Surprise!” Sunny shouted, beaming.
“Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!” Misty stepped forward, a worn backpack slung over one shoulder and her hair pulled into a messy ponytail. She grinned and dropped her backpack.
“Misty?” Ivy gasped. “I thought you couldn’t make it.” She opened her arms wide with glee.
Misty fell into her mother’s arms. “My scenes wrapped early on set, which almost never happens. I called Sunny last night when I confirmed a flight. I wanted to surprise you.”
Ivy enveloped her eldest daughter in a tight embrace. She turned to Sunny with tears of joy in her eyes. “I thought you were still sleeping.”
Sunny gave her a mischievous smile. “I asked Poppy to cover for me while I shot off to the airport.”
“You knew?” Ivy asked, looking at Poppy.
Poppy held up her hands. “I was sworn to secrecy.”
Shelly raced in to see Misty, and even Daisy joined in the welcome.
“Perfect timing,” Mitch said. “There is plenty to eat.”
“Thank goodness, I’m starving. I slept through the breakfast service on the plane.” Misty’s words died as she caught sight of the guest at the kitchen table.
Her eyebrows shot up. “Caleb?”
The veterinarian had half-risen from his chair, his expression also one of shock. “Misty?”
The kitchen fell silent, tension crystallizing in the air.
Ivy’s gaze darted between them. “You two know each other?”
Neither answered immediately.
