“Mom!” Shelly cried, flinging herself into Carlotta’s arms. “Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe you’re here. This day just went from tragic to fantastic. Is Dad with you?”
“Of course, he’s somewhere behind me.” Carlotta framed Shelly’s face with her hands. “Mija, my darling. And your precious Daisy. I want to hear everything.”
Ivy left them to catch up while she prepared for more guests.
A little later, Forrest and Flint arrived with their families. Their adult children, most in their twenties, were excited about the unexpected barbecue. Darla came overwith her friend Louise, and neighbors began appearing bearing dishes in various stages of completion.
Imani and Clark arrived, as did Jen and George with Jen’s sister and her children. Another neighbor brought a portable generator to power a refrigerator.
Bennett’s sister and her family came. Even Carol Reston and her husband Hal joined them, saying they’d heard this is where the fun was.
And everyone pitched in to help.
Bennett checked in with Ivy. “Caleb volunteered to help set up the propane heaters on the patio. It’s hardly been cold enough to use them yet, but I expect it will be tonight.” He paused. “I liked him even before I knew about him and Misty. This is turning out to be a Thanksgiving to remember.”
“On so many levels.” She kissed him before they went their separate ways. Even though the scene was chaotic, her heart was so full of love for everyone she encountered.
On the expansive rear patio, Bennett and Caleb positioned propane heaters in strategic locations around the pool, creating pockets of warmth around which people could gather. They stacked firewood near the fire pit on the sand, preparing for the evening chill that would descend after sunset.
Sunny and Misty unfurled extra tablecloths over more tables inside, while Poppy put out cutlery. Outside, they decided to use thick paper plates and plastic glasses for poolside dining.
Ivy moved through the increasingly crowded inn, answering questions and enjoying the holiday vibe. The disaster had transformed the planned family gathering intoan unexpected extravaganza that included old and new friends, far beyond anything she might have planned.
“We need more serving utensils and platters,” she told Poppy, who was organizing the buffet stations. “Check the upper cabinets in the butler’s pantry.”
A neighbor recharged her phone with his generator, and now her phone buzzed with messages from friends responding to her calls. Many were on their way and spreading the word.
“There’s a party at the inn,” she heard someone say on their phone. “Bring your hibachi. Everyone is cooking out on the beach, and they have the fire pit going. Bring your guitar.”
They’d soon have music on the beach. She smiled to herself, expecting that Bennett would join in with his guitar. This was how they celebrated in Summer Beach.
Ivy paused in the doorway of the kitchen, watching Mitch demonstrate turkey carving techniques to several people. Misty was helping Sunny arrange desserts on the buffet while Caleb was unpacking more lanterns.
Children’s laughter rang out as they played impromptu games of tag between the tables. Shelly had set up a kids’ area with blankets to build forts and card games for the older kids. Vanz sat nearby with Daisy on his lap, reading to her while Melinda, already looking more relaxed, helped arrange silverware.
Ivy’s phone buzzed, and she answered. It was Emilie, saying they had just passed through the mountains and Summer Beach was in sight.
Emilie sounded mesmerized. “We’re enjoying a beautiful drive. The night is clear, and the stars are coming out over the ocean. We’ll see you soon.”
Ivy chatted with her and then hung up.
Bennett stopped beside her. “Was that Emilie?”
“They’re on their way. Not too far away now.”
“That’s a relief,” Bennett said. “It’s great seeing everyone here, isn’t it?”
An idea occurred to her. “Not quite everyone. I need to go to the shelter. It won’t take long. Remember the woman I told you about?”
Bennett kissed her forehead. “Let’s get our jackets.”
The harvest feast activities were taking on a life of their own, with Mitch directing the culinary endeavors. Poppy and Sunny were acting as hosts, while Shelly tended to the children.
“Quick, before anyone stops us,” Ivy said.
They slipped out the back door and took his vehicle.
Ivy clicked her seat belt and shoulder strap. “I don’t know if Adelina is still at the shelter, but with her connection to our house through her father, I have a strong feeling that she should be with us. I don’t think she has anyone else, and she’s grieving the loss of her husband.”
