Seabreeze Wedding by Jan Moran

Author:Jan Moran [Moran, Jan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jan Moran

12

After enjoying the delicious meal that Tristan and Emilie prepared, Ivy strolled through the vineyards with Bennett. She’d needed this break from the inn and the gossip swirling around Summer Beach.

Here, breathing in the scent of sun-warmed earth and vines, she felt grounded. The wine made her relaxed. She’d been watching Bennett throughout their visit and was glad to see that he hadn’t imbibed too much since he had to drive back to Summer Beach this afternoon. That was one of the red flags she’d been watching for.

While this day had been enjoyable, Ivy still had something on her mind.

As she and Bennett strolled through a block of Syrah vines, she broached a concern. “I love Summer Beach, but I find it odd—no, astonishing—that people have the gall to wager on the odds of our wedding. Is that normal?”

Bennett drew a hand over his chin. “Not from what I can recall. I think that’s mostly Charlie’s doing, even though he tried to pass that off on Darla. They’re pointing the finger at each other, not that it matters. They’re both at fault. Charlie usually sticks to sports, but he’s been known to capitalize on other opportunities.”

“The town had seemed so welcoming before,” Ivy said.

“Have the people you know changed their attitude or how they’re treating you?”

Ivy thought about this. “No, I can’t think of anyone other than Darla.”

He clasped her hand as they strolled. “Small towns are wonderful places to live when residents are supportive, but sometimes a few characters can change opinions. I haven’t seen it happen often, but I won’t say it doesn’t. Overall, Summer Beach is a pretty good place to live.”

Ivy was glad to hear that. “I can manage the gossip, though it is annoying. But I’m concerned about Shelly and Mitch. Since Darla is behind it, she’s driving this divisiveness even more. Do you know why she has taken such a sudden dislike to Shelly?”

“It all has to do with how she feels about Mitch,” Bennett replied. “She’s like a protective mother hen. She only wants what’s best for him.”

“So, she doesn’t think Shelly is?”

Bennett paused at the end of a row. “Okay, I see your point. I could talk to her if you want.”

Ivy considered this offer. “I appreciate that, but it’s not your place. Mitch ought to be the one to talk to her and stick up for Shelly.”

“He probably will. He’s just working through some things right now.”

Ivy’s ears pricked up at that. “Like what?”

Bennett ran a hand over his face. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. That’s really between Mitch and—”

“And who?” Ivy turned to face him.

Bennett blew out a breath. “I can’t betray the trust that Mitch has placed in me. This is something personal for Mitch. Forget what I said.”

Alarms went off in Ivy’s mind. “Now I can’t forget it. If my sister’s happiness depends on what Mitch is working through, then she ought to know.” What was Bennett keeping from her? And what was Mitch concealing from Shelly?

Bennett blinked several times, clearly at a loss as to what to say.

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